Sunday, August 28, 2022

Matthew 18:21-35 annotated

The bolded scriptural citation will take you to additional translations. The entire chapter is included to provide context. 

 

Information about the meaning the original Greek of what seem to be key words is provided in blue.  

 

Excerpts collected in yellow  at the end of this post tell us something about God’s nature or our relationship to Him. 

 

Excerpts collected in green  at the end of this post tell us about something God wants us to do. 

 

Collections of scriptures dealing principles similar to those addressed here are hyperlinked at the end of this post.

 

Matthew 18:21-35  

Then Peter went up to him and said, 'Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?'22Jesus answered, 'Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.

 

23And so the kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle his accounts with his servants. 24When the reckoning began, they brought him a man who owed ten thousand talents; 25he had no means of paying, so his master gave orders that he should be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, to meet the debt. 26At this, the servant threw himself down at his master's feet, with the words, "Be patient with me and I will pay the whole sum." 27And the servant's master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt

 

28Now as this servant went out, he happened to meet a fellow-servant who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him by the throat and began to throttle him, saying, "Pay what you owe me." 29His fellow-servant fell at his feet and appealed to him, saying, "Be patient with me and I will pay you." 30But the other would not agree; on the contrary, he had him thrown into prison till he should pay the debt.

 

31His fellow-servants were deeply distressed when they saw what had happened, and they went to their master and reported the whole affair to him. 32Then the master sent for the man and said to him, "You wicked servant, I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. 33Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow-servant just as I had pity on you?" 34And in his anger the master handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. 

 

35And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.'

 

forgive = φημι = aphiēmi  Blue Letter Bible set free; to remit or forgive; the remission of the punishment due to sinful conduct, the deliverance of the sinner from the penalty; the complete removal of the cause of offense; to let go, let alone, let be; to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic);

 

patient = μακροθυμω =makrothymeō  Blue Letter Bible to be long-tempered; to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart; to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles; to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish; forbearing; patiently endure

 

felt so sorry for him = σπλαγχνζομαι=splagchnizomai  Blue Letter Bible to be moved with compassion, to yearn with compassion, is frequently recorded of Christ towards the multitude and towards individual sufferers; to be moved as to one's inwards

 

pity = λεω = eleeō  Blue Letter Bible  to have mercy (eleos, "mercy"), to show kindness, by beneficence, or assistance, is translated "have compassion;” to help one afflicted or seeking aid; to bring help to the wretched; to compassionate; to succor the afflicted;granting even to the unworthy favor, benefits, opportunities, and particularly salvation by Christ; such sympathy as manifests itself in act, less frequently in word

 

What this tells us about God’s nature or our relationship to Him:

the servant's master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt

that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart

 

What this tells us to do:

Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.

threw himself down at his master's feet

have pity on your fellow-servant just as I had pity on you

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at Wisdom Principles—How to Deal with Those Who Do You Wrong.  

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 annotated

The bolded scriptural citation will take you to additional translations. The entire chapter is included to provide context. 

 

Information about the meaning the original Hebrew of what seem to be key words is provided in blue.  

 

Excerpts collected in yellow  at the end of this post tell us something about God’s nature or our relationship to Him. 

 

Excerpts collected in green  at the end of this post tell us about something God wants us to do. 

 

Collections of scriptures dealing principles similar to those addressed here are hyperlinked at the end of this post.

 

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13   

R (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.
Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.


R The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.


R The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.


R The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
R The Lord is kind and merciful.

 

kind, Merciful = רַחוּם = raḥûm  Blue Letter Bible  compassionate; full of compassion

 

merciful, gracious = חַנּוּן = ḥannûn  Blue Letter Bible  gracious; benignant, hearing the cry of the vexed debtor 

 

bless = בָּרַךְ = bāraḵ  Blue Letter Bible to kneel; be adored; to praise, salute; celebrate, adore

 

benefits = גְּמוּל = gmûl  Blue Letter Bible  dealing, recompense, benefit; treatment; that which he hath given; reward; work

 

pardons = סָלַח = sālaḥ  Blue Letter Bible  forgive, pardon; spare; lifting up 

 

iniquities = עָוֹן = ʿāôn  Blue Letter Bible  perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity; fault, mischief

 

heals = רָפָא = rāp̄ā'  Blue Letter Bible to heal, make healthful; mend, stich, sew together; make whole; repair; let down, relax; heal hurts of nation

 

redeems = גָּאַל = gā'al   Blue Letter Bible to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman; deliver; purchase; buy back

 

destruction = שַׁחַת = šaḥaṯ  Blue Letter Bible  pit, destruction, grave; corruption; sepulcher

 

crowns = עָטַר = ʿāṭar  Blue Letter Bible  surround, encircle; crown; bestow 

 

kindness = חֶסֶד = ḥeseḏ Blue Letter Bible goodness, kindness, faithfulness; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy; kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy; lovely appearance; of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures; redemption from enemies and troubles; in preservation of life from death; in quickening of spiritual life; in redemption from sin; in keeping the covenants; fidelity; abundant, plenteous in kindness (goodness); greatness of thy mercy; everlasting; plural mercies, deeds of kindness, the historic displays of lovingkindness; desire, ardor; zeal; benignity, benevolence, pity, mercy; grace

 

compassion = רַחַם = raḥam  Blue Letter Bible  womb, pity, mercy; tender love; grace, favor; tender affection

 

abounding= רַב = raḇ  Blue Letter Bible  much, many, great, vast; numerous, abundant, enough; exceedingly; plenteous

 

compassion = רָחַם = rāḥam  Blue Letter Bible   to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion; to fondle; behold with tenderest affection

 

fear = יָרֵא = yārē'  Blue Letter Bible  to fear, revere, be afraid; to stand in awe of, be awed; reverence, honour, respect; tremble for joy

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at  Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin

 

 

What this tells us about God’s nature or our relationship to Him:

The Lord is kind and merciful.

The Lord is kind and merciful.
He pardons all your iniquities
He redeems your life from destruction

crowns you with kindness and compassion

The Lord is kind and merciful.
Merciful and gracious is the LORD

slow to anger

abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us

nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

The Lord is kind and merciful.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
The Lord is kind and merciful.

 

What this tells us to do:

Bless the LORD, O my soul

all my being, bless his holy name
Bless the LORD, O my soul

forget not all his benefits

 

Jeremiah 31:31-34 annotated

The bolded scriptural citation will take you to additional translations. The entire chapter is included to provide context. 

 

Information about the meaning the original Hebrew of what seem to be key words is provided in blue.  

 

Excerpts collected in yellow  below post tell us something about God’s nature or our relationship to Him. 

 

Excerpts collected in green  below tell us about something God wants us to do. 

 

Collections of scriptures dealing principles similar to those addressed here are hyperlinked at the end of this post.

 

Jeremiah 31:31-34

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant, and I had to show myself their master, says the LORD.

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the LORD. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

 

put = נָתַן = nāṯan Blue Letter Bible to give, bestow, grant; consecrate, dedicate; entrust, give over, deliver up; yield produce; be (healed); pour; print; teach; to apply the heart to; to constitute, to make a thing like or similar to

 

within= קֶרֶב = qereḇ Blue Letter Bible midst, among, inner part, middle; inward part; as seat of thought and emotion; entrails (of sacrificial animals); the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition); heart; the interior; the inside of the body, the bowels; the heart or mind

 

write =כָּתַב = kāṯaḇ Blue Letter Bible inscribe, engrave, write in, write on; to register, enroll, record; prescribe, direct in writing; describe, to decree

 

hearts= לֵב = lēḇ Blue Letter Bible inner man, mind, will, understanding; midst; soul; mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory; inclination, resolution, determination (of will); conscience; seat of appetites, emotions, passions, courage; feelings, the will and even the intellect; the centre of anything

 

know =יָדַע= yāḏaʿ Blue Letter Bible  to perceive and see, find out and discern; to discriminate, distinguish; to know by experience; to recognize; be acquainted with; to know (a person carnally); to know how, be skillful in; to have knowledge, be wise;  to be made known, be or become known, be revealed; to be instructed; privy to; seeing; observe with the eyes; be aware of; to get to know, discover; to turn the mind to anything, to care about, to see about

 

 

What this tells us about God’s nature or our relationship to Him:

I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts

I will be their God, and they shall be my people

All, from least to greatest, shall know me

I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

 

What this tells us to do:

know me

 

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles can be accessed at: 

 

Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin 

 

Wisdom Principles: We Receive Great Blessings If We Seriously Study God’s Ways and Put Them into Practice

 

 

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Readings for August 28, 2022, annotated, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Lectionary 126

This translation is from the New American Bible. The bolded hyperlinks  will take you to additional translations. The entire chapter is included to provide context. 

 

Information about the meaning the original Hebrew or Greek of what seem to be key words is provided in blue.  It is provided beneath the specific reading the words are in. 

 

Collections of scriptures dealing principles similar to those addressed in particular readings are hyperlinked after those readings.

 

Excerpts collected in yellow  at the end of this post tell us something about God’s nature or our relationship to Him. 

 

Excerpts collected in green  at the end of this post tell us about something God wants us to do. 

 

Excerpts collected in red  at the end of this post tell us about something God does not want us to do. 

 

 

Reading 1: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29  

My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 

 

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.

***


What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not.

***


The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.


Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.

 

your affairs = ργον = ergon  Blue Letter Bible  work, employment, task; business, employment, that which any one is occupied; that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking; to work; toil (as an effort or occupation); any product whatever, anything accomplished by hand, art, industry, mind; a benefaction; what harmonizes with the order of society, a good deed, noble action; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  works of industry; tillage, tilled lands; occupations; deed, action; that which is wrought or made, work; result of work, profit or interest; business; hard work, difficult to do

 

humility = πρατης = prautēs  Blue Letter Bible meekness; mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   mildness, gentleness; R. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament  an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God (Matt. 11:29; Jam. 1:21). It is that temper of spirit in which we accept his dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are remitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of his elect.

 

greater = μγας = megas  Blue Letter Bible  high, mighty; eminent for ability, virtue, authority, power; things esteemed highly for their importance: of great moment, of great weight, importance; things to be esteemed highly for their importance; a thing to be highly esteemed for its excellence: excellent; splendid, prepared on a grand scale, stately; God's preeminent blessings; strong; large; used of intensity and its degrees; distinguished; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  mighty; strong; of great importance; impressive; big; full grown; vast, high; very much, exceedingly

 

Humble = ταπεινς = tapeinos  Blue Letter Bible   of low degree or estate; low, lowly; lowly in spirit, humble; base, cast down; that which is low, and does not rise far from the ground; low-lying; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   humbled, abased in power, pride; in low estate or obscurity; mean, low, poor; low-lying, near the earth

 

favor  = χρις = charis  Blue Letter Bible  beneficial, beneficent; that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness; good will, loving-kindness, favour; liberality; kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved; favors even upon the ill-deserving; merciful kindness; aid or succor; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  kindness, goodwill, for or towards one; partiality, favour; boon;  Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament that property in a thing which causes it to give joy; the favour and grace and goodness of man to man, to setting forth the favour, grace and goodness of God to man, and thus, of necessity, of the worthy to the unworthy, of the holy to the sinful; it is conferred freely, with no expectation of return, and finding its only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver

 

sublime = χαλεπτερ Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   difficult; hard to do or deal with, irksome

seek = ζητω = zeteo. Blue Letter Bible to seek after, endeavor; inquire for; require, demand; strive after, endeavor, to desire; metaphorically, to "seek" by thinking, to "seek" how to do something; strive after, desire; to seek (i. e. in order to find out) by thinking, meditating, reasoning; to inquire into; to seek in order to find; to crave, demand something from someone; aim at;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English LexiconInquire for; search after, search out; inquire into, investigate, examine; require, demand; desire; feel the want of

 

beyond your strength = σχυρς  = ischyros Blue Letter Bible   stronger, mightier; strong, mighty; power; those who wield great influence among men by their rank, authority, riches, etc.;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   strong, powerful; strongly, with all force; very much, exceedingly,

 

search = ξετζω = exetazō  Blue Letter Bible  to examine, seek out, inquire thoroughly; to examine closely, inquire carefully; to examine strictly, enquire; to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e. ascertain; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  examine well or closely, scrutinize, review; make inquiries into a thing; examine or question a person closely; prove by scrutiny or test

 

sage = συνετς = synetos  Blue Letter Bible intelligent, sagacious, understanding; intelligent, having understanding, wise, learned Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  intelligent, sagacious, wise

 

appreciates = διανοηθσεται Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   have in mind; to be minded, intend, purpose; have in mind what he really meant by his words; think or suppose; the process of thought; to be minded or disposed

 

attentive = κροατς = akroatēs  Blue Letter Bible  to listen; a hearer;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   hearer; person who comes to hear; disciple, pupil; reader 

 

joy = πιθυμα = epithymia  Blue Letter Bible  desire, craving, longing; strong desire of any kind; lusts; Such lusts are not necessarily base and immoral, they may be refined in character, but are evil if inconsistent with the will of God; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   desire, yearning, passion, appetite; longing after, inclination 

alms = λεημοσνη = eleēmosynē  Blue Letter Bible  mercy, pity; esp. as exhibited in giving alms, charity; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  pity, mercy; charity, alms


atone = ξιλσεται Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   propitiate; atone for, make atonement

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:

 

Wisdom Principles—God Loves Humility and Hates Pride 

 

Wisdom Principles: Caring for the Weak & Vulnerable 

 

Wisdom Principles--Stay Focused on God & What He Has Given You to Do; Don’t Be Distracted by Other Things    

 

***

 

 

 

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11   

R. (cf. 11b) God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name; whose name is the LORD.


R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.


R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance; 

You restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it; 

In your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.

R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

 

goodness = טוֹב = ṭôḇ  Blue Letter Bible  good, pleasant, agreeable; excellent; rich, valuable in estimation; appropriate, becoming; happy, prosperous, kind, benign; right (ethical); welfare, prosperity, happiness

 

made a home for = כּוּן = kûn  Blue Letter Bible  to be firm, be stable, be established; to be fixed, be securely determined;  to prepare, be ready; to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up; make provision; to direct; be right, fit, sincere, firm, constant; sure, constant; established, confirmed; enduring; direct one’s face toward; arrange, order

 

poor = עָנִי = ʿānî  Blue Letter Bible  poor, afflicted, humble, wretched; weak; humble, lowly; depressed in mind or circumstances; needy; meek, mild; oppressed

 

just = צַדִּיק = ṣadîq Blue Letter Bible  lawful, righteous; righteous (in government); righteous (in conduct and character); righteous (as justified and vindicated by God); honest, virtuous, pious

 

rejoice = שָׂמַח = śāmaḥ  Blue Letter Bible  to rejoice, be glad; gladden, make glad; to brighten up; make blithe or gleesome; cheer up; make merry; take pleasure in; joyful or cheerful  

 

exult = עָלַץ = ʿālaṣ  Blue Letter Bible   to rejoice, exult; to jump for joy; triumph 

 

before = פָּנִים = paniym   Blue Letter Bible  person; countenance 

 

be glad = שִׂמְחָה = śimḥâ  Blue Letter Bible  mirth, gladness; gaiety, pleasure; glad result, happy issue; blithesomeness or glee; to be very joyful   

 

rejoice = שׂוּשׂ = śûś  Blue Letter Bible  to exult, display joy; to be bright, i.e. cheerful:—be glad; make mirth

 

Sing = שִׁיר = šîr  Blue Letter Bible  sing in one’s honor, celebrate with song; behold

 

chant praise = זָמַר = zamar  Blue Letter Bible to sing, sing praise; to make music; to play a musical instrument; to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e. play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music; give praise, sing forth praises, psalms; make music in praise of God; to pluck; to dance

 

name = שֵׁם = šēm  Blue Letter Bible   name; good reputation, fame, glory; definite and conspicuous position; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; renown, report; celebrated name

 

father = אָב = 'āḇ  Blue Letter Bible   father of an individual; God as father of his people; head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan; originator or patron of a class, profession, or art; producer, generator (fig.); of benevolence and protection (fig.); term of respect and honour; ruler or chief (spec.); principal; author, maker, nourisher, bringer up; master, teacher; one who constitutes, controls, guides and lovingly watches over

 

fatherless = יָתוֹם = yāṯôm  Blue Letter Bible  an orphan, fatherless; helpless, exposed to injury 

 

defender = דַּיָּן = dayyān  Blue Letter Bible   judge or advocate; defender

 

widows = אַלְמָנָה = 'almānâ  Blue Letter Bible  widow; desolate place; of those snatched away by pestilence or the sword; imprisoned concubines; helpless, exposed to oppression & harsh treatment

 

makes = יָשַׁב = yāšaḇ  Blue Letter Bible  remain, sit, abide; to sit down; to settle; continue; habitation, haunt; remain; return; stay, tarry; to be seated; to dwell

home = בַּיִת = bayiṯ  Blue Letter Bible   house, dwelling, habitation, abode; place; receptacle; home; house as containing a family; palace, fortress; inner part, family

 

forsaken = yāḥîḏ = yāḥîḏ  Blue Letter Bible   only one; solitary, one only, unique; lonely; desolate

 

leads = יָצָא = yāṣā'  Blue Letter Bible  to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out; to go out, to carry, pluck, pull out; send with commandment, shoot forth; carry or bring out; take or draw out; come out, exit, go forth; to deliver; bring forth (out, up), carry out; go forth; to rise 

 

prisoners = אָסִיר = 'āsîr  Blue Letter Bible  prisoner, captive, bondman

 

bountiful = נְדָבָה = nḏāḇâ  Blue Letter Bible   abundant; freely, plentiful, largeness, abundance; voluntariness, free-will offering; spontaneous

 

showered = נוּף = nûp̄  Blue Letter Bible  offer; to shed abroad; to move to and fro, wave, besprinkle 

restored = כּוּן = kûn  Blue Letter Bible  to be firm, be stable, be established; to be fixed, be securely determined;  to prepare, be ready; to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up; make provision; to direct; be right, fit, sincere, firm, constant; sure, constant; established, confirmed; enduring; direct one’s face toward; arrange, order

 

languished = לָאָה = lā'â  Blue Letter Bible  to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended; exhaust; fatigued; faint; disgusted; offended; parched

 

settled = יָשַׁב = yāšaḇ  Blue Letter Bible  remain, sit, abide; to sit down; to settle; continue; habitation, haunt; remain; return; stay, tarry; to be seated; to dwell

 

goodness—see above

 

provided—see “restored” above

 

afflicted = עָנִי = ʿānî  Blue Letter Bible  poor, afflicted, humble, wretched; weak; humble, lowly; depressed in mind or circumstances; needy; meek, mild; oppressed

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:

 

Wisdom Principles: Caring for the Weak & Vulnerable 

 

Wisdom Principles—God is a Refuge for Those Who Love Him  


***

 

 

 

Reading 2: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Brothers and sisters:
You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them.

 

***

No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

 

approached = προσρχομαι = proserchomai  Blue Letter Bible  to come or go near to; draw near; approach; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   come or go to; approach, draw nigh; come in, surrender, capitulate; come forward to speak; appear before a tribunal; approach an official; have recourse to

 

spirit = πνεμα = pneuma  Blue Letter Bible  (1) Breath, wind; the vital principal by which the body is animated; a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting (2) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son; never referred to as a depersonalised force; God's power and agency; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  blast, wind; breeze or influence; breathed air, breath; breath of life; divine inspiration

 

just = δκαιος = dikaios  Blue Letter Bible   state of being right, or right conduct, judged whether by the Divine standard, or according to human standards; righteous, observing divine laws; in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God; innocent, faultless, guiltless; equitable; innocent; holy; those whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   observant of custom or rule; well-ordered, civilized; in due form, decently; observant of duty to gods and men, righteous; even, well-balanced, evengoing; lawful, just; meet and right, fitting; genuine

 

made perfect = τελειω = teleioō  Blue Letter Bible   to bring to an end in the sense of completing or perfecting; fulfill; to bring to the end (goal) proposed; to complete,  accomplish, or consummate; to carry through completely; to accomplish, finish, bring to an end; add what is yet lacking in order to render a thing full; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  make perfect, complete; accomplish; bring to perfection or consummation; bring fruit to maturity, come to maturity; execute 


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Alleluia: Matthew 11:29ab   

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

take = αρω = airō  Blue Letter Bible  to raise up, to lift, to take upon oneself and carry what has been raised; hoisting up; lift; draw up; to bear; to raise from the ground; to bear away what has been raised, carry off; to take up or away; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon  to take up, raise, lift up; to bear, sustain; to lift and take away, to remove; to take upon oneself, undergo, carry, bear

 

yoke = ζυγς = zygos  Blue Letter Bible   yoke a yoke that is put on draught cattle; serving to couple two things together; submission to authority; bondservice to masters; commands; a balance; pair of scales; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   yoke of a plough or carriage; crossbar; beam of the balance, the balance itself

 

upon = π = epi  Blue Letter Bible   upon, on, at, by, before, over, against; superimposition; used of things, affairs, persons, which one is set over, over which he exercises power; super; in addition to; over and above; more widely, to a greater degree, further; power, control over anything; superintendence; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   upon, on, over, of persons in authority; on or over, against, extending over; in addition to, over and above; upon, in the power of; persons set over others; superiority felt over; authority over; Georg Autenrieth, A Homeric Dictionary   upon, on, thereon, on top; charge or mastery; extending over

 

learn = μανθνω = manthanō  Blue Letter Bible  to increase one's knowledge; to learn by inquiry, or observation; to ascertain; to learn by use and practice, to acquire the habit of, be accustomed to; be informed; to understand; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon learn, esp. by study (but also, by practice, experience); learn by heart; acquire a habit of; perceive, remark, notice; understand

 

from = π = apo  Blue Letter Bible  consent; the place whence anything is, comes, befalls, is taken; the origin of a cause; from something near; because; off; the separation of a part from the whole; where of a whole some part is taken; the place whence anything is, comes, befalls, is taken; the material from which a thing is made; the moving or impelling cause, for, out of; the efficient cause, viz. of things from the force of which anything proceeds, and of persons from whose will, power, authority, command, favor, order, influence, direction, anything is to be sought;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon    origin, cause; the material from or of which a thing is made; the instrument from or by which a thing is done; the person from whom an act comes; the source from which life, power, etc., are sustained; the cause, means, or occasion from, by, or because of which a thing is done; in consequence of 

 

gentle = πρας = praus Blue Letter Bible  gentle, mild, meek; that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting;  This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect; the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all; mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit; humble;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  mild, soft, gentle; tame; making mild, taming

 

humble = ταπεινς = tapeinos  Blue Letter Bible   of low degree or estate; low, lowly; lowly in spirit, humble; base, cast down; that which is low, and does not rise far from the ground; low-lying; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   humbled, abased in power, pride; in low estate or obscurity; mean, low, poor; low-lying, near the earth

 

heart = καρδα = kardia  Blue Letter Bible  man's entire mental and moral activity, both the rational and the emotional elements; used figuratively for the hidden springs of the personal life; the seat of moral nature and spiritual life; the vigour and sense of physical life; the centre and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours; the faculty and seat of the intelligence; the will and character; the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions; the middle or central or inmost part of anything; will and character;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  the seat of feeling and passion; inclination, desire, purpose

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:

 

Wisdom Principles—God Loves Humility and Hates Pride 

 

Wisdom Principles—Rebuke & Openness to Correction     

 

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Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14   

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

 

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He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor.  A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.  For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 


Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

 

observing = παρατηρω = paratēreō  Blue Letter Bible   to watch closely, observe narrowly; to observe," especially with sinister intent; to stand beside and watch, to watch assiduously, observe carefully; in a bad sense, to watch insidiously; inspect; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon     watch closely; observe; with evil design, lie in wait for, watch one's opportunity

 

choosing = κλγομαι = eklegomai  Blue Letter Bible   to pick out, select; to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one's self

 

places of honor = πρωτοκλισα = prōtoklisia  Blue Letter Bible   the first reclining place, the chief place at table; highest seats; preeminence at meals; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   first seat at table

 

disgrace = ασχνη = aischynē  Blue Letter Bible   ignominy, disgrace, dishonour; the confusion of one who is ashamed of anything, sense of shame;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   shame, dishonour

 

lowest = σχατος = eschatos  Blue Letter Bible   last, utmost, extreme; lowest; final; uttermost; what remains when the rest have one after another been spent;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   farthest, uttermost, extreme; highest; utmost; lowest, meanest; to the end; to the uttermost, exceedingly; finally, in the end

 

esteem = δξα = doxa  Blue Letter Bible opinion, judgment, view, estimate; splendour, brightness; magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace; majesty; most exalted state; honor; absolute perfection; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  the opinion which others have of one, estimation, repute; good repute, honour, glory; glory, splendor, magnificence, celestial beatitude

 

every = πς = pas Blue Letter Bible  radically means "all." Used without the article it means "every," every kind or variety; any and every, of every kind, all manner of; in every way or particular; the whole; each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything; thoroughly, whatsoever; all manner of; the highest degree, the maximum; always; in everything, in every way, on every side, in every particular or relation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  when used of a number, all; when of one only, the whole; all, the whole; every; all things as a unity, as a totality; all kinds of things; in all points, entirely, wholly; in every way, by all means, altogether

 

exalts, exalted =  ψω = hypsoō   Blue Letter Bible  to lift up, to lift up on high; elevate; raise up; exalt; to raise to dignity, honour and happiness; to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity; glorify; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   lift high, raise up; elevate, exalt

 

humbles = ταπεινω= tapeinoō    Blue Letter Bible to make low, bring low; to abase; to level, reduce to a plain; to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances; to assign a lower rank or place to; to lower, depress; bring down one’s pride; to have a modest opinion of one’s self; to behave in an unassuming manner; devoid of all haughtiness; to be ranked below others who are honored or rewarded; to humble or abase myself, by frugal living; one who stoops to the condition of a servant;to confess and deplore one’s spiritual littleness and unworthiness; to put to the blush;Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon lowering; lessening;reduction of a swelling; humiliation, abasement; low estate, low condition; lowness of style 

 

invite = φωνω = phōneōBlue Letter Bible  calling out with a clear or loud voice; to utter a loud sound or cry; to sound, emit a sound, to speak; to cry, cry out, cry aloud, speak with a loud voice; invite; to address, accost, call by a name; crow;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   produce a sound or tone; speak loud or clearly; cry aloud; call by name, call 

 

invite you back= ντικαλω = antikaleō  Blue Letter Bible  to bid again, invite in turn,

 

invite = καλω = kaleōBlue Letter Bible  call, bid, invite; summon; to call aloud, utter in a loud voice; to call i.e. to name, by name; to salute one by name; to call out, call forth from; to cause to pass from one state into another; to be called i. e. to bear a name or title; to be acknowledged, pass as; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   call, summon; invoke; call by name, name; to be called

 

poor = πτωχς = ptōchos  Blue Letter Bible  one who crouches and cowers; reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour; lowly, afflicted, destitute; helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture; absolute or public mendicancyHenry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon Beggarly

 

crippled = νπηρος = anapēros  Blue Letter Bible   disabled in the limbs, maimed, crippled; injured in, or bereft of, some member of the body;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   maimed, mutilated

 

lame = χωλς = chōlos  Blue Letter Bible  crippled, maimed; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   lame in the feet; halting, limping; defective

 

blind = τυφλς = typhlos  Blue Letter Bible  blind; mentally blind; opaque (as if smoky); darkened by smoke;  Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  blind; lacking vision; blind to;  dark, dim, obscure

 

blessed = μακριος = makarios  Blue Letter Bible  the highest good; happy;supremely blest; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon  blessed, happy; bliss

 

repaid = νταποδδωμι = antapodidōmi  to give back as an equivalent, to requite, recompense; to give in return for; repay, recompense; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   give back, repay, tender in repayment or requital; react in the same way; pay back; give back

 

resurrection = νστασις = anastasis  Blue Letter Bible   a raising up, rising (e.g. from a seat); a rising from the dead; standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon   making to stand or rise up; raising up the dead; making to rise and leave their place; setting up, erection; 

standing or rising up; rising from the dead

 

Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:

 

Wisdom Principles—God Loves Humility and Hates Pride 

 

Wisdom Principles: Caring for the Weak & Vulnerable 

 

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What these readings tell us about God’s nature or our relationship to Him:

conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved 

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.

an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.

alms atone for sins.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The father of orphans

the defender of widows is God 
God gives a home to the forsaken

he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
you restored the land when it languished

in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor

that which could be touched

a blazing fire and gloomy darkness

a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them

the living God

countless angels in festal gathering

the firstborn enrolled in heaven

God the judge of all

the spirits of the just made perfect

Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant

the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel

I am meek and humble of heart

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted

when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you

you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous

 

 

What these readings tell us to do:

conduct your affairs with humility

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are

 Appreciate[] proverbs

[have] an attentive ear 

[give] alms

The just

rejoice and exult before God

[be] glad and rejoice.
Sing to God

chant praise to his name

Take my yoke upon you

learn from me

meek

humble of heart
take the lowest place 

humbles himself 

when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind

 

What these readings tell us not to do:

What is too sublime for you, seek not

into things beyond your strength search not

choosing the places of honor

recline … in the place of honor

 exalts himself