RE: Blessed are the ....?
October 26, 2015 at 1:58 pm
(This post was last modified: October 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm by Vicki Q.
Edit Reason: Apostrophe. It matters.
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(October 25, 2015 at 10:58 pm)Minimalist Wrote:(October 25, 2015 at 9:48 pm)Vicki Q Wrote: The literal meaning for the word for “blessing” is “happy”. In the context, it would mean 'You are being part of God's covenant with His people when...'.Incorrect.
Quote:bless (v.)Old English bletsian, bledsian, Northumbrian bloedsian "to consecrate, make holy, give thanks," from Proto-Germanic *blodison "hallow with blood, mark with blood," from *blotham "blood" (see blood (n.)). Originally a blood sprinkling on pagan altars.
I'm not sure I understand. Are you seriously claiming that the ultimate authority on how to understand the meaning of a word in the New Testament is an English translation? Do you actually think that the KJV is normative for all Xian Bible translation? I find it hard to believe that's the case, because it's so obviously false. In fact, I'm at a loss to explain what this post is about.
As Drich explains fully and correctly, "makarios" does indeed basically mean “happy” in Greek. A beatitude is introduced in Hebrew by “asre” (happiness). It forms an ancient sayings genre common to Egypt, Greece and Israel. We know a lot about it, and hopefully this knowledge will help answer the OP.
For those interested in a little more depth (cue stampede away) what Jesus is doing here may follow the form of beatitudes, but has a serious challenge to it.
In order to be the true Israel, the listeners must follow Jesus' agenda. For example, the military conquest of the land of Israel is no longer the way ahead; instead it is through meekness that success is achieved, but the prize is the whole earth, not just a bit of land on the east of the Mediterranean.
