Verse 12. But it is the dictate of the Divine Word to faith alone and its combined errors, that since Divine Truth is from Divine Good, it is the expression thereof, and is therefore equally hateful to self-love and its errors, appearing to cause torment; and hence the corrupted man is totally vastated, as to the understanding, the place of truth, being in reality occupied by falsity, through consuming self-love.

749. 'Male and female' means truth and good. This is clear from what has been stated already at Chapter 6:19 where 'male and female' have reference to birds, but 'male and mate' ¹ to beasts. The reason is also stated there, namely, that things of the will are married to those of the understanding, but less so those of the understanding regarded in themselves to those of the will. The former exist as male and mate ¹ but the latter as male and female. Now because here the subject first of all is the temptation of that man as regards things of the understanding, as has been stated, the phrase 'male and female' is used, and conflict, or temptation as regards things of the understanding, is meant.

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