[Greek] λανθάνω (lanthanō), [Latin] latere: to go unnoticed, to escape notice, to be hidden, to forget, to not know; Mk.7:24, Lk.8:47, Acts 26:26, Heb.13:2, 2Pet.3:5,8
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to go unnoticed, to be blind, to escape (notice), to remain hidden, to be deceived, to forget, and to be unaware:
Escaping notice: This expression essentially means to go unnoticed, to avoid being seen, and failing to respond to something.
Aristophanes’ Knights 465: “His tricks at Argos do not escape me.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 1325: “Your presence is not hidden from me—no, blind though I am, nevertheless I know your voice full well.”
Homer’s Odyssey 19.151: “Thus for three years I kept the Achaeans from knowing and beguiled them.”
Euripides’ Alcestis 198: “But since he has escaped death, he lives with such grief as he will never forget.”
Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 796: “But whoever is a discerning shepherd of his flock cannot be deceived by men’s eyes which fawn affection.”
Aristophanes’ Wasps 517: “You are their slave and do not know it.”
Sophocles’ Electra 222: “I know my own passion, it does not escape me.”
Old Testament: This term means to hide, to conceal, to destroy, to act covertly, to act treacherously, to find lacking, and to help. Interestingly, showing hospitality to strangers (Heb.13:2) is related to Abraham and Sarah showing hospitality to three visitors (Gen.18). Because of their hospitality toward the strangers, the visitors proclaimed that Abraham and Sarah will have a son. They received a blessing for their kindness to others.
New Testament: This term means to escape notice [to go unnoticed], to not know, and to ignore. In the district of Tyre, Jesus entered a house but He could not escape from being noticed. As the hemorrhagic women could not escape being seen and cured by Jesus, she came forward trembling. Paul cannot believe that the story about Jesus and the church has gone unnoticed. Christians are called not to neglect hospitality to strangers, for these strangers are Christian brothers and messengers. The false teachers ignore or neglect creation and the Lord’s coming.
Scripture:
“When the woman realizes that she had not escaped notice [gone unnoticed], she came forward trembling. Falling down before Him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him and how she had been healed immediately.” Lk.8:47
When she touched Jesus, she was healed. Healing power came out of Jesus.
“The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that any of this has escape his notice [gone unnoticed]; this was not done in a corner.” Acts 26:26
Paul is presenting a story about Jesus and His church which was already well known.
“Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” Heb.13:2
The Hebrew Christians are called to offer hospitality to their Christian brothers and strangers. Angels could be men or special visitors from God.
Conclusion:
Latent, latency
Evidently, the expression “to escape notice” has been used through history. This is a fact which really had gone unnoticed by me. These quotes also can be applicable to current times. Sophocles alludes to followers still hearing the voice of their leaders. Sophocles also alludes to one to being oblivious to one’s own bondage or captivity. (Sin comes to mind.)
I also did not realize that Abraham welcoming strangers ties to Heb. 13:2. Blessings (seen and unseen) may come to those who offer hospitality and comfort. This should instill a pregnant pause for reflection.
The hemorrhagic woman was healed because of her faith in Jesus. “Not done in a corner” is a Greek proverb indicating that something is already known. Christians are called to offer comfort and hospitality. However political climate (circumstances) and crises may often either encourage or discourage the means to offer hospitality to others. In Pet. 3:5 we cannot ignore the fact that false teachers had insinuated that God is not guiding the world’s history anymore.
Update: That Ukraine is putting up a fight against Russian forces is not going unnoticed by the world.
Putin’s actions and propaganda are not going unnoticed by the Russian citizens any more. It is becoming more difficult for the Russian government to keep the truth hidden
Many Ukrainians are now fleeing from this war into neighboring countries which are offering hospitality, refuge, and amnesty.
The Ukrainians trust their leader President Zelenskyy in their struggle to fight for their country.
Let’s not loose sight that Putin may have interest in controlling eastern parts of Ukraine for geopolitical and economic purposes.
Unfortunately, our U.S. President seems to continue to make gaffes and misleading statements in which he is not aware of making.
Wheat, fertilizer, and other commodities will be severely reduced because of this war. As a result, many countries dependent on these products will be severely impacted.
The difficulties that the Russian citizens will face also cannot go unnoticed. Unfortunately, they will have to bear the consequences of the sanctions placed against Russia from Putin’s over-reaching and taking advantage. We also must keep them in our prayers. Let’s also not escape notice of the political and social overreaching of many others. (It would be foolish to do otherwise).
Next post: over-reaching and taking advantage