Birds. See on ch. ix. 58.
Branches («rddois). See on Mark xi. 8.
21. Leaven. See on Matt. xii. 33.
24. Strive. Used only by Luke and Paul, except John xviii. 36. Originally to contend for a prize in the public games ; and thus conveying a sense of struggle. The kindred noun, aywvia, agony, is used of Christ’s struggle in Gethsemane (ch. xxii, 44).
Compare 1 Tim. vi. 12; 2 Tim. iv. 7.
Strait gate (crevijs Jvpas). Rev., narrow door. See on Matt. vii. 18. The door of a house, and not a gate, is meant
Cu. XIII] LUKE. Oud
(ver. 25). In Matt. vii. 13, where the image is of a gate opening into a way, 7vAM, gate, is used.
25. When once (a¢ od). Lit., from the time that. Compare ver. 7. Some editors connect this with the previous sentence : ** Shall not be able when once,” ete.
Whence (7o3ev). Of what family. Ye do not belong to my household. See John vii. 27: “We know whence he (Jesus) is;” z.¢., we know his birthplace and family.
26. In thy presence (évdmuov cov). Not as beloved and familiar guests. Compare with you (ue¥ vuadv), Matt. xxvi. 29.
27.1 know not whence. “The sentence is fixed, but it is repeated with emphasis” (Bengel).
Shall sit down (avakdIjcovtat). Sit down at table. Jesus casts his thought into a familiar Jewish image. According to the Jewish idea, one of the main elements of the happiness of the Messianic kingdom was the privilege of participating in splendid festive entertainments along with the patriarchs of the nation. With this accords ver. 30, in allusion to places at the banquet. Compare ch. xiv. 7-9; Matt. xxiii. 6.
31. Day. The best texts read hour.
Will kill (Sree azroxreivar), As in so many cases the A. V. renders as the future of the verb to kill ; whereas there are two distinct verbs; to will or determine, and to kill. The meaning is, Herod willeth or is determined to kill thee. Rev., would fain, seems rather feeble.
32. That fox. Herod. Describing his cunning and cow- ardice.
Cures (idces). Used by Luke only,
378 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. XIV.
I shall be perfected (reXevoduas). The present tense: “ the “present of the certain future” (Meyer). The meaning is, / come to an end: I have done. Expositors differ greatly. Some interpret, “I end my career of healing,” etc. ; others, my life.
33. It cannot be (ov« évdéyera). The verb means to accept or admit ; so that the sense is, “ it is not admissible that.” The expression is ironical and hyperbolical, with reference to Jeru- salem as having a monopoly of such martyrdoms. “It would be contrary to use and wont, and, in a manner, to theocratic de- corum, if such a prophet as I should perish elsewhere than in Jerusalem ” (Godet).
34. Would | have gathered (79éAnca érucvvaga). Lit.,“ I desired to gather.” See on well kell, ver. 31.
Hen. See on Matt. xxiii. 37.
CHAT Tilt eld -
1. Watched (cav maparnpovpevor). The participle and finite verb, were engaged in watching. Closely (apa). See on Mark iii. 2.
2, Which had the dropsy (idspwexos). Lit., a dropsical man. The usual way of marking a dropsical patient in medical language.
4, Took. Took hold of him. Luke xx. 20; 1 Tim. vi. 12.
5. Pit (6péap). The primary meaning is a well, as distin- guished from a fountain.
Pull out. More correctly wp (dvd).
7. They chose. Imperfect : were choosing. Something go- ing on before his eyes.
Cu. XIV.) LUKE. 879
The chief seats. Or couches. The Greek writers refer to the absurd contentions which sometimes arose for the chief seats at table. Theophrastus designates one who thrusts him- self into the place next the host as wsxpogidoTymos, one who seeks petty distinctions.
8. Wedding. More properly, marriage-feast.
9. Begin. Emphasizing the shame of the reluctant move- ment toward the lower place.