Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 3550

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

3550. 'I am Esau your firstborn' means that it believed itself to be natural good itself. This is clear from the representation of 'Esau' and from the meaning of 'firstborn' as good, and indeed natural good, represented by 'Esau'. For the truth which a person possesses prior to regeneration is believed by him to be good itself. People who have perception know that it is not good but truth appearing under the form of good; but those who do not have perception are not aware of any such difference, as will also be more evident from what follows below.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church