412. Words of speech cannot express, much less thoroughly present anything, in the third heaven* Also, about the efficacy of winged speech generally

Just from the speaking, and utterance of words, it could be heard and seen what was in them. By a method that is spiritual, and unknown to others, it becomes clear at once that words are inadequate, but what it is that imposes such strict limitations on words, and turns them into a different meaning, has not yet become clear. For even symbolic expressions can be deprived of meaning by the general state of mind of spirits in the lower realm of the third heaven.* Moreover, it is amply certain that human speech is not at all adequate to express inward heavenly** matters, for which reason [its words] are given content by God the Messiah, so that they may make their way to spirits and angels, and enter their thoughts in a form adapted to each one's grasp and inner sight, achieving the effect that the speech is intended to produce. Such speech can be called "winged" - but figuratively. 1747, the 28th day of December. * I.e. in descending order. ** I.e. pertaining to the inward heaven. See 262, footnote 3.