4 maccabees 18:7 - And the righteous mother of the seven children spoke also as follows to her offspring: I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father’s house; but I took care of the built-up rib.
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What does "4 maccabees 18:7" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 18:7, spoken by the mother of the seven Maccabean martyrs, is a complex statement with several layers of meaning related to Jewish piety, familial duty, and the context of Hellenistic persecution. Let's break it down:
"And the righteous mother of the seven children spoke also as follows to her offspring..." This sets the stage. This woman is being presented as a paragon of Jewish virtue and a figure of immense moral authority. She's about to address her sons, likely in the face of their impending martyrdom.
"I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father’s house..." This emphasizes her adherence to traditional Jewish ideals of female virtue and modesty. She's presenting herself as someone who meticulously followed the expected role for a young, unmarried woman in her society. Remaining within the boundaries of her father's home symbolized protection, obedience, and preservation of her purity. This claim would have resonated deeply within the author's contemporary audience.
"...but I took care of the built-up rib." This is the most enigmatic part of the verse. "Built-up rib" is almost universally interpreted as a metaphor for marriage. Let's analyze the possible interpretations:
Literal Interpretation: Some scholars speculate a literal translation means to care for a wife, as women are described as the "built-up rib" in Genesis.
Metaphorical Interpretation: The most likely interpretation connects to the story of creation in Genesis 2:21-23, where Eve is created from Adam's rib. Here, the rib symbolizes the family unit and the woman's role in building and maintaining it through marriage and motherhood. She is saying that she embraced her role as a wife and mother, fulfilling her duty to establish a family and uphold Jewish tradition.
Loyalty Interpretation: The mother is alluding to her loyalty and adherence to the Jewish traditions through which the rib came to life.
In essence, the mother's statement is a declaration of her lifelong devotion to Jewish law and tradition. From her chaste youth to her role as a wife and mother, she has striven to live a righteous life. By emphasizing her faithfulness, she is setting an example for her sons, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith even unto death.
Context within 4 Maccabees:
The book of 4 Maccabees is not canonical scripture. It is considered part of the deuterocanonical books or Apocrypha. It's a philosophical treatise that uses the story of the Maccabean martyrs to demonstrate the supremacy of pious reason over the passions. The author of 4 Maccabees used these specific words to emphasize that a mother’s piety and devotion to Jewish customs are essential for her children's spiritual development. The verse shows that if she can follow all Jewish customs and morals, her children can, too.
Therefore, in the story, the mother's example of unwavering faith and commitment to Jewish law is meant to inspire her sons to choose martyrdom rather than renounce their beliefs. The mother’s actions and statements highlight the importance of moral strength in the face of persecution.
4 maccabees 18:7 - And the righteous mother of the seven children spoke also as follows to her offspring: I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father’s house; but I took care of the built-up rib.
What does "4 maccabees 18:7" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 18:7, spoken by the mother of the seven Maccabean martyrs, is a complex statement with several layers of meaning related to Jewish piety, familial duty, and the context of Hellenistic persecution. Let's break it down:
"And the righteous mother of the seven children spoke also as follows to her offspring..." This sets the stage. This woman is being presented as a paragon of Jewish virtue and a figure of immense moral authority. She's about to address her sons, likely in the face of their impending martyrdom.
"I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father’s house..." This emphasizes her adherence to traditional Jewish ideals of female virtue and modesty. She's presenting herself as someone who meticulously followed the expected role for a young, unmarried woman in her society. Remaining within the boundaries of her father's home symbolized protection, obedience, and preservation of her purity. This claim would have resonated deeply within the author's contemporary audience.
"...but I took care of the built-up rib." This is the most enigmatic part of the verse. "Built-up rib" is almost universally interpreted as a metaphor for marriage. Let's analyze the possible interpretations:
Literal Interpretation: Some scholars speculate a literal translation means to care for a wife, as women are described as the "built-up rib" in Genesis.
Metaphorical Interpretation: The most likely interpretation connects to the story of creation in Genesis 2:21-23, where Eve is created from Adam's rib. Here, the rib symbolizes the family unit and the woman's role in building and maintaining it through marriage and motherhood. She is saying that she embraced her role as a wife and mother, fulfilling her duty to establish a family and uphold Jewish tradition.
Loyalty Interpretation: The mother is alluding to her loyalty and adherence to the Jewish traditions through which the rib came to life.
In essence, the mother's statement is a declaration of her lifelong devotion to Jewish law and tradition. From her chaste youth to her role as a wife and mother, she has striven to live a righteous life. By emphasizing her faithfulness, she is setting an example for her sons, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith even unto death.
Context within 4 Maccabees:
The book of 4 Maccabees is not canonical scripture. It is considered part of the deuterocanonical books or Apocrypha. It's a philosophical treatise that uses the story of the Maccabean martyrs to demonstrate the supremacy of pious reason over the passions. The author of 4 Maccabees used these specific words to emphasize that a mother’s piety and devotion to Jewish customs are essential for her children's spiritual development. The verse shows that if she can follow all Jewish customs and morals, her children can, too.
Therefore, in the story, the mother's example of unwavering faith and commitment to Jewish law is meant to inspire her sons to choose martyrdom rather than renounce their beliefs. The mother’s actions and statements highlight the importance of moral strength in the face of persecution.