Article July 17, 1937 Issue

Bible Notes

"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)—These words were spoken in Jerusalem by Christ Jesus, apparently at the time of the feast of tabernacles (cf. John 7:2), during the course of which "large candelabra were lighted in the court of the women" which adjoined the temple; and it has been contended by commentators that this characteristic local illumination may well have suggested to the Master the reference to himself as the light, not only of Jerusalem, but also of the whole world (cf. Plummer: St. John, p. 180).

"Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true" (John 8:13)—The verb translated "bear record" means more literally "to bear witness" or to "testify," and the noun which is rendered "record" means more exactly "witness" or "testimony." Goodspeed translates: "You are testifying to yourself. Your testimony is not true;" and Moffatt: "You are testifying to yourself; your evidence is not valid;" while Weymouth has: "You are giving evidence about yourself, ... your evidence is not valid."

"The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" (Ps. 111:2)—Moffatt suggests this translation: "Great are the Eternal's doings, to be studied by all who delight in them;" while Smith has a very similar rendering. The early Genevan Version has: "The works of the Lord are great, and ought to be sought out of all them that love them."

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