I beheld [ε θ ε ω ρ ο υ ν]. The verb denotes calm, intent, continuous contemplation of an object which remains before the spectator. So John 1:14, we beheld, implying that Jesus ' stay upon earth, though brief, was such that his followers could calmly and leisurely contemplate his glory. Compare John 2:23 : they beheld his miracles, "thoughtfully and attentively. Here it denotes the rapt contemplation of a vision. The imperfect, was beholding, refers either to the time when the seventy were sent forth, or to the time of the triumphs which they are here relating." While you were expelling the subordinates, I was beholding the Master fall " (Godet). The Revisers do not seem to have had any settled principle in their rendering of this word throughout the New Testament. See my article on the Revised New Testament, Presbyterian Review, October, 1881, p. 646 sq.

Satan. A transcription of the Hebrew word, derived from a verb to lie in wait or oppose. Hence an adversary. In this sense, of David, 1 Samuel 29:4, and of the angel who met Balaam, Numbers 22:22. Compare Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 3:2; Job 1:2. Diabolov, devil, is the more common term in the New Testament. In Revelation 12:9, both terms are applied to him. As lightning. Describing vividly a dazzling brilliance suddenly quenched. Fall [π ε σ ο ν τ α]. Lit., having fallen. The aorist marks the instantaneous fall, like lightning.

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Old Testament