I love that line from The Princess Bride. You remember. Vizzini keeps seeing an antagonist pursuing him, saying, "Inconceivable!" "You keep using that word," Inigo Montoya says. "I do not think it means what you think it means." It's my favorite because ... it is so very practical. We are constantly using words that we don't really understand. Our world uses "tolerance" to mean "agree" rather than "allow something with which you disagree." We use "inclusive" to mean "exclude those who disagree" rather than "to include." It is most concerning when we're using them in important places.
Take "prosper," for instance. In Jeremiah we read, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares YHWH, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jer 29:11). Instantly the Joel Osteens of this world latch onto that "prosper." "See? God plans to make you rich!" Except ... that's not what it means. You might be surprised to learn that the Hebrew behind that word is ... wait for it ... shalom. Yeah. Not "financial gain" or "better living." It is "peace," "welfare," "soundness." Not "prosper" as we would use it. "Thou shalt not kill" in Exodus (Exo 20:13) refers to murder, not general killing (as demonstrated in Genesis 9:6, for instance). "Repent" doesn't mean "feel sorry" as we often use it. The word means "to think differently" -- to change one's mind and turn from the current path. "Christ" is not Jesus's last name; it's His title as Messiah. "Faith" is not "belief" as in "I believe George Washington existed." It is "to become convinced (by argument)," a position that necessarily causes changes in practice and viewpoint. And on it goes.
The one that is the worst in my opinion is the one that is most important. We read in John, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Our world has so mashed "love" into a different mold that we can hardly grasp its true meaning. The text doesn't claim that God has a deep affection and warm feelings toward us. That's not the intent. We aren't commanded to "feel warmly" toward God or our neighbor. In fact, the King James translators used a different word in their translation of 1 Corinthians 13 because it isn't "love" as we use it in our emotional terminology. They used "charity." That one has shifted, too, but you can see it there -- a choice to be kind. An entirely outward concern for others. A self-sacrificing decision to seek the best for another. Not ... "Gee, I feel really tingly about you." That's not biblical love. But we keep using these words, applying modern meaning to older texts, and thinking we're getting it right. We should learn to be more careful so as not to miss what God is actually saying.
6 comments:
It happens so often all over the place that it makes rational conversation difficult. Too often we're using one word that means different things to different people, without realizing we're using different definitions. And this we end up with either false conclusions or at laugerheads when we haven't even been discussing the same thing.
As you well know, that's one big concern for me, but in this particular case, I'm more concerned that we are putting words in God's mouth that He never intended simply because of our use of words. Like James's warnings about the tongue.
I once heard a "pastor" say that Jesus was pro-lgbt because He told Lazarus to "come out". We humans have a long history of suppressing the truth, so much so that it is second nature to us. The only way we can stop is if we're given a new heart.
I did not know that “prosper” in Jer. 29:11 was shalom--sure makes the meaning much clearer, as does reading that verse in its full context, which many people fail to do. (My NKJV Bible reads, “…thoughts of peace and not of evil….”--no financial windfalls in view there!)
I don’t think most people are deliberately being deceptive when they misinterpret verses or use words in a willy-nilly fashion. Many times it’s due to having received poor teaching and possessing a general Bible illiteracy. Certainly, you have pointed out the importance of utilizing good Bible translations (ideally, several side-by-side) for personal/group study, consulting commentaries and other study aides, and also sitting under expository preaching/teaching from those who have learned about the language and meaning of the original texts. (Then, in the example that David gave, one would know that “come out” does not mean “reveal your hidden homosexuality” but “come forth”--but that’s more a matter of common sense!)
I can certainly see the danger when “we keep using these words, applying modern meaning to older texts, and thinking we're getting it right,” as you say. Likewise, it’s helpful to have archaic or obsolete words or phrases reworded for our better comprehension. It is a delicate balance, I am sure. I agree that the goal is to know God’s Word to us as He intended it.
Sometimes I believe modern Christians are more biblically illiterate even compared to Reformation era Christians who literally were illiterate.
I think I would agree!
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