8. Nevertheless. Notwithstanding God is certain to vindi- cate, will the Son of man find on earth a persistence in faith answering to the widow’s ?
9. Despised (é€ov9evoivras). Lit., made nothing of. Rev., set at nought.
Others (rovs Aovrovs). The expression is stronger. Lit., the rest. They threw all others beside themselves into one class. Rev., correctly, ald others.
10. The other (érepos). With an implication of his being a different man. See on Matt. vi. 24.
Publican. See on ch. iii. 12.
11. Stood (cradels). Lit., hawing been placed. Took his stand. It implies taking up his position ostentatiously ; striking an attitude. But not necessarily in a bad sense. See on ch. xix. 8;.and compare Acts v. 20. Standing was the ordinary
posture of the Jews in prayer. Compare Matt. vi. 5; Mark xi. 25.
Cu. XVIILJ LUKE. 405
Prayed (mpoonvyero). Imperfect: began to pray, or pro- ceeded to pray. |
Other men (of Nourrol TH avIperrwv). Lit., the rest of men. See on ver. 9. A Jewish saying is quoted that a true Rabbin ought to thank God every day of his life; 1, that he was not created a Gentile; 2, that he was not a plebeian ; 3, that he was — not born a woman.
Extortioners. As the publicans.
This publican. Lit., this (one), the publican. This publi- can here. ‘“ He lets us see, even in the general enumeration, that he is thinking of the publican, so, afterward, he does not omit directly to mention him” (Goebel).
12. Twice in the week. The law required only one fast in the year, that on the great day of Atonement (Lev. xvi. 29 ; Num. xxix. 7); though public memorial fasts were added, dur- ing the Captivity, on the anniversaries of national calamities. The Pharisees fasted every Monday and Thursday during the weeks between the Passover and Pentecost, and again between the Feast of Tabernacles and that of the Dedication of the Temple.
I give tithes (a7odexata). See on Matt. xxiii. 23.
Possess («t@uar). Wrong. The Israelite did not pay tithes of his possessions, but only of his gains—his annual increase. See Gen. xxviii. 22; Deut. xiv. 22. Besides, the verb, in the present tense, does not mean to possess, but to acquire; the meaning possess being confined to the perfect and pluperfect. Rev., get. Compare Matt. x. 9 (Rev.); Acts xxii. 28; Luke xxi. 19 (on which see note); 1 Thess. iv. 4 (Rev.).
13. Standing (écrws). In a timid attitude: merely standing, not posturing as the Pharisee. See on ver. 11.
406 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. XVIIL
Afar off. Some explain, from the sanctuary; others, from the Pharisee.
Lift up his eyes. As worshippers ordinarily. Be merciful (iAdo Inte). Lit., be propitiated.
A sinner (7 duaptode). With the definite article, “the sinner.” “He thinks about no other man ” (Bengel).
15-17. Compare Matt. xix. 18-15 ; Mark x. 13-16. 15. Infants (ra Bpépn). See on 1 Pet. ii. 2.
Touch. So Mark. Matthew has lay his hands on them and pray.
16. Suffer. See on Matt. xix. 14. Only Mark notes the taking in his arms.
18-30. Compare Matt. xix. 16-30; xx. 1-16; Mark x. 17-31. 18. Ruler. Peculiar to Luke. 20. Why callest thou me good? See on Matt. xix. 17.
Do not commit adultery, etc. Compare the different ar- rangement of the commandments by the three synoptists.
22. Yet lackest thou one thing (éti év cou Xelrer). Lit, still one thing is lacking to thee. Mark alone adds that Jesus, looking upon him, loved him.
Come (ceipo). Lit., hither.
23. He was very sorrowful. Rev., more correctly renders éeyerndn, he became. See on Mark x. 22.
Cu. XVIII] LUKE. 407
Very rich. The Greek order forms a climax: “rich exceed- ingly.”
25. Camel. See on Matt. xix. 24.
To go through the eye of aneedle (Sia tpnyatos Pedouvns eiced civ). Rev., more literally, to enter in through a needles eye. Both Matthew and Mark use another word for needle (padés) ; see on Mark x. 25. Luke alone has Sedovn, which, be- sides being an older term, is the peculiar word for the surgical needle. The other word is condemned by the Greek gramma- rians as barbarous.