Of your Father [π α ρ α]. The A. V. implies the source of the reward; but the preposition means with, by the side of; so that the true sense is, reserved for you and awaiting you by the side of your Father. Rev., rightly, with.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sound a trumpet [σ α λ π ι σ η ς]. There seems to be no trace of any such custom on the part of almsgivers, so that the expression must be taken as a figurative one for making a display. It is just possible that the figure may have been suggested by the "trumpets" of the temple treasury - thirteen t... [ Continue Reading ]
Closet [τ α μ ι ε ι ο ν]. See on Luke 12:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
Use vain repetitions [β α τ τ α λ ο γ η σ η τ ε]. A word formed in imitation of the sound, battalogein : properly, to stammer; then to babble or prate, to repeat the same formula many times, as the worshippers of Baal and of Diana of Ephesus (1 Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34) and the Romanists with their p... [ Continue Reading ]
Debts [ο φ ε ι λ η μ α τ α]. So rightly, A. V., and Rev. (compare Luke 11:4). Sin is pictured as a debt, and the sinner as a debtor (compare Matthew 18:28; Matthew 18:30). Accordingly the word represents sin both as a wrong and as requiring satisfaction. In contrast with the prayer, "Forgive us our... [ Continue Reading ]
Temptation [π ε ι ρ α σ μ ο ν]. It is a mistake to define this word as only solicitation to evil. It means trial of any kind, without reference to its moral quality. Thus, Genesis 22:1 (Sept.), "God did tempt Abraham;" " This he said to prove him "(John 6:6); Paul and Timothy assayed to go to Bithyn... [ Continue Reading ]
Trespasses [π α ρ α π τ ω μ α τ α]. The Lord here uses another word for sins, and still another [α μ α ρ τ ι α ς] appears in Luke's version of the prayer, though he also says, "every one that is indebted to us." There is no difficulty in supposing that Christ, contemplating sins in general, should r... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye fast [ν η σ τ ε υ η τ ε]. Observe the force of the present tense as indicating action in progress : Whenever ye may be fasting. Of a sad countenance [ο κ υ θ ρ ω π ο ι]. An uncommon word in the New Testament, occuring only here and at Luke 24:17. Trench (" Studies in the Gospels ") explains it b... [ Continue Reading ]
Lay not up treasures [μ η θ η σ α υ ρ ι ζ ε τ ε]. Lit., treasure not treasures. So Wyc., Do not treasure to you treasures. The beautiful legend of St. Thomas and Gondoforus is told by Mrs. Jameson (" Sacred and Legendary Art ") : "When St. Thomas was at Caesarea, our Lord appeared to him and said, '... [ Continue Reading ]
Single [α π λ ο υ ς]. The picture underlying this adjective is that of a piece of cloth or other material, neatly folded once, and without a variety of complicated folds. Hence the idea of simplicity or singleness (compare simplicity from the Latin simplex; semel, once; plicare, to fold). So, in a m... [ Continue Reading ]
In thee - darkness. Seneca, in one of his letters, tells of an idiot slave in his house, who had suddenly become blind. "Now, incredible as the story seems, it is really true that she is unconscious of her blindness, and consequently begs her attendant to go elsewhere because the house is dark. But... [ Continue Reading ]
The other [ε τ ε ρ ο ν]. Implying distinction in quality rather than numerical distinction [α λ λ ο ς]. For example, " whoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other [τ η ν α λ λ η ν]; i e., the other one of the two (Matthew 5:39). At Pentecost, the disciples began to speak with othe... [ Continue Reading ]
Take no thought [μ η μ ε ρ ι μ ν α τ ε]. The cognate noun is merimna, care, which was formerly derived from meriv, a part; merixw, to divide; and was explained accordingly as a dividing care, distracting the heart from the true object of life. This has been abandoned, however, and the word is placed... [ Continue Reading ]