2232. That 'sons' means people governed by truths is clear from the meaning of 'a son' in the Word as truth, dealt with in 489, 491, 533, 1147. 'Sons' in the abstract sense means truths, but when used in reference to man 'sons' are all who are governed by truths.

491. The same things are meant by 'sons and daughters' in verses 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 26, 30, of this chapter, but the character of a Church determines that of its 'sons and daughters', or goods and truths. Here they are truths and goods that men perceived most clearly, for they have regard to the Most Ancient Church, the head and forefather of all other Churches that followed after it.