Greek Studies??

[A.W. Bowman]

Some note:

We have just gone through an interesting exercise in the meaning and origin or words, namely the word “wear” as translated into English most translations of De 22:5. This was a nice intellectual work out, but did it contribute to our understanding of God’s word?

The answer is yes! It did, or it should have or it could have. There is a vast difference between reading the word for personal edification and studying the word in order to lead others in the proper understanding of biblical principles and to provide sound godly instruction.

Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters (i.e., rabbis, teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. {condemnation: or, judgment}

The requirement to bring the original message and convey the original intent of God when instructed the writing down of His instructions (Torah) and His promises, provisions, corrections, etc. (Tanakh), requires a much greater commitment of time and energy to the task of gaining an understanding (not “the” understanding) of God’s word.

Doing a general word search for perfect, we find the English term occurs 98 times in the KJV of the English Bible.

Generally, when one reads the word “perfect” the picture of being “exact in every detail” or “without flaw” usually comes to mind. For the most part, this English understanding is sufficient for our understanding for what is being communicated. But when it comes to studying and understanding the Holy Scriptures, sometimes this generalized approach does not quite meet our need in acquiring a deeper comprehension of the intended message. Also, please note: This required dedication to study, by those who would be teachers, does NOT preclude scriptural revelation by the unction of God’s Spirit!

One of the major rules of Bible translation/interpretation is: Do not study the Bible through your doctrinal filters. That is, do not search (study) the Bible for support of your doctrines. Rather, search (study) the Bible for doctrines to support. This means that each time one picks up the word of God, one must approach the word as if for the first time. Allow the word to communicate its intent, allow the word to interpret its self. If one’s doctrine fits with that study, great! If not, then the doctrine needs correction, not the Bible! Therefore, those who would identify, develop and teach biblical doctrines, they have a personal responsibility to know and understand the scriptures from the “writer’s world view” because they are the ones who received God’s word and committed it in writing according to their own understanding of God and the world about them.

Does everyone then need to become a linguist in order to read, study, understand, and be able to apply God’s word to their lives and the lives of their family? Absolutely NOT!

However, this board moves scripture based discussions beyond that required of the majority of believers. It impinges upon the knowledge, understanding, wisdom and integrity, of those who would instruct others and to lead them into a “deeper” (greater) understanding of God’s written communication with mankind.

Which brings us back to the word “perfect”.