Question from Reader:
2Thess 2:6--- Does it have anything to do with the two witnesses being part of the restraint?
Reply from Author:
2Thess. 2:1-12:
1 However, brothers, respecting the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we request of YOU 2 not to be quickly shaken from YOUR reason nor to be excited either through an inspired expression or through a verbal message or through a letter as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is here.
3 Let no one seduce YOU in any manner, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. 4 He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called “god” or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god. 5 Do YOU not remember that, while I was yet with YOU, I used to tell YOU these things?
6 And so now YOU know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time.
7 True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work; but only till he who is right now acting as a restraint gets to be out of the way.
8 Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence.
9 But the lawless one’s presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents
10 and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved.
11 So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie,
12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness."
Verse 6:
"And so now YOU know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time."
Verse 8:
"Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence."
This is not Paul acting a restraint, being taken out of the way, being revealed, or being done away with. It is the man of lawlessness and his acts of deception, to which all these events apply!
Please read verses 6-8 above, until you see that clearly.
I know that many people believe that verse 6 is speaking of the "thing" that "acts as a restraint", as being a good force that restrains the "lawless one".
That is not at all how I read these verses. Please let me explain.
In the time of the end...
(1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13-16; 2Thess. 2:1-3; Matt.24:24-25; Rev.13:7; 2:20)
...Yhwh is allowing this "operation of error" (2Thess. 2:11). It is therefore, not being restrained by Him during the great tribulation, nor by those faithfully doing God's will.
In the time of the end, Satan is released from
the abyss. Satan's power and deceptions are then "misleading the entire inhabited earth". To know meaning of "earth" (lit. occupied homestead) and those to whom it applies, research is needed (John 14:23; Eph.3:17).
(Rev.12:9; 1John 5:19 b; 2Thess. 2:9; Dan.11:36; 7:25; Rev.13:6-7)
The first century Jews were mislead by their leaders (Matt.15:12,14; 23:1,2,3; Isa.42:22). Jesus came to dispel that darkness and bring spiritual perception to those who accepted him (Matt.13:11; John 9:5; 14:21; 2Pet. 1:19; Rev.22:16 c; Rev.2:28; 2Cor.4:6; John 1:11,12,9,4,5)
Among first century anointed, Satanic deception did not restrain God's faithful people (Luke 10:17,18,19; 2Cor. 2:11; 1John 2:14).
For them, Satan was chained and cast into the Abyss (Isa.49:24,25; Matt.12:29; Luke 11:22; Rev.20:3) "that he might not mislead the nations anymore".
The meaning of "nations", we must accurately perceive.
Obviously, it is not the literal world that is free of Satanic deception (1John 5:19; 2Cor. 4:4). The "nations" not able to be deceived by Satan then, is not all people of all nations, but rather those who have the light of God's spirit, redeemed from among all nations.
(see Rev.5:9,10; 7:9; Acts 10:34-35; 26:23; 2Cor. 4:6; Luke 10:17; 1Pet. 2:9; John 8:32; Col.1:13; 1Cor. 15:25).
The "abyssing" of Satan occurred when Christ put Satan there in the first century (Matt.28:18; Rev.1:18; 20:1-3) (Matt.8:29; Jude 1:6; 1Pet. 3:19) (Luke 10:17-20).
These verses refer to that:
Isa.49:24,25; Mark 3:27; Rev.20:1,2
Satan is released at the end of Christ's "thousand year" reign, by "Wormwood" in the time of the End (Rev.8:10-11; 9:1-3,11; Isa.33:1; Rev.16:13-16; 20:7-8,3; 12:12 F; 1Tim. 4:1). That release of Satan and all his agents of deception, both spirit and human, initiated the Great Tribulation.
Satan then is able once again, to mislead God's people. (Job 3:8; Rev.13:1,7,10; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8; Isa.42:22; Rev.13:10; Dan.8:11-12; 11:31; 12:11; 2Thess. 2:4; Rev.11:2; Matt.24:24-25,15-16) (Col.2:8; Rev.16:13-14; 1Tim. 4:1)
(Amos 5:18; Joel 2:1,2; Matt.24:21,29; Rev.9:2,3; Isa.60:1,2)
(Job 3:8 "Who is Leviathan?")
This final flood of deception (Rev.12:15; Isa.59:19,20; 43:1,2,3,4; Rev.12:16) comes to God's remnant, through the agents of the abyss (Rev.9:1-3; 11:7 B)(Matt.24:4,5,45,45; Rev.19:20; 16:13-14; 1Tim. 4:1; Rev.13:11,12,14,15; 6:9,11; John 16:2)
(Job 3:8 "Who is Leviathan?")
This final flood of deception (Rev.12:15; Isa.59:19,20; 43:1,2,3,4; Rev.12:16) comes to God's remnant, through the agents of the abyss (Rev.9:1-3; 11:7 B)(Matt.24:4,5,45,45; Rev.19:20; 16:13-14; 1Tim. 4:1; Rev.13:11,12,14,15; 6:9,11; John 16:2)
[AGENTS of Abyss: the "locust-scorpions"/"Wild Beast" collective
(Rev.9:3,10; Joel 2:1-2; Matt.24:21) (Rev.9:10; Eze.2:6; Luke 10:19).]
That occurs within Satan's "short period of time" of freedom and perception (Rev.12:12; 20:3; Matt.24:22,32-33; Luke 21:28)... called, the Great Tribulation (Amos 9:9; Luke 21:35; Matt.24:21; Dan.12:1; Eze.5:9; Rev.13:8,7; 2:20; Luke 21:22).
(When is Satan's short period of time?)
(Meaning of "Earth")
These "locust-scorpions"/"Wild Beast"/"man of lawlessness"/"anti-Christ, IS the "thing that acts as a restraint" against the remaining ones of the woman's seed/Holy Ones/Temple of God (Luke 21:22,24; Rev.3:2-3,17-18; 12:17; Dan.8:11-13).
(Meaning of "Earth")
These "locust-scorpions"/"Wild Beast"/"man of lawlessness"/"anti-Christ, IS the "thing that acts as a restraint" against the remaining ones of the woman's seed/Holy Ones/Temple of God (Luke 21:22,24; Rev.3:2-3,17-18; 12:17; Dan.8:11-13).
What is the nature and effect of this restraint?
How do Satanic lies, restrain the agents of truth?
When our minds are taken captive to fallacious teaching (Col.2:8), we lose our spiritual perception. Our faith is displaced, we are veiled, and the light of Christ is distant. In allegory, we have become prisoners of the pit of darkness (abyss/Hades). The truth is not in us. (Eph.4:18; Rom.1:21)
Since our teaching is sourced in the heart (Luke 6:43-45; Matt.7:20), what we then teach is not of Christ. We are no longer his slave, but have become a slave of deception... both in our faith, and in our teaching. Without the light of Christ, we do not have life (2Cor. 4:6; John 1:4,5)
God allows this error to go forth during the Great Tribulation, to make a distinction between those who take pleasure in unrighteousness, from those who love the truth (2Thess. 2:11,12; Mal.3:18). Those who are courageous and love divine truth, will face the threat of death (Rev.13:15; John 16:2; Rev.6:9-11; 12:10,11; 11:7; Rom.6:5). Their loyal faithfulness will earn them deliverance by Christ
(2Cor. 4:6; John 1:5; Col.1:13; 2Pet. 1:19; Rev.22:16; Mark 8:35)
This indicates that the restraint will only be effective over the anointed elect, until it is revealed, exposed, and made impotent by the spirit of truth that originates with Christ. (2Thess. 2:8)
("by the breath of his mouth" -see John 20:22; Zech.4:6; Isa.11:4; Rev.19:15; Joel 3:13; Rev.19:14; 11:5; Mal.4:5-6; Matt.17:11; Mal.3:1-3; Rev.2:16; Eph.6:17)
The Greek interlinear shows the proper meaning of 2Thess. 2:6. Some translations render this verse as containing two different identities...the one who restrains, and the one to be revealed. But the transliteration of the Greek helps to show, that these two are one in the same...
"And now the thing holding down you have known, into the to be revealed him in the of him appointed time."
(Greek interlinear )
It is the thing holding down, that is also to be revealed.
It is the thing holding down, that is also to be revealed.
2Thess. 2:7 shows that the "holding down/lawlessness/set in opposition" will only be effective until this restraint is cleared away/exposed/revealed.
Let us examine the context of verse 6, to see the main subjects that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are speaking about.
Remember, according to verse 1, (2Thess. 2:1) they are primarily speaking about the period of time when the anointed are "gathered together to him" (Christ) (Eph.1:10). This period of being "gathered together" was referred to by Christ, at Matt. 24:28 ; Luke 17:34,37; John 14:3-6 ; Rev.14:4; 1Pet. 2:21; Rom.6:5; Heb.13:13; Matt.25:6; John 10:3-4; Mark 8:35; Rev.6:9-11).
During this period, God and Christ would begin to feed the faithful anointed prophets, directly (Luke 12:35,36,37; Dan.12:1,10,3; Rev.11:3-4; Matt.5:15; Rev.1:20; 10:7). They would no longer be fed by the "Steward" arrangement (Luke 12:42,45).
Why?
Because the steward is no longer providing the other anointed the "proper food at the proper time" (Matt.24:4-5,13:25) (Gal.4:2-3,8-9; Eph.4:13; Heb.5:14) (Luke 12:42; 1Cor. 4:1) (Matt.13:30). The faithful anointed are under the greatest test as the end approaches, and they need the truth in order to become sealed as slaves of God (Rev.7:3,15; 14:1,16; Deut.11:18; Rev.22:3-4).
Christ will gather his Chosen faithful to him in the time of his "presence", to be fed
(Rev.1:10;12:6,14; Matt.24:31,28; 22:1-2,8-10; Rev.22:6,16-17; John 10:3; Heb.13:13; Rev.18:4; Matt.24:15-16; Eze.36:8; 34:25-27) (Matt.24:28; Job 39:27,28,29,30; Luke 17:37) (Rev19:9; Matt.22:8-10; Rev.22:17)
It is previous to the genuine, actual presence (Mal.3:1; Heb.10:37; Hab.2:2-3), that anointed need to be on guard against being misled into believing an earlier, counterfeit fulfillment of Christ's arrival (2Thess. 2:2; Matt.24:24-25; Rev.19:20; 13:14,15). The faithful slaves of Christ must then be gathered together in the cause of truth (John 4:24; Rev.17:14; 19:14) to bear testimony to the truth Jesus then gives (Rev.19:10-11,14; 17:14; 6:9,11; 12:10-11,17; 17:14; 20:4). (Rev.2:17,7,26,27,28; 22:16)
The lie that is prophesied to be promoted during this period, is the assertion that these anointed "apostles" are "already standing in the day of the Lord" (Greek transliteration of 2Thess. 2:2). (Mal.3:2; Luke 21:36)
This "lawless one" proposes that the Kingdom has already begun to rule in the earth through they and their minions (Rev.13:11,8; 19:20).
This proposal would include the implications of the Kingdom's arrival....
the manifestation of the sealed Heirs and
their receiving the inheritance of the Master's belongings.
This "lawless one" proposes that the Kingdom has already begun to rule in the earth through they and their minions (Rev.13:11,8; 19:20).
This proposal would include the implications of the Kingdom's arrival....
the manifestation of the sealed Heirs and
their receiving the inheritance of the Master's belongings.
Who is making this claim that they already are, "the Faithful and Discreet Slave"? What face would they assert the Kingdom rule possessed?
(Note: There has been another doctrinal change issuing from the WT. They now assert that Christ did not reward them in 1914, but will do so during the Great Tribulation. To see how this change effects this discussion, see these two: (LINK) (LINK-2)
(Note: There has been another doctrinal change issuing from the WT. They now assert that Christ did not reward them in 1914, but will do so during the Great Tribulation. To see how this change effects this discussion, see these two: (LINK) (LINK-2)
Verses 3&4 tell us.
2Thess. 2:3:
The very ones who make this claim are in a position to "seduce/deceive" the anointed themselves. (Matt.24:24; 2Cor. 11:3,4,5,13) They are described as "apostacy"/"falling away" (2Thess. 2:3 a). They are associated with the "man of lawlessness"..."the son of destruction".
What is the nature of this apostasy?
2Thess. 2:4:
Both the anointed apostasy and the man of lawlessness it is over, are "lying against" (Greek interlinear) (opposes/holds down/restrains/takes captive) the other anointed.
[This is the "Anti" (against) "Christos" (anointed)].
The empowered man of lawlessness lifts himself up over God's spiritual Temple of Holy Ones (2Thess. 2:4; 1Cor. 3:16,17; Matt.24:15) and restrains them.
Then, in harmony with the claim that the Kingdom rule has begun,
*"he"* sits down in God's temple,
"showing off himself that he is a god" (having God's spirit, given divine authority--approved to rule over anointed--appointed by Holy Spirit).
[This is the "Anti" (against) "Christos" (anointed)].
The empowered man of lawlessness lifts himself up over God's spiritual Temple of Holy Ones (2Thess. 2:4; 1Cor. 3:16,17; Matt.24:15) and restrains them.
Then, in harmony with the claim that the Kingdom rule has begun,
*"he"* sits down in God's temple,
"showing off himself that he is a god" (having God's spirit, given divine authority--approved to rule over anointed--appointed by Holy Spirit).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/01/who-are-gods.html)
This one has been installed to express the power of those who claim to have received the inheritance of the Master's belongings. This apostate prophet can not rule without these lawless men who act as a restraint toward the captive elect (Dan.11:31).
This one has been installed to express the power of those who claim to have received the inheritance of the Master's belongings. This apostate prophet can not rule without these lawless men who act as a restraint toward the captive elect (Dan.11:31).
By what authority would "he" assert such things?
2Thess. 2:2 tells us:
In addition, to having the authority, power and position to send out lies; the apostate prophet claims to be of equal station to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. The writings of this deceptive leader, would be put forth as equal to scripture..."through a letter as though from us" (Rev.2:2).
And then, we come to verse 6a, where the writers continue their description of this impostor.
The interlinear Greek reads...
"And now the thing holding down you have known".
The previous verses were not speaking of the Holy forces of the apostles or writers of this book. The subject of their words are this lying man of lawlessness and the apostate prophet.
In what way would this lawless one be "holding down"?
Remember, this letter started with the subject of the time when the anointed are gathered together to Christ, during his presence. 2Thess. 2:1; Matt.24:3,4,5,15,16,31)
This lying authority, who has lifted himself over the Holy Ones, has asserted that this "gathering" is already done...and that "he" is the manifestation of that Kingdom authority in God's temple. This would naturally "hold down", or "restrain" the real gathering of those true ones, as well as restrain the truth they are trying to shine from Christ. This false ruler would view the "bearing witness to Jesus" as a threat to their own false doctrines and power (2Tim. 4:3; Rev.12:11; 13:15; 11:7).
Who is behind this desire to restrain the gathering of the true Holy Ones to Christ (Rev.19:14,8; 9:5; Matt.18:20; Rev.11:3) and "hold down" the emergence of truth?
2Thess. 2:9 tells us.
It is Satan who is using this puppet... to "restrain/hold down" the gathering of his foes (Rev.12:17; Eph.6:12).
During this "lawless one's presence", Satan and the demons are "gathering" their own army. It includes these apostates (2Thess. 2:2,3,9; Rev.16:13,14; 8:10,11; 9:2), false prophet (Rev.13:11; 19:20; 17:3) and their lawless beast (Rev.13:1,2,4,5,6,7), who are assisting Satan in releasing this dark deception (Rev.9:1,2,3,4; 2Thess. 2:10,11,12; Rev.13:14; 9:3,7,8,9,10; Deut.28:42; Jer.46:23; 51:14,27)...the "unclean inspired expressions" of demons (Rev.16:13; 1Tim.4:1).
Why do we see these two sides being gathered (Mal.3:18)?
On one side, there is Satan and his apostate prophet, along with its "man of lawlessness"(wild beast-Rev.13:18c / locust-scorpion collective).
Along with these two, are all those deceived by them (2Thess. 2:10; Rev.13:14,8; 1Tim. 6:20,21).
Satan is trying to prevent Christ from establishing the Kingdom, through which Satan will lose his dominion over the world (1John 5:19b).
On the other side, we see Holy Ones being gathered to Christ, being fed true food from him, and then teaching that truth (Rev.11:3; 12:10-11; 6:9-11). As the final ones to be sealed, their faithful course ends in death, and then they are resurrected to join Christ in establishing the Kingdom (Rom.6:5; Rev.11:7,11,12; 20:4; 16:6;12:11;18:24).
What will be the final result of this preliminary gathering of each side?
Rev.19:19 and 16:16, tells us that they will battle (Rev.17:14). Satan's gathered "kings", have aligned themselves with the "wild beast" and the lies it enforces (Rev.17:12; 19:19). Christ's kings have aligned themselves with Spirit and Truth (John 4:23, 24; Rev.14:5). This is the "hour" (John 4:23; Rev.3:10; 14:7; 17:12).
How has this aligning of both sides taken place?
This "false prophet" apostate [and those misled by this unrighteousness (2Thess. 2:10,11,12; Rev.13:8)] side with Satan, by doing his will...teaching lies, oppressing ("acting as a restraint") and trying to mislead Holy Ones (John 8:44).
Near the end, Satan exploits "fallen" authority within God's temple [ruling anointed (Steward) who have compromised their integrity to truth Rev.8:10,11; 9:1; Matt.24:48].
Being enticed and mislead by Satan themselves (2Tim. 3:13; Rev.12:9,17), they join in Satan's deceiving effort to kill the faithfulness of the Holy Ones (2Cor. 11:3; Rev.9:1,2,3,11; Matt.24:49). This restraint/resistance/holding down, will escalate (John 16:1,2; Isa.66:5; Luke 12:51,53; Mark 13:12; Rev.12:11; 11:7,8; 6:9; 18:24; Matt.23:34,35,36,37a; Rev.6:9,10,11; 17:6; 19:2)
The Holy Ones/kings who are released from this restraint (Rev.9:13,14,15; 1Pet. 2:9) and no longer mislead by this tactic of Satan (Matt.24:24; Isa.25:7; 2Cor. 3:16; Rev.20:9,10,11,12,13,14; Joel 2:25,27), will "gather to Christ" by doing God's will, learning and then teaching, truth (Luke 22:32; 17:35,36,37; Rev.12:6,14; 11:3; Matt.25:5,6,7,10,13). They will conquer these apostates, by delivering the same weapon Christ is feeding them...the "long sword of his mouth", the truth of the scriptures (Rev.19:15,21,11,14; Heb.4:12; Rev.1:1,2,3; 2Cor. 10:3,4,5,6; 11:12; Rev.12:10,11).
Verse 6 again...
"And so now YOU know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time."
This tells us that the very "thing that acts as a restraint" is going to be revealed. Who is that?
2Thess. 2:8 tells us.
"Then, indeed, *the lawless one will be revealed*, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence
(1Tim. 6:15; 2Tim. 4:8; Titus 2:13; Rev.18:20; Dan.8:14; Mal.3:1).
Yes, it is the "lawless one" that is acting as a restraint...to the Holy Ones and to truth (2Tim. 3:8; Acts 7:51; Psalm 38:20; Rev.13:14).
This lawless apostate and his lawless servants will be revealed and brought to nothing by the manifestation of Christ, through those Holy Ones who do gather to him, and are used by the "spirit" of Christ's "mouth" to trumpet the truth (Rev.15:4; Micah 3:8; Matt.10:27,28,29)
This manifestation of Christ will bring to nothing the lies of this apostate (Rev.16:12;18:8,14; Micah 3:6,7,9,10); by the "revealing" of this one's true identity (Rev.17:7,18; 13:11), as well as the identity of it's lawless servant
(Psalm 109:1-5,6-8; Rev.16:10; 13:15; 2Thess. 2:3).
No longer will "he" be viewed as a "god" in the seat of "The God"'s temple (Eze.28:2; Isa.31:3; Matt.24:15; Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2)...but "he" will be "revealed" for the servant of Satan that "he" is (2Thess. 2:8; Rev.13:1,2; 9:11; John 3:20). The "due time" has arrived for this exposure/Revelation (Heb.4:12; Rev.16:10,15).
Once again, verse 6:
"And so now YOU know the thing that acts as a restraint, with a view to his being revealed in his own due time."
And so hopefully now, you also "know the thing that acts as a restraint" to the Truth. It is the "due time" for these apostates to be revealed... as well as the real identity of this Man of Lawlessness.
I hope that it's exposure will enable you to avoid being among those "perishing", who believe the "powerful works...lying signs...portents...unrighteous deception...operation of error...lie" (2Thess. 2:9-12; Rev.13:8,14) of this prominent apostate seated over all, in the Temple of the True God.
I hope that you may be among those proving firm in endurance (2Thess. 3:3) through this Great Tribulation (Matt.24:21) and spiritual test of integrity.
Thank you for your question,
Pearl
To understand more clearly the identities of this apostate prophet, and the "man of lawlessness/son of destruction" that serves the apostate prophet, may I suggest further reading...
https://pearl-666.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-judas.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-wastefulsteward.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-whowasthetwelfthapostle.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-distinction.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-forehead.blogspot.com/
https://pearl-666.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-judas.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-wastefulsteward.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-whowasthetwelfthapostle.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-distinction.blogspot.com/
http://pearl-forehead.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to view my profile to see other articles I've written.
I welcome questions, if anything is hard to understand. (pearl144000@hotmail.com)
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I welcome questions, if anything is hard to understand. (pearl144000@hotmail.com)
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I have received a question regarding the translation of Matt.24:28 as regards the above article. Some translations render the word there as "vultures" rather than "eagles". For those who are confused as to which bird Jesus stated, I have posted the following article which clears this up.
Eagles vs. Vultures Matthew 24:28, Luke 17:37
by Obadiah on 11-01-2010 at 10:34 PM
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This below, is a comment from a forum. They read Obe's post, linked just above, and have quoted part of it in their comment below.
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I was reading the "thread" on the carcass Matt 24:28...very interesting subject. I appreciated the questions and the insightful responses given. It helped me to see that research does help to "get the sense" of the scriptures.
The research of those you refer to on the forum, brought out that eagles do eat dead bodies and my research concurs with theirs. Eagles are also "sippers of blood “which goes along with (Job 39:30).
Eagles and vultures are both considered unclean to the Hebrews and both have keen eyesight. Vultures are the "sanitation" clean-up crews of the predatory birds. Eagles are very brave compared to vultures that are cowardly opportunistic feeders. Eagles have been filmed stealing food right out of the clutches of other predators, even those larger than they are. They are used in Europe to help hunt and kill wolves.
By way of personal experience I was driving on a country rural road one day and I approached four very large brown birds eating carrion... each standing about 3 feet tall. They wouldn't even move although I was only 10 feet from them. I tried to gently drive around them and they finally took flight. They were magnificent graceful and majestic as they flew off. I later was told that they were "Brown or Golden eagles".
My first stop on this research highway was the simple dictionary for English to Hebrew / Greek words. I do not have exact Hebrew / Greek text on my keyboard, but these are pretty darn close.
Written as `lw} this is the basic Hebrew word for {eagle}. Hebrew / Aramaic as (Nesher, Nahr, Neshar) found in Job 39:27. It is invariably translated as eagle.
Sometimes certain translators prefer to say it might mean the well-known (Neophron Percnopterus - The Egyptian eagle / vulture), or possible the (Gyps himalayensis - Griffon vulture).
Sometimes certain translators prefer to say it might mean the well-known (Neophron Percnopterus - The Egyptian eagle / vulture), or possible the (Gyps himalayensis - Griffon vulture).
If you consider that there is a distinct Hebrew word for vulture which is written as U'Y
(Oz niyah) (racham, racha'mah) ,definitely quite different from `lw} (Nahr, Nesher, Neshar) then it makes one wonder why the Hebrew writer didn't use the Hebrew word for vulture, which was available. Instead he used the Hebrew word for eagle.
Indeed at Scripture4all in the Hebrew Interlinear translation they type "vulture" underneath the Hebrew word for "eagle". Even more interesting is the fact that if you glance over to the right hand column. The English reading at Job 39:27 reads this way at Scripture4all :
"Doth the "eagle" mount up at thy command and make her nest on high?"
So at Scripture4all in the Hebrew interlinear translation we see that those translators in the end covered their bets by translating the Hebrew word correctly as "eagle". (As the saying goes "where the rubber meets the road") It is very strange that they were inconsistent at all. It reminds me of Jesus words at (Rev 3:14-17) where he says that he wishes they were hot or cold, but instead they are "lukewarm".
So at Scripture4all in the Hebrew interlinear translation we see that those translators in the end covered their bets by translating the Hebrew word correctly as "eagle". (As the saying goes "where the rubber meets the road") It is very strange that they were inconsistent at all. It reminds me of Jesus words at (Rev 3:14-17) where he says that he wishes they were hot or cold, but instead they are "lukewarm".
(Vultures do not build their nest "on high" crag)
Now going to (Matt 24:28 and Luke 17:37) we see something even more certain.
The Greek word for eagle is {Aeto's} and plural for eagles is {Aetoi}.
There was also and is a distinct Greek word for vulture and that is {O'pvio}. They didn't use this word.
Let's see {Aeto's / Aetoi} or {O'pvio}... Yeah it's pretty clear that they are two different words. The writers of Matthew and Luke both chose the word {Aetoi} (eagles) because that was the word Jesus the great teacher used.
Interestingly there were four distinct types of eagles in the area.
The Golden eagle, the Imperial eagle, the Spotted eagle and the common eagle called the Ciraetus gallicus. So... Aeto's / Aetoi it is.
At Scripture4all in the Greek Interlinear translation they do the same thing here as before. In Mt 24:28, Luke 17:37, and also at Rev 4:7 (speaking of the fourth living creature) they type "vulture" under the Greek word for eagles / eagle Aetoi / Aeto's . However once again on the right side column in the English reading they correctly translate the word as eagles / eagle. So even here they admit that eagle is correct, as it should be.
Why all the fuss over which one to use? Jesus was speaking of something more than just a purely physical situation.
The writers sometimes give different views on the same subject which helps to identify something more clearly. In the carcass "thread" D55 (Pearl Doxsey) makes a good point. If one writer says the person you are looking for has brown hair, and another writer says the person you are looking for has blue eyes...this doesn't change the fact that the person still has brown hair. It just adds more details to help you understand the subject better.
The Body in Luke is clearly the carcass in Matthew. Some translators say it is the "slain ones" (plural)...see also Job 39:30..."ones wounded", "where the slain are” at Scripture4all.
But doesn't Matthew say "carcass”?
So doesn't it mean a dead body? Not so fast...
There is a spiritual death like being expelled from the synagogue. There are also some things worse than death. Ask anyone who has lost someone that they dearly love while they are still living. A spouse or a child who has lost someone they love because that person left them to be with another.
Then too there is the disfellowshipping death where we are not supposed to have anything to do with someone we love. This is very painful.
The eagle is perfect because it is brave. It has keen eyesight (spiritual insight). It eats flesh and drinks blood does it not?
How appropriate for this application.
All of Jesus brothers partake of his flesh and blood. All of the faithful, are "slain" (Rev.6:9,10,11; Rom.6:5)
Jesus gives them talents, insight, courage to do what he asks them to do. They have spiritual perception to see. They have a keen consciousness of their spiritual need. They will gather to where the body is to feed on the living bread of life, the word of God, the "Tree of life".
Jesus is the way and the truth. Jesus said to feed my sheep; this includes each other and his other sheep who put faith in him. All those conscious of their spiritual need will seek out this body to feed upon as well.
Yes Jesus knew what he meant.
The Eagle was the perfect choice.
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