3 maccabees 6:17 - When the Jews saw this, they uttered a loud cry to heaven, so that the adjacent valleys resounded, and caused an irrepressible lamentation throughout the army.
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 6:17" mean?
The verse from 3 Maccabees 6:17 describes a scene of intense emotional distress and a plea for divine intervention by the Jewish people. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When the Jews saw this...": This implies that the Jews witnessed something terrible happening to them, likely the imminent threat of death or persecution. The preceding chapters describe King Ptolemy IV Philopator's attempt to desecrate the Temple in Jerusalem and later his order to round up and execute all the Jews in Alexandria. So, "this" probably refers to the sight of their impending doom, the preparations for their execution, or perhaps the suffering of their fellow Jews.
"...they uttered a loud cry to heaven...": This is a powerful image of collective prayer and desperation. Faced with annihilation, the Jews turned to God as their only hope. The "loud cry" suggests a raw and fervent appeal.
"...so that the adjacent valleys resounded...": This emphasizes the intensity and volume of their prayer. It wasn't a quiet, private plea; it was a massive, communal outcry that echoed through the landscape. This amplification serves to highlight the extremity of their situation and the strength of their faith.
"...and caused an irrepressible lamentation throughout the army.": This suggests that even the Gentile army tasked with executing the Jews was affected by their display of faith and suffering. "Irrepressible lamentation" indicates that even the soldiers, who were likely hardened by violence, were deeply moved by the Jews' plight. It hints at a sense of guilt or empathy among some of the soldiers. It also highlights that the soldiers were unable to suppress their sorrow, despite their orders.
The term "army" might also be read as "community" in some translations. If so, the phrase indicates that there was widespread grief.
In summary, this verse portrays a pivotal moment of profound suffering and desperate prayer. It highlights the Jews' unwavering faith in the face of persecution, the powerful effect of their collective plea, and perhaps a glimmer of sympathy or recognition of their righteousness even among their oppressors. It sets the stage for a divine intervention that follows in the subsequent verses.
3 maccabees 6:17 - When the Jews saw this, they uttered a loud cry to heaven, so that the adjacent valleys resounded, and caused an irrepressible lamentation throughout the army.
What does "3 maccabees 6:17" mean?
The verse from 3 Maccabees 6:17 describes a scene of intense emotional distress and a plea for divine intervention by the Jewish people. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When the Jews saw this...": This implies that the Jews witnessed something terrible happening to them, likely the imminent threat of death or persecution. The preceding chapters describe King Ptolemy IV Philopator's attempt to desecrate the Temple in Jerusalem and later his order to round up and execute all the Jews in Alexandria. So, "this" probably refers to the sight of their impending doom, the preparations for their execution, or perhaps the suffering of their fellow Jews.
"...they uttered a loud cry to heaven...": This is a powerful image of collective prayer and desperation. Faced with annihilation, the Jews turned to God as their only hope. The "loud cry" suggests a raw and fervent appeal.
"...so that the adjacent valleys resounded...": This emphasizes the intensity and volume of their prayer. It wasn't a quiet, private plea; it was a massive, communal outcry that echoed through the landscape. This amplification serves to highlight the extremity of their situation and the strength of their faith.
"...and caused an irrepressible lamentation throughout the army.": This suggests that even the Gentile army tasked with executing the Jews was affected by their display of faith and suffering. "Irrepressible lamentation" indicates that even the soldiers, who were likely hardened by violence, were deeply moved by the Jews' plight. It hints at a sense of guilt or empathy among some of the soldiers. It also highlights that the soldiers were unable to suppress their sorrow, despite their orders.
The term "army" might also be read as "community" in some translations. If so, the phrase indicates that there was widespread grief.
In summary, this verse portrays a pivotal moment of profound suffering and desperate prayer. It highlights the Jews' unwavering faith in the face of persecution, the powerful effect of their collective plea, and perhaps a glimmer of sympathy or recognition of their righteousness even among their oppressors. It sets the stage for a divine intervention that follows in the subsequent verses.