Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1

Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1
Proper 19B

(Interlinear from https://biblebento.com/index.html?lxx1i&270.8.1)

7:26 For she isA a reflectionB of eternalC light,D

Notes on verse 7:26a

A “is” = eimi. This is to be, exist.
B “reflection” = apaugasma. From apo (from, away from) + auge (brightness, daybreak, radiance). This is radiance, gleam, shining light, brightness.
C “eternal” = aidios. 2x in NT. From aei (ever, always, unceasingly, perpetually; on every occasion). This is everlasting or eternal.
D “light” = phos. From phao (to shine or make visible, especially with rays of light); from the same as phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear). This is light, a source of light, fire, or radiance. This is light with specific reference to what it reveals. It is luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative.

a spotlessE mirrorF of the workingG of God,H

Notes on verse 7:26b

E “spotless” = akelidotos. This is unblemished, blameless, or pure. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B1%CE%BA%CE%B7%CE%BB%CE%AF%CE%B4%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82
F “mirror” = esoptron. 2x in NT. From eis (to, into, towards, among) + horao (to see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience; to stare at, which implies clear discernment; by extension, attending to what was seen and learned; to see, often with a metaphorical sense, which can include inward spiritual seeing) OR from eis (see note above) + derivative of optanomai (to appear, be seen by). This is a mirror or looking glass. It is something that one looks into for a reflection – in the ancient world, it would have been polished metal rather than glass. One could only see clearly by gazing into the mirror from many different angles.
G “working” = energeia. 8x in NT. From energes (active, effective, operative, energized, powerful); {from en (in, at, by, with, among) + ergon (word, task, action, employment); {from ergo (to work, accomplish) or from erdo (to do)}}. This is activity, working, efficiency, strong, or divine energy. It is also where the work “energy” comes from.
H “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.

and an imageI of his goodness.J
27 Although she is but one,K she can doL all things,M

Notes on verses 7:26c-27a

I “image” = eikon. From eiko (resemble, be like) OR perhaps related to eiko (to submit, give way, be weak, yield). This is a likeness such as an image, statue, or other representation. It implies a prototype that is being mirrored – a replication rather than a shadow. It can be an image in a figurative sense as well. This is where the word “icon” comes from.
J “goodness” = agathetos. Akin to agathos (good, a benefit, or a good thing; good by its very nature, inherently good) + poieo (to make, do, construct, cause). This is good, in the sense of having a good nature. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%B1%CE%B8%CF%8C%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%84%CE%B1#Greek
K “one” = heis. This is one, a person, only, some.
L “can do” = dunamai. This is to be able, or something that is possible. It can also be empowered or being powerful. The Greek word for “miracle” (dunamis) comes from this root.
M “all things” = pas. This is all or every.

and while remainingN in herself, she renewsO all things;
in every generationP she passesQ into holyR soulsS

Notes on verse 7:27b

N “remaining” = meno. This is to stay, remain, wait, await, continue, abide, endure. It can mean to literally stay in a place or to remain in a condition or to continue with hope and expectation.
O “renews” = kainizo. From kainos (not new as in new versus old; new in the sense of novel, innovative, or fresh). This is to renew or make strange. See https://lsj.gr/wiki/%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%B6%CF%89
P “generation” = genea. From genos (family, offspring, kin – in a literal or figurative sense); from ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is family, generation, kind, or nation. As generation, it implies an age as a period of time. It can also mean infinity. This is the root of the word “generation.
Q “passes” = metabaino. 12x in NT. From meta (with, among, behind, beyond) + baino (to walk, to go). This is to pass over, leave, remove, change place.
R “holy” = hosios. 8x in NT. This is righteous, pious, holy, devout, or Holy One. This refers to what is worthy or respect or reverence because it corresponds to a higher law, particularly God’s law. It can be contrasted with dikaios (just according to law and statue) & hieros (formally consecrated) & hagios (pure, sacred, free from ritual defilement).
S “souls” = psuche. From psucho (to breathe, blow). This is breath, the breath of life, the self, individual, soul. This is the word for that which makes a person unique – their identity, will, personality, affections. This isn’t the soul as the immortal part of us, but as our individuality. It is also not life as a general concept, but specific to people. This is where the words psyche and psychology come from.

and makesT them friendsU of God and prophets,V

Notes on verse 7:27c

T “makes” = kataskeuazo. 11x in NT. From kata (down, against, among, throughout) + skeuazo (to prepare using a tool); {from skeuos (tool, container, property, goods)}. This is to prepare, build, or ordain. It denotes preparing with the use of tools and with skill.
U “friends” = philos. This is dear, beloved, a friend, an associate; friendship with personal affection, a trusted confidante; love from personal experience with another person.
V “prophets” = prophetes. Related to “light” in v7:26. From pro (before, in front of, earlier than) + phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (see note D above) or phaino (see note D above)}. This is a prophet or poet – one who speaks with inspiration from God.

28 for God lovesW nothing so much as the person who lives withX wisdom.Y
29 She is more beautifulZ than the sunAA

Notes on verses 7:28-29a

W “loves” = agapao. Perhaps from agan (much). This is love, longing for, taking pleasure in. It is divine love or human love that echoes divine love.
X “lives with” = sunoikeo. From sun (with, together with) + oikeo (). This is to live together. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%83%CF%85%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%89
Y “wisdom” = sophia. From sophos (wise, clever, skilled, learned, cultivated); related to saphes (clear). This is skill, wisdom, insight, intelligence, clarity. It is wisdom as applied through a practical skill or shrewdness. It is not thoughtfulness or the mere gaining of intelligence for its own sake. Sophia is wisdom in action for everyday living.
Z “beautiful” = euprepes. From eu (good, well, well done) + prepo (fitting, suitable, conspicuous, proper). This is good looking, glorious, fitting, or plausible. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B5%E1%BD%90%CF%80%CF%81%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%AE%CF%82
AA “sun” = helios. This is sun, which would imply light in general or the east.

and excelsBB everyCC constellationDD of the stars.EE

Notes on verse 7:29b

BB “excels” = huper. This is over, beyond, above. It can also mean on behalf of or for the sake of. Figuratively, it can be used for giving help to someone.
CC “every” = pas. Same as “all things” in v7:27. See note M above.
DD “constellation” = thesis. From tithemi (to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense; properly, this is placing something in a passive or horizontal position). This is setting, placement, arrangement.
EE “stars” = astron. 4x in NT. From aster (star literally or figuratively); probably from stronnumi or stronnuo (to spread, make a bed). This is a star or a constellation seen as a single unit. It can also evoke the Roman god Saturn.

ComparedFF with the light she is foundGG to be moreHH radiant,

Notes on verse 7:29c

FF “compared” = sugkrino. 3x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + krino (to judge, decide, think good, condemn, determine, pass judgment, stand trial, sue; judging whether in court or in a private setting; properly, mentally separating or distinguishing an issue – to come to a choice or decision, to judge positively or negatively in seeking what is right or wrong, who is innocent or guilty; can imply trying, condemning, punishing, or avenging). This is to combine or compare in order to interpret or explain. It is fitting truths together into a cohesive whole to discern what fits and understand interrelationships.
GG “found” = heurisko. This is to find, learn, or obtain. It is to discover something, which generally implies a period of searching for it. This is to find in a literal or figurative sense. This is where the word “heuristic” comes from.
HH “more” = protos. From pro (before, first, in front of, earlier). This is what is first, which could be the most important, the first in order, the main one, the chief.

30 for it isII succeededJJ by the night,KK
but against wisdom evilLL does not prevail.MM

Notes on verse 7:30

II {untranslated} = men. This is truly, indeed, even, in fact. Often, it is not translated, but used to emphasize affirmation.
JJ “succeeded” = diadechomai. 1x in NT – Acts 7:45. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + dechomai (to warmly receive, be ready for what is offered, take, accept, or welcome; to receive in a literal or figurative sense). This is to come after, succeed.
KK “night” = nux. This is night in a literal or figurative sense.
LL “evil” = kakia. 11x in NT. From kakos (bad, evil, harm, ill; this is evil that is part of someone’s core character – intrinsic, rotted, worthless, depraved, causing harm; it is deep inner malice that comes from a rotten character). This is wickedness, evil, trouble, misfortune, inner malice, badness. It is inherent evil, depravity, causing harm.
MM “prevail” = katischuo. 3x in NT. From kata (down, against, according to, throughout) + ischuo (to be strong, healthy and vigorous, able, have power, prevail; strength that engages a resisting force); from ischus (strength, might, power, force, ability; power that engages immediate resistance); {perhaps from is (force) + echo (to have, hold, possess)}}. This is to have strength or overpower.

8:1 She reachesNN mightilyOO from one end of the earthPP to the other,QQ
and she ordersRR all things well.SS

Notes on verse 8:1

NN “reaches” = diateino. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + teino (to stretch, extend, strain). This is to extend, arrive, continue, oppose. See https://lsj.gr/wiki/%CE%B4%CE%B9%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BD%CF%89
OO “mightily” = eurostos. Related to “beautiful” in v7:29. From eu (see note Z above) + rhonnumi (to strengthen, be firm, have health; used as a salutation in letters at the end); {probably from rhoomai (to move quickly) probably akin to rhoumai (to pull to oneself, rescue from danger, snatch up, set free); akin to eruo (to drag) or rheo (to flow, to flow like water, overflow)}. This is robust, healthy, or prosperous. See https://el.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B5%CF%8D%CF%81%CF%89%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82
PP “end of the earth” = peras. 4x in NT. Related to peirar (end, limit) OR related to peran (over, beyond, across); {akin to pera (on the far side); from a derivative or peiro (to pierce)}. This is end, boundary, limit.
QQ “other” = peras. Same as “end of the earth” in v8:1. See note OO above.
RR “orders” = dioikeo. Related to “lives with” in v7:28. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + oikeo (to settle or be established somewhere in a permanent way, to make a home or live at home); {from oikos (house – the building, the household, the family, descendants; the temple)}. This is to administer, direct, or rule. See https://el.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B4%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8E
SS “well” = chrestos. 7x in NT. From chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request). This is useful, good, well-fitted, benevolent, kind, gracious. It was also a name given to slaves in the ancient world.


Image credit: “More Street Wisdom from Teacher” by Joey Zanotti, 2016.

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