2 maccabees 11:19 - If then you⌃ will preserve your good will toward the state, henceforward also will I endeavor to contribute to your good.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 11:19

What does "2 maccabees 11:19" mean?


This verse, taken from a letter in 2 Maccabees 11:19, essentially expresses a promise of reciprocity between a ruler (or authority figure) and the people of a state. Let's break it down:

"If then you will preserve your good will toward the state...": This is a conditional statement. It means "Provided that you continue to maintain a positive and supportive attitude towards the government and the well-being of our country/community..."
"...henceforward also will I endeavor to contribute to your good.": "From this point forward, I will also strive to do what is best for you/to work for your benefit."

In simpler terms:

"If you the people, will remain loyal and supportive of the state, then I, as the ruler, will also commit myself to working for your benefit and welfare."

The implication:

This verse demonstrates a concept of mutual obligation. The ruler understands that the well-being of the state depends on the loyalty and support of its people, and in turn, the ruler is responsible for the well-being of the people. It's a promise to uphold their end of the bargain.

Context in 2 Maccabees:

In the historical context of 2 Maccabees, these letters were exchanged between Jewish leaders and representatives of the Seleucid Empire (who controlled the region at the time). The letters aimed to establish peaceful relations and guarantee certain rights and protections for the Jewish people. This particular verse would represent a guarantee from the Seleucid authorities that, as long as the Jewish people remained loyal to the empire, the authorities would act in their best interests.

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