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NASB | Luke 1:56 ¶ And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 1:56 ¶ And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home. |
Bible Question: Is there anything in the Greek of Luke 1 to hint/indicate that Mary stayed with Elizabeth after John was born? The stated timeline is that Mary arrived at Elizabeth's house in Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy and stayed there "about" three months. I understand that the Greek "hosei" implies a leeway afterwards per Dean Alford, but I'm no scholar. The text does not say that she was there for the birth of John, but staying there from Elizabeth's sixth to ninth months (as the text says; to help perhaps as I might infer) and leaving right before the birth (as 1.56 and then 1.57 in English imply) does not make sense. |
Bible Answer: What I am making of the Gk. "hosei" is that it is used before something definitive, such as 8 days. "hosei" would be placed before the numeral '8' to mean: like, as, or approximate. True, there is a possibility of a continuance afterwards, but this would likely be short. I am seeing more evidence to show that Mary would not stay longer, than she would've. But this is only my suggestion. Other instances of the word "hosei" include, Matt 3:16, and he saw the Spirit of God descending "like 5616" a dove, and lighting upon him (Strong's 5616 meaning: similar to) Matt 9:36, and were scattered abroad, "as 5616" sheep having no shepherd (Strong's 5616 meaning: for instance) Luke 3:23, And Jesus himself began to be "about 5616" thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph (Strong's 5616 meaning: approximately) So, please understand that I am no Gk. expert either but when Jesus was "hosei" thirty years of age, that could easily mean plus or minus a six month period or more. We simply are not allowed that much latitude in the passage about His mother. In Vs. 56, when Mary was there "hosei" 3 months, it could possibly mean, yes, plus or minus 2 weeks or so, but I still hold to the opinion that Mary would rather leave Elizabeth before all the commotion surrounding John's birth gained a presence, as well as the circumference of her midsection. (o: The majority stick to the story as is, and I concur that Mary headed for home when Elisabeth was near her time. As the Christ was being formed inside of her, she would take a great deal more delight than usual in sitting alone and remaining silent. Thank you for the good question, it is a pleasure studying with you. |