διὰ σπλάγχνα ἐλέους. Literally, “Because of the heart of mercy.” Σπλάγχνα (literally ‘bowels’ rechamîm) is a favourite word with St Paul to express emotion (2 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:1; Philemon 1:7; Philemon 1:12; Philemon 1:20, &c.). The expression is common to Jewish (Proverbs 12:10, &c.) and classical writers. (Aesch. Choeph. XL. 7.)

ἀνατολή. The word ἀνατολὴ is used by the LXX[45] to translate both Motsah ‘the dawn’ (Jeremiah 31:40) and Tsemach ‘branch’ (Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12; Jeremiah 23:5. See on Matthew 2:23). Here the context shews that the dawn is intended, though the word itself might equally mean the rising of a star, as in Aesch. Agam. 7. Malachi 4:2, “Unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings.” See Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16; John 1:4-5; Revelation 7:2.

[45] LXX. Septuagint.

ἐπεσκέψατο, in some MSS. ‘shall visit.’

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Old Testament