Wisdom of solomon 17:3 - For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins, They were sundered one from another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness, Stricken with terrible awe, and sore troubled by spectral forms.
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 "Wisdom of solomon 17:3" mean?
This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 17:3 describes the state of the Egyptians during the plague of darkness that God sent upon them. Let's break it down:
"For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins...": This refers to the Egyptians' previous actions and idolatry. They believed they could hide their wicked deeds, presuming that their sins were not known or did not matter. It speaks to a kind of moral blindness or arrogance.
"They were sundered one from another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness...": The darkness is literal, but also figurative. It creates isolation and fear. The "forgetfulness" likely refers to the inability to remember familiar places, faces, or even their own identity in the overwhelming darkness and terror. It suggests a psychological impact, perhaps a loss of bearings and even mental clarity due to the intense fear. The darkness not only separates them physically but also mentally and emotionally, creating chaos and disorientation.
"Stricken with terrible awe, and sore troubled by spectral forms.": The "terrible awe" is not a reverential fear of God, but a paralyzing dread. The "spectral forms" could refer to hallucinations or the product of their imaginations fueled by terror in the darkness. Some scholars suggest the darkness itself took on an oppressive, almost tangible, quality that felt like spectral forms. It implies a sense of the uncanny and demonic, as the Egyptians were idolaters who might have been more susceptible to seeing spirits and supernatural horrors.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of:
Divine Retribution: The verse connects the darkness and terror to the Egyptians' past sins.
Isolation and Fear: The Egyptians are physically and psychologically isolated from each other by the darkness.
Psychological Torment: They are tormented by fear, disorientation, and potentially terrifying visions.
The Powerlessness of Evil: Their past sins, which they thought were hidden or insignificant, now bring about their downfall.
The author of Wisdom of Solomon uses this vivid imagery to contrast the power of God with the futility of those who reject Him. The darkness is not just a natural phenomenon but a manifestation of God's judgment, revealing the emptiness and terror that come from turning away from truth and righteousness. The verse also highlights the theme of poetic justice: the Egyptians who oppressed others are now themselves oppressed by darkness and fear.
Wisdom of solomon 17:3 - For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins, They were sundered one from another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness, Stricken with terrible awe, and sore troubled by spectral forms.
What does "Wisdom of solomon 17:3" mean?
This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 17:3 describes the state of the Egyptians during the plague of darkness that God sent upon them. Let's break it down:
"For while they thought that they were unseen in their secret sins...": This refers to the Egyptians' previous actions and idolatry. They believed they could hide their wicked deeds, presuming that their sins were not known or did not matter. It speaks to a kind of moral blindness or arrogance.
"They were sundered one from another by a dark curtain of forgetfulness...": The darkness is literal, but also figurative. It creates isolation and fear. The "forgetfulness" likely refers to the inability to remember familiar places, faces, or even their own identity in the overwhelming darkness and terror. It suggests a psychological impact, perhaps a loss of bearings and even mental clarity due to the intense fear. The darkness not only separates them physically but also mentally and emotionally, creating chaos and disorientation.
"Stricken with terrible awe, and sore troubled by spectral forms.": The "terrible awe" is not a reverential fear of God, but a paralyzing dread. The "spectral forms" could refer to hallucinations or the product of their imaginations fueled by terror in the darkness. Some scholars suggest the darkness itself took on an oppressive, almost tangible, quality that felt like spectral forms. It implies a sense of the uncanny and demonic, as the Egyptians were idolaters who might have been more susceptible to seeing spirits and supernatural horrors.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of:
Divine Retribution: The verse connects the darkness and terror to the Egyptians' past sins.
Isolation and Fear: The Egyptians are physically and psychologically isolated from each other by the darkness.
Psychological Torment: They are tormented by fear, disorientation, and potentially terrifying visions.
The Powerlessness of Evil: Their past sins, which they thought were hidden or insignificant, now bring about their downfall.
The author of Wisdom of Solomon uses this vivid imagery to contrast the power of God with the futility of those who reject Him. The darkness is not just a natural phenomenon but a manifestation of God's judgment, revealing the emptiness and terror that come from turning away from truth and righteousness. The verse also highlights the theme of poetic justice: the Egyptians who oppressed others are now themselves oppressed by darkness and fear.