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mike thomas
01-22-2012, 10:32 PM
Hello.

Having gone through the King James 1611 Bible with a fine toothed comb, I offer these few lines for your critical remarks.

Here is a link to view each page from the 1611 King James Bible:
(http://sceti.library.upenn.edu/sceti/printedbooksNew/index.cfm?TextID=kjbible)

The first page you see is the main frontispiece. This is our main reference.

Use the x4 zoom and navigate to the three figures standing directly under the dove.

Note the little furtive-looking man in the middle, he kind of peeps around a big log.

The man with the X cross is St. Andrew, the man with the cup is St. John, (the so-called "beloved disciple" and the subject in the Leonardo film) and the little man between them (in the shade) is either St. Thomas or St. Matthias.

Why either?

Each of the characters on the page is drawn with his special symbol. For example: St. Luke, the evangelist, has an Ox for his symbol, therefore in the bottom left-hand corner we see Luke writing his Gospel with an Ox by his side. Each of the four Evangelists being set in a corner.

The man at the top centre with the huge log X cross is St. Andrew because he is said to have died on such a device. His brother, St. Peter sits holding his own symbolic crossed keys. Both apostles are said to have died on inverted crosses: Peter; Roman (+), Andrew; Greek (x).

It is only through the symbol that the reader knows who the character is.

In the case of the little furtive and shady character, he holds a builder's square, means that he is St.Thomas. But the frontispiece to the New Testament (link shown below) tells a different story: there, the twelve apostles are set in a vertical column on the right side of the page. But the two apostles, Thomas (7th) and Matthias (8th), are labeled the wrong way around, which means that Thomas has the open book belonging to Matthias, and Matthias has the builder's square (and a spear). So we have something of a mystery: Did the makers of the King James Bible make an simple error?

The actual symbol for Matthias is an open book with an axe, signifying death by beheading. The axe is missing in the New Testament frontispiece, but the open book is present.


New Testament frontispiece: (http://sceti.library.upenn.edu/sceti/printedbooksNew/index.cfm?TextID=kjbible&PagePosition=1217)


* Use the x4 zoom and navigate to the twelve in the right hand column.

Who was Matthias? There is no mention of a Matthias among the lists of disciples or followers of Jesus in the three gospels. According to Acts 1, after Judas died they nominated two men to replace him: Joseph called Barsabbas (also called Justus) and Matthias. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)

No further information is to be found on the character Matthias. He passes in and out the New Testament like a transient ghostly figure.

Now, I ask you: seeing as the little figure, Thomas?? is in the most prime position on the page - under the Dove, surely he must have been of some great significance to those who designed that image. Why is he in the shade? Why does he almost peep from behind a log?

Look carefully at his head (use x4 zoom) and consider just waht on earth is that mark on his forehead.

Look at his hand: it grasps the L-shaped square, and we see four dots, set in a square on the back of his hand. What do they signify?

Look at his teeth. Yes, teeth: it seems that he is in urgent need of a dentist. Now look at the mouths of every other figure on the page: only one other bears his gnashers: James, son of Alphaeus; identified by his symbol, the club. (He was clubbed to death).

Why has shady Thomas really bad teeth, but James has a perfect set? These two being the only ones showing their teeth adds to the mystery.

If doubting Thomas is meant to cause curiosity, he will succeed in the mind the nosy observer.

When a full analysis is carried out, no room is left for doubt: that book is engineered like you would not believe. There are thousands of things which come to light when one applies reason to the thing.

Here is an example for readers to chew over: The four evangelists are each shown, one to each corner, busily writing their respective gospels. Going from Matthew on the top left hand corner in a clockwise manner, we see each evangelist with their symbol: Matthew (Angel), Mark (Lion), John(Eagle) and Luke (Ox).

Why is it that we don't see them as the Gospels are set out: Matthew. Mark, Luke and John?

More importantly, although they each seem to be writing their own gospel, Mark is unable to make any mark whatever. It is quite impossible in fact. I leave the reader to consider why not.

The clue links to that builder's square, which is in fact something else, something that Mark might make, if only he was able to. But that's too much info for here.

What gives the game away is the manner by which the two characters Thomas and Matthias are swapped in the New Testament frontispiece, and the fact that in the main title page, we see a shady weird-looking Thomas with his square, but minus his spear.

This raises the question: If that is Thomas, then where is Matthias? The answer is that he is in two places at once: he stands in the right hand side behind Mark, with his back almost to the reader, we see him in shaded profile. He holds the spear of Thomas.

On the left hand side we see a face almost hidden. He is behind a heavy thug-like figure who bears a partisan. The character - the doppleganger Matthias - also bears a spear. The second spear on the page. No book belonging to Matthias is seen, but the fact that he is positioned at each side of the same page might hint at a book.

But how come Matthias is in two places at the same time? Because Thomas was also called Didymus, which means twin.

We are presented with a double identity involving books, squares and spears, and are meant to consider these things in great depth. Therein lie the answers.

Judas - the most famous apostle, was replaced by Matthias - an almost unknown character. Judas gave the game away, he told the truth, and so too does Matthias, but in a more subtle and complex way, and about an entirely different thing.


And what about that mark on the head of the little shady character? And those four dots on his hand?

And those teeth?

anyone?

Bad Grass
01-29-2012, 09:59 PM
Hey Mike. I find your enthusiasm for symbolism fascinating.
As for the 1611 version: Is there any better?
I find it so eloquent.
Sorry, I don't know much about symbolism. But the words are awesome!

MANICHAEAN
01-30-2012, 02:01 AM
Mike

Perhaps a new set of eyes. Perhaps a new set of questions!

Thoughts on the top section of the frontispiece moving from left to right:

Thomas: The mark on the forehead is very common among devout Moslims who place their foreheads five times a day to the ground in prayer. On the other hand, combined with the marks on the hand, possibly leprosy? (unclean as per the prejudices of the time.)

Do you denote mouths in the clouds, or even what could be a face in the clouds looking towards the sun?

Is it my imagination, or is the sun cross eyed with a double chin?

The holding of swords and other items in such a way as if they were a heavy load to carry, or is it more symbolic i.e more for ostentation than usage?

Second character from the left. A look of shame with downcast eyes.

Third character from the left peers out with suspicion at the viewer.

The angel holding the ink is packing on some pounds, with fairly awesome forearms and hands.

St John's right hand is fascinating. Reminds me of an old Italian gesture (which is with the first & third finger extended, which communicates to another, that the person speaking is lying and is not to be trusted.)

Finally the character on the right. On his exposed front leg; is that a sock, a garter or a scar?

I suspect that the draftsman involved had an element of somewhat dangerous mischief in some of the detail incorporated therin.

Regards

M.