Tetrarch. A ruler of a fourth part. Archelaus had obtained two - fourths of his father's dominions, and Antipas (this Herod) and Philip each one - fourth. The fame [α κ ο η ν]. Better as Rev., report. Lit., hearing.... [ Continue Reading ]
Put him in prison [ε ν φ υ λ α κ η α π ε θ ε τ ο]. Lit., "put him away or aside" [α π ο]. This prison was the fortress of Machaerus on the east side of the Dead Sea, almost on a line with Bethlehem, above the gorge which divided the Mountains of Abarim from the range of Pisgah. Perched on an isolate... [ Continue Reading ]
Birthday [γ ε ν ε σ ι ο ι ς]. Though some explain it as the anniversary of Herod's accession. The custom of celebrating birthdays by festivities was not approved by the strict Jews; but it is claimed that the Herodian princes adopted the custom. The Roman satirist, Persius, alludes to a festival kno... [ Continue Reading ]
He promised [ω μ ο λ ο γ η σ ε ν]. Lit., confessed; conveying the idea of acknowledging the obligation of his oath. Salome had degraded herself to perform the part of an almeh or common dancer, and could claim her reward.... [ Continue Reading ]
Being before instructed [π ρ ο β ι β α σ θ ε ι σ α]. Wyc., monestid, with warned in explanation. Both wrong. Rev., rightly, being put forward. Compare Acts 19:33, where the right meaning is, they pushed Alexander forward out of the crowd; and not as A. V., drew out. The correct rendering slightly re... [ Continue Reading ]
The oath's sake [δ ι α τ ο υ ς ο ρ κ ο υ ς]. But the A. V. puts the apostrophe in the wrong place. The word is plural, and the Rev. rightly renders for the sake of his oaths. It is implied that Herod in his mad excitement had confirmed his promise with repeated oaths.... [ Continue Reading ]
To the damsel [τ ω κ ο ρ α σ ι ω]. Diminutive, the little girl. Luther gives magdlein, little maid.... [ Continue Reading ]
On foot [π ε ζ η]. Rev., by land in margin, which is better; for the contrast is between Jesus ' journey by ship and that of the multitude by land.... [ Continue Reading ]
Desert [ε ρ η μ ο ς]. In the Greek order standing first as emphatic. The dominant thought of the disciples is remoteness from supplies of food. The first meaning of the word is solitary; from which develops the idea of void, bereft, barren. Both meanings may well be included here. Note the two poin... [ Continue Reading ]
Brake. As the Jewish loaves were thin cakes, a thumb's breadth in thickness, and more easily broken than cut.... [ Continue Reading ]
Were filled [ε χ ο ρ τ α σ θ η σ α ν]. See on Matthew 5:6. Baskets [κ ο φ ι ν ο υ ς]. Wyc., coffins, a transcription of the Greek word. Juvenal, the Roman satirist, describes the grove of Numa, near the Capenian gate of Rome, as being "let out to the Jews, whose furniture is a basket [χ ο π η ι ν υ... [ Continue Reading ]
Constrained. Implying the disciples ' reluctance to leave him behind.... [ Continue Reading ]
Tossed [β α σ α ν ι ζ ο μ ε ν ο ν]. Rev., better, distressed. See on Matthew 4:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
A spirit [φ α ν τ α σ μ α]. Of which our word phantasm is a transcription. Rev., rather stiffly, apparition. Wyc., phantom.... [ Continue Reading ]
To go to [ε λ θ ε ι ν π ρ ο ς]. But some of the best texts read kai hlqen prov, and went toward.... [ Continue Reading ]
He was afraid. "Although," says Bengel, "a fisherman and a good swimmer" (John 21:7).... [ Continue Reading ]
Ceased [ε κ ο π α σ ε ν]. A beautiful word. Lit., grew weary; sank away like one who is weary.... [ Continue Reading ]
Were made perfectly whole [δ ι ε σ ω θ η σ α ν]. The preposition dia, through or thorough, indicates complete restoration. The Rev. omits perfectly, because whole, in itself, implies completeness.... [ Continue Reading ]