NT-GOSPEL.filter - rwp trees:

rwp@Hebrews:10:1 @{Shadow} (\skian\). The contrast here between \skia\ (shadow, shade caused by interruption of light as by trees, strkjv@Mark:4:32|) and \eikn\ (image or picture) is striking. Christ is the \eikn\ of God (2Corinthians:4:4; strkjv@Colossians:1:15|). In strkjv@Colossians:2:17| Paul draws a distinction between \skia\ for the Jewish rites and ceremonies and \sma\ for the reality in Christ. Children are fond of shadow pictures. The law gives only a dim outline of the good things to come (9:11|). {Continually} (\eis to dinekes\). See this phrase also in strkjv@7:3; strkjv@9:12,14|. Nowhere else in N.T. From \dinegka\ (\diapher\), to bear through. {They can} (\dunantai\). This reading leaves \ho nomos\ a _nominativus pendens_ (an anacoluthon). But many MSS. read \dunatai\ (it--the law--can). For the idea and use of \teleisai\ see strkjv@9:9|.

rwp@James:3:12 @{Can?} (\m dunatai;\). Negative answer expected. See the same metaphor in strkjv@Matthew:7:16f|. {Fig-tree} (\suk\). Old and common word (Matthew:21:19f.|). {Figs} (\suka\). Ripe fruit of \h suk\. {Olives} (\elaias\). Elsewhere in the N.T. for olive-trees as strkjv@Matthew:21:1|. {Vine} (\ampelos\). Old word (Matthew:26:29|). {Salt water} (\halukon\). Old adjective from \hals\ (\halas\ salt), here only in N.T.

rwp@John:12:13 @{Took} (\elabon\). Second aorist active indicative of \lamban\. {The branches of the palm-trees} (\ta baia tn phoinikn\). \Phoinix\ is an old word for palm-tree (Revelation:7:9| for the branches) and in strkjv@Acts:27:12| the name of a city. \Baion\ is apparently a word of Egyptian origin, palm branches, here only in N.T., but in the papyri and I Macc. strkjv@13:51. Here we have "the palm branches of the palm-trees." The use in 1 Macc. strkjv@13:51 (cf. II Macc. strkjv@10:7) is in the account of Simon's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Bernard notes that to carry palms was a mark of triumphant homage to a victor or a king (Revelation:7:9|). Palm-trees grew on the Mount of Olives (Mark:11:8|) on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem. The crowds (one in front and one behind, strkjv@Mark:11:9; strkjv@Matthew:21:9; strkjv@John:2:18|) cut the branches as they came (Matthew:21:8|). {To meet him} (\eis hupantsin auti\). Literally, {for a meeting} (\hupantsis\, late word from the verb \hupanta\, strkjv@Matthew:8:28; strkjv@John:11:20,30; strkjv@12:18|, in the papyri, but only here in the N.T.) with him" (\auti\, associative instrumental case after \hupantsin\ as after the verb in verse 18|). It was a scene of growing excitement. {And cried out} (\kai ekraugazon\). Imperfect active of \kraugaz\, old and rare verb (from \kraug\) as in strkjv@Matthew:12:19; strkjv@John:19:15|. {Hosannah} (\Hsannah\). Transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning "Save now." The LXX renders it by \Sson d\ (Save now). {Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord} (\eulogmenos ho erchomenos en onomati kuriou\). Perfect passive participle of \euloge\. Quotation from strkjv@Psalms:118:25f.|, written, some think, for the dedication of the second temple, or, as others think, for the feast of tabernacles after the return (Ezra:3:1f.|). It was sung in the processional recitation then as a welcome to the worshippers. Here the words are addressed to the Messiah as is made plain by the addition of the words, "even the king of Israel" (\kai ho basileus tou Isral\) as Nathanael called him (1:49|). Jesus is here hailed by the multitudes as the long-looked for Messiah of Jewish hope and he allows them so to greet him (Luke:19:38-40|), a thing that he prevented a year before in Galilee (John:6:14f.|). It is probable that "in the name of the Lord" should be taken with "blessed" as in strkjv@Deuteronomy:21:5; strkjv@2Samuel:6:18; strkjv@1Kings:22:16; strkjv@2Kings:2:24|. The Messiah was recognized by Martha as the Coming One (John:11:27|) and is so described by the Baptist (Matthew:11:3|). Mark (Mark:11:10|) adds "the kingdom that cometh" while Luke (19:38|) has "the king that cometh." "It was this public acclamation of Jesus as King of Israel or King of the Jews which was the foundation of the charge made against him before Pilate (18:33|)" (Bernard).

rwp@John:18:3 @{The band of soldiers} (\tn speiran\). No word for "of soldiers" in the Greek, but the Latin _spira_ (roll or ball) was used for a military cohort (Polybius 11, 23, 1) as in strkjv@Matthew:27:27; strkjv@Acts:10:1|, etc., here for a small band secured from the Tower of Antonia. The Synoptics do not mention the soldiers, but only the "officers" as here (\hupretas\ for which see strkjv@Matthew:26:58; strkjv@Mark:14:54,65|) or temple police from the Sanhedrin. {Cometh} (\erchetai\). Dramatic historical present middle indicative. {With lanterns and torches} (\meta phann kai lampadn\). Both old words, \phanos\ only here in N.T., \lampas\, an oil lamp (Matthew:25:1|). It was full moon, but Judas took no chances for it may have been cloudy and there were dark places by the walls and under the olive trees. \Meta\ is accompanied with {and weapons} (\kai hopln\). Mark (Mark:14:43|) mentions "swords and staves." Probably the temple guard had weapons as well as the soldiers.

rwp@Jude:1:12 @{Hidden rocks} (\spilades\). Old word for rocks in the sea (covered by the water), as in Homer, here only in N.T. strkjv@2Peter:2:13| has \spiloi\. {Love-feasts} (\agapais\). Undoubtedly the correct text here, though A C have \apatais\ as in strkjv@2Peter:2:14|. For disorder at the Lord's Supper (and love-feasts?) see strkjv@1Corinthians:11:17-34|. The Gnostics made it worse, so that the love-feasts were discontinued. {When they feast with you} (\suneuchoumenoi\). See strkjv@2Peter:2:13| for this very word and form. Masculine gender with \houtoi hoi\ rather than with the feminine \spilades\. Cf. strkjv@Revelation:11:4|. Construction according to sense. {Shepherds that feed themselves} (\heautous poimainontes\). "Shepherding themselves." Cf. strkjv@Revelation:7:17| for this use of \poimain\. Clouds without water (\nephelai anudroi\). \Nephel\ common word for cloud (Matthew:24:30|). strkjv@2Peter:2:17| has \pgai anudroi\ (springs without water) and then \homichlai\ (mists) and \elaunomenai\ (driven) rather than \peripheromenai\ here (borne around, whirled around, present passive participle of \peripher\ to bear around), a powerful picture of disappointed hopes. {Autumn trees} (\dendra phthinoprina\). Late adjective (Aristotle, Polybius, Strabo) from \phthin\, to waste away, and \opra\, autumn, here only in N.T. For \akarpa\ (without fruit) see strkjv@2Peter:1:8|. {Twice dead} (\dis apothanonta\). Second aorist active participle of \apothnsk\. Fruitless and having died. Having died and also "uprooted" (\ekrizthenta\). First aorist passive participle of \ekrizo\, late compound, to root out, to pluck up by the roots, as in strkjv@Matthew:13:29|.

rwp@Luke:17:6 @{If ye have} (\ei echete\). Condition of the first class, assumed to be true. {Ye would say} (\elegete an\). Imperfect active with \an\ and so a conclusion (apodosis) of the second class, determined as unfulfilled, a mixed condition therefore. {Sycamine tree} (\sukamini\). At the present time both the black mulberry (sycamine) and the white mulberry (sycamore) exist in Palestine. Luke alone in the N.T. uses either word, the sycamine here, the sycamore in strkjv@19:4|. The distinction is not observed in the LXX, but it is observed in the late Greek medical writers for both trees have medicinal properties. Hence it may be assumed that Luke, as a physician, makes the distinction. Both trees differ from the English sycamore. In strkjv@Matthew:17:20| we have "mountain" in place of "sycamine tree." {Be thou rooted up} (\ekrizthti\). First aorist passive imperative as is \phuteuthti\. {Would have obeyed} (\hupkousen an\). First aorist active indicative with \an\, apodosis of a second-class condition (note aorist tense here, imperfect \elegete\).

rwp@Luke:21:29 @{The fig tree, and all the trees} (\tn sukn kai panta ta dendra\). This parable of the fig-tree (Mark:13:28-32; strkjv@Matthew:24:32-35|) Luke applies to "all the trees." It is true about all of them, but the fig tree was very common in Palestine.

rwp@Mark:8:24 @{I see men, for I behold them as trees walking} (\Blep tous anthrpous hoti hs dendra hor peripatountas\). A vivid description of dawning sight. His vision was incomplete though he could tell that they were men because they were walking. This is the single case of a gradual cure in the healings wrought by Jesus. The reason for this method in this case is not given.

rwp@Mark:11:8 @{Branches} (\stibadas\). A litter of leaves and rushes from the fields. Textus Receptus spells this word \stoibadas\. strkjv@Matthew:21:8| has \kladous\, from \kla\, to break, branches broken or cut from trees. strkjv@John:12:13| uses the branches of the palm trees (\ta baia tn phoinikn\), "the feathery fronds forming the tufted crown of the tree" (Vincent). That is to say, some of the crowd did one of these things, some another. See on ¯Matthew:21:4-9| for discussion of other details. The deliberate conduct of Jesus on this occasion could have but one meaning. It was the public proclamation of himself as the Messiah, now at last for his "hour" has come. The excited crowds in front (\hoi proagontes\) and behind (\hoi akolouthountes\) fully realize the significance of it all. Hence their unrestrained enthusiasm. They expect Jesus, of course, now to set up his rule in opposition to that of Caesar, to drive Rome out of Palestine, to conquer the world for the Jews.

rwp@Matthew:3:1 @{Preaching in the wilderness of Judea} (\Krussn en ti ermi ts Ioudaias\). It was the rough region in the hills toward the Jordan and the Dead Sea. There were some people scattered over the barren cliffs. Here John came in close touch with the rocks, the trees, the goats, the sheep, and the shepherds, the snakes that slipped before the burning grass over the rocks. He was the Baptizer, but he was also the Preacher, heralding his message out in the barren hills at first where few people were, but soon his startling message drew crowds from far and near. Some preachers start with crowds and drive them away.

rwp@Matthew:3:10 @{Is the axe laid} (\h axin keitai\). This verb \keitai\ is used as the perfect passive of \tithmi\. But the idea really is, "the axe lies at (\pros\, before) the root of the trees." It is there ready for business. The prophetic present occurs also with "is hewn down" and "cast."

rwp@Matthew:7:16 @{By their fruits ye shall know them} (\apo tn karpn autn epignsesthe\). From their fruits you will recognize them." The verb "know " (\ginsk\) has \epi\ added, fully know. The illustrations from the trees and vines have many parallels in ancient writers.

rwp@Matthew:13:3 @{Many things in parables} (\polla en parabolais\). It was not the first time that Jesus had used parables, but the first time that he had spoken so many and some of such length. He will use a great many in the future as in Luke 12 to 18 and Matt. 24 and 25. The parables already mentioned in Matthew include the salt and the light (5:13-16|), the birds and the lilies (6:26-30|), the splinter and the beam in the eye (7:3-5|), the two gates (7:13f.|), the wolves in sheep's clothing (7:15|), the good and bad trees (7:17-19|), the wise and foolish builders (7:24-27|), the garment and the wineskins (9:16f.|), the children in the market places (11:16f.|). It is not certain how many he spoke on this occasion. Matthew mentions eight in this chapter (the Sower, the Tares, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Hid Treasure, the Pearl of Great Price, the Net, the Householder). Mark adds the Parable of the Lamp (Mark:4:21; strkjv@Luke:8:16|), the Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself (Mark:4:26-29|), making ten of which we know. But both Mark (Mark:4:33|) and Matthew (13:34|) imply that there were many others. "Without a parable spake he nothing unto them" (Matthew:13:34|), on this occasion, we may suppose. The word parable (\parabol\ from \paraball\, to place alongside for measurement or comparison like a yardstick) is an objective illustration for spiritual or moral truth. The word is employed in a variety of ways (a) as for sententious sayings or proverbs (Matthew:15:15; strkjv@Mark:3:23; strkjv@Luke:4:23; strkjv@5:36-39; strkjv@6:39|), for a figure or type (Heb. strkjv@9:9; strkjv@11:19|); (b) a comparison in the form of a narrative, the common use in the Synoptic Gospels like the Sower; (c) "A narrative illustration not involving a comparison" (Broadus), like the Rich Fool, the Good Samaritan, etc. "The oriental genius for picturesque speech found expression in a multitude of such utterances" (McNeile). There are parables in the Old Testament, in the Talmud, in sermons in all ages. But no one has spoken such parables as these of Jesus. They hold the mirror up to nature and, as all illustrations should do, throw light on the truth presented. The fable puts things as they are not in nature, Aesop's Fables, for instance. The parable may not be actual fact, but it could be so. It is harmony with the nature of the case. The allegory (\allgoria\) is a speaking parable that is self-explanatory all along like Bunyan's _Pilgrim's Progress_. All allegories are parables, but not all parables are allegories. The Prodigal Son is an allegory, as is the story of the Vine and Branches (John:15|). John does not use the word parable, but only \paroimia\, a saying by the way (John:10:6; strkjv@16:25,29|). As a rule the parables of Jesus illustrate one main point and the details are more or less incidental, though sometimes Jesus himself explains these. When he does not do so, we should be slow to interpret the minor details. Much heresy has come from fantastic interpretations of the parables. In the case of the Parable of the Sower (13:3-8|) we have also the careful exposition of the story by Jesus (18-23|) as well as the reason for the use of parables on this occasion by Jesus (9-17|).

rwp@Matthew:21:1 @{Unto Bethphage} (\eis Bethphag\). An indeclinable Aramaic name here only in O.T. or N.T. (Mark:11:1; strkjv@Luke:19:29|). It means "house of unripe young figs." It apparently lay on the eastern slope of Olivet or at the foot of the mountain, a little further from Jerusalem than Bethany. Both Mark and Luke speak of Christ's coming "unto Bethphage and Bethany" as if Bethphage was reached first. It is apparently larger than Bethany. {Unto the Mount of Olives} (\eis to oros tn Elain\). Matthew has thus three instances of \eis\ with Jerusalem, Mount of Olives. Mark and Luke use \pros\ with Mount of Olives, the Mount of Olive trees (\elain\ from \elaia\, olive tree), the mountain covered with olive trees.

rwp@Matthew:25:32 @{All the nations} (panta ta ethn). Not just Gentiles, but Jews also. Christians and non-Christians. This program for the general judgment has been challenged by some scholars who regard it as a composition by the evangelist to exalt Christ. But why should not Christ say this if he is the Son of Man and the Son of God and realized it? A "reduced" Christ has trouble with all the Gospels, not merely with the Fourth Gospel, and no less with Q and Mark than with Matthew and Luke. This is a majestic picture with which to close the series of parables about readiness for the second coming. Here is the program when he does come. "I am aware that doubt is thrown on this passage by some critics. But the doubt is most wanton. Where is the second brain that could have invented anything so original and so sublime as vv. 35-40,42-45|?" (Sanday, _Life of Christ in Recent Research_, p. 128). {As the shepherd separates} (\hsper ho poimn aphorizei\). A common figure in Palestine. The sheep are usually white and the goats black. There are kids (\eriphn, eriphia\) which have grazed together. The goats devastate a field of all herbage. "Indeed they have extirpated many species of trees which once covered the hills" (Tristram, _Natural History of the Bible_, pp. 89f.). The shepherd stands at the gate and taps the sheep to go to the right and the goats to the left.

rwp@Matthew:26:36 @{Gethsemane} (\Gethsmanei\). The word means oil-press in the Hebrew, or olive vat. The place (\chrion\) was an enclosed plot or estate, "garden," or orchard (\kpos\). It is called _villa_ in the Vulgate according to strkjv@John:18:1|. It was beyond the torrent Kedron at the foot of the Mount of Olives about three-fourths of a mile from the eastern walls of Jerusalem. There are now eight old olive trees still standing in this enclosure. One cannot say that they are the very trees near which Jesus had his Agony, but they are very old. "They will remain so long as their already protracted life is spared, the most venerable of their race on the surface of the earth. Their guarded trunks and scanty foliage will always be regarded as the most affecting of the sacred memorials in or about Jerusalem" (Stanley, _Sinai and Palestine_). {Here} (\autou\), {Yonder} (\ekei\). Jesus clearly pointed to the place where he would pray. Literally "there."

rwp@Revelation:7:9 @{Which no man could number} (\hon arithmsai auton oudeis edunato\). Redundant repetition of the pronoun \auton\ after the relative \hon\ as in strkjv@7:5; strkjv@3:8|. \Edunato\ imperfect indicative and \arithmsai\ first aorist active infinitive of \arithme\, old verb, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Matthew:10:30; strkjv@Luke:12:7|. See strkjv@5:9| (also strkjv@11:9; strkjv@13:7; strkjv@14:10; strkjv@17:15|) for the list of words after \ek\ (the spiritual Israel carried on all over the world), "a polyglott cosmopolitan crowd" (Swete). {Standing} (\hesttes\). Same form in strkjv@7:1|, only nominative masculine plural referring to \ochlos\ (masculine singular), construction according to sense like the plural \legontn\ with \ochlou\ in strkjv@19:1|. {Arrayed} (\peribeblmenous\). Perfect passive participle of \periball\, but in the accusative plural (not nominative like \hesttes\), a common variation in this book when preceded by \eidon\ and \idou\ as in strkjv@4:4| (\thronoi, presbuterous\). Charles regards this as a mere slip which would have been changed to \peribeblmenoi\ if John had read the MS. over. {In white robes} (\stolas leukas\). Predicate accusative retained with this passive verb of clothing as in strkjv@7:13; strkjv@10:1; strkjv@11:3; strkjv@12:1; strkjv@17:4; strkjv@18:16; strkjv@19:13|. {Palms} (\phoinikes\). Nominative again, back to construction with \idou\, not \eidon\. Old word, in N.T. only here for palm branches and strkjv@John:12:13| for palm trees. Both these and the white robes are signs of victory and joy.

rwp@Revelation:11:4 @{The two olive trees} (\hai duo elaiai\). The article seems to point to what is known. For this original use of \elaia\ see strkjv@Romans:11:17,24|. In strkjv@Zechariah:4:2,3,14| the lampstand or candlestick (\luchnia\) is Israel, and the two olive trees apparently Joshua and Zerubbabel, but John makes his own use of this symbolism. Here the two olive trees and the candlesticks are identical. {Standing} (\hesttes\). Masculine perfect active participle agreeing with \houtoi\ instead of \hestsai\ (read by P and cursives) agreeing with \elaiai kai luchniai\, even though \hai\ (feminine plural article) be accepted before \enpion tou kuriou\ (before the Lord).

rwp@Revelation:18:14 @{The fruits} (\h opra\). The ripe autumn fruit (Jeremiah:40:10,12|). Here only in N.T. Of uncertain etymology (possibly \opos\, sap, \hra\, hour, time for juicy sap). See strkjv@Jude:1:12| for \dendra phthinoprinos\ (autumn trees). {Which thy soul lusteth after} (\sou ts epithumias ts psuchs\). "Of the lusting of thy soul." {Are gone from thee} (\aplthen apo sou\). Prophetic aorist active indicative of \aperchomai\ with repetition of \apo\. {All things that were dainty and sumptuous} (\panta ta lipara kai ta lampra\). "All the dainty and the gorgeous things." \Liparos\ is from \lipos\ (grease) and so fat, about food (here only in N.T.), while \lampros\ is bright and shining (James:2:2f.|), about clothing. {Are perished from thee} (\apleto apo sou\). Prophetic second aorist middle indicative of \apollumi\ (intransitive). {Shall find them no more at all} (\ouketi ou m auta heursousin\). Doubled double negative with future active, as emphatic a negation as the Greek can make.