Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 1101

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

1101. 'May God enlarge Japheth' means the enlightenment of that Church. In the literal sense 'enlarging' means extending boundaries, but in the internal sense it means being enlightened. Indeed enlightenment is an extension so to speak of the boundaries of wisdom and intelligence, as in Isaiah,

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out. Isa 54:2.

This stands for enlightenment in spiritual things. The member of the external Church is 'enlarged' when he receives instruction in truths and goods of faith. And because charity is present in him he is by this means confirmed more and more. Also, the more instruction he receives the more the cloud is dispersed in the understanding part of his mind in which charity and conscience are present.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church