Metaphysical meaning of Capernaum (mbd)
Capernaum, ca-per'-na-um (Gk. from Heb.)--village of Nahum; village of consolation; shelter of comfort; covering of compassion; covering of repentance.
A city on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, "in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali" (Matt. 4:13; John 4:46).
Meta. Nahum means comfort or consolation. Capernaum (village of consolation, shelter of comfort, covering of compassion) refers to an inner conviction of the abiding compassion and restoring power of Being. When one enters this state of consciousness a healing virtue pours out of the soul and transforms all discord to harmony. It is this great soul compassion and yearning to help humanity out of its errors that makes the so-called "natural healer." In man's body consciousness Capernaum is located in the abdominal region.
Capernaum also means covering of repentance. Thus it indicates a cleansing of the mind, both conscious and subconscious. In this repentant attitude the individual is ready to change his mind. Such a man has lived in the outer realms of consciousness where materiality reigns, but now he has come to realize that there is another realm where he becomes acquainted with spiritual Truth. This is entering the synagogue (Mark 1:21).
Capernaum, in Matt. 11:23, represents Christian sympathy, which has been exalted to heaven but shall be brought down to hell, or Hades, the abode of the dead; that is, the sympathy that pours its thought substance out to error shall be brought down to hell. That sympathy helps the sick along in their delusions by sympathizing with them. It mourns over the dead and adds the burden of death thought to death. It joins those who grieve, and grief wears its weeds of sorrow in every home, and every heart slows its beats to meet the measure of the mournful thought. Yet the praises of the "sympathetic tear" are sung by poets; orators eulogize it, and preachers enjoin it. Thus it is "exalted unto heaven." But when Truth is revealed by her works, and casts out the demons of sickness and raises the dead, then false sympathy is brought down to Hades--nothingness.
Caphtor, caph'-tôr (Heb.)--converted; changed; covered and surrounded; covered with a crown; a covered cup- the cupped hands; sphere; buckle; hand, capital of a column; a sphere; ail arena; a circlet or buckle.
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Preceding Entry: Canneh
Following Entry: Caphtor
