JST Luke 11:28 Having a More Positive View of Mary than the KJV

  

Luke 11:28 (KJV)	NT MSS 2, p. 73
But he replied, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.	And <said> <he said[;]<,>> yea[;]<,> And blessed are all they who hear the word of God, and keep it[;]

 

 

 

JST “and.” The GR μενουν monoun can also serve to strengthen a conclusion (not only that, but) or to contrast with one (not that, but). The JST emphasizes that it should be taken in the former sense, trying to avoid the implication that Mary is not to be blessed for her role in Christ’s life. The GK here is GK μακαρια (happy/fortunate); the sentiment almost seems to be one of how happy Mary must be to have such a fine son. If so, then Christ’s statement should be taken as indicating that our true happiness comes from what we do, not what others do. (Daniel McKinlay, “The Gospel According to St. Luke,” in Footnotes to the New Testament for Latter-day Saints, ed. Kevin L. Barney, 2 vols. [2007], 1:332 n. c)