Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 9:23

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 9:23 - 9:23

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 9:23 - 9:23

(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
23. St Mark and St Luke mention the message to Jairus on the way, that his daughter was already dead, and name the three disciples whom Jesus permits to enter the house with him.

τοὺς αὐλητάς. The minstrels are mentioned by St Matthew only. Lane (Modern Egyptians) says ‘the women of the family raise the cries of lamentations called ‘welweleh’ or ‘wilwal;’ uttering the most piercing shrieks and calling upon the name of the deceased.’ The employment of hired minstrels for funeral lamentations seems to have been universal in the ancient world. Cp. Cantabat mœstis tibia funeribus, Ov. Trist. 9:1. 14; τί με ὁ κωκυτὸς ὑμῶν ὀνίνησι, Lucian, de luctu. 10. ‘Even the poorest among the Israelites will afford her not less than two pipes and one woman to make lamentation.’ (Talmud.)

τὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον. To join in lamentation for the dead and to assist in the preparation for the funeral rites were reckoned among the most meritorious works of charity.