numbered also eight deadly sins : see Columbanus,1 and Gol- dastus3 on him; also Ephraem Syrus,3 f. ux/3. The seven, how ever, differ from that one in wickedness, perhaps also among themselves. The greater number includes the lesser numbers also disjunctively ; cf. Luke viii. 8, with Matt. xiii. 8. There fore, six spirits may occupy one, five another, four another, etc. — xovriponpa, more evil) i.e., operating with greater subtilty, not by violent paroxysms. There are, therefore, unclean spirits who are yet less evil than others ; and there are other spirits exceed ingly malignant. — •/.aToiKsT, inhabit) make their habitation more perseveringly than before. — ^sipom, worse) Seven times worse and more. — KU.I, also) That which happened to the man in his body, shall be done to this generation spiritually,4
46. Mqrrip, mother) It is clear that, on this occasion, the thoughts and feelings of Mary were not in unison with those of her Son. — 6Aurw, unto Him) as if for His sake.6
48. Ti's sanv, x.r.X., ivho is, etc.) He does not scorn His mother, but He places His Father before her (see ver. 50) : and, with reference to this principle, He does not acknowledge His mother and brethren ; and uses this form of words to convey a reproof.
49. Ka/, X.T.A., and, etc.) The greatest gentleness and sobriety
1 ST COLUMBANUS was a native of Ireland, who flourished towards the close of the sixth and commencement of the seventh century. He was cele brated for his writings, theological and poetical, as well as for the extent and success of his missionary labours. — (I. B.)
2 MELCHIOR GOLDASTUS VON HAIMENSFELD, a Swiss by birth, edited the works of St Columbanus, and others, in 1604. He was a laborious anti quarian and philologist. Born in 1576 or 1578 ; died in 1635. — (I. B.)
3 EPHRAEM SYRUS was an eminent father of the Church, who flourished in the fourth century. He was born at Nisibis, where he became a pupil of St James, the celebrated bishop of that place. He went to Edessa A.D. 363, and, embracing a monastic life, retired to a cavern in one of the adjacent mountains, where he is said to have composed most of his works, which are very numerous. Some, however, are attributed to him, of which he was not the author. He obtained a high character for sanctity, and died in 378 or 379.
* Inasmuch as this generation has had so great a deliverance vouchsafed (offered) to it by the power of Christ. — V. g.
* O/ <t&f&$oJ atvToii) These were not sons whom Joseph had brought to Mary at their marriage ; for Christ, as He was accounted the Son of Joseph, so was accounted as absolutely his first-begotten Son. — V. g.
6 Their intention was to interrupt him ; Mark iii. 21, 31 — V. g.