Article December 21, 1940 Issue

Bible Notes

[The Biblical citations given in the Christian Science Quarterly are from the Authorized King James Version. The Bible Notes in this column can be used, if deemed necessary, to elucidate some of the words or passages contained in the Bible Lessons.]

"His reward is with him, and his work before him" (Isa. 62:11)— The Hebrew word "peulah" can mean either "work" or payment for work, that is, recompense. Consequently, Smith suggests: "See! his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." The American Standard Version has "recompense" in the text, but "work" in the Margin, as an alternative rendering.

"Let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not" (Isa. 54:2)—Moffatt well expresses the meaning of this passage by the use of more modern idiom, in the words: "Widen the place for your tent, spare not your canvas, stretch it out;" and continues, "lengthen your ropes, drive in your tent-pegs."

"For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left" (Isa. 54:3)—The Hebrew verb which is here rendered "break forth" can also mean "to break over (limits)," "to increase," or "to spread abroad"; while it may be noted that, among the Hebrews, "the right hand" and "the left hand" were often used with reference to the "south" and "north," respectively. Hence Moffatt's rendering: "For you shall spread to south and north." Smith prefers: "For to right and to left shall you spread abroad."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

In gratitude for the many healings received through the...