3 maccabees 3:15 - we resolved, not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity, as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and to be their willing benefactors.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "3 maccabees 3:15" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 3:15 describes a resolution or decision made, likely by a group of people (most probably the Ptolemaic Egyptians, based on the context of the book). Let's break down the meaning:
"We resolved...": This indicates a determined decision or commitment.
"...not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity...": This is a crucial contrast. Instead of using military force or violence ("strength of spear"), they decided to employ a peaceful and compassionate approach. "Humanity" here emphasizes empathy, kindness, and understanding towards others.
"...as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia...": This uses a powerful metaphor of nursing. Nursing implies tender care, protection, and nurturing someone back to health or well-being. It suggests a proactive and supportive role towards the people of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia (regions in the Levant).
"...and to be their willing benefactors.": To be a "benefactor" means to be a generous provider of assistance and goodwill. "Willing" further emphasizes that this help is offered freely and wholeheartedly.
In essence, the verse means:
They decided not to conquer or control Coele-Syria and Phoenicia through force. Instead, they would treat the inhabitants with kindness, compassion, and care, like a nurse tending to the sick or vulnerable. They aimed to be generous and willing providers of good things for the people of those regions.
Context and Significance:
This verse highlights a policy or intention of benevolent governance. It contrasts sharply with typical approaches of conquest and domination that were common in the ancient world. It suggests that these people sought to win over the inhabitants of these regions through positive actions rather than coercion.
Without the full context of 3 Maccabees, it is difficult to determine whether this intention was truly altruistic or driven by pragmatic political considerations (e.g., to maintain stability or garner support). However, the language used strongly suggests a commitment, at least in principle, to a peaceful and benevolent approach. It is significant for showcasing an ideal of governance based on empathy and generosity rather than force.
3 maccabees 3:15 - we resolved, not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity, as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and to be their willing benefactors.
What does "3 maccabees 3:15" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 3:15 describes a resolution or decision made, likely by a group of people (most probably the Ptolemaic Egyptians, based on the context of the book). Let's break down the meaning:
"We resolved...": This indicates a determined decision or commitment.
"...not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity...": This is a crucial contrast. Instead of using military force or violence ("strength of spear"), they decided to employ a peaceful and compassionate approach. "Humanity" here emphasizes empathy, kindness, and understanding towards others.
"...as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia...": This uses a powerful metaphor of nursing. Nursing implies tender care, protection, and nurturing someone back to health or well-being. It suggests a proactive and supportive role towards the people of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia (regions in the Levant).
"...and to be their willing benefactors.": To be a "benefactor" means to be a generous provider of assistance and goodwill. "Willing" further emphasizes that this help is offered freely and wholeheartedly.
In essence, the verse means:
They decided not to conquer or control Coele-Syria and Phoenicia through force. Instead, they would treat the inhabitants with kindness, compassion, and care, like a nurse tending to the sick or vulnerable. They aimed to be generous and willing providers of good things for the people of those regions.
Context and Significance:
This verse highlights a policy or intention of benevolent governance. It contrasts sharply with typical approaches of conquest and domination that were common in the ancient world. It suggests that these people sought to win over the inhabitants of these regions through positive actions rather than coercion.
Without the full context of 3 Maccabees, it is difficult to determine whether this intention was truly altruistic or driven by pragmatic political considerations (e.g., to maintain stability or garner support). However, the language used strongly suggests a commitment, at least in principle, to a peaceful and benevolent approach. It is significant for showcasing an ideal of governance based on empathy and generosity rather than force.