Article November 19, 1938 Issue

Bible Notes

"Lead me in a plain (Ps. 27:11)—As the words "plain path" are employed here in our Common Version, one might naturally assume that the reference was to a way clearly defined, plainly marked; but the Hebrew means literally "a path of a plain" or "of a level place"—and so a path which is level or smooth. However, the noun rendered "plain" is sometimes used metaphorically in the sense of "honesty, righteousness, equity." Hence the phrase under consideration could also mean: "Lead me in a path of honesty," etc. (cf. Feyerabend: Hebrew Dictionary, p. 176). Moffatt suggests: "Lead me by a level road;" and Smith: "Guide me in a level path."

"Out of the waters of Judah" (Isa. 48:1)—There is some doubt as to the original text of this phrase. By the insertion of an additional Hebrew letter, the word which is rendered "waters" comes to mean "womb or loins" (cf. Brown, Driver, Briggs: Hebrew Lexicon, p. 588); hence Smith's translation: "from the loins of Judah." Moffatt has: "The issue of Jacob," apparently assuming that, as originally set down, the passage referred to the "issue of Jacob" (not that of Judah), thus providing a parallel to those mentioned in the earlier part of this verse who are there said to be "called by the name of Israel." The Septuagint reads: "from Judah."

"I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit" (Isa. 48:17)—This is a strictly literal translation of the original, but Smith suggests the alternative rendering: "who teaches you for your profit;" and Moffatt: "I am the Eternal your God, training you for your good."

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