Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, May 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 2 / Ordinary 7
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Of five Hebrew originals the chief is טוב , ṭōbh , "good," expressing quality, character. Variously used of objects pleasing to the senses, feelings, mind, moral sense, e.g. "best of the land" (Genesis 47:6 ); "of sheep" (1 Samuel 15:9 ); of persons "married to whom they think best" (Numbers 36:6 ); of abode, "where it liketh (the Revised Version (British and American) "pleaseth") him best" (Deuteronomy 23:16 ).
In Numbers 18:12 the revenues of the priests were to be "holy gifts," e.g. the "best of the oil," etc. ( חלב , ḥēlebh , "fat"); also Numbers 18:29 , Numbers 18:30 , Numbers 18:32 , the gifts of the heave-offering were to be "of all the best," indicating that the richest elements of life were to go into the support and service of the sanctuary. So "the choice (best) fruits" (זמרה , zı̄mrah , literally, "the song of the land"), a beautifully poetic expression for the most celebrated fruits (Genesis 43:11 ); equally choice is פזז , pāzaz , "separate," "the finest (best) gold," hence "purified" (1 Kings 10:18 ).
Used but twice in the New Testament: (1) of spiritual gifts (κρεῖττον , kreı́tton , "better" the Revised Version (British and American) "greater"); 1 Corinthians 12:31 ); (2) of raiment (πρῶτος , prō̇tos , "first"), "best robe" (Luke 15:22 ), of special significance as expressing the Father's lavish love for the repentant and returning sinner.
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Best'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/b/best.html. 1915.
