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 June 1, 1969.

Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed (Rom. 13:11)

The Greek also admits the translation "For now is salvation nearer to us," as given in the American Standard Version, which adds the word "first" before "believed" to clarify the sense. Similarly. The Twentieth Century New Testament suggests, "Our Salvation is nearer now than when we accepted the Faith."

Simple concerning evil (Rom. 16:19)

The Greek word akeraios (simple) means literally "unmixed." and was originally used with reference to precious metals "not mixed" with alloy, or of "unmixed" (and so pure) wine. Later it came to be employed of men whose thoughts were not mixed with evil, thus gaining the sense of innocent, without guile. The Revised Standard Version translates, "Guileless as to what is evil."

Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13)

The New English Bible translates, "Take up God's armour; then you will be able to stand your ground when things are at their worst, to complete every task and still to stand."

There went out a fame of him (Luke 4:14)

The Greek noun pheme, associated with the verb phemi (say or speak), has the usual meaning of rumor or report rather than of "fame" in the modern sense of public estimation, renown, or reputation. The Revised Standard Version has. "A report concerning him went out."

A man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil (Luke 4:33)

The usual Greek word for "devil" is diabolos, which was used with reference to Satan or to human beings supposed to be, or to act, like him (cf. John 6:70), but the word daimonion found in the present passage is more exactly "evil spirit" or "demon."

What a word is this (Luke 4:36)

Literally, "What is this word, or message?" or, as it has been expressed in more modern language, "What is the significance of this?" "What does this mean?" Goodspeed suggests, "What is the meaning of this teaching?"

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