Scriptures in "Owen Meany"

Throughout both the novel and the play, there appear a number of scriptures. Below is a list of biblical verses that appear in our play, along with a bit about their biblical context.

• p. 9 (Barb) John 11:26, King James Version

  25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

  Context: Jesus is speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. After asserting that Lazarus will rise again, Jesus confirms Martha's faith in the power of resurrection/redemption through Him. After weeping with Lazarus' sisters, Jesus goes to the grave and commands Lazarus to "come forth," which he does.

• p. 9 (Barb) 1 Timothy 6:7

  5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

  Context: Paul is beckoning Timothy to withdraw from those who consider godliness a mean of financial gain, and rather to value the spiritual benefit of godliness that transcends and outlasts the material world.

• p. 17 (Grandmother)

"Lord help us, Lord help us all, especially those that help themselves."

This common phrase is often mistaken for a biblical verse, but it is not found in the Bible. In fact, Proverbs 28:26 (New International Version) states "He who trusts in himself is a fool."

• p. 23 (Mr. Meany) "The Devil is my shepherd."

Based on Psalm 23:1, King James Version

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

This Psalm (incidentally one of my favorites) is now most commonly associated with funerals. It presents the image of God as a Shepherd that protects and comforts His flock. Mr. Meany turns this fundamental verse on its head by replacing "The Lord" with "The Devil."

• p. 25 (Wiggins) John 11:25-26 See above.

• p. 25 (Merrill) Exodus 20:3, Book of Common Prayer version

GOD spake these words, and said: I am the LORD thy God; Thou shalt have none other gods but me.

This is the first of the Ten Commandments delivered to Moses by God for the Hebrew people to follow.

[More to come]