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 May 10, 1964.]

A living soul (Gen. 2:7)

The Hebrew word nephesh, here translated "soul," was used in a variety of senses, varying with the context in which the word appeared. Thus the Jews sometimes used nephesh to express soul or life; while elsewhere it is employed to mean self, or person; or, again, passion or appetite. In the present context Moffatt suggests, "a living being."

The serpent beguiled me (Gen. 3:13) (be-gild—e as in e vent, i as in i ce). "Beguiled" means "led or drew by deception; led away; diverted; deceived."

Pro or con (pro—o as in o ld). "Pro" means "taking the affirmative side; favoring"; as opposed to "con" (o as in o dd), "taking the opposing side; oppositional; negative." As construed in the present context, both words are adjectives.

The way of the wicked he turneth upside down

(Ps. 146:9)

The Revised Standard Version suggests, "The Revised Standard Version suggests, "The way of the wicked he brings to ruin"; while Moffatt has, "The ungodly life he ruins."

Optics

(optiks—o as in o dd, i as in i s). A science that deals with light, its genesis and propagation, the effects that it undergoes and produces, and other phenomena closely associated with it. The word is a neuter plural but usually singular in construction.

Incongruity (in'kong-groo'i-ty —first i as in i s, second as in charity, o as in odd, oo as in food, y as in sleepy). The quality or state of being incongruous; that is, characterized by lack of harmony, consistency, or compatibility with one another; by disagreement or lack of conformity with something; by inconsistency or inharmony of its own parts or qualities; or by lack of propriety or suitableness.

Zacchæus (Luke 19:2)

(za-ke'us—a as in add, e as in eve, u as in circus). He was a rich publican (customs officer or tax collector) of Jericho, who received Jesus at his house. His name means literally "pure, or innocent."

I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven

(Luke 10:18)

The New English Bible suggests, "I watched how Satan fell, like lightning, out of the sky"; while Goodspeed has, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning!"

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