Article March 22, 1958 Issue

Signs of the Times

Roy L. Smith

The War Cry

Dr. Roy L. Smith in The War CryChicago, Illionois

It is very difficult to translate the Greek word makarios into English so that it will convey the same meaning that Jesus put into his words. It means "happiness," but it also means something very much more. It means "fortunate" and it also means something much more profound.

The Greeks used the word makarios to describe the happiness, pleasure, joy and satisfaction the gods enjoyed. It meant to them the supreme satisfaction, the highest joy, the utmost in achievement and the ultimate in self-realization. Because it was so exalted they believed it was reserved exclusively for the gods. But Jesus declared that it lay within the reach of all men and that at least some few had achieved it. These he called "blessed." . . .

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio