Greek Word Pronunciation: apo-STRE-pho
Strong’s Number: 654
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 695
Key Verse: “… much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven …”
-- Hebrews 12:25
Approximately 18 words in the New Testament have the basic idea “to turn.” Two words will be focused on here that can be considered synonyms. The first is ektrepo, translated as “turn aside.” This compound verb is comprised of ek, meaning “out” or “away,” and trepo, meaning “to turn.” Paul used this word in 1 Timothy: (1:6) refers to men who “have turned aside to fruitless discussion”; (5:15) for those who “have already turned aside to follow Satan”; and (6:20) where Paul tells Timothy he should be “avoiding worldly and empty chatter.” Hebrews uses this word in a medical way, in Hebrews 12:13 of weak Christians who may “not be put out of joint.” Christians are to do everything to avoid aggravating the weakness of a fellow-Christian.
The other word is apostrepho, and it is generally translated as “turn away.” It is a compound of apo, meaning “from” or “back again” and strepho, also meaning “to turn.” Acts 3:26 speaks of God sending Jesus to “bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” As Jesus on earth sought to turn away people from their sins, so He does still. In Titus 1:14, Paul refers to men “who turn away from the truth.” The teachers of Jewish fables and carnal ordinances profess to know and serve God, yet their immoral lives are a denial of Him. Both words, ektrepho and apostrepho, are found in 2 Timothy 4:4 about people who “will turn away (apostrepho) their ears from the truth and will turn aside (ektrepo) to myths.” These are people who will actively turn away from the solid truths of the Gospel, not being able to bear hearing them. As a result, they will find themselves being turned aside to idle, useless, and, unprofitable things. This is to be considered a just judgment upon them, that God gives them up to a reprobate mind, void of sense and judgment.
HEBREWS 12:25 speaks of “those did not escape when they refused Him Who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him Who warns from heaven.” Just as the people of Israel did not escape God’s punishment, consider how terrible is the danger of eternal punishment to those who reject Christ who speaks from heaven.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Unstable
Greek Word Pronunciation: ah-ka-TA-sta-tos
Strong's Number: 182
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 190
Key Verse: “… being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” -- James 1:8
This adjective akatastatos comes from the verb kathistemi, which means “to establish, to set in order.” By adding the “a” in front, the term takes on a negative form, meaning instability, disorder, disturbance, or confusion.
The noun, akatastasia, is found 5 times in the New Testament. In Luke 21:9, Jesus warns of wars and disturbances (civil dissensions) regarding the future destruction of Jerusalem. Paul instructed the prophets in 1 Corinthians 14:33 not to speak all at once, and not for self-glorification, but for God’s glory. He’s not a God of confusion (disorder), but of peace. In 2 Corinthians 6:5, Paul refers to imprisonments and tumults (political instability) produced by his preaching the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, disturbances is the last of a long list of undesirable behaviors Paul hoped not to find at the church when he visits. In James 3:16, it is clear that rivalry and anarchy within a church body produces only agitation and disorder.
The adjective, akatastatos, is found in Isaiah 54:11 in the Septuagint, “O, afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted.” In the New Testament, this word is found twice, both in the book of James. In James 3:8, the tongue is a “restless evil.” It is more unruly than the horse and mule, which are without understanding, who are kept in and governed, and turned any way by the bit and bridle. Though in nature the tongue is “double-fenced” by the lips and teeth, this is not sufficient to restrain it. Nothing but the grace of God can control it.
Finally, in JAMES 1:8, one who asks wisdom of God, yet with a doubtful mind, is “unstable in all his ways.” He is as a drunken man, unsteady, fickle, staggering, and reeling. This confusion and uncertainty does not please God nor procure any good for us in the end. He that is unstable as water shall not excel. We have but one God to trust and to be governed by, and this should keep us even and steady.
Strong's Number: 182
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 190
Key Verse: “… being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” -- James 1:8
This adjective akatastatos comes from the verb kathistemi, which means “to establish, to set in order.” By adding the “a” in front, the term takes on a negative form, meaning instability, disorder, disturbance, or confusion.
The noun, akatastasia, is found 5 times in the New Testament. In Luke 21:9, Jesus warns of wars and disturbances (civil dissensions) regarding the future destruction of Jerusalem. Paul instructed the prophets in 1 Corinthians 14:33 not to speak all at once, and not for self-glorification, but for God’s glory. He’s not a God of confusion (disorder), but of peace. In 2 Corinthians 6:5, Paul refers to imprisonments and tumults (political instability) produced by his preaching the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, disturbances is the last of a long list of undesirable behaviors Paul hoped not to find at the church when he visits. In James 3:16, it is clear that rivalry and anarchy within a church body produces only agitation and disorder.
The adjective, akatastatos, is found in Isaiah 54:11 in the Septuagint, “O, afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted.” In the New Testament, this word is found twice, both in the book of James. In James 3:8, the tongue is a “restless evil.” It is more unruly than the horse and mule, which are without understanding, who are kept in and governed, and turned any way by the bit and bridle. Though in nature the tongue is “double-fenced” by the lips and teeth, this is not sufficient to restrain it. Nothing but the grace of God can control it.
Finally, in JAMES 1:8, one who asks wisdom of God, yet with a doubtful mind, is “unstable in all his ways.” He is as a drunken man, unsteady, fickle, staggering, and reeling. This confusion and uncertainty does not please God nor procure any good for us in the end. He that is unstable as water shall not excel. We have but one God to trust and to be governed by, and this should keep us even and steady.
Walk
Pronunciation: stoi-KAY-oh
Strong’s Number: 4748
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5123
Key Verse: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” -- Galatians 5:25
In the New Testament, stoicheo is a synonym with peripateo, and both are usually translated as to walk. Peripateo is used 95 times and means literally “to walk around.” It is used in the normal sense of walking physically. It is also used figuratively, signifying the whole round of activities of the individual life, whether of the unregenerate (Ephesians 4:17) or of the believer (1 Corinthians 7:17; Colossians 2:16). The Christian is to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4), after the Spirit (Romans 8:4), in honesty (Romans 13:13), by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), in good works (Ephesians 2:10), in love (Ephesians 5:2), in wisdom (Colossians 4:5), in truth (2 John 4), and after the commandments of the Lord (2 John 6).
The less-common verb, stoicheo, is used only 6 times in the New Testament and is used only by Paul. It is from a word that means “a row” and is a military term meaning “a rank of series,” “to march in battle order,” and is used metaphorically of “walking” in relation to others: Acts 21:24, "... you yourself walk orderly (live in obedience) and guard the law.” Romans 4:12, “... you also follow (walk) in the steps” of faith like Abraham. Philippians 3:16, “... only let us keep living (live up to) what we have attained,” i.e., keeping our lives in the same path.
Galatians 4:25, “Hagar is Mount Sinai ... and corresponds to Jerusalem …” Here, the word is a compound, sunstoicheo, meaning “stands in the same row with,” or “belongs to the same category.”
Galatians 6:16, "... as for those who will walk (follow) this rule, peace and mercy be upon them.” This is used of walking by the rule previously expressed in verses 14 and 15.
GALATIANS 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk [keep in step] with the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit made the believer alive by regeneration, so the believer is exhorted to keep in step with the Spirit. Step by step, one’s Christian walk should conform to the Spirit’s direction and enablement.
Strong’s Number: 4748
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5123
Key Verse: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” -- Galatians 5:25
In the New Testament, stoicheo is a synonym with peripateo, and both are usually translated as to walk. Peripateo is used 95 times and means literally “to walk around.” It is used in the normal sense of walking physically. It is also used figuratively, signifying the whole round of activities of the individual life, whether of the unregenerate (Ephesians 4:17) or of the believer (1 Corinthians 7:17; Colossians 2:16). The Christian is to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4), after the Spirit (Romans 8:4), in honesty (Romans 13:13), by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), in good works (Ephesians 2:10), in love (Ephesians 5:2), in wisdom (Colossians 4:5), in truth (2 John 4), and after the commandments of the Lord (2 John 6).
The less-common verb, stoicheo, is used only 6 times in the New Testament and is used only by Paul. It is from a word that means “a row” and is a military term meaning “a rank of series,” “to march in battle order,” and is used metaphorically of “walking” in relation to others: Acts 21:24, "... you yourself walk orderly (live in obedience) and guard the law.” Romans 4:12, “... you also follow (walk) in the steps” of faith like Abraham. Philippians 3:16, “... only let us keep living (live up to) what we have attained,” i.e., keeping our lives in the same path.
Galatians 4:25, “Hagar is Mount Sinai ... and corresponds to Jerusalem …” Here, the word is a compound, sunstoicheo, meaning “stands in the same row with,” or “belongs to the same category.”
Galatians 6:16, "... as for those who will walk (follow) this rule, peace and mercy be upon them.” This is used of walking by the rule previously expressed in verses 14 and 15.
GALATIANS 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk [keep in step] with the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit made the believer alive by regeneration, so the believer is exhorted to keep in step with the Spirit. Step by step, one’s Christian walk should conform to the Spirit’s direction and enablement.
Wonders
Greek Pronunciation: TE-ras
Strong’s Number: 5059
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5469
Key Verse: “So Jesus said to him, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.’” -- John 4:48
[SEE: Miracles overview]
The Greek word teras literally means “wonder.” It is always in the plural, and refers to something that evokes astonishment or amazement in the beholder. Such miracles “make us catch our breath or drop our jaws.” This looks at the event from the standpoint of effect produced and considers the effect the miracle had on those who observed it. It is usually understood as something that’s likely to be observed and kept in the memory because of its extraordinary character and depicts a miracle as something startling, imposing, and amazing.
This word is used 46 times in the Septuagint, with examples in Exodus 15:11 (“awesome in praises, working wonders”), and Isaiah 28:29 (“make His counsel wonderful”).
Teras is used 16 times in the New Testament. Thirteen times, wonders are manifested as divine operations, with 9 of those times in Acts (2:19, 22, 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 15:12), and 3 times they are ascribed to the work of Satan through human agents (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Acts 2:22 is one instance where powers (miracles), wonders, and signs are all used together in one sentence. Wonders is often found together with the word sign. For example, in Hebrews 2:4 of the message of salvation preached by the apostles, and by Paul in Romans 15:19 and 2 Corinthians 12:12, regarding miracles performed by God and the Holy Spirit through the apostles. The words are found together because the miracles in question are often so incredible that they (1) cause astonishment (wonder), and (2) cause one to recognize that the person performing the astonishing miracle must be a spokesman for God (sign).
Strong’s Number: 5059
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5469
Key Verse: “So Jesus said to him, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.’” -- John 4:48
[SEE: Miracles overview]
The Greek word teras literally means “wonder.” It is always in the plural, and refers to something that evokes astonishment or amazement in the beholder. Such miracles “make us catch our breath or drop our jaws.” This looks at the event from the standpoint of effect produced and considers the effect the miracle had on those who observed it. It is usually understood as something that’s likely to be observed and kept in the memory because of its extraordinary character and depicts a miracle as something startling, imposing, and amazing.
This word is used 46 times in the Septuagint, with examples in Exodus 15:11 (“awesome in praises, working wonders”), and Isaiah 28:29 (“make His counsel wonderful”).
Teras is used 16 times in the New Testament. Thirteen times, wonders are manifested as divine operations, with 9 of those times in Acts (2:19, 22, 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 15:12), and 3 times they are ascribed to the work of Satan through human agents (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Acts 2:22 is one instance where powers (miracles), wonders, and signs are all used together in one sentence. Wonders is often found together with the word sign. For example, in Hebrews 2:4 of the message of salvation preached by the apostles, and by Paul in Romans 15:19 and 2 Corinthians 12:12, regarding miracles performed by God and the Holy Spirit through the apostles. The words are found together because the miracles in question are often so incredible that they (1) cause astonishment (wonder), and (2) cause one to recognize that the person performing the astonishing miracle must be a spokesman for God (sign).
Workmanship
Greek Pronunciation: POI-eh-ma
Strong's Number: 4161
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4473
Key Verse: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus …” -- Ephesians 2:10
Poiema is a noun form of the verb poieo, meaning “to do.” The verb is used over 500 times in the New Testament, while the noun, in its various forms, appears 8 times. The English word “poem” comes from this Greek noun poiema. In Acts 17:28, Paul makes reference to “some of your own poets have said, we also are His children.”
Romans 2:13, and James 1:22, 23, 25, and 4:11, all refer to people being doers of the Law, or of the Word. James 1:25 actually uses the noun twice, in reference to one who should be “an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” The emphasis in response to the Word in active obedience.
Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes ... have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made …” This emphasizes a work of art or a masterpiece, different from human works. The workman is known by his work. The variety, multitude, order, beauty, harmony, different nature, and excellent contrivance, of the things that are made, the direction of them to certain ends, and the concurrence of all the parts to the good and beauty of the whole, do abundantly prove a Creator and His eternal power.
In EPHESIANS 2:10, Paul says, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” This is a reason why no man should glory. If we are God’s workmanship, our salvation cannot be of ourselves. It is God who saved us. As new creatures, He had made us through the gospel. We are not saved by works, but are His workmanship, created for good works, designed therefore to abound in them.
Strong's Number: 4161
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4473
Key Verse: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus …” -- Ephesians 2:10
Poiema is a noun form of the verb poieo, meaning “to do.” The verb is used over 500 times in the New Testament, while the noun, in its various forms, appears 8 times. The English word “poem” comes from this Greek noun poiema. In Acts 17:28, Paul makes reference to “some of your own poets have said, we also are His children.”
Romans 2:13, and James 1:22, 23, 25, and 4:11, all refer to people being doers of the Law, or of the Word. James 1:25 actually uses the noun twice, in reference to one who should be “an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” The emphasis in response to the Word in active obedience.
Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes ... have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made …” This emphasizes a work of art or a masterpiece, different from human works. The workman is known by his work. The variety, multitude, order, beauty, harmony, different nature, and excellent contrivance, of the things that are made, the direction of them to certain ends, and the concurrence of all the parts to the good and beauty of the whole, do abundantly prove a Creator and His eternal power.
In EPHESIANS 2:10, Paul says, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” This is a reason why no man should glory. If we are God’s workmanship, our salvation cannot be of ourselves. It is God who saved us. As new creatures, He had made us through the gospel. We are not saved by works, but are His workmanship, created for good works, designed therefore to abound in them.
Works
Greek Pronunciation: ER-gon
Strong’s Number: 2041
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 2240
Key Verse: “… the works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify of me.” -- John 10:25
[SEE: Miracles overview]
The Greek word ergon literally means “works.” This is a description from the standpoint of that which is normal and natural to God. As such they are called “works” or “deeds.” The word denotes work of: God, Christ, believers, unbelievers, Babylon, and the devil.
In the Septuagint, there are many different Hebrew terms that translate into ergon. This word is often used for such activities as plowing (Isaiah 28:24), weaving (Isaiah 19:9, 10), smelting (Exodus 27:19), or hewing wood (2 Chronicles 2:10). Many words which denote conduct in general are brought under the concept of work, as in Job 34:21 and Proverbs 16:7. Genesis 2:2, 3 reflect ergon in the creation of the world, and in Psalm 8:3, the works themselves proclaim they are created by God.
In the New Testament, this word is used 169 times. It is used by Jesus to describe His distinctive works, those works that no one else has done. Several times in John (5:36; 7:21; 10:25, 38), Jesus spoke of His miraculous works in an effort to spur people to believe in Him, “Though ye believe not me, believe the works that ye may know, and believe.”
These are works that no mere human can do. These works point to divine power.
Strong’s Number: 2041
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 2240
Key Verse: “… the works that I do in my Father’s name, these testify of me.” -- John 10:25
[SEE: Miracles overview]
The Greek word ergon literally means “works.” This is a description from the standpoint of that which is normal and natural to God. As such they are called “works” or “deeds.” The word denotes work of: God, Christ, believers, unbelievers, Babylon, and the devil.
In the Septuagint, there are many different Hebrew terms that translate into ergon. This word is often used for such activities as plowing (Isaiah 28:24), weaving (Isaiah 19:9, 10), smelting (Exodus 27:19), or hewing wood (2 Chronicles 2:10). Many words which denote conduct in general are brought under the concept of work, as in Job 34:21 and Proverbs 16:7. Genesis 2:2, 3 reflect ergon in the creation of the world, and in Psalm 8:3, the works themselves proclaim they are created by God.
In the New Testament, this word is used 169 times. It is used by Jesus to describe His distinctive works, those works that no one else has done. Several times in John (5:36; 7:21; 10:25, 38), Jesus spoke of His miraculous works in an effort to spur people to believe in Him, “Though ye believe not me, believe the works that ye may know, and believe.”
These are works that no mere human can do. These works point to divine power.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Write Beforehand
Greek Pronunciation: pro-GRA-fo
Strong's Number: 4270
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4592
Key Verse: “... before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed crucified” -- Galatians 3:1
Strong's Number: 4270
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4592
Key Verse: “... before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed crucified” -- Galatians 3:1
Prographo is a compound verb consisting of pro meaning “before” and grapho meaning “to write.” This single word in Greek is translated using two or more English words. It appears in only 4 verses in the New Testament.
In Ephesians 3:3, Paul indicates that he wrote before to them, either in the earlier part of this epistle (1:9-10), or possibly in a former epistle. In Jude 1:4, the reference is to godless men who have crept into the church who were long beforehand marked out for condemnation. [The NIV translates as written about long ago.] In this verse, prographo is in the perfect tense, indicating something that occurred in the past with continuing results. This shows that their coming was predicted and their lives were already placed under condemnation as enemies of God. They were to be shunned because, dangerous as they seemed, they could not alter the Divine purpose. In Romans 15:4, that which “was written in earlier times was written for our instruction,” God intended the Scriptures for the instruction of all generations. The Scriptures were written to teach us and therefore have abiding value. As Christians learn from the past, they are motivated to endure and be comforted in the present, looking ahead in hope to the future.
In GALATIANS 3:1, Paul is responding to wrong doctrine of justification by works rather than the grace of God, and accuses the Galatians of being bewitched by a malign influence. They were without excuse because Christ had been publicly portrayed crucified. [KJV translates as “hath been evidently set forth.”] Prographo is used to describe all public notices or proclamations. Thus, “Christ was placarded before your very eyes in our preaching.” This placard ought to have kept their eyes from wandering, and so to have acted as a charm against all Judaic sorceries. Ralph Earle says, “The hint here is obvious. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus that we may not become fascinated by the worldly allurements around. When our eyes are filled with the bright shining of the Light of the World, we shall not be captivated by the dazzling neon signs of the world's pleasures. When we are following the Light, other little flashes may annoy us, but they will not divert us from the narrow way that leads to life and light eternal.”
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