Words of Current Interest

Related to the Lesson-Sermon for February 27, 1977, in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY Subject: Christ Jesus

He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read (Luke 4:16)

Synagogue worship usually included two readings. One was a predetermined selection from the books of the Law. The other was a selection from the Prophets, usually made by the reader. Gilmour notes that there would also be prayer and "an explanation and application of one or both of the scriptural passages." He observes that "the scripture was read in Hebrew, but a translator turned it, verse by verse, into Aramaic."

Whom shall he make to understand doctrine? (Isa. 28:9)

"Doctrine" translates a Hebrew word meaning "what is heard" or "instruction." The Revised Standard Version has, "to whom will he explain the message?"

God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34)

According to Abbott-Smith, the very use of the expression "by measure" implies "in scanty measure."

My pleasant portion (Jer. 12:10)

This phrase is used of a portion or piece of land, hence a field. The New English Bible has, "my pleasant field."

Even the elect (Mark 13:22) The word eklektous signifies a distinct group of individuals who are identified with a particular purpose or choice. It might be understood as sufficiently broad in meaning to include all Christians.

Then shalt thou have worship (Luke 14:10)

Doxa, here translated "worship," has a wide range of meanings in Greek, including glory or majesty as applied to God. In this context, however, it simply means a state of good opinion or praise for someone. The Revised Standard Version translates the phrase, "then you will be honored."

Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem (Luke 24:18)

The Revised Standard Version translates the question, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

The Lesson-Sermons contain Bible references (King James Version) and correlative passages from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

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February 19, 1977

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