2 maccabees 3:17 - For a terror and a shuddering of the body had come over the man, whereby the pain that was in his heart was plainly shewn to those who looked upon him.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 3:17

What does "2 maccabees 3:17" mean?


This verse from 2 Maccabees 3:17 describes the overwhelming fear and physical reaction of someone who is witnessing a terrifying event. Let's break it down:

"For a terror and a shuddering of the body had come over the man": This part describes the physical manifestation of extreme fear. The man isn't just scared; he's terrified to the point that his body is reacting involuntarily. He's trembling, possibly sweating, and experiencing physical shock.

"whereby the pain that was in his heart was plainly shewn to those who looked upon him.": This explains that the man's inner emotional distress (the "pain that was in his heart") was now visible to everyone observing him. The physical signs of terror were so strong that they revealed the depth of his fear and anxiety. It's not just about being afraid of something happening to him; the "pain" suggests concern for others or a deep sense of dread about the situation unfolding.

In essence, the verse portrays a man so overcome by terror that his physical reactions betray his inner emotional turmoil, making it plain for all to see.

Context in 2 Maccabees 3:

This verse occurs in the context of Heliodorus' attempt to plunder the Temple treasury in Jerusalem. Heliodorus was sent by King Seleucus to seize the Temple's wealth. The man described in the verse is likely someone who cares deeply about the Temple (possibly a priest or other religious figure). He is terrified not for his own safety, but for the sanctity of the Temple and the potential sacrilege being committed. The fear and pain on his face reflect the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for his community. The verse emphasizes how deeply felt the threat to their faith and way of life was.

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