2 maccabees 7:20 - But above all was the mother marvelous and worthy of honorable memory; for when she looked on seven sons perishing within the space of one day, she bare the sight with a good courage for the hopes that she had set on the Lord.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 7:20

What does "2 maccabees 7:20" mean?


This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:20 describes the mother of the seven brothers who were martyred for their faith. Let's break down its meaning:

"But above all was the mother marvelous and worthy of honorable memory..." This highlights the mother as an extraordinary figure. She is being praised above all others involved in this event (including, presumably, the brothers themselves, even though they were brave martyrs). She deserves to be remembered with honor.

"...for when she looked on seven sons perishing within the space of one day..." This emphasizes the incredible pain and suffering the mother endured. She witnessed each of her seven sons being tortured and killed in a single day. This would be an unimaginable ordeal for any parent.

"...she bare the sight with a good courage for the hopes that she had set on the Lord." This explains the source of the mother's strength and ability to endure such a horrific experience. Her "good courage" (bravery, fortitude, strength of character) stemmed from her unwavering faith and "hopes that she had set on the Lord" (her trust and belief in God).

In essence, the verse means:

The mother of the seven brothers was remarkable and deserves to be remembered with great respect. She was able to endure the unimaginable pain of watching her seven sons being tortured and killed in a single day because her strength came from her deep faith and hope in God.

Key themes and takeaways:

Faith and Perseverance: The verse emphasizes the power of faith in the face of extreme adversity.
Maternal Love: The mother's actions are seen as a testament to the strength of maternal love, enduring so much pain for the sake of her sons' convictions and her own faith.
Martyrdom: The mother's story highlights the concept of martyrdom as a testament to one's beliefs. She could have urged her sons to compromise to save their lives, but she encouraged them to remain faithful to their God.
Hope and Resurrection: The broader context of 2 Maccabees 7 implies a belief in resurrection and the afterlife, which would have been a source of comfort and strength for the mother. She believed her sons would be rewarded for their faithfulness in the afterlife.

The verse serves as an inspiring example of faith, courage, and the power of hope in the face of unimaginable suffering. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit when grounded in deep religious conviction.