4 maccabees 17:5 - Not so gracious does the moon appear with the stars in heaven, as you are established honorable before God, and fixed in the firmament with your sons who you did illuminate with religion to the stars.
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What does "4 maccabees 17:5" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 17:5 is a highly poetic and metaphorical statement praising the mother of the seven Maccabean martyrs. To understand it, let's break down each part:
"Not so gracious does the moon appear with the stars in heaven...": This establishes a comparison. The moon is generally seen as beautiful and a source of light in the night sky surrounded by stars. However, the verse is about to argue that the mother's virtue surpasses even this beautiful image.
"...as you are established honorable before God...": This is the key point of comparison. The mother is not just beautiful, but she is honorable in the sight of God. This emphasizes her righteousness and piety. Her unwavering faith and strength in the face of unimaginable suffering have earned her a high place in God's eyes.
"...and fixed in the firmament with your sons who you did illuminate with religion to the stars.": This is the most metaphorical and complex part.
"fixed in the firmament": The "firmament" refers to the sky or heavens. To be "fixed" suggests permanence, stability, and a place of honor. It's as if the mother's righteous example and influence are now a permanent fixture in the spiritual realm.
"with your sons": She is joined with her sons, the seven martyrs, in this exalted state.
"who you did illuminate with religion to the stars": This is the most powerful image. The mother's dedication to her faith, and her insistence that her sons uphold the law even unto death, has "illuminated" them with religion. This means she imbued them with a deep understanding and commitment to their faith. The phrase "to the stars" suggests that their example has been raised to the highest possible level of influence, akin to the stars shining brightly for all to see. Their martyrdom, fueled by her teachings, has become a shining example to the entire world, like stars in the sky. It means that their influence and testament extends to everybody and everywhere.
In summary, the verse is saying:
The mother of the Maccabean martyrs is more honorable and influential than even the beauty of the moon and stars. Her steadfast faith and her unwavering commitment to her religion have placed her in a position of eternal honor with God and alongside her sons in heaven. She is praised for instilling the religion within her sons, and their example, born from her teachings, has been a brilliant guide for the world, shining like the stars for all to see and for all time. The verse elevates her status as more than just a woman, but as someone whose piety has earned her a place of eternal significance, and whose influence is transcendent.
4 maccabees 17:5 - Not so gracious does the moon appear with the stars in heaven, as you are established honorable before God, and fixed in the firmament with your sons who you did illuminate with religion to the stars.
What does "4 maccabees 17:5" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 17:5 is a highly poetic and metaphorical statement praising the mother of the seven Maccabean martyrs. To understand it, let's break down each part:
"Not so gracious does the moon appear with the stars in heaven...": This establishes a comparison. The moon is generally seen as beautiful and a source of light in the night sky surrounded by stars. However, the verse is about to argue that the mother's virtue surpasses even this beautiful image.
"...as you are established honorable before God...": This is the key point of comparison. The mother is not just beautiful, but she is honorable in the sight of God. This emphasizes her righteousness and piety. Her unwavering faith and strength in the face of unimaginable suffering have earned her a high place in God's eyes.
"...and fixed in the firmament with your sons who you did illuminate with religion to the stars.": This is the most metaphorical and complex part.
"fixed in the firmament": The "firmament" refers to the sky or heavens. To be "fixed" suggests permanence, stability, and a place of honor. It's as if the mother's righteous example and influence are now a permanent fixture in the spiritual realm.
"with your sons": She is joined with her sons, the seven martyrs, in this exalted state.
"who you did illuminate with religion to the stars": This is the most powerful image. The mother's dedication to her faith, and her insistence that her sons uphold the law even unto death, has "illuminated" them with religion. This means she imbued them with a deep understanding and commitment to their faith. The phrase "to the stars" suggests that their example has been raised to the highest possible level of influence, akin to the stars shining brightly for all to see. Their martyrdom, fueled by her teachings, has become a shining example to the entire world, like stars in the sky. It means that their influence and testament extends to everybody and everywhere.
In summary, the verse is saying:
The mother of the Maccabean martyrs is more honorable and influential than even the beauty of the moon and stars. Her steadfast faith and her unwavering commitment to her religion have placed her in a position of eternal honor with God and alongside her sons in heaven. She is praised for instilling the religion within her sons, and their example, born from her teachings, has been a brilliant guide for the world, shining like the stars for all to see and for all time. The verse elevates her status as more than just a woman, but as someone whose piety has earned her a place of eternal significance, and whose influence is transcendent.