[16] Gr. ζηλωτὴς. The American editors translate this “jealous”; but Mr. Heron and Dr. Taylor more faithfully render it “a zealot,” though this, a natural warning to Jews, would come oddly to Christians. “Zealot” specified a fanatical Jewish type ([Luke vi, 15]; [Acts i, 13]; [xxi, 20]), but the Jesuists were exhorted to be “zealous” (same word) in [1 Cor. xiv, 12]; [Tit. ii, 14]. Nowhere are Christian “zealots” rebuked; but Jewish fanatics in foreign lands needed warning from peace-loving teachers. On the other hand, the rendering “jealous” is evidently adopted because of the very difficulty of conceiving that Christian teachers would warn their flocks against being either “zealous” or “zealots.” The context, however, clearly justifies our translation. [↑]
[17] Gr. “high-eyed.” The meaning evidently is “always looking at people,” and there is implied the injunction to look down, as is the wont of nuns. Since deciding on the rendering given, we notice that the Rev. A. Gordon, in his translation (sold at Essex Hall, Essex Street), has “bold of eye.” Dr. Taylor has “of high looks.” [↑]
[18] Mr. Gordon has “a diviner from birds”; M. Sabatier “augure”; Dr. Taylor “given to augury.” [↑]
[19] Mr. Gordon has “a fire lustrator.” [↑]
[20] Cp. [Matt. v, 5]. [↑]
[21] Gr. “the high” = the upper or ruling classes. [↑]
[22] Cp. [Heb. xiii, 7]. [↑]
[23] Gr. ἡ κυριότης. Messrs. Gordon and Heron render “whence the lordship is spoken” or “proclaimed.” In the New Testament ([Eph. i, 21]; [Col. i, 16]; [Jude viii]; [2 Pet. ii, 10]) the same word is rendered “dominion” by the Revisers. [↑]
[24] Mr. Gordon adds here “in praying” in brackets. This is a guess, which seems to have no warrant, though Canon Spence leans to it. The sentence connects with the preceding one. [↑]
[25] Cp. [Dan. iv, 27]; Test. Patr. Zabulon, viii. [↑]