There is a like difference between understanding and
will, or between thought and affection; so, too, between truth and
good and between faith and love; for truth and faith belong to the
understanding, and good and love to the will. From this it is that in
the Word "youth" or "man" means in the spiritual sense the
understanding of truth, and "virgin" or "woman" affection for good;
also that the church, on account of its affection for good and truth,
is called a "woman" and a "virgin;" also that all those that are in
affection for good are called "virgins" (as in Apoc. 14:4).{1}
{Footnote 1} In the Word "young men" signify understanding of
truth, or the intelligent (n. 7668). "Men" have the same
signification (n. 158, 265, 749, 915, 1007, 2517, 3134, 3236,
4823, 9007). "Woman" signifies affection for good and truth (n.
568, 3160, 6014, 7337, 8994); likewise the church (n. 252, 253,
749, 770); "wife" has the same signification (n. 252, 253, 409,
749, 770); with what difference (n. 915, 2517, 3236, 4510,
4823). In the highest sense "husband and wife" are predicated
of the Lord and of His conjunction with heaven and the church
(n.
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