3 maccabees 3:17 - To outward appearance they received us willingly; but belied that appearance by their deeds. When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honor it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts,
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What does "3 maccabees 3:17" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 3:17 describes a situation where the people in question are acting deceptively and hypocritically. Let's break it down:
"To outward appearance they received us willingly...": This means that on the surface, they acted as if they were happy to see and welcome the newcomers (presumably, the Macedonian forces of Ptolemy IV Philopator). They put on a facade of acceptance and hospitality.
"...but belied that appearance by their deeds.": The word "belied" means to contradict or prove false. Therefore, although they acted welcoming, their actual actions contradicted this facade, revealing their true feelings or intentions were hostile or unwilling.
"When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honor it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts...": This further illustrates the deception. The Macedonians intended to show respect and generosity towards the temple by entering it and offering valuable gifts. The irony is that while the Macedonians were acting in good faith, the others were secretly harboring different feelings.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. The people, though seemingly welcoming, secretly opposed the arrival of the Macedonians. This sets the stage for potential conflict, as the deceptive behavior foreshadows that the Macedonians will encounter resistance or betrayal, despite the initial welcoming gestures. In the broader context of 3 Maccabees, this verse introduces the theme of the threat to Jewish religious practices and the courage of the Jewish people in defending their faith.
3 maccabees 3:17 - To outward appearance they received us willingly; but belied that appearance by their deeds. When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honor it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts,
What does "3 maccabees 3:17" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 3:17 describes a situation where the people in question are acting deceptively and hypocritically. Let's break it down:
"To outward appearance they received us willingly...": This means that on the surface, they acted as if they were happy to see and welcome the newcomers (presumably, the Macedonian forces of Ptolemy IV Philopator). They put on a facade of acceptance and hospitality.
"...but belied that appearance by their deeds.": The word "belied" means to contradict or prove false. Therefore, although they acted welcoming, their actual actions contradicted this facade, revealing their true feelings or intentions were hostile or unwilling.
"When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honor it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts...": This further illustrates the deception. The Macedonians intended to show respect and generosity towards the temple by entering it and offering valuable gifts. The irony is that while the Macedonians were acting in good faith, the others were secretly harboring different feelings.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. The people, though seemingly welcoming, secretly opposed the arrival of the Macedonians. This sets the stage for potential conflict, as the deceptive behavior foreshadows that the Macedonians will encounter resistance or betrayal, despite the initial welcoming gestures. In the broader context of 3 Maccabees, this verse introduces the theme of the threat to Jewish religious practices and the courage of the Jewish people in defending their faith.