"The four beasts" (Rev. 14:3)—It is plain from Revelation 4:6–8 that the four creatures were not all "beasts" in the sense of "animals," in that one of the four is there described as being "like a flying eagle." Indeed, the literal meaning of the word here rendered "beasts" is "living creatures," a translation preferred by many modern translators.

"Here is the patience of the saints" (Rev. 14:12)—Moffatt suggests the rendering: "This is what shows the patience of the saints;" while Weymouth (Fifth Edition) prefers: "Here is an opportunity for endurance on the part of the saints;" adding in a footnote the alternative rendering, "the secret of the endurance of the saints."

"Mary Magdalene" (Mark 16:9)—There is general agreement among scholars that the name "Magdalene" derives from the town Magdala, which was situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Tiberias. Thus Goodspeed, Moffatt, and others prefer to render: "Mary of Magdala."

"A village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs" (Luke 24:13)—The location of Emmaus has not been fixed with certainty, but there is good reason to identify it with the modern Arab village known as "El Kubeibeh," which lies about seven miles (sixty-three Roman stadia or furlongs) to the northwest of Jerusalem in the direction of Lydda. While walking to this village from Jerusalem one passes close to the reputed birthplace of the great prophet Samuel. Would not this give added point to the Master's exposition (verse 27) of the teaching of the prophets?

"Their eyes were holden that they should not know him" (Luke 24:16)—In the New Testament there are various Greek verbs which are translated "know" in our Common Version; and the term "epignonai," used both here and in verse 31, means strictly "to recognize." Dr. Plummer observes that the phrase which is rendered "that they should not" "may mean either 'in order that they might not,' or 'so that they did not' " (Commentary on Luke, p. 552). Moffatt and Goodspeed translate as follows: "They were prevented from recognizing him."

"Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush" (Luke 20:37)—The Jews often referred to certain sections of the Old Testament by some particularly outstanding word or idea occurring in them. Thus the third chapter of the book of Exodus was commonly described as "the Bush" because of its reference to Moses' experience at the burning bush. A similar usage is seen in the case of II Samuel, chapter 1, which is called "the Bow," since it contains David's "song of the bow" (II Sam. 1:18—Revised Version). Weymouth gives the following translation: "But that the dead rise to life even Moses clearly implies in the passage about the Bush."

"For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven" (II Cor. 5:2)—Goodspeed renders this somewhat involved passage thus: "This makes me sigh with longing to put on my heavenly dwelling;" while Moffatt prefers: "It makes me sigh, indeed, this yearning to be under the cover of my heavenly habitation."

"The earnest of the Spirit" (II Cor. 5:5)—The Greek term rendered "earnest" was regularly used in the early centuries of our era to mean "security, down payment, guarantee." The apostle would here seem to be pointing out that in part he and his readers had already received the Holy Spirit—a fact which could be understood as guaranteeing their future development and growth into a fuller realization of it. Goodspeed suggests: "It is God himself who has prepared me for this change, and he has given me the Spirit as his guaranty."

"Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness" (I Pet. 1:6)—The Greek phrase here rendered "if need be" means more strictly "it is necessary" or "inevitable." Compare Moffatt's rendering: "though for the passing moment you may need to suffer various trials;" though Good-speed prefers: "although just now perhaps distressed by various trials."

"He leadeth me beside the still waters" (Ps. 23:2) — Literally: "He leads me beside the waters of rest." Compare the Margin of the Authorized Version, which has: "waters of quietness."

"He restoreth my soul" (Ps. 23:3) —Bearing in mind the fact that to the Hebrews the word "nephesh" could mean either "soul" or "life," Kent translates: "He continually restoreth my life;" and Smith: "He gives me new life."

"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Ps. 23:4)—Commentators often take the "rod and staff" as symbolizing "guidance and protection," for eastern shepherds often carry a light rod with which the backs of the sheep are touched in guiding them in the right direction; while the heavier staff is used as a weapon to drive away the enemies of the flock. Sheep thus cared for might well advance in comfort and safety.

"We are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit" (Phil. 3:3)—Even when understood in its literal sense, as by the orthodox Jews, circumcision was considered as conferring or symbolizing purity; and as separating the chosen people from unbelievers. This concept of circumcision prepared for the higher metaphorical sense found in this verse. Moffatt renders: "We are the true Circumcision, we who worship God in spirit."