2 esdras 14:46 - but keep the seventy last, that you may deliver them to such as be wise among your people:
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What does "2 esdras 14:46" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 14:46 is part of a larger narrative about Esdras (also known as Ezra) being commanded by God to rewrite the books of the law and other scriptures after they were destroyed. The verse specifically refers to a set of seventy secret books that Esdras is instructed to write.
Let's break down the meaning:
"but keep the seventy last...": This refers to a specific set of seventy books that Esdras is commanded to write. These are in addition to the publicly available books (likely the Hebrew scriptures we know today).
"...that you may deliver them to such as be wise among your people:": The instruction here is to not make these seventy books widely available. Instead, they should be entrusted only to the "wise" among the people.
Interpretation and Significance:
The interpretation of this verse is debated, but several common understandings exist:
1. Esoteric Knowledge: The seventy books are often interpreted as containing esoteric or hidden knowledge. This could include deeper interpretations of scripture, prophecies, or other wisdom not intended for the general populace. The "wise" are those considered capable of understanding and properly using this knowledge.
2. Preservation of Faith: In a time of crisis and potential persecution, these secret books could serve to preserve the core beliefs and traditions of the people. The "wise" would be those trusted to safeguard and pass on this knowledge in secret if necessary.
3. Elite Guardians: The verse suggests a hierarchy of knowledge and understanding. The "wise" are considered a select group, entrusted with a higher level of understanding and responsibility for preserving and interpreting the sacred texts.
4. Apocalyptic Literature: 2 Esdras itself is an example of apocalyptic literature, characterized by secret revelations, visions, and a focus on the end times. The seventy books might contain further apocalyptic prophecies or interpretations that are considered too potent or dangerous to be widely disseminated.
In summary, 2 Esdras 14:46 suggests that alongside the publicly available scriptures, there are seventy secret books containing deeper wisdom or prophecy that should be entrusted only to the most spiritually and intellectually capable individuals, the "wise among your people." This secrecy implies that the content is either too complex, too dangerous, or too precious to be shared with the general population.
Important Note: 2 Esdras is considered apocryphal or pseudepigraphal by many Christian denominations. It is not part of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament, but it is included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox biblical canons as an appendix. Therefore, interpretations of this verse often differ based on denominational perspectives.
2 esdras 14:46 - but keep the seventy last, that you may deliver them to such as be wise among your people:
What does "2 esdras 14:46" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 14:46 is part of a larger narrative about Esdras (also known as Ezra) being commanded by God to rewrite the books of the law and other scriptures after they were destroyed. The verse specifically refers to a set of seventy secret books that Esdras is instructed to write.
Let's break down the meaning:
"but keep the seventy last...": This refers to a specific set of seventy books that Esdras is commanded to write. These are in addition to the publicly available books (likely the Hebrew scriptures we know today).
"...that you may deliver them to such as be wise among your people:": The instruction here is to not make these seventy books widely available. Instead, they should be entrusted only to the "wise" among the people.
Interpretation and Significance:
The interpretation of this verse is debated, but several common understandings exist:
1. Esoteric Knowledge: The seventy books are often interpreted as containing esoteric or hidden knowledge. This could include deeper interpretations of scripture, prophecies, or other wisdom not intended for the general populace. The "wise" are those considered capable of understanding and properly using this knowledge.
2. Preservation of Faith: In a time of crisis and potential persecution, these secret books could serve to preserve the core beliefs and traditions of the people. The "wise" would be those trusted to safeguard and pass on this knowledge in secret if necessary.
3. Elite Guardians: The verse suggests a hierarchy of knowledge and understanding. The "wise" are considered a select group, entrusted with a higher level of understanding and responsibility for preserving and interpreting the sacred texts.
4. Apocalyptic Literature: 2 Esdras itself is an example of apocalyptic literature, characterized by secret revelations, visions, and a focus on the end times. The seventy books might contain further apocalyptic prophecies or interpretations that are considered too potent or dangerous to be widely disseminated.
In summary, 2 Esdras 14:46 suggests that alongside the publicly available scriptures, there are seventy secret books containing deeper wisdom or prophecy that should be entrusted only to the most spiritually and intellectually capable individuals, the "wise among your people." This secrecy implies that the content is either too complex, too dangerous, or too precious to be shared with the general population.
Important Note: 2 Esdras is considered apocryphal or pseudepigraphal by many Christian denominations. It is not part of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament, but it is included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox biblical canons as an appendix. Therefore, interpretations of this verse often differ based on denominational perspectives.