2 maccabees 2:29 - For as the masterbuilder of a new house must care for the whole structure, and again he that undertakes to decorate and paint it must seek out the things fit for the adorning thereof; even so I think it is also with us.
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What does "2 maccabees 2:29" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 2:29 is essentially an analogy comparing the author's role as a writer to the roles of a builder and a decorator. Let's break it down:
"For as the masterbuilder of a new house must care for the whole structure...": This highlights the builder's responsibility. The builder isn't just concerned with one part of the house but with the entire foundation, walls, roof, and general stability. They need to ensure the house is structurally sound and functional.
"...and again he that undertakes to decorate and paint it must seek out the things fit for the adorning thereof...": This shifts the focus to the decorator. The decorator's job is to enhance the beauty and appeal of the house. However, they can't just slap anything on; they need to choose decorations and colors that are appropriate, harmonious, and contribute to the overall aesthetic.
"...even so I think it is also with us.": This is the key application. The author is comparing their task of writing (specifically, abridging a longer history into a more manageable format) to the tasks of both the builder and the decorator. They are saying:
Like the builder: They have a responsibility to present the historical narrative accurately and comprehensively, ensuring the "structure" of the story is solid and coherent. They can't just cherry-pick events or leave out important details.
Like the decorator: They also need to present the story in a way that is engaging, appealing, and "adorned" in a manner suitable for the reader. This might mean using effective writing techniques, choosing the right emphasis, and crafting a compelling narrative.
In essence, the verse conveys the author's sense of responsibility and craftsmanship in their writing. They recognize that they have a duty to be both structurally sound (accurate and comprehensive) and aesthetically pleasing (engaging and well-written). It is a humble acknowledgement that even though the author is summarizing another work, there is still skill and effort required to do it well.
The author is essentially trying to justify his editorial choices. He's saying he understands that summarizing can involve choices about what to include and exclude, how to emphasize certain aspects, and how to present the information in a clear and compelling manner. And he's claiming that he has taken those choices responsibly and thoughtfully, like a skilled builder and decorator would approach their respective tasks.
2 maccabees 2:29 - For as the masterbuilder of a new house must care for the whole structure, and again he that undertakes to decorate and paint it must seek out the things fit for the adorning thereof; even so I think it is also with us.
What does "2 maccabees 2:29" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 2:29 is essentially an analogy comparing the author's role as a writer to the roles of a builder and a decorator. Let's break it down:
"For as the masterbuilder of a new house must care for the whole structure...": This highlights the builder's responsibility. The builder isn't just concerned with one part of the house but with the entire foundation, walls, roof, and general stability. They need to ensure the house is structurally sound and functional.
"...and again he that undertakes to decorate and paint it must seek out the things fit for the adorning thereof...": This shifts the focus to the decorator. The decorator's job is to enhance the beauty and appeal of the house. However, they can't just slap anything on; they need to choose decorations and colors that are appropriate, harmonious, and contribute to the overall aesthetic.
"...even so I think it is also with us.": This is the key application. The author is comparing their task of writing (specifically, abridging a longer history into a more manageable format) to the tasks of both the builder and the decorator. They are saying:
Like the builder: They have a responsibility to present the historical narrative accurately and comprehensively, ensuring the "structure" of the story is solid and coherent. They can't just cherry-pick events or leave out important details.
Like the decorator: They also need to present the story in a way that is engaging, appealing, and "adorned" in a manner suitable for the reader. This might mean using effective writing techniques, choosing the right emphasis, and crafting a compelling narrative.
In essence, the verse conveys the author's sense of responsibility and craftsmanship in their writing. They recognize that they have a duty to be both structurally sound (accurate and comprehensive) and aesthetically pleasing (engaging and well-written). It is a humble acknowledgement that even though the author is summarizing another work, there is still skill and effort required to do it well.
The author is essentially trying to justify his editorial choices. He's saying he understands that summarizing can involve choices about what to include and exclude, how to emphasize certain aspects, and how to present the information in a clear and compelling manner. And he's claiming that he has taken those choices responsibly and thoughtfully, like a skilled builder and decorator would approach their respective tasks.