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 July 11, 1965.]

Leaven (I Cor. 5:8)

The word "leaven" was used in the Biblical period in more than one sense. Literally, it referred to the substance employed to produce fermentation in dough so as to make it rise: but since, as The Westminster Dictionary of the Bible notes, "fermentation is incipient corruption." the word was often used as a symbol of corruption: hence its association in this verse with "malice and wickedness" in contrast to the "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." On the other hand, the active qualities of leaven are praised in Matthew 13:33, where God's kingdom, with its constant activity and growth, is compared to leaven.

Moses gave you not that bread from heaven: but my father giveth you the true bread from heaven (John 6:32)

It is interesting to note that the Master corrects the implication of the Jews that it was Moses that gave the manna, going on to indicate that not only did his Father provide that gift, but also "giveth" (that is, continues to give) "the true bread from heaven." which Christ Jesus identifies with himself in verse 48.

All ye shall be offended because of me (Matt. 26:31)

The Greek verb skandalizo, here rendered "be offended, " is directly connected with our English word "scandal." The corresponding Greek noun skandalon is used in a literal sense to describe a stone or rock which causes one to stumble; while, metaphorically, this word often refers to anything or anyone causing moral stumbling and so leading to sin. The Revised Standard Version reads, "You will all fall away because of me this night": and Phillips, "Tonight every one of you will lose his faith in me."

On this wise (John 21:1)

The New English Bible simply translates, "and in this way"; while Phillips suggests, "and he did it in this way."

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of god (I Pet. 4: 10)

Goodspeed provides a more modern rendering in the words, "Whatever the endowment God has given you use it in service to one another, like good dispensers of God's varied mercy."

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