Bible Notes

[The Biblical citations given in the Christian Science Quarterly are from the Authorized King James Version. The Bible Notes in these columns can be used, if deemed necessary, to elucidate some of the words or passages contained in the Bible Lessons. The Notes in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon designated to be read in Christian Science churches on February 8, 1942.]

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering" (Eph. 4:2)—The word translated "lowliness" can also mean "humility" or "modesty"; while that rendered "meekness" has rather the of "gentleness" or "mildness." The Twentieth Century New Testament suggests: "always humble and gentle, patient."

"Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph. 4:7)—It is suggested in some of the more modern renderings of this passage that the word "measure," as it is employed in this context, brings out no thought of limitation. Thus Goodspeed suggests: "Each one of us has been given mercy in Christ's generous measure;" and Weymouth (Fifth Edition): "To each of us individually His grace was given, measured out with the munificence of Christ."

"Wherefore he saith" (Eph. 4:8)—The Greek could be rendered, "Wherefore it (i.e., the Scripture) saith," and some such rendering seems more natural in view of the fact that the words introduce a quotation from Psalms 68:18. Thus Weymouth has: "For this reason Scripture says."

"For the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12)—The word here translated "edifying" has the literal meaning of "building." Thus, while the American Standard Version translates: "unto the building up of the body of Christ," Goodspeed has: "for building the body of Christ."

"If I make my bed in hell" (Ps. 139:8)—The word translated "hell" is "sheol," which did not of necessity imply "an abode of punishment." The Jews used the term "sheol" in a general sense to describe "the realm of the dead" or "the underworld"; and it appears that in Old English the word "hell" possessed the same neutral meaning.

"I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Rom. 7:22)—Moffatt suggests: "I cordially agree with God's law, so far as my inner self is concerned;" while Goodspeed prefers: "My inner nature agrees with the divine law."

"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16)—A literal translation of the single word rendered "in the Spirit" would be "by Spirit"; while the Greek word rendered "walk" means rather "to conduct oneself" or "regulate one's life." Hence we could translate: "Regulate your life by Spirit, and you will not give in to material desires."

"The LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand" (Isa. 8:11)—This rendering seems scarcely to be in accord with English idiom, but the thought is clarified when we recall that the Hebrews constantly used the word "hand" as metaphorically expressing "power." Compare Moffatt's rendering: "Here is what the Eternal said to me, with overwhelming force."

"Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" (Matt. 13:10)—The Greek word "parabole" (parable) means literally "a placing beside," and so "a comparison." Referring to Jesus use of the word in this context, Dr. Cremer defines it as "a form which conceals from one class what it reveals to the other." In Mark 4:30, "parabole" is actually rendered "comparison."

"The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 13:11)—It may be recalled that in New Testament Greek "musterion" (mystery) rarely has reference to that which is inexplicable or even unexplained. Dr. Thayer observes that, as used in the New Testament, a "mystery" is something which "is plain to the godly," though "hidden from ungodly and wicked men."

"There went out a fame of him through all the region round about" (Luke 4:14)—The Greek word translated "fame" means more literally "report" or "rumor." Goodspeed suggests: "News of him went all over that region."

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