Manifold (zrove/Aous). Literally the word means variegated. It is used to describe the skin of a leopard, the different-colored veinings of marble, or an embroidered robe; and thence passes into the meaning of changeful, diversified, applied to the changing months or the variations of a strain of music. Peter employs it again, ch. iv. 10, of the grace of God, and James of temptations, as here (i. 2). Compare arodvmolxidos, manifold, in Eph. iii. 10, applied to the wisdom of God. The word gives a vivid picture of the diversity of the trials, emphasizing this idea rather than that of their nwmber, which is left to be in-
ferred.
' Temptations (evpacpois). Better, tréals, as in margin of
Cx. LJ THE FIRS! GENERAL EPISTLE OF PETER. 633
Rev., since the word includes more than direct solicitation to evil. It embraces all that goes to furnish a ¢est of character. Compare Jas. i. 2.
7. Trial (Soxqusov). Only here and Jas. i. 3. Rev., proof. The word means a test. As the means of proof, however, is not only the touchstone itself, but the trace of the metal left upon it, the sense here is the veswlt of the contact of faith with trial, and hence the verification of faith. The expression is equivalent to your approved faith. Compare Rom. ii. 7, 10.
Than of gold. Omitthe of, and read than gold. The com- parison is between the approved faith and the gold; not be- tween the faith and the proof of the gold.
Though it be tried (Soxipatouévov). Kindred with doxiuson, proof, and better rendered by Rev., proved. The verb is used in classical Greek of assaying or testing metals, and means, generally, to approve or sanction upon test. It is radically akin to déyecIat, to receive, and hence implies a proof with a view to determine whether a thing be worthy to be received. Compare 1 Cor. iii. 13; Gal. vi. 4; 1 Johniv.1. It thus differs from meipatew, to try or tempt (see on wetpacpots, ver. 6), in that that verb indicates simply a putting to proof to discover what good or evil is ina person ; and from the fact that such scrutiny so often develops the existence and energy of evil, the word acquired a predominant sense of putting to the proof with the design or hope of breaking down the subject under the proof— in other words, of temptation in the ordinary sense. Hence Satan is called 6 ewpdtwv, the tempter, Matt. iv. 3; 1 Thess. iii. 5. See on Matt. vi. 18. Archbishop Trench observes that “ Soxidtew could not be used of Satan, since he never proves that he may approve, nor tests that he may accept.”
Might be found (eipe94). In accord with the preceding expressions, and indicating discovery as the result of scrutiny.
Praise and glory and honor. Such is the order of the best texts, and so Rev. Glory and honor often occur together
634. WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. (Cu. I.
in the New Testament, as Rom. ii. 7,10; 1 Tim. 1.17. Only here with praise. Compare spirit of glory, ch. iv. 14.
8. Full of glory (Sedoacpévy). Lit., glorified, as Rev., in
margin.
Receiving (xopsfopevor). The verb originally means to take care of or provide for; thence to receive hospitably or enter- tain ; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of. Hence, to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue, and so to carry away as a prize or booty. Generally, to receive or acquire. Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Cor. v.10; Eph. vi. 8; Col. iii. 25). In Hebrews it is used of receiving the promise (x. 36; xi. 39), and of Abraham re- ceiving back Isaac (xi. 19). Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See ch. v. 4; 2 Pet. ii. 13.