#718: In a Lowly Manger Born

[lutheranhymns]

This is a translation from Japanese, and features the word "publicans," which apparently is the term for the tax collectors in the Roman Empire so it's actually relevant (Zacchaeus! etc.) but not used very often. I also found it interesting that it namedrops both Joseph and Mary, but in different contexts--the end describes Jesus as both human and divine, "son of Mary, son of God." But the beginning part mentions Jesus growing up "under Joseph's watchful eye," emphasizing that he was a humble laborer from a working-class family. Neat.

Comments

Publicans

[(Anonymous)]

Love the insight into the use of Mary here— representing all of humankind, while Joseph provides the watchful, nurturing eye. Hadn’t noticed that before. “Publican” was the way the King James Version translated the term that is translated as “tax collector” now. The Greek “telonase” meant toll-taker, or IRS agent 😉, so tax collector is a pretty good translation, but I imagine it doesn’t “sing” as easily.

I hadn’t checked in over a while, but I 💕 reading these.

#eaganfan

Re: Publicans

[lutheranhymns]

I realized after I wrote this that my Eastern Orthodox friend is not only very short, but also a former IRS employee, so I know a RL Zacchaeus too!