Article August 31, 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.]

"The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places" (Ps. 16:6)—The Hebrew term "chebel" can mean "line" (in the sense of "measuring line"), but the sense was often extended so as to include the "territory" which could be enclosed or measured by the "line." Thus "chebel" often means "measured portion, part or region," or, in a metaphorical sense, "portion or lot." Hence Moffatt's rendering: "Fair prospects are allotted me."

"My heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth" (Ps. 16:9)—Since the words "my glory" seem somewhat strange in this context, commentators suggest that at an early period in the history of the text—which at first consisted solely of consonants—a copyist set down KBWDY (my glory) instead of the original KBDY, meaning literally "my liver." the Jews often considered the liver as the seat of the emotions—compare the modern use of the word "heart." Moffatt translates: "And so my heart and soul rejoice."

"My flesh also shall rest in hope" (Ps. 16:9)—The Hebrew word rendered "hope" means more literally "security" or "safety." In view of this the American Standard Version has: "My flesh also shall dwell in safety;" and Smith renders: "My flesh also dwells in security."

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