WORDS OF CURRENT INTEREST

[The words in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly designated to be read in Christian Science churches on February 4, 1962.]

Creature (Rom. 8:39)

As commonly used in our day, the word is apt to refer to a living being, especially to an animal; but the Greek word ktisis had the wider sense of any created thing.

With strong hand (Isa. 40: 10)

The word "hand" is not represented in the original, but has been added by the translators to complete their sense of the meaning of the verse. Bearing in mind that originally Hebrew was written down without the use of vowels, we are justified in reading CHoZeQ (strength) instead of CHaZaQ (strong), as did those who prepared the Septuagint (Greek) Version.

Transfiguration

(trans-fig'u-ra'shun—first a as in add, second as in ace, i as in is, first u as in unite, second as in circus). A change of form or appearance: especially, when capitalized, the supernatural change in the personal appearance of Jesus on the mountain (see Matt. 17; Mark 9). An act or instance of transfiguring, or glorifying, spiritualizing, or similarly exalting, something.

Gentiles (Matt. 6:32)

The Greek word ethne, which means literally "peoples" or "nations" (compare our English word "ethnic," which is derived from it), was generally used in a special sense in the New Testament to mean "Gentiles." From the Jewish standpoint, anyone who was not racially a Jew was accounted a Gentile, whether or not he had embraced Christianity. In certain passages "Gentiles." when considered from the Christian standpoint, refers to those who were neither Jewish nor Christian and so were accounted as heathen or pagan.

Alluring

(a-lur'ing—a as in account, u as in cube. i as in is). Tempting, drawing, or winning over by a lure or bait, that is by the offer of some good, real or apparent; attracting by means of something flattering or acceptable; enticing. "To allure" is to draw by the prospect or offer (not necessarily deceptive) of some future good.

Benign

(be-nin'—e as in event, i as in ice). Of a kind and gentle disposition; gracious. Manifesting kindness and gentleness; mild; kindly. Salutary; wholesome.

Nutriment

(nu'tri-ment—u as in cube. i as in charity, e as in silent: or noo'tri-mrnt—oo as in food). That which nourishes; nourishment; food. That which promotes development or growth.

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Testimony of Healing

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