2 esdras 7:59 - And he answered me, and said, Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought, for he that has what is hard to get rejoices over him that has what is plentiful.
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What does "2 esdras 7:59" mean?
The verse from 2 Esdras 7:59 is part of a larger dialogue about suffering, justice, and the problem of evil. It's a challenging verse, and different interpretations exist. Here's a breakdown of potential meanings:
"And he answered me, and said, Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought..." - This implies the narrator (Esdras) has been pondering difficult questions or experiencing doubts. He's being told to carefully consider his own thoughts and experiences, essentially to engage in introspection. He should analyze the arguments and questions he's raised.
"...for he that has what is hard to get rejoices over him that has what is plentiful." - This is the core of the verse and the source of its difficulty. It's about value, desire, and satisfaction. Possible interpretations:
Rarity Creates Value: Something that is scarce or difficult to attain is often considered more valuable than something that is abundant and easily accessible. This is true in economics and human psychology. The person who obtains the rare thing derives greater satisfaction from its possession.
Spiritual Struggle and Reward: This interpretation aligns with the context of 2 Esdras, which grapples with suffering and the perceived unfairness of the world. Those who endure hardship, testing, or spiritual battles (the "hard to get") will ultimately have greater joy and reward than those who have an easy, comfortable life ("what is plentiful"). Think of it as the joy of overcoming adversity.
The Righteous vs. the Wicked: In the broader themes of 2 Esdras, this could refer to the difference between the righteous who face trials and the wicked who prosper in this world. The righteous, after their tribulations, will ultimately rejoice over the wicked who enjoyed earthly pleasures. This aligns with the apocalyptic hope of future vindication for the righteous.
The Value of Wisdom and Understanding: Wisdom and spiritual understanding are often "hard to get." They require effort, discipline, and perhaps suffering. Someone who attains this wisdom will rejoice over someone who has merely material possessions or worldly success, because the former is of much greater value.
In essence, the verse suggests that true value and lasting joy are not found in ease or abundance, but in overcoming difficulty and attaining something rare and precious, be it spiritual insight, righteousness, or a hard-won victory.
Important Considerations:
Context: Always consider the surrounding verses and the overall themes of 2 Esdras. The book deals with questions of divine justice, the problem of suffering, and the future hope of the righteous.
Apocalyptic Literature: 2 Esdras is apocalyptic literature, which often uses symbolic language and addresses big questions about the end times, God's judgment, and the triumph of good over evil. The verse should be understood within this genre.
Multiple Interpretations: As with many biblical or apocryphal texts, there is no single "correct" interpretation. The verse invites reflection and can be understood in different ways depending on one's perspective.
2 esdras 7:59 - And he answered me, and said, Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought, for he that has what is hard to get rejoices over him that has what is plentiful.
What does "2 esdras 7:59" mean?
The verse from 2 Esdras 7:59 is part of a larger dialogue about suffering, justice, and the problem of evil. It's a challenging verse, and different interpretations exist. Here's a breakdown of potential meanings:
"And he answered me, and said, Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought..." - This implies the narrator (Esdras) has been pondering difficult questions or experiencing doubts. He's being told to carefully consider his own thoughts and experiences, essentially to engage in introspection. He should analyze the arguments and questions he's raised.
"...for he that has what is hard to get rejoices over him that has what is plentiful." - This is the core of the verse and the source of its difficulty. It's about value, desire, and satisfaction. Possible interpretations:
Rarity Creates Value: Something that is scarce or difficult to attain is often considered more valuable than something that is abundant and easily accessible. This is true in economics and human psychology. The person who obtains the rare thing derives greater satisfaction from its possession.
Spiritual Struggle and Reward: This interpretation aligns with the context of 2 Esdras, which grapples with suffering and the perceived unfairness of the world. Those who endure hardship, testing, or spiritual battles (the "hard to get") will ultimately have greater joy and reward than those who have an easy, comfortable life ("what is plentiful"). Think of it as the joy of overcoming adversity.
The Righteous vs. the Wicked: In the broader themes of 2 Esdras, this could refer to the difference between the righteous who face trials and the wicked who prosper in this world. The righteous, after their tribulations, will ultimately rejoice over the wicked who enjoyed earthly pleasures. This aligns with the apocalyptic hope of future vindication for the righteous.
The Value of Wisdom and Understanding: Wisdom and spiritual understanding are often "hard to get." They require effort, discipline, and perhaps suffering. Someone who attains this wisdom will rejoice over someone who has merely material possessions or worldly success, because the former is of much greater value.
In essence, the verse suggests that true value and lasting joy are not found in ease or abundance, but in overcoming difficulty and attaining something rare and precious, be it spiritual insight, righteousness, or a hard-won victory.
Important Considerations:
Context: Always consider the surrounding verses and the overall themes of 2 Esdras. The book deals with questions of divine justice, the problem of suffering, and the future hope of the righteous.
Apocalyptic Literature: 2 Esdras is apocalyptic literature, which often uses symbolic language and addresses big questions about the end times, God's judgment, and the triumph of good over evil. The verse should be understood within this genre.
Multiple Interpretations: As with many biblical or apocryphal texts, there is no single "correct" interpretation. The verse invites reflection and can be understood in different ways depending on one's perspective.