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I can do this!

Words…and their Words…and their (proper) (proper)

MeaningsMeanings

Words and their (proper) Words and their (proper) MeaningsMeanings

Nature of communication is Nature of communication is ambiguousambiguous..

WordsWords:

“Can”

“Punch”

“Spring”



PhrasePhrase:: The shooting of the hunters she heard

I like my secretary better than my wife



FormForm:

OT: Hebrew is a consonantal language.

What might the letters BRD form?

Word Study FallacyWord Study Fallacy

1. 1. English-Only FallacyEnglish-Only FallacyA Word in Hebrew-Greek is often translated using a number of different English words

Different Hebrew-Greek words can be translated same into English word.

RemedyRemedy: Use a concordance and keep track of Hebrew-Greek word.

Word Study Word Study Fallacy(s)Fallacy(s)

2. Root Fallacy2. Root FallacyNotion that the real meaning of the word is found in its original root.

e.g., “nice” comes from the Latin word, nesciuswhich means ignorant

“Goodbye” is a contracted form of God be with you.

RemedyRemedy: Give context priority. CIE.

Remember, a word means what an author wants it to mean.

English Transliteration

schoolaschoola

English Translation:

LeisureLeisure

Word Study Word Study Fallacy(s)Fallacy(s)

3. Time-Frame Fallacy3. Time-Frame FallacyThis happens when we latch on to a late word meaning (maybe even one of our day) and read it back into the Bible (Eis-egesis).

e.g., Cross, Salvation

RemedyRemedy: Give context priority. CIE. In this case, maybe historical context is vital.

Word Study Fallacy(s)Word Study Fallacy(s)

4. Over-load Fallacy4. Over-load FallacyThis happens when we realize that words often mean several things. Overload happens when we make a word mean all these things!

RemedyRemedy: Let context set the agenda.

Word StudyWord Study

How to choose Words to StudyHow to choose Words to Study

1. Look for Words that appear to be critical to passage

2. Look for repeated words

3. Look for “figures of speech”

4. Look for words that are unclear or difficult

5. Look for words that might be “pregnant” with meaning

NIV Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

NAS Romans 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.


How to Study the Words you ChooseHow to Study the Words you Choose

Step 1Step 1. Get a basic definition for the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word from an original meaning dictionary (www.BlueLetterBible.com )



Step 2Step 2. In your specific passage, brainstorm what nuance you think the word might have in that immediate context.



Step 3Step 3. Enlarge your “Circles of Context.” Now look at all the other places in that book where the word (or phrase) is used. Start a list of different meanings the word can have (don’t mix them together).

Step 4Step 4. Enlarge your “Circle” to include the other books written by the same author. Even the whole NT.

Word Study-Circles of Word Study-Circles of ContextContext

Rom 12

Romans

Pauline LiteratureNew Testament



Step 5Step 5. Now, examine Theological Dictionary(s). Listen for nuances you may have missed.

Step 6Step 6. Now return to the passage in question. From the “dictionary” you have created, select a meaning for your passage that seems best to fit its immediate context

PROCESS OF BIBLE STUDY

Four STEPS

Observe

PRAY

Interpret

Apply

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