2 esdras 8:13 - And you shall mortify it as your creature, and quicken it as your work.
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What does "2 esdras 8:13" mean?
The verse "And you shall mortify it as your creature, and quicken it as your work" from 2 Esdras 8:13 is a complex statement that likely refers to the dual nature of humanity and God's relationship to it. Let's break it down:
"And you shall mortify it as your creature..."
"Mortify" here means to subdue, control, or even put to death. It's not necessarily a literal death, but rather a curbing or disciplining. In a religious context, it often refers to suppressing sinful desires and impulses.
"As your creature" means in relation to your created, human nature. Humanity is God's creation and therefore inherently flawed and prone to sin. The "it" refers to that flawed aspect of human nature.
Therefore, this part of the verse suggests that we need to actively suppress and control the parts of ourselves that are prone to sin and weakness, as those characteristics are part of our inherent flawed, created nature.
"...and quicken it as your work."
"Quicken" means to make alive, to invigorate, or to give life to.
"As your work" emphasizes that humanity is also something God wants to see thrive. "Quicken" is something God does to you.
Therefore, this part of the verse means that God will also nurture the parts of ourselves that are godly and give life to, or make active, the aspects of us which align with God's character and intentions. This aspect of the verse emphasizes the positive aspects of human life created by God.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Acknowledge and control the sinful and flawed aspects of your nature (mortify it as your creature), because those aspects of you came from creation.
Receive and embrace the divine work that God is doing in you which makes you alive, godly and good (quicken it as your work).
Interpretation:
The verse presents a nuanced view of human nature:
The Dual Nature: It acknowledges that humans are both creatures susceptible to sin and potentially capable of being vessels of God's work and character.
The Need for Discipline and Divine Action: It emphasizes the need for both personal discipline in controlling sinful desires and divine intervention or empowerment to live a righteous life. We can control our sins as our creature, but only God can quicken it as His work.
The Sovereignty of God: While we are called to act and mortify our creature, the ultimate source of life and righteousness comes from God.
Context:
Understanding the context of 2 Esdras is important. This book is part of the Old Testament Apocrypha, a collection of Jewish writings not included in the Hebrew Bible but often found in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and other versions. The book deals with themes of suffering, divine justice, and the end times. This verse is a reflection on the human condition within that larger theological framework.
In summary, 2 Esdras 8:13 calls for a balance between self-discipline and divine grace. It recognizes the flawed nature of humanity but also affirms the potential for transformation and growth through God's work.
2 esdras 8:13 - And you shall mortify it as your creature, and quicken it as your work.
What does "2 esdras 8:13" mean?
The verse "And you shall mortify it as your creature, and quicken it as your work" from 2 Esdras 8:13 is a complex statement that likely refers to the dual nature of humanity and God's relationship to it. Let's break it down:
"And you shall mortify it as your creature..."
"Mortify" here means to subdue, control, or even put to death. It's not necessarily a literal death, but rather a curbing or disciplining. In a religious context, it often refers to suppressing sinful desires and impulses.
"As your creature" means in relation to your created, human nature. Humanity is God's creation and therefore inherently flawed and prone to sin. The "it" refers to that flawed aspect of human nature.
Therefore, this part of the verse suggests that we need to actively suppress and control the parts of ourselves that are prone to sin and weakness, as those characteristics are part of our inherent flawed, created nature.
"...and quicken it as your work."
"Quicken" means to make alive, to invigorate, or to give life to.
"As your work" emphasizes that humanity is also something God wants to see thrive. "Quicken" is something God does to you.
Therefore, this part of the verse means that God will also nurture the parts of ourselves that are godly and give life to, or make active, the aspects of us which align with God's character and intentions. This aspect of the verse emphasizes the positive aspects of human life created by God.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Acknowledge and control the sinful and flawed aspects of your nature (mortify it as your creature), because those aspects of you came from creation.
Receive and embrace the divine work that God is doing in you which makes you alive, godly and good (quicken it as your work).
Interpretation:
The verse presents a nuanced view of human nature:
The Dual Nature: It acknowledges that humans are both creatures susceptible to sin and potentially capable of being vessels of God's work and character.
The Need for Discipline and Divine Action: It emphasizes the need for both personal discipline in controlling sinful desires and divine intervention or empowerment to live a righteous life. We can control our sins as our creature, but only God can quicken it as His work.
The Sovereignty of God: While we are called to act and mortify our creature, the ultimate source of life and righteousness comes from God.
Context:
Understanding the context of 2 Esdras is important. This book is part of the Old Testament Apocrypha, a collection of Jewish writings not included in the Hebrew Bible but often found in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and other versions. The book deals with themes of suffering, divine justice, and the end times. This verse is a reflection on the human condition within that larger theological framework.
In summary, 2 Esdras 8:13 calls for a balance between self-discipline and divine grace. It recognizes the flawed nature of humanity but also affirms the potential for transformation and growth through God's work.