2 maccabees 7:9 - And when he was at the last gasp, he said, You, miscreant, do release us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise up us, who have died for his laws, to an eternal renewal of life.
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What does "2 maccabees 7:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:9 is spoken by one of seven brothers being tortured and killed for refusing to violate Jewish law. Let's break down the meaning:
"And when he was at the last gasp..." This phrase means he was on the verge of death, struggling to breathe. He was near the very end of his life.
"...he said, You, miscreant..." "Miscreant" is a strong term of contempt. It implies that the person he is addressing (presumably the torturer or the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes) is wicked, evil, and villainous.
"...do release us out of this present life..." He acknowledges that his torturer has the power to kill him. He knows he's about to die.
"...but the King of the world shall raise up us, who have died for his laws, to an eternal renewal of life." This is the core of the verse's meaning. He declares his unwavering faith in God ("the King of the world"). He believes that God will resurrect them because they are dying for their loyalty to God's laws. The "eternal renewal of life" refers to the belief in resurrection and eternal life with God, which was a developing concept in Judaism at this time.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Faith in Resurrection: The brother believes in a future resurrection and eternal life.
Rejection of Tyranny: He boldly confronts his oppressor, calling him "miscreant" and defying his power.
Loyalty to God's Law: He emphasizes that they are dying specifically because of their adherence to God's laws.
Hope and Confidence: Despite the immediate pain and suffering, he expresses hope in God's justice and a better future.
This verse is significant because it demonstrates the depth of faith and the willingness to suffer martyrdom for religious beliefs. It's also a very clear expression of belief in the resurrection of the dead, a concept that was not universally held in Judaism at the time but became a central tenet in later Jewish and Christian theology. The brothers' conviction is meant to inspire readers to remain faithful even in the face of persecution.
2 maccabees 7:9 - And when he was at the last gasp, he said, You, miscreant, do release us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise up us, who have died for his laws, to an eternal renewal of life.
What does "2 maccabees 7:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:9 is spoken by one of seven brothers being tortured and killed for refusing to violate Jewish law. Let's break down the meaning:
"And when he was at the last gasp..." This phrase means he was on the verge of death, struggling to breathe. He was near the very end of his life.
"...he said, You, miscreant..." "Miscreant" is a strong term of contempt. It implies that the person he is addressing (presumably the torturer or the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes) is wicked, evil, and villainous.
"...do release us out of this present life..." He acknowledges that his torturer has the power to kill him. He knows he's about to die.
"...but the King of the world shall raise up us, who have died for his laws, to an eternal renewal of life." This is the core of the verse's meaning. He declares his unwavering faith in God ("the King of the world"). He believes that God will resurrect them because they are dying for their loyalty to God's laws. The "eternal renewal of life" refers to the belief in resurrection and eternal life with God, which was a developing concept in Judaism at this time.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Faith in Resurrection: The brother believes in a future resurrection and eternal life.
Rejection of Tyranny: He boldly confronts his oppressor, calling him "miscreant" and defying his power.
Loyalty to God's Law: He emphasizes that they are dying specifically because of their adherence to God's laws.
Hope and Confidence: Despite the immediate pain and suffering, he expresses hope in God's justice and a better future.
This verse is significant because it demonstrates the depth of faith and the willingness to suffer martyrdom for religious beliefs. It's also a very clear expression of belief in the resurrection of the dead, a concept that was not universally held in Judaism at the time but became a central tenet in later Jewish and Christian theology. The brothers' conviction is meant to inspire readers to remain faithful even in the face of persecution.