Post by Laura on Nov 8, 2008 14:13:30 GMT -5
Matthew 26:52
I was at school yesterday and had finished homework, so picked up a random book about theology. Just glancing through it, I happened to see this verse in a ‘Point of discussion’ box on a section about pacifism and it got me thinking. The more I thought about it, the more I found different ways to interpret it.
In the context of this verse (Jesus being arrested), it could merely be Jesus trying to protect his disciples from the numerous other swords around them that could have brought about Peter’s “perish with the sword”. But the fact that he uses the word “for” and the other general word usage in the phrase suggests it is more a general statement than specifically aimed at Peter in this situation.
First is just the literal translation, which seems kind of unlikely to me – that if you use a sword, you will die with one. That seems far too literal and specific; it would make much more sense for the sword to represent all weapons, or even methods of violence and death. Use of “the” suggests it is more of a metaphor than a single, normal sword.
The original word that was translated to mean "sword" also has other meanings – war, for one. This relates back to the suggestion that “sword” was meant to encompass other methods of violence rather than just the specific weapon. Interestingly, it also means “judicial punishment”. Is this saying that if you judge others, be prepared to be judged yourself? “All” shows that this isn’t just applying to Peter when he drew the sword, but everyone. A message that everyone should be judged equally? Or that they will be judged equally, when the Day of Judgement comes?
It isn’t applying to killing someone with a sword either – just using a weapon against someone. Jesus saying this comes straight after one of the disciples cuts off the ear of one of the soldiers who has come to arrest Him. This implies that it is harming, as well as killing, that is being referred to. Furthermore, “take the sword” does not even say “use the sword”. It could be referring to the simple act of picking up a weapon and meaning to use it, or taking an active role in a war that will result in the same results as if you were the one using the sword. The use of the word “take” could also refer to an idea that they are doing so without permission – against God’s authority. If you take something you are generally doing so on your own authority rather than anyone else's.
“Perish with the sword” also seems to have a lot of interpretations. It could mean your death is directly linked to taking the sword, or be relating the increased likeliness of death if you are fighting in a war. But since it does say “all”, that really rules out the latter. It could be meaning that if you take the sword once, you will never forget it – that act will always be with you. It’s not something you can undo. In other words, it could be another way of saying actions have consequences, reminding you that using violence will generally create bigger consequences, for instance injury and death.
In other translations, the word “by” is used rather than “with”. “With” is more of an ownership sense – for instance, you still have the past action of taking the sword in your presence. “By”, however, suggests more that the method of death is by the sword. This could imply that what you deal out comes back to you in equal measure. Again, past actions can come back to haunt you – you cannot get rid of them.
The general message of the verse appears at first glance to be the simple message that if you live by violence you will die because of violence. But it also seems to say that you should be prepared to accept what you dole out to other people, providing a strong incentive to not resort to taking the sword. Also, that once you have taken the sword you cannot reverse that action. The pure statement that this will happen to “all” gives me the impression that it is a warning – just because you may not get your actions thrown back at you in this life, does not mean that you are safe from it. Especially with the context of the next verse, it gives me the impression that it is a reminder that however in control you think you are, God is the one with the power.
Matthew 26:53
Jesus appears to be reminding Peter that he does not need to take the sword, because God can protect if He so chooses. He has the power, He gave the original law to not murder, so don’t go against his laws. God does not need us to fulfil His plans; a reminder that humans are not all-important, as we so often seem to think we are.
Revelations 13:20
'Actions have consequences' seems to be the main message of this text, and the alternate translation of sword meaning "judicial punishment" also links it back to Judgement Day. And with the similar passage from Revelations, we are apparently being told that although these consequences may not happen in an earthly manner, you will still receive them at some point.
“Then said Jesus unto him Put up again thy sword into his place for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. ” KJV (King James Version)
“But Jesus told him, “Put your sword away. Anyone who lives by fighting will die by fighting.” CEV (Contemporary English Version) Youth Bible
I was at school yesterday and had finished homework, so picked up a random book about theology. Just glancing through it, I happened to see this verse in a ‘Point of discussion’ box on a section about pacifism and it got me thinking. The more I thought about it, the more I found different ways to interpret it.
In the context of this verse (Jesus being arrested), it could merely be Jesus trying to protect his disciples from the numerous other swords around them that could have brought about Peter’s “perish with the sword”. But the fact that he uses the word “for” and the other general word usage in the phrase suggests it is more a general statement than specifically aimed at Peter in this situation.
First is just the literal translation, which seems kind of unlikely to me – that if you use a sword, you will die with one. That seems far too literal and specific; it would make much more sense for the sword to represent all weapons, or even methods of violence and death. Use of “the” suggests it is more of a metaphor than a single, normal sword.
The original word that was translated to mean "sword" also has other meanings – war, for one. This relates back to the suggestion that “sword” was meant to encompass other methods of violence rather than just the specific weapon. Interestingly, it also means “judicial punishment”. Is this saying that if you judge others, be prepared to be judged yourself? “All” shows that this isn’t just applying to Peter when he drew the sword, but everyone. A message that everyone should be judged equally? Or that they will be judged equally, when the Day of Judgement comes?
It isn’t applying to killing someone with a sword either – just using a weapon against someone. Jesus saying this comes straight after one of the disciples cuts off the ear of one of the soldiers who has come to arrest Him. This implies that it is harming, as well as killing, that is being referred to. Furthermore, “take the sword” does not even say “use the sword”. It could be referring to the simple act of picking up a weapon and meaning to use it, or taking an active role in a war that will result in the same results as if you were the one using the sword. The use of the word “take” could also refer to an idea that they are doing so without permission – against God’s authority. If you take something you are generally doing so on your own authority rather than anyone else's.
“Perish with the sword” also seems to have a lot of interpretations. It could mean your death is directly linked to taking the sword, or be relating the increased likeliness of death if you are fighting in a war. But since it does say “all”, that really rules out the latter. It could be meaning that if you take the sword once, you will never forget it – that act will always be with you. It’s not something you can undo. In other words, it could be another way of saying actions have consequences, reminding you that using violence will generally create bigger consequences, for instance injury and death.
In other translations, the word “by” is used rather than “with”. “With” is more of an ownership sense – for instance, you still have the past action of taking the sword in your presence. “By”, however, suggests more that the method of death is by the sword. This could imply that what you deal out comes back to you in equal measure. Again, past actions can come back to haunt you – you cannot get rid of them.
The general message of the verse appears at first glance to be the simple message that if you live by violence you will die because of violence. But it also seems to say that you should be prepared to accept what you dole out to other people, providing a strong incentive to not resort to taking the sword. Also, that once you have taken the sword you cannot reverse that action. The pure statement that this will happen to “all” gives me the impression that it is a warning – just because you may not get your actions thrown back at you in this life, does not mean that you are safe from it. Especially with the context of the next verse, it gives me the impression that it is a reminder that however in control you think you are, God is the one with the power.
Matthew 26:53
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” KJV
Jesus appears to be reminding Peter that he does not need to take the sword, because God can protect if He so chooses. He has the power, He gave the original law to not murder, so don’t go against his laws. God does not need us to fulfil His plans; a reminder that humans are not all-important, as we so often seem to think we are.
Revelations 13:20
“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” KJV
'Actions have consequences' seems to be the main message of this text, and the alternate translation of sword meaning "judicial punishment" also links it back to Judgement Day. And with the similar passage from Revelations, we are apparently being told that although these consequences may not happen in an earthly manner, you will still receive them at some point.
