THEOSISJerome of Stridon
There is a reason for optimism, as a living dog has greater value than a dead lion; the living are aware of their mortality, whereas the dead are devoid of awareness and have no further reward. Their memory fades into forgetfulness, and their feelings—be it love, hatred, or jealousy—have ceased to exist, leaving them without a role in all that occurs under the heavens. Previously, it was stated that the hearts of humanity are filled with wickedness, culminating in death; now it is reiterated that while one is alive, they can strive for righteousness, yet once life ends, the opportunity for good deeds vanishes. A living sinful person might surpass a deceased righteous individual if they aim to embrace virtue.
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Furthermore, those who appear lowly and despised may outshine those who took pride in evil and power but have perished. This is so because the living, motivated by the fear of death, can still perform righteous acts, whereas the dead cannot contribute anything further to what they took with them at life's end, as stated in the Psalm: ‘forsaken as dead of heart’ (Psalm 30:13). Their emotions, desires, and everything they could have achieved in this life come to an end upon death; they are incapable of acts of righteousness or sin, nor can they gain virtues or vices. Some, however, challenge this view, claiming that a soul can still grow or decline after death. The expression ‘and they shall have no more part in the world in all that is done under the sun’ is interpreted to mean they no longer participate in this earthly realm but may still engage in another world, as the Savior said: ‘I am not of this world’ (John 8:23), participating instead in a realm of righteousness. Such interpretations do not dismiss the belief that after departing from this life, intelligent beings can still experience both downfall and perfection. The Hebrews offered another perspective on the phrase ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion,’ suggesting that an uneducated yet living teacher is more beneficial than a perfect but deceased one; the dog represents a teacher among many, while the lion symbolizes notable figures like Moses or the prophets. Nonetheless, instead of adhering to this viewpoint, we will elevate our understanding, seeing the dog as the Canaanite woman to whom it was said, ‘Thy faith shall save thee’ (Matt. 9:23), and the dead lion as the people of circumcision, reflecting Balaam's prophecy: ‘Behold men shall rise like lions, and like lions shall ascend’ (Num. 23:24). Thus, the living dog symbolizes us Gentiles, while the dead lion represents the Jewish people, abandoned by the Lord. In the sight of God, this living dog is favored over that dead lion. For we who are alive recognize the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, whereas the dead have no knowledge, anticipation of promises, or reward; their memories have been fulfilled. They have forgotten what they ought to have known, and the Lord no longer recalls them. Their love for God has vanished, as has their once fervent hatred, which they proclaimed: ‘Hate not them that hate thee, O Lord, I will hate thee, and for Thy stripes I will stand’ (Ps. 138:21) and the zeal embodied by Phinehas (Num. 25) and the trembling hands of Mattathias (1 Mac. 2). They clearly have no claim to this world since they can no longer declare, ‘The Lord is my portion’ (Psalm 72:26).