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 December 27, 1970.

The city of David (Luke 2:11)

Jerusalem was sometimes known as the "city of David" as it eventually became his capital; but in the present verse the primary reference is, of course, to the Bethlehem in which Jesus was born, as David himself had been, almost a thousand years earlier.

Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever (Ps. 119:151, 152)

Moffatt translates, "O Eternal, thou art near, all thy commands are true; I have long seen that thy decrees are valid for all time." The New English Bible reads: "Yet thou art near, O Lord, and all thy commandments are true. I have long known from thy instruction that thou hast given it eternal foundations."

The book of the prophet Esaias (Luke 4:17)

The New Testament form of "Isaiah." The "book" in question would be a parchment roll similar in form to one of the Dead Sea scrolls.

Every word of God is pure (Prov. 30:5)

The Hebrew word which the English adjective "pure" represents is a verb meaning "melt, refine." It carries always the figure of molten metal with the impurities burned away. J.M.P. Smith uses the word "tested"; but the Revised Standard Version reads, "Every word of God proves true"; and Moffatt, "God's promises are all tried and true."

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)

Phillips translates, "The time has come at last—the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news."

Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us (John 14:8)

The Riverside New Testament renders, "Master, show us the Father and we shall be satisfied"; while Weymouth translates the verse thus: "'Master,' said Philip, 'show us the Father: that is all we need.' "

Comforter (John 14:16)

This word represents the Greek parakletos, meaning literally "called to one's side," and is translated "advocate" (which has the same basic meaning) in I John 2:1. The word "comfort" implies not only consolation but also strengthening aid.

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Signs of the Times

December 19, 1970

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