Click HERE to listen to this on John 4:24 Radio.
Since those who follow after Jesus Christ are to be able to discern truth from error it is vital that we are in God's Word and applying His truth correctly to our daily lives. God's Word often encourages those who claim Jesus Christ to be active in their knowledge and study of the holy scriptures. The following verses lay a foundation that instructs believers to do just that:
Jesus said in Matt 4:4 we are to "live by every word our of the mouth of God"
Psalm 1 tells us to "meditate on His law day and night".
2 Timothy 2:15 says we are to "study to show ourselves approved"
1 Peter 3:15 says "always be ready to give a answer for the hope that lies within you"
Now that we know we "must study His Word" just how we do this is very important indeed. In the past, we have done a teaching on the use of correct exegesis vs using the error filled eisegesis when study the bible. see that post here:
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/search/label/Eisegesis%20or%20Exegesis
Today I wanted to write a bit about going to Greek and Hebrew root words to help us understand the true and deeper meanings found in the Word. As you may know the bible was written then translated from Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament. While the reliable and tested versions are indeed accurate; it helps when we read and study a text to go deeper to what the meaning was intended in the original language. Often it is hard to fully convey the exact meaning in English so the root word studies become very important in ones understanding of complete truth.
One great tool to use with your bible is an easy on line software application called E Sword. (you can down load it right to your computer and use it with ease as often as you like.) This is a free download that gives you the Strong's break down of the Old and New Testaments giving you much info on what the meanings of biblical words are. In addition to E Sword there are Lexicons online that when combined will give a well rounded meaning. Since most cannot speak the original old languages it is a invaluable resource to help you round out your understanding and with great accuracy as well.
Let me give you some examples of how it may work to help you understand the full truth of God's Word using the root words.
Here is a scripture many of you may know:
1 Peter 1:15
Be holy in all your conduct
So what does the word "holy" really mean?
From Strongs Esword:
The Greek word is ... hag'-ee-osFrom ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) compare G53, [H2282]; sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated)
So God's Word tells His people to be pure and consecrated (set apart) for Him in all that we do.
Now that is shining real truth to the text, amen?
(Click HERE for a post about holiness)
Here is another portion of scripture that teaches how godly ladies should dress:
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Some may read this and not fully grasp what is being taught. So they should ask deeper questions like: what does "shamefacedness" mean? It is not a common word in the English language at all.
The Greek word is.... ahee-doce'
From Esword"
G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492 (through the idea of downcast eyes); bashfulness, that is, (towards men), modesty or (towards God) awe: - reverence, shamefacedness.
By using the Greek word that the Apostle Paul used to give Holy inspired text, we see that ladies are to dress in a "bashful" manner with reverence to God and NOT to be showing off their forms in jeans, tight/short skirts or shorts. ( sadly this is not taught on most places who claim Christ today at all )
Moving on:
By looking at the root word apparel which Katastole ;we can learn much more.
Jesus said in Matt 4:4 we are to "live by every word our of the mouth of God"
Psalm 1 tells us to "meditate on His law day and night".
2 Timothy 2:15 says we are to "study to show ourselves approved"
1 Peter 3:15 says "always be ready to give a answer for the hope that lies within you"
Now that we know we "must study His Word" just how we do this is very important indeed. In the past, we have done a teaching on the use of correct exegesis vs using the error filled eisegesis when study the bible. see that post here:
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/search/label/Eisegesis%20or%20Exegesis
Today I wanted to write a bit about going to Greek and Hebrew root words to help us understand the true and deeper meanings found in the Word. As you may know the bible was written then translated from Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament. While the reliable and tested versions are indeed accurate; it helps when we read and study a text to go deeper to what the meaning was intended in the original language. Often it is hard to fully convey the exact meaning in English so the root word studies become very important in ones understanding of complete truth.
One great tool to use with your bible is an easy on line software application called E Sword. (you can down load it right to your computer and use it with ease as often as you like.) This is a free download that gives you the Strong's break down of the Old and New Testaments giving you much info on what the meanings of biblical words are. In addition to E Sword there are Lexicons online that when combined will give a well rounded meaning. Since most cannot speak the original old languages it is a invaluable resource to help you round out your understanding and with great accuracy as well.
Let me give you some examples of how it may work to help you understand the full truth of God's Word using the root words.
Here is a scripture many of you may know:
1 Peter 1:15
Be holy in all your conduct
So what does the word "holy" really mean?
From Strongs Esword:
The Greek word is ... hag'-ee-osFrom ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) compare G53, [H2282]; sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated)
So God's Word tells His people to be pure and consecrated (set apart) for Him in all that we do.
Now that is shining real truth to the text, amen?
(Click HERE for a post about holiness)
Here is another portion of scripture that teaches how godly ladies should dress:
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Some may read this and not fully grasp what is being taught. So they should ask deeper questions like: what does "shamefacedness" mean? It is not a common word in the English language at all.
The Greek word is.... ahee-doce'
From Esword"
G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492 (through the idea of downcast eyes); bashfulness, that is, (towards men), modesty or (towards God) awe: - reverence, shamefacedness.
By using the Greek word that the Apostle Paul used to give Holy inspired text, we see that ladies are to dress in a "bashful" manner with reverence to God and NOT to be showing off their forms in jeans, tight/short skirts or shorts. ( sadly this is not taught on most places who claim Christ today at all )
Moving on:
By looking at the root word apparel which Katastole ;we can learn much more.
1. a lowering, letting down, down (kata)
2. a garment let down, dress, attire (stole); “stello,” meaning “to send.”
Apparel, Apparelled katastole connected with katastello, "to send or let down, to lower" (kata, "down," stello, "to send"), was a garment let down; "dress, attire," a long loose outer garment worn by kings and persons of rank,"stole") In ancient Greece the “katastole” was a long free-flowing dress worn over a stole providing two layers in order to conceal the form of the body.
The idea behind this biblical garb is to hide your form like God did in Genesis with Adam and Eve because it is what God desires for ladies who claim Him as Lord.
Here is our tract with great detail on ladies biblical apparel
As you can see going to the root words (in this case Greek) has given this text some very deep meaning by which we can better apply God's Word to our every day lives.
We would encourage you to include in your study of the Holy Word the practice of seeking "root word meanings" and you will find a world of truth will open up to you as never before.
Please keep in mind correct bible study (exegesis) is to pull from the text what truth God wanted to tell us. Sadly today far too many people are using incorrect Eisegesis; which is making the text say what "you believe it should say" and in this you will be led astray.
Sometime back we did a post on a persons "depth of faith and biblical knowledge"
http://spiritandtruthdiscernment.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-mile-wide-and-12-inch-deep.html and I wanted to remind us all of that point.
How deep are you and I? Are we willing to spend the time, look at root words and find all of the amazing treasure of truth the Lord put in His word for all those who will seek Him?
We hope that is your desire today.
www.dontperish.com
We hope that is your desire today.
www.dontperish.com