Article April 21, 1934 Issue

Bible Notes

"A peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14)—The Greek term "periousios," here translated "peculiar," means rather "for one's own special possession" (Souter: Greek Lexicon, p. 200). Goodspeed translates: "A people of his own, eager to do right;" and Weymouth: "A people ... specially his own, zealous for doing good works."

"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom" (II Pet. 1:11)—The verb translated "ministered" is, more literally, "provided or supplied" (Souter: op. cit., p. 95) and so "arranged." Hence we could translate: "For thus entrance into the everlasting kingdom ... will be lavishly arranged for you." Goodspeed suggests: "For then you will be triumphantly admitted to the eternal kingdom;" and Moffatt: "You will thus be richly furnished with the right of entry into the sacred realm."

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (II Pet. 1:10)—In this sentence the word "klesis" ("calling") can also mean "'invitation, summons' of God;" while "ekloge" ("election") means literally "choosing out, selecting, choice (by God)" (Souter: op. cit., pp. 135, 76). Goodspeed suggests: "Therefore, brothers, make all the greater efforts to make God's call and choice of you certain;" while a further rendering would be: "Therefore, brothers, take especial care to confirm God's call and choice of you."

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