WH10.为让人们知道何为内义及其性质和起源，有必要大体说明这一切。天堂里的人，其思维和言语都不同于世人的：在天堂是属灵的，在世上是属世的。因此，当世人阅读圣言时，与他同在的天使以属灵的方式来感知，而世人则以属世的方式来理解。所以，天使处于内在意义，而世人处于外在意义。然而，他们仍通过一种对应关系构成一体。天使不仅以属灵的方式思考，还以属灵的方式说话。他们同样与世人同在，并通过圣言与世人结合。这一点可见于《天堂与地狱》一书，那里论述了天堂天使的智慧（265-275节），天使的语言（234 -245节），他们与世人的结合（291-302节），以及通过圣言结合（303-310节）。
天上的天使理解圣言的方式不同于地上世人的；内在意义或属灵意义是为天使而存在的，而外在意义或属世意义是为世人而存在的（1887，2395节）。天使照内在意义，而非外在意义感知圣言，这一点通过我在阅读圣言时，那些从天上与我说话之人的经历来说明（1769-1772节）。天使的思维观念，以及天使的语言是属灵的，而人类的观念和语言是属世的；因此，属灵的内义，也就是灵义，是为了天使，这一点通过我的亲身经历向我说明（2333节）。然而，圣言的字义是传达天使的属灵观念的一种手段或媒介，就像世人用说话的话语来表达一个主题的意思一样（2143节）。属于圣言内义的事物落入诸如在天堂之光中的那类事物，因而进入天使的感知（2618，2619，2629，3086节）。同样，天使从圣言所感知到的事物对他们来说，是极其宝贵的（2540，2541，2545，2551节）。天使甚至不理解圣言字义的一个词（64，65，1434，1929节）。他们也不知道圣言中提到的人名和地名（1434，1888，4442，4480节）。名字无法进入天堂，也无法在那里说出来（1876，1888节）。圣言中的所有名字都表示属灵事物，在天堂则转变为对属灵事物的观念（768，1888，4310，4442，5225，5287，10329节）。天使甚至将属灵事物从人及其名字中抽象出来（4380，8343，8985，9007节）。圣言的内义何等优美，哪怕只出现一些名字，这一点通过来自圣言的例子说明（1224，1888，2395节）。而且，成系列的许多名字在内义上表达一个事物（5905节）；还有，圣言中的所有数字都表示属灵事物（482，487，647，648，755，813，1963，1988，2075，2252，3152，4264，6175，9488，9659，10217，10253节）。灵人也以内义来感知圣言，只要他们的内层向天堂打开（1771节）。属世的圣言字义在天使当中可在一瞬间转换为灵义，这是由于对应关系的存在（5648节）。这无需他们听见或知道字面或外在意义里有什么（10215节）。因此，字面或外在意义只与世人同在，不再进一步发展（2015节）。
圣言有一种内在意义，还有一种至内在或至高的意义（对此，参看9407，10604，10614，10627节）。属灵天使，也就是那些在主的属灵国度的天使，以内在意义来感知圣言；属天天使，也就是那些在主的属天国度的天使，以至内在的意义来感知圣言（2157，2275节）。
圣言既为世人，也为天使，适合这二者（7381，8862，10322节）。正是圣言将天堂与大地联结起来（2310，2495，9212，9216，9357节）。天堂与世人通过圣言结合（9396，9400，9401，10452节）。因此，圣言被称为约（9396节），因为约表示结合（665，666，1023，1038，1864，1996，2003，2021，6804，8767，8778，9396，10632节）。圣言有一个内在意义，因为圣言从主经由三层天堂而降，直至人类（2310，6397节）。它以这种方式变得适合三层天堂的天使，也适合人类（7381，8862节）。正因如此，圣言是神性（4989，9280节）；它是神圣的（10276节）；是属灵的（4480节）；是受神性启示的（9094节）。这就是启示（9094节）。
此外，重生之人实际上就在圣言的内义中，尽管他们没有意识到这一点，因为他们那拥有属灵感知的内在人被打开了（10401节）。不过，对他们来说，圣言的属灵本质流入属世观念，因而以一种属世的方式呈现出来，或得以稳固，因为他们活在世上时，就感知而言，是作为属世人进行思考的（5614节）。因此，在那些被光照的人当中，真理之光来自他们的内在，因而经由内在从主而来（10691，10694节）。在那些视圣言为神圣的人当中，神圣之物也是以这种方式流入的（6789节）。由于重生之人实际上就在圣言的内义，在它的神圣中，尽管他们没有意识到这一点，所以他们死后自己就会进入它，不再处于字义（3226，3342，3343节）。内在人的观念是属灵的；而人活在世上时，并未注意到这些观念，因为它们在其属世思维里面，他将其理性官能赋予了属世思维（10236，10240，10550节）。但死后人就进入它们，如同进入自己的东西，因为它们属于他的灵，那时他不仅出于它们思考，还出于它们说话（2470，2472，2476，10568，10604节）。正因如此，如前所述，重生之人不知道他处于圣言的灵义，并拥有由此而来的光照。
10. The inner meaning of the Word is primarily for angels, but it is also for us. To explain what the inner meaning of the Word is, what its nature is, and what its source is, I need to offer the following overview.
People think and speak differently in heaven than in this world—those in heaven think and speak in a spiritual way, and those in this world think and speak in an earthly way. As a result, when we are reading the Word, the angels who are with us 1take spiritually what we are taking in an earthly way. This means that angels are focused on the Word’s inner meaning while we are focused on its outer meaning. However, the two make a single meaning because of their correspondence.
Angels not only think spiritually, they also talk spiritually. Further, they are with us and are united to us through the Word. On these matters see Heaven and Hell where it deals with the wisdom of heaven’s angels (§§265–275), their speech (§§234–245), and their union with us (§§291–302), a union that takes place by means of the Word (§§303–310).
[2] The Word is understood differently by angels in the heavens than by us on earth; the meaning accessible to angels is an inner or spiritual one, while the meaning accessible to us is outer or earthly: 1887, 2395. Angels are aware of the inner meaning of the Word and not its outer meaning: 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 (which include evidence from personal experience with angels who spoke with me from heaven while I was reading the Word). Angelic concepts and angelic speech are both spiritual, while our concepts and speech are earthly, so the inner meaning, being spiritual, is for angels: 2333 (which includes evidence from eyewitness experience). Even so, the literal meaning of the Word serves as a support for the spiritual concepts of angels, much the way the words of our language carry the meaning of a subject for us: 2143. Matters of the Word’s inner meaning fall into the category of things visible in heaven’s light and therefore are suited to angelic perception: 2618, 2619, 2629, 3086. As a result, what angels get from the Word is very precious to them: 2540, 2541, 2545, 2551. Angels do not understand even a single word of the literal meaning of the Word: 64, 65, 1434, 1929. They do not know the names of people or places in the Word, either: 1434, 1888, 4442, 4480. Names cannot enter heaven or be pronounced there: 1876, 1888. All the names in the Word denote actual things, and are changed into concepts of those things in heaven: 768, 1888, 4310, 4442, 5225, 5287, 10329. Further, angels think in terms of qualities without reference to individuals: 5287, 8343, 8985, 9007. Examples from the Word showing the elegance of its inner meaning even when it consists of nothing but names: 1224, 1888, 5095. Further, a long list of names sometimes expresses just one topic in its inner meaning: 5095. All numbers in the Word have definable meanings as well: 482, 487, 647, 648, 755, 813, 1963, 1988, 2075, 2252, 3252, 4264, 6175, 9488, 9659, 10217, 10253. To the extent that their inner reaches are opened into heaven, spirits as well 2perceive the inner meaning of the Word: 1771. The literal meaning of the Word, which is earthly, is transformed instantly into spiritual meaning for angels because there is a correspondence (5648); and this happens apart from any hearing or awareness on their part of the content of the literal or outer meaning (10215). So the literal or outer meaning exists only on our level and does not reach beyond it: 2015.
[3] There is an inner meaning of the Word and also an inmost or highest meaning: 9407, 10604, 10614, 10627 (which include some discussion). Spiritual angels (that is, angels in the Lord's spiritual kingdom) 3perceive the inner meaning of the Word, and heavenly angels (that is, angels in the Lord’s heavenly kingdom) perceive its inmost meaning: 2157, 2275.
[4] The Word is for us and is also for angels; it has been accommodated to each: 7381, 8862, 10322. The Word is what unites heaven and earth: 2310, 2895, 9212, 9216, 9357. The joining of heaven to us is brought about by means of the Word: 9396, 9400, 9401, 10452. That is why the Word is called “a covenant”: 49396. In fact, “covenant” means a joining together: 665, 666, 1023, 1038, 1864, 1996, 2003, 2021, 6804, 8767, 8778, 9396, 10632. There is an inner meaning in the Word because the Word came down to us from the Lord through the three heavens 5(2310, 6597); and in this way it was adapted to the angels of the three heavens and also to us (7381, 8862). This is why the Word is divine (4989, 9280), and is holy (10276), and spiritual (4480), and is inspired by the Divine (9094). This is what inspiration is: 9094.
[5] People who have been regenerated, too, are effectively engaged with the Word’s inner meaning even though they do not realize it, since their inner self is open, and this self has spiritual perception: 10400. However, the spiritual content of the Word flows into earthly concepts for them and therefore presents itself in earthly terms, because as long as we are living in this world, as far as we can tell we do our thinking in the earthly self: 65614. This means that for people who are enlightened, the light of truth comes from within, that is, through their inner selves from the Lord: 710691, 10694. Something holy also flows in by this path for people who regard the Word as holy: 6789. Since regenerate people are (without knowing it) effectively engaged with the Word’s inner meaning and with its holiness, after death they come into that meaning spontaneously and are no longer engaged with the literal meaning: 3226, 3342, 3343. The concepts of our inner self are spiritual, but while we are living in this world we are not aware of them because they are within our earthly thinking, giving it the ability to reason: 10236, 10240, 10551. After death, though, we come into consciousness of our own inner concepts because they are proper to our spirit, and they are then the source not only of our thinking but also of our speech: 2470, 2472, 2476, 10568, 10604. That is why I said that people who have been regenerated are unaware that they are engaged with the Word’s spiritual meaning, although it is actually the source of their enlightenment.
Footnotes:
1. According to Swedenborg, there are at least two angels with us at all times, as well as two evil spirits (Secrets of Heaven 50, 968, 5470). The evil spirits are not aware of their presence with us, though the angels may be aware that they are with us (Secrets of Heaven 5862). Either way, our feelings and thoughts are closely linked to those of the angels and spirits with us, so that they sense what we are thinking and feeling as if it were within themselves. However, as stated here, they see the inner, spiritual meaning in the things that we understand in an earthly or material way. This is especially so while we are reading the Bible. For more on the angels and spirits with us, and the role of intermediate spirits in the world of spirits situated midway between heaven and hell, see Secrets of Heaven 5846–5866, 5976–5993; Heaven and Hell 291–310. [LSW]
2. On the meaning of the term “spirits” in Swedenborg’s theological works, see note 2 in New Jerusalem 25. [Editors]
3. On the two kingdoms of heaven, see note 5 in New Jerusalem 4. [Editors]
4. Swedenborg here refers to the fact that the two parts of the canonical Christian Bible are known as the Vetus Testamentum (Old Testament) and Novum Testamentum (New Testament). The Latin word testamentum does mean “covenant” when used in contexts such as that of the current passage; but Swedenborg does not use that Latin term here, most likely because it can also mean “a will” (that is, a “last testament”). He avoids this ambiguity by using the Latin word foedus here instead, which can mean only “covenant” or “pact,” or, as Swedenborg himself goes on to gloss it here, “a joining together,” in the sense of “a uniting on agreed-upon terms.” [GFD]
5. On the three heavens mentioned here, see note 2 in New Jerusalem 4. [Editors]
6. “The earthly self” is here used as a synonym for the outer self. On the inner and outer self, see New Jerusalem 36–New Jerusalem53. According to the passage in Secrets of Heaven cited here, as long as we are living in the material world, our outer or earthly self is engaged in the objects, events, and activities of the material world. For more on the earthly self, or earthly mind, and how our outer or earthly self and our inner or spiritual self function in relation to one another when our focus is earthly and when our focus is spiritual, see Divine Love and Wisdom 248–263; Revelation Explained (= Swedenborg 1994–1997a) §654:1–6. For a different schema of three levels in a human being, called “heavenly,” “spiritual,” and “earthly” levels, see Divine Love and Wisdom 230–232. [LSW]
7. On the way that truth comes into people from within, also known as “inflow,” see note 5 in Last Judgment 9. For references to passages in Secrets of Heaven discussing the manner in which the inflow of truth operates, see New Jerusalem 23. [Editors]
10. The internal sense of the Word is primarily for the angels, but it is also for men.
So that it may be known what the internal sense is, its nature and its origin, this will be stated in summary form. They think and speak differently in heaven from people on earthin heaven spiritually and on earth naturally. Therefore when people read the word the angels who are with them perceive it spiritually, and the people naturally. So, angels are in the spiritual sense, people in the external sense; and yet they still make one unit because there is a correspondence between them. Angels not only think spiritually, they also speak spiritually; also, their presence with people, and their conjunction with people is achieved through the Word. This is seen in the work Heaven and Hell, where the wisdom of the angels of heaven is considered: 265-275; their speech: 234-245; their connection with people: 291-302; their connection through the Word: 303-310.
The Word is understood differently by the angels in heaven and by people on earth; and an internal or spiritual sense exists for the angels, while for men there is an external or natural sense: 1887, 2395. The angels perceive the Word in its internal sense, not its external, from the experience of those from heaven who talked with me when I read the Word: 1769-1772. Angelic ideas 1and angelic speech are spiritual, while human ideas and speech are natural, and likewise the internal sense, which is spiritual, is for angels, as shown to me by my own experience: 2333. Nevertheless the literal sense of the Word 2serves as a means of communicating the spiritual ideas of angels, in the same way that words of speech serve for the sense of a thing with people: 2143. Those things which belong to the internal sense of the Word fall into such things as are in the light of heaven, and so into the perception of angels: 2618-2619, 2629, 3086. Likewise those things which the angels perceive from the Word are very precious to them: 2540-2541, 2545, 2551. Angels understand not even one expression of the literal sense of the Word: 64-65, 1434, 1929. Nor do they know the names of persons and places mentioned in the Word: 1434, 1888, 4442, 4480. Names cannot enter heaven or be pronounced there: 1876, 1888. All names in the Word signify spiritual realities, and in heaven they are converted into the ideas of spiritual reality: 768, 1888, 4310, 4442, 5225, 5287, 10329. Also, angels abstract spiritual realities from people and their names: 4380, 8343, 8985, 9007. How elegant the internal sense of the Word is, even where no names occur, is seen in examples from the Word: 1224, 1888, 2395. Also, several names in succession express one thing in the internal sense: 5095. Also, all numbers in the Word signify things: 482, 487, 647-648, 755, 813, 1963, 1988, 2075, 2252, 3252, 4264, 6175, 9488, 9659, 10217, 10253. Spirits too perceive the Word in its internal sense, in so far as their internal parts are opened to heaven: 1771. The literal sense of the Word, which is natural, may be transmuted in a moment of time into spiritual form among the angels, because correspondence exists: 5648. And this is without their hearing or knowing what is in the literal or external sense: 10215. Thus, the literal or external sense exists only with man and progresses no further: 2015.
There is an internal sense of the Word, and also an innermost or supreme sense, about which see 9407, 10604, 10614, 10627. The spiritual angels, that is those who are in the Lord's spiritual kingdom, perceive the Word in its internal sense, and the celestial angels, who are in the Lord's celestial kingdom, perceive the Word in its innermost sense: 2157, 2275.
The Word is for people and also for angels, being appropriate for both: 7381, 8862, 10322. It is the Word which unifies heaven and earth: 2310, 2495, 9212, 9216, 9357. The linking of heaven with people exists through the Word: 9396, 9400-9401, 10452. The Word is called a covenant [contract]: 9396-since a covenant signifies a linking together: 665-666, 1023, 1038, 1864, 1996, 2003, 2021, 6804, 8767, 8778, 9396, 10632. There is an internal sense of the Word because the Word came down 3from the Lord through the three heavens right as far as humans: 2310, 6597. It has become appropriate for the angels of the three heavens and also for humans: 7381, 8862. It is from this that the Word is divine: 4989, 9280, and holy: 10276, and spiritual: 4480, and inspired by the Divine: 9094. That is inspiration: 9094.
Furthermore, people who have been regenerated are actually in the internal sense of the Word even though they do not know this, since their internal being is opened, which has spiritual perception: 10400. But in their case the spiritual essence of the Word flows into natural ideas and is thus established in a natural sense, since while they live in the world they think as natural beings, as far as perception is concerned: 5614. The light of truth among those who are enlightened comes from their internal being, and thus through their internal being from the Lord: 10691, 10694. Also along that course flows what is holy, among those who hold the Word holy: 6789. Since regenerated people are actually in the internal sense of the Word, and in its holiness, although they do not know that, after death they arrive at that of themselves, and are no longer in the literal sense: 3226, 3342-3343. The ideas of an internal person are spiritual, but while people live in the world they are not aware of them since people are in their natural mode of thought, to which they impart their reasoning faculty: 10236, 10240, 10551. But after death people come into them as their own because they belong properly to their spirit, and at that time they not only think but also talk as from them: 2470, 2472, 2476, 10568, 10604. It is for this reason that it is said that regenerated people do not know that they are in the spiritual sense of the Word, and that from this enlightenment comes to them.
Footnotes:
1. The Latin of our text has ideae cogitationis at this point: 'ideas of thought.' Throughout his works Swedenborg often distinguishes between types of ideas but it is self evident in this instance that the ideas referred to are those 'of thought' in opposition to speech and hence cogitationis has been dropped.
2. I am grateful to the Revd John Elliott for the suggestion of translating litera as 'in its literal meaning.' I was in a fog as to Swedenborg's intention in using litera, which classically may mean either 'a letter' or 'writing.'
3. The Latin has descenderat, pluperfect tense, literally 'had descended; 'but the use of the pluperfect for a strong perfect is not uncommon in Swedenborg' (the Rev'd John Elliott), as is indeed the case sometimes in pre-classical and in poetical Latin. It has been translated as if perfect, therefore.
10. THE INTERNAL SENSE OF THE WORD IS INTENDED ESPECIALLY FOR ANGELS BUT IT IS ALSO INTENDED FOR MEN.
In order that it may be known what the internal sense is, its quality and its origin, this shall be stated in general. In heaven they think and speak differently from what they do in the world-in heaven spiritually, in the world naturally; wherefore, when man reads the Word, the angels who are with him perceive it spiritually, whilst men understand it naturally. Hence, angels are in the internal sense, whilst men are in the external sense. Yet, nevertheless, they make one by correspondence. Not only do angels think spiritually, but they also speak spiritually. They are likewise present with man and their conjunction with man is by means of the Word. This may be seen in the work on Heaven and Hell, where it treats of the wisdom of angels of heaven, (265-275); their speech, (234-245) their conjunction with man, (291-302) and of conjunction by means of the Word, (303-310).
The Word is understood in a different way by angels in the heavens from what it is by men on earth. With angels there is the internal or spiritual sense, but with men there is the external or natural sense, (1887, 2395). Angels perceive the Word according to the internal sense, and not according to the external sense, shown by the experience of those who have spoken with me from heaven when I was reading the Word, (1769-1772). Angelic ideas of thought and also angelic speech are spiritual, but human ideas and speech are natural; the internal sense, therefore, which is spiritual, is for angels, (explained from experience, (2333). Nevertheless, the sense of the letter of the Word serves as a medium for the spiritual ideas of angels, comparatively as the words of speech express the sense of a subject with men, (2143). The things of the internal sense of the Word fall into such things as are of the light of heaven, thus into angelic perception, (2618, 2619, 2629, 3086). On that account those things which angels perceive from the Word are precious to them, (2540, 2541, 2545, 2551). Angels do not understand even one word of the sense of the letter of the Word, (64-65, 1434, 1929). Neither do they have any knowledge of the names of persons and places mentioned in the Word, (1434, 1888, 4442, 4480). Names cannot enter into heaven, nor can they be pronounced there, (1876, 1888). All the names in the Word signify things, and in heaven they are changed into ideas of the things, (768, 1888, 4310, 4442, 5225, 5287, 10329). Angels even think abstractly from persons, (6613, 8343, 8985, 9007). How elegant is the internal sense of the Word, even where there are only names, (shown by examples from the Word, 1224, 1888, 2395). Again, many names in series express one thing in the internal sense, (5095); all numbers, also, in the Word signify things, (482, 487, 647, 648, 755, 813, 1963, 1988, 2075, 2252, 3252, 4264, 6175, 9488, 9659, 10217, 10253). Spirits, too, perceive the Word in its internal sense, in so far as their interiors are open to heaven, (1771). The sense of the letter of the Word, which is natural, is, with angels, changed in a moment into the spiritual sense, because of the correspondence that exists, (5648). And this is without their hearing or knowing what is in the sense of the letter or external sense, (10215). Thus the sense of the letter or external sense is with man alone and does not pass beyond him, (2015).
There is an internal sense of the Word, and also an inmost or supreme sense, (concerning which, see, 9407, 10604, 10614, 10627). Spiritual angels, that is, those who are in the Lord's spiritual kingdom, perceive the Word in the internal sense, and celestial angels, that is, those who are in the Lord's celestial kingdom, perceive the Word in the inmost sense, (2157, 2275).
The Word is for men, and also for angels, being adapted to both, (7381, 8862, 10322). The Word is what unites heaven and earth, (2310, 2493, 9212, 9216, 9357). The conjunction of heaven with man is by means of the Word, (9396, 9400, 9401, 10452). On that account the Word is called a covenant, (9396), inasmuch as covenant signifies conjunction, (665, 666, 1023, 1038, 1864, 1996, 2003, 2021, 6804, 8767, 8778, 9396, 10632). There is an internal sense in the Word, because the Word has come down from the Lord through the three heavens even to man, (2310, 6597). And in this manner it has become adapted to angels of the three heavens, and also to men, (7381, 8862). Hence it is that the Word is Divine, (2899, 4989), [4279]; that it is holy, (10276); that it is spiritual, (4480); and that it is inspired by the Divine, (9094). This is inspiration, (9094).
Indeed, the man who is regenerated is actually in the internal sense of the Word, although he is unaware of it, since his internal man, which has spiritual perception, is open, (10400). But with him the spiritual of the Word flows into natural ideas and is thus presented naturally, since while he lives in the world, he thinks in the natural man, so far as it comes to his perception, (5614). Hence the light of truth, with those who are enlightened, is derived from their internal, thus, through the internal, from the Lord, (10691, 10694). In that way, also, there is an influx of holiness with those who regard the Word as holy, (6789). Since the regenerated man is actually in the internal sense of the Word, and in its holiness, although unaware of it, therefore after death he comes into it of himself, and is no longer in the sense of the letter, (3226, 3342, 3343). The ideas of the internal man are spiritual, but man, while he is living in the world, does not notice them since they are within his natural thought, to which they impart its rational faculty, (10236, 10240, 10551). But after death man comes into them as into his own, because they are peculiar to his spirit, and he then not only thinks but also speaks from them, (2470, 2478, 2479, 10568, 10604). Hence it is, as has been stated, that the regenerated man is not aware that he is in the spiritual sense of the Word, and that he has enlightenment therefrom.
10. The internal sense of the Word is especially for the angels, and it is also for men. In order that it may be known what the internal sense is, the quality thereof, and whence it is, it may here be observed in general, that thought and speech in heaven are different from thought and speech in the world; for in heaven they are spiritual, but in the world natural; when, therefore, man reads the Word, the angels who are with him perceive it spiritually, whilst men perceive it naturally; hence it follows, that angels are in the internal sense, whilst men are in the external sense; but that nevertheless these two senses make a one by correspondence. That angels not only think spiritually, but also speak spiritually; that they are likewise present with man; and that they have conjunction with man by means of the Word, may be seen in the work on Heaven and Hell, where it treats of The Wisdom of the Angels of Heaven (265-275). Of their Speech (234-245). Of their Conjunction with Man (291-302). And of their Conjunction by the Word (303-310).
The Word is understood differently by angels in the heavens, and by men on earth; the former perceiving the internal or spiritual sense, whilst the latter see only the external or natural sense (1887, 2396). The angels perceive the Word in its internal sense, and not in its external sense, proved from the experience of those who have conversed with me from heaven, when I was reading the Word (1769-1772). The ideas of the thought and also the speech of angels are spiritual, but the ideas and speech of men natural; that therefore there is an internal sense, which is spiritual, for the use of angels, illustrated from experience (2333). Nevertheless the sense of the letter of the Word serves the spiritual ideas of angels as a means of conveyance, comparatively as the words of speech do with men to convey the sense of a subject (2143). The things relating to the internal sense of the Word fall into such things as are of the light of heaven, thus into angelic perception (2618, 2619, 2629, 3086). Therefore those things which the angels perceive from the Word, are precious to them (2540, 2541, 2545, 2551). Angels do not understand a single expression of the Word in its literal sense (64, 65, 1434, 1929). They do not know the names of persons and places recorded in the Word (1434, 1888, 4442, 4480). Names cannot enter into heaven, nor be pronounced there (1876, 1888).
All the names in the Word signify things, and in heaven they are changed into ideas of the things (768, 1888, 4310, 4442, 5225, 5287, 10329). Angels also think abstractly from persons (6613, 8343, 8985, 9007). How elegant the internal sense of the Word is, even where nothing but mere names occur, shown by examples from the Word (1224, 1888, 2395). Many names also in series express one thing in the internal sense (5905). Likewise all numbers in the Word signify things (482, 487, 647, 648, 755, 813, 1963, 1988, 2075, 2252, 3152, 4264, 6175, 9488, 9659, 10217, 10253). Spirits also perceive the Word in its internal sense in proportion as their interiors are open into heaven (1771). The sense of the letter of the Word, which is the natural sense, is instantly changed into the spiritual sense with the angels, because there is a correspondence (5648). And this without their hearing or knowing what is in the literal or external sense (10215). Thus the sense of the letter or the external sense is only with man, and proceeds no further (2015).
There is an internal sense in the Word, and likewise an inmost or supreme sense, concerning which (9407, 10604, 10614, 10627). The spiritual angels, or those who are in the spiritual kingdom of the Lord, perceive the Word in its internal sense; and the celestial angels, or those who are in the celestial kingdom of the Lord, perceive the Word in its inmost sense (2157, 2275).
The Word is for men, and also for angels, being accommodated to each (7381, 8862, 10322). The Word is the means of uniting heaven and earth (2310, 2493, 9212, 9216, 9357). The conjunction of heaven with man is through the Word (9396, 9400, 9401, 10452). Therefore the Word is called a covenant (9396). Because a covenant signifies conjunction (665, 666, 1023, 1038, 1864, 1996, 2003, 2021, 6804, 8767, 8778, 9396, 10632). There is an internal sense in the Word, because the Word is from the Lord, it descended through the three heavens even to man 1(2310, 6397). And thereby it is accommodated to the angels of the three heavens and also to men (7381, 8862). Hence it is that the Word is Divine (2980, 4989). And it is holy (10276). And it is spiritual (4480). And it is Divinely inspired (9094). This is inspiration (9094).
The regenerate man is actually in the internal sense of the Word, although he does not know it, since his internal man, which has spiritual perception, is open (10401). But with him the spiritual of the Word flows into natural ideas, and thus is represented naturally, because while he lives in the world this spiritual thinks in the natural man, so far as it comes to the perception (5614). Hence the light of truth, with those who are enlightened, is from their internal, thus through the internal, from the Lord (10691, 10694). Also by the same way there is an influx of holiness with those who esteem the Word holy (6789). Since the regenerate man is actually in the internal sense of the Word, and in the sanctity thereof, although he does not know it, therefore after death he comes into it of himself, and is no longer in the sense of the letter (3226, 3342, 3343). The ideas of the internal man are spiritual; but man during his life in the world does not attend thereto, inasmuch as they are within his natural thought, and give it its rational faculty (10236, 10240, 10550). But man after death comes into those his spiritual ideas, because they are proper to his spirit, and then he not only thinks, but also speaks therefrom (2470, 2478, 2479, 10568, 10604). Hence, as was said, the regenerate man knows not that he is in the spiritual sense of the Word, and that he receives enlightenment thence.
Footnotes:
1. A more accurate translation of this phrase is: "There is an internal sense in the Word, because the Word from the Lord descended through the three heavens even to man."
10. Quod Sensus internus Verbi imprimis sit pro Angelis, et quod quoque sit pro hominibus. Ut sciatur quid Sensus internus, qualis ille, et unde, dicendum hic est in summa. Quod cogitent et loquantur aliter in Caelo quam in Mundo, in Caelo spiritualiter in Mundo naturaliter; quapropter cum homo legit Verbum, quod Angeli qui apud hominem, percipiant illud spiritualiter, cum homines naturaliter; quod inde Angeli in Sensu interno sint, cum homines in Sensu externo; sed quod usque unum faciant per Correspondentiam. Quod Angeli non modo spiritualiter cogitent, sed etiam spiritualiter loquantur; tum quod sint apud hominem; et quod Conjunctio illorum sit per Verbum, videatur in Opere de Caelo et Inferno, ubi agitur de Sapientia Angelorum Caeli, 265-275. De Loquela illorum, 234-245. De Conjunctione illorum cum homine, Opere de Caelo et Inferno 291-302. Et de Conjunctione per Verbum, Opere de Caelo et Inferno 303-310. Quod Verbum aliter intelligatur ab Angelis in Caelis, quam ab Hominibus in terris, et quod Angelis sit sensus internus seu spiritualis, hominibus autem sensus externus seu naturalis, 1887, 2395. Quod Angeli percipiant Verbum in Sensu interno, et non in Sensu externo, ab experientia illorum qui mecum e Caelo loquuti sunt, cum legi Verbum, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772. Quod ideae cogitationis et quoque loquelae angelicae sint spirituales, ideae autem et loquelae humanae naturales, quod ideo Sensus internus qui spiritualis pro Angelis sit, illustratum ab experientia, 2333. Quod tamen sensus literae Verbi inserviat ideis spiritualibus Angelorum pro mediis, comparative sicut faciunt voces loquelae sensui rei apud hominem, 2143. Quod illa, qua sunt Sensus interni Verbi, cadant in talia quae sunt lucis caeli, ita in perceptionem angelicam, 2618, 2619, 2629, 3086. Quod ideo illa, quae Angeli e Verbo percipiunt, illis pretiosa sint, 2540, 2541, 2545, 2551. Quod Angeli ne quidem unam vocem Sensus literae Verbi intelligant, 64-65, 1434, 1929. Quod nec sciant Nomina personarum et locorum quae in Verbo, 1434, 1888, 4442, 4480. Quod Nomina non intrare possint in Coelum, nec ibi enuntiari, 1876, 1888. Quod omnia Nomina in Verbo significent res, et quod in ideas rei vertantur in Caelo, 768, 1888, 4310, 4442, 5225, 5287, 10329. Quod etiam Angeli cogitent abstracte a personis, 6623, 8343, 8985, 9007. Quam elegans Sensus internus Verbi, tametsi mera Nomina, ab exemplis e Verbo, 1224, 1888, 2395. Quod etiam plura Nomina in serie in sensu interno unam rem exprimant, 5905, quod etiam omnes Numeri in Verbo significent res, 482, 487, 647, 648, 755, 813, 1963, 1988, 2075, 2252, 3152, 4264, 6175, 9488, 9659, 10217, 10253. Quod Spiritus etiam percipiant Verbum in Sensu interno, prout interiora eorum in Caelum aperta sunt, 1771. Quod Sensus literae Verbi, qui naturalis, transmutetur momento in Spiritualem apud Angelos, quia est Correspondentia, 5648. Et hoc absque auditione et cognitione quid in Sensu literae seu externo, 10215. Sic quod Sensus literae seu externus sit modo apud hominem, nec pergat ultra, 2015.
Quod sit Sensus internus Verbi, et quoque Sensus intimus seu supremus, de quibus, 9407, 10604, 10614, 10627. Quod Angeli spirituales, hoc est, qui in Regno spirituali Domini sunt, percipiant Verbum in Sensu interno, et quod Angeli caelestes, hoc est, qui in Regno caelesti Domini sunt, percipiant Verbum in Sensu intimo, 2157, 2275.
Quod Verbum sit pro hominibus, et quoque pro Angelis, utrisque accommodatum, 7381, 8862, 10322. Quod Verbum sit uniens caeli et terrae, 2310, 2493, 9212, 9216, 9357. Quod Conjunctio Caeli cum homine sit per Verbum, 9396, 9400, 9401, 10452. Quod ideo Verbum dicatur foedus, 9396. Quoniam foedus significat conjunctionem, 665, 666, 1023, 1038, 1864, 1996, 2003, 2021, 6804, 8767, 8778, 9396, 10632. Quod Sensus internus in Verbo sit, quia Verbum a Domino per tres Caelos descenderat usque ad hominem, 2310, 6397. Et quod sic accommodatum factum sit Angelis trium Caelorum, et quoque Hominibus, 7381, 8862. Quod inde sit, quod Verbum Divinum sit, 2980, 4989. Et quod sit Sanctum, 10276. Et quod sit Spirituale, 4480. Et quod sit a Divino inspiratum, 9094. Quod id sit Inspiratio, 9094. Quod etiam Homo, qui regeneratus est, actualiter sit in Sensu interno Verbi, tametsi id nescit, quoniam ei internus homo apertus est, cui perceptio spiritualis, 10400. Sed quod apud illum Spirituale Verbi influat in ideas naturales, ac ita naturaliter sistatur, quoniam cum vivit in Mundo, in naturali homine, quantum ad perceptionem, cogitat, 5614. Quod inde Lux veri apud illos, qui illustrantur, sit ab Interno eorum, ita per Internum a Domino, 10691, 10694. Quod etiam per illam viam Sanctum influat apud illos qui sanctum habent Verbum, 6789. Quoniam homo regeneratus actualiter in Sensu interno Verbi est, et in sancto ejus, tametsi id nescit, quod ideo post mortem in illum ex se veniat, et quod non amplius sit in sensu literae, 3226, 3342, 3343. Quod ideae interni hominis sint spirituales, sed quod homo, cum in mundo vivit, non animadvertat illas, quoniam insunt cogitationi ejus naturali, cui dant facultatem rationalem, 10236, 10240, 10550. Sed quod homo post mortem, in illas suas, quia sunt propriae spiritus ejus, veniat, et ex illis tunc non modo cogitet sed etiam loquatur, 2470, 2478, 2479, 10568, 10604. Inde est, quod dictum sit, quod Homo regeneratus nesciat quod in sensu spirituali Verbi sit, et quod inde ei illustratio.