Here are the questions that some of you suggested in our discussion on Feb 15. Feel free to add others or comment on these by replying to this post.
We noted that one important question, in the light of alternative translations, concerns the number of names given to the child in v. 6. Are there five (as in the KJV, ASV, and Handel’s Messiah), or four (most newer translations)? My answer to this question (five) requires a knowledge of Hebrew, and is discussed in an additional post here.
- What is the distinctive meaning of each name? You might want to consider how these names are used elsewhere in the Bible
- Is there some grouping or significance in the order in which they are presented?
- How are these names related to the description of Messiah’s reign in v.7? Clearly, “prince of peace” corresponds to the statement that “of peace there shall be no end.” Are others also reflected?
- Both verses 6 and 7 mention “the government” instituted by this child. How does this government contrast with the previous administration?
- Try to diagram v.7. How are the phrases and clauses related to one another?
- Verse 7 contains several pairs of parallel words. List them, and compare and contrast the words in each pair.
- What point in history does v. 7 describe? Are there other Scripture passages that might help situate the events described here?
- (A general question applicable to any passage:) So what? How will my understanding of this passage change my life this week?
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