4703. But his father kept the word. That this signifies that truth remained in their religiosity, is evident from the signification here of "father" as being the Jewish religion derived from the ancient (of which above, n. 4700); and from the signification of "keeping," as being to preserve inwardly, thus to remain; and from the signification of "word," as being truth (of which above, n. 4692). What is further meant by truth remaining in their religiosity may be seen above (n. 4700).