Christ [χ ρ ι σ τ ο ς]. Properly an adjective, not a noun, and meaning anointed (criw, to anoint). It is a translation of the Hebrew Messiah, the king and spiritual ruler from David's race, promised under that name in the Old Testament (Psalms 2:2; Daniel 9:25; Daniel 9:26). Hence Andrew says to Sim... [ Continue Reading ]
David the king [τ ο ν δ α υ ε ι δ τ ο ν β α σ ι λ ε α, "the David, the king "]. Both words are thus emphasized : the David from whom Christ, if he were the Messiah, must have descended; the king with whom the Messiah's genealogy entered upon the kingly dignity. In this genealogy, where the generatio... [ Continue Reading ]
Espoused [μ ν η σ τ ε υ θ ε ι σ η ς : Rev., betrothed; Tyn., maryed]. The narrative implies a distinction between betrothal and marriage. From the moment of her betrothal a woman was treated as if actually married. The union could be dissolved only by regular divorce. Breach of faithfulness was rega... [ Continue Reading ]
Not willing [μ η θ ε λ ω ν] - was minded [ε β ο υ λ η θ η]. These two words, describing the working of Joseph's mind, and evidently intended to express different phases of thought, open the question of their distinctive meanings in the New Testament, where they frequently occur [θ ε λ ω much oftener... [ Continue Reading ]
Shalt call. Thus committing the office of a father to Joseph. The naming of the unborn Messiah would accord with popular notions. The Rabbis had a saying concerning the six whose names were given before their birth : "Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Solomon, Josiah, and the name of the Messiah, whom may the... [ Continue Reading ]
Through the prophet [δ ι α]. So the Rev. rightly, instead of by. In quotations from the Old Testament, the writers habitually use the preposition dia (through to denote the instrumentality through which God works or speaks, while they reserve uJpo (by) to express the primary agency of God himself. S... [ Continue Reading ]
The virgin [η π α ρ θ ε ν ο ς]. Note the demonstrative force of the article, pointing to a particular person. Not, some virgin or other. They shall call [κ α λ ε σ ο υ σ ι ν]. In ver. 21, it is thou shalt call. The original of Isaiah (vii. 14) has she shall call; but Matthew generalized the singula... [ Continue Reading ]
The or his sleep [τ ο υ υ π ν ο υ]. The force of the definite article; the sleep in which he had the vision. So Rev., "Arose from his sleep.... [ Continue Reading ]