| Word | American Tract Society - Definition |
| PARADISE | A Greek word signifying a park, or garden with trees. The Hebrew word GAN, garden, issued in a similar way, Ne 2:8 Ec 2:5 So 4:13. The Septuagint uses the word Paradise when speaking of the Garden of Eden, in which the Lord placed Adam and Eve. This famous garden is indeed commonly known by the name of "the terrestrial paradise," and there is hardly any part of the world in which it has not been sought. See EDEN. In the New Testament, "paradise" is put, in allusion to the paradise of Eden, for the place where the souls of the blessed enjoy happiness. Thus our Savior tells the penitent thief on the cross, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise;" that is, in the state of the blessed, Lu 23:43. Paul speaking of himself in the third person, says, "I knew a man that was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter," 2Co 12:4. And in Re 2:7 22:14, the natural features of the scene where innocence and bliss were lost, are used to depict the world where these are restored perfectly and forever. |