Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Luke: Chapter 8].
called \agath•n\ (really good, generous) and in verse 15 we
have \en t•i kal•i g•i\ ({in the beautiful or noble land}). So
Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used \kalos k'
agathos\ of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke
knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy
to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and
good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek.
Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic
phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin
_honestus_ (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with
"hold fast" (\katechousin\), "hold it down" so that the devil
does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not
shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns.
It bears fruit (\karpophorousin\, an old expressive verb,
\karpos\ and \phore•\). That is the proof of spiritual life. {In
patience} (\en hupomon•i\). There is no other way for real fruit
to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually
poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.
8:16 {When he hath lighted a lamp} (\luchnon hapsas\). It is a
portable lamp (\luchnon\) that one lights (\hapsas\ aorist active
participle of \hapt•\, to kindle, fasten to, light). {With a
vessel} (\skeuei\, instrumental case of \skeuos\). Here Mr 4:21
has the more definite figure "under the bushel" as has Mt 5:15.
{Under the bed} (\hupokat• klin•s\). Here Mr 4:21 has the
regular \hupo t•n klin•n\ instead of the late compound
\hupokat•\. Ragg notes that Matthew distributes the sayings of
Jesus given here by Lu 8:16-18; Mr 4:21-25 concerning the
parable of the lamp and gives them in three separate places (Mt
5:15; 10:26; 13:12). That is true, but it does not follow that
Mark and Luke have bunched together separate sayings or that
Matthew has scattered sayings delivered only on one occasion. One
of the slowest lessons for some critics to learn is that Jesus
repeated favourite sayings on different occasions and in
different groupings just as every popular preacher and teacher
does today. See on ¯Mr 4:21 for further discussion of the lamp
and stand. {May see the light} (\Blep•sin to ph•s\). In Mt 5:16
Jesus has it "may see your good works." The purpose of light is
to let one see something else, not the light. Note present
subjunctive (\blep•sin\), linear action "Jesus had kindled a
light within them. They must not hide it, but must see that it
spreads to others" (Plummer). The parable of the lamp throws
light on the parable of the sower.
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