3 maccabees 6:31 - Then they who were before despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced into it, partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a grievous and lamentable death. Full of exultation, they parted out the place intended for their fall and burial into banqueting booths.
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What does "3 maccabees 6:31" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 6:31 is part of a larger narrative about the Jews in Alexandria who were miraculously saved from being trampled to death by elephants during a decree from Ptolemy IV Philopator. To understand the verse, we need to break it down:
"Then they who were before despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced into it...": This describes the perilous situation of the Jews. They were not only despised by the king and some of the populace but were also on the brink of death (Hades being the Greek concept of the underworld or realm of the dead). The phrase "rather advanced into it" emphasizes the imminence of their demise; they were practically at death's door.
"...partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a grievous and lamentable death.": This highlights the sudden reversal of their fate. "Cup of salvation" is a metaphorical expression signifying deliverance and rescue. Instead of facing a "grievous and lamentable death" (a terrible and mournful end, likely referring to being trampled), they experienced salvation.
"Full of exultation, they parted out the place intended for their fall and burial into banqueting booths.": This is the most symbolic and impactful part of the verse. "Full of exultation" shows their immense joy and triumph after being spared. The "place intended for their fall and burial" refers to the arena where they were meant to be trampled and killed. The dramatic shift is that, instead of being buried there, they transform the site of their potential death into "banqueting booths." This implies a celebration, a feast, and a complete reversal of the planned tragedy. They are not just surviving; they are actively reclaiming the space meant for their destruction and turning it into a site of joyous commemoration and victory.
In Summary, the verse means:
The Jews, who were facing imminent death and considered worthless, were miraculously saved. In their great joy, they transformed the arena where they were supposed to die into a place of celebration and feasting, turning a symbol of death into a symbol of life, deliverance, and victory over their oppressors.
The significance of this verse in the context of 3 Maccabees:
It emphasizes God's power to deliver those who trust in Him.
It highlights the themes of persecution and redemption prevalent in the book.
It showcases the transformation of despair into joy and death into life, a common motif in Jewish and Christian literature.
The verse is a powerful statement of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
3 maccabees 6:31 - Then they who were before despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced into it, partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a grievous and lamentable death. Full of exultation, they parted out the place intended for their fall and burial into banqueting booths.
What does "3 maccabees 6:31" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 6:31 is part of a larger narrative about the Jews in Alexandria who were miraculously saved from being trampled to death by elephants during a decree from Ptolemy IV Philopator. To understand the verse, we need to break it down:
"Then they who were before despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced into it...": This describes the perilous situation of the Jews. They were not only despised by the king and some of the populace but were also on the brink of death (Hades being the Greek concept of the underworld or realm of the dead). The phrase "rather advanced into it" emphasizes the imminence of their demise; they were practically at death's door.
"...partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a grievous and lamentable death.": This highlights the sudden reversal of their fate. "Cup of salvation" is a metaphorical expression signifying deliverance and rescue. Instead of facing a "grievous and lamentable death" (a terrible and mournful end, likely referring to being trampled), they experienced salvation.
"Full of exultation, they parted out the place intended for their fall and burial into banqueting booths.": This is the most symbolic and impactful part of the verse. "Full of exultation" shows their immense joy and triumph after being spared. The "place intended for their fall and burial" refers to the arena where they were meant to be trampled and killed. The dramatic shift is that, instead of being buried there, they transform the site of their potential death into "banqueting booths." This implies a celebration, a feast, and a complete reversal of the planned tragedy. They are not just surviving; they are actively reclaiming the space meant for their destruction and turning it into a site of joyous commemoration and victory.
In Summary, the verse means:
The Jews, who were facing imminent death and considered worthless, were miraculously saved. In their great joy, they transformed the arena where they were supposed to die into a place of celebration and feasting, turning a symbol of death into a symbol of life, deliverance, and victory over their oppressors.
The significance of this verse in the context of 3 Maccabees:
It emphasizes God's power to deliver those who trust in Him.
It highlights the themes of persecution and redemption prevalent in the book.
It showcases the transformation of despair into joy and death into life, a common motif in Jewish and Christian literature.
The verse is a powerful statement of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.