John Bengel Commentary - John 5:35 - 5:35

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John Bengel Commentary - John 5:35 - 5:35


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Joh 5:35. Ὁ λύχνος, lamp [light]) The article amplifies, and alludes to the prophecies in the Old Testament concerning John. Comp. Sir 48:1, καὶ ἀνέστη Ἡλίας ὁ προφήτης ὡς πῦρ, καὶ ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ ὡς λαμπὰς ἐκαίετο [Elias-arose as fire, and his word burned as a torch]. Otherwise this appellation is a weak one, [to be applied] to the Christ Himself.-καιόμενος) blazing vehemently (comp. the passage quoted above concerning Elias), and quickly burning out.-καὶ φαίνων, and a shining) καί also denotes concomitancy: whilst the light blazed, it shone; no longer.-ἀγαλλιασθῆναι, to exult) without penitential mourning, and without making any approach towards Myself. A choice word to express the thought. They ought to have used, not enjoyed [made their chief joy], John. The Jews treated that which was but a mean, as if it were an end. They are grossly mistaken, who seek in the word and ministers of God only the gratification of their outward or inward senses, and not Christ Himself, [-who, when they are delighted with the gifts of ministers, seem to themselves religious and devoted, and yet do not follow their instruction.-V. g.]-ἠθελήσατε πρὸς ὥραν, ye were willing for a season) Your willingness was not of long continuance.-φωτί, in the light) Ye were attracted by the splendour, not by the blazing ardour of him.-αὐτοῦ, his) without proceeding forward to Me, the Light, the fountain of joy: ch. Joh 8:56, “Your Father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad:” ἠγαλλιάσατο.