holy water A unique expression. The writer may have thought that the water should be taken from the sacred laver, which, according to a late stratum of P, stood in the court. LXX., however, has ὕδωρ καθαρὸν ζῶν -pure living water," which suggests that in the primitive ritual -running water" was prescribed (cf. Numbers 19:17; Leviticus 14:5 f.). It is possible that -running water" was the original reading, and that it was altered by a later hand.

the dust&c. This was sacred dust, which would increase the sacredness of the potion, and so make it more dangerous for one who was unworthy to drink it.

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