Understanding Grammar Context In biblical Interpretation.

 

Because the Bible was written in a foreign language, we have no means of knowing which interpretations are true if we ignore the meanings of words and how they are handled. Words express God’s intentions, and words are the building elements of sentences. “In today’s world, we aim to come as near to the original as possible.”

This is not to say that you can’t comprehend the Bible if you don’t study these languages. The argument is that when one learns the scriptural languages, greater precision becomes possible. God has tremendously utilized those who do not know Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek.

Now consider the following analogy: Have you ever tossed a stone into a pond and watched the rings sweep out in ever-widening waves? The first circle was surrounded by the second, which was surrounded by the third, and so on. This is also true of the context circles that we will be covering in this training. The word is the smallest unit of study in the centre “circle.” Around it is the phrase, and so on up to the greatest circle: the literary context.

Did you notice the word most often repeated in the illustration above? It is the context that is a part of or surrounds the text. The fundamental rule of all interpretation is summed up in this word. We cannot accurately study any word or passage without considering the circles of context in which it is found. In this training, we will demonstrate this rule with the smallest units of study: the word and the phrase.

When you finish this lesson you should be able to:

• Identify and explain the use of grammatical elements within an example Bible text.
• Use the immediate context of a term to determine its meaning.
• Discuss the importance of grammar in understanding a Bible passage.
• 1. Work through the lesson development, answering all study questions in the usual manner. When you have completed it, take the self-test and check your answers.
• 2. This lesson will make use of several Bible passages as illustrations. Look up all the passages that are not quoted in full in the lesson. Be sure to look up the meanings of any keywords that are unfamiliar to you.
• 3. Make an evaluation of your personal library and visit a Bible book store to see what interpretive tools are available there.

DEFINING INDIVIDUAL TERMS

In the early 1500s, a German monk was studying the word “repent” when suddenly he realized that it meant “a change of mind” rather than “to do penance.” Furthermore, he became aware that it involved a relationship between a person and God, not between a person and his church. Armed with this knowledge, the monk, Martin Luther, began to study the scriptures more completely. Ultimately this and other studies moved him to challenge church dogma and insist on reforming the church.

As a modern student of the Bible, you also need to give attention to each individual word in the phrase you are studying. In this training, we will consider how you can find the exact meanings of individual words.

The Singular Meaning

Have you ever heard a “dictionary sermon”? I remember the first one I heard. The preacher had just purchased a book of original meanings of New Testament words, and he was eager to use this new resource. His method of preaching was to pick keywords from a verse, giving four or five meanings from “the original language” for each. He made a point based on every possible usage of those words.

By the end of this dictionary sermon, we had progressed from Genesis to Revelation in a single verse of the Bible. This overly zealous preacher broke a primary rule for determining the meaning of a biblical term. That is: every term has only one meaning in a given context.

This does not mean we should not use a dictionary or lexicon for word studies. No, they are vital to study tools. But, important as this help are, they have one great disadvantage. They only provide the reader with the various possible meanings of a word; they cannot identify for him the meaning appropriate for the word as it is used in the particular passage he is studying.

For the purpose of this study, we will make a distinction between a “word” in a dictionary (isolated from any context) and that same word used in a phrase of the Bible. As part of a biblical phrase, it is no longer simply a word but a “term.” We will define “term” as a word within a phrase. Used in such a way, it bears a singular and specific meaning.

An example is the word “work.” The dictionary provides various possible usages for this word: “to operate, to toil, to function, employment.” However, as a “term” in the phrase “I work at the factory,” it refers in a limited sense only to one’s employment.

The Bible has many examples of this same factor. One is the Greek word sarx, usually translated as “flesh.” As the student studies this “word” in several texts, its meaning as a “term” will change depending on how it is used in each text. For example, note how it is used in the following scripture passages:

• The solid part of the body without bones (1Corinthians 15:39)
• The whole substance of the body (Acts 2:26)
• The sensuous nature of man (Galatians 5:17)
• Human nature is dominated by sinful desire (Romans 7:18).

1 In the space preceding each phrase, write W if it describes a word in isolation. Write T if it describes a term within a context.

…….a Can have only one significance

…….b May have multiple possible meanings

…….c Is found in a phrase

…….d Its meaning is determined by its context

…….e Is dined by a dictionary alone.

The Contextual Meaning

The second important rule in defining biblical words is: the context both defines and limits the meaning of a given term. This rule is essential. Imagine what confusion would be created if every “term” in the Bible had even two possible meanings. This could evolve into a “second Bible”.

This is not to say that one word may not be used in several different ways. It simply means that in any given verse the meaning of a selected term is limited to its usage in that context.

Let’s illustrate this principle with the word “justified.” This word is used in the Bible in two senses. First, it is used in the theological sense in which God declares a person to be just because of the righteousness of Christ through faith. Second, it is used in a more common sense in which it demonstrates that one is a just and godly person before men.

Look now at the following verse. By examining the context, determine which of these meanings is correct for each.

If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:2-3). Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone (James 2:21-24).

At first glance, there appears to be a contradiction between Paul’s statement and James’ admonition because the same words are used in both passages. In reality, however, these are two terms with different meanings. To Paul “justified” meant a supernatural act of declaring a man just before God; to James, it meant a demonstration of one’s righteousness before men, that is, proving that one’s faith was not a mere profession of belief but a genuine, life-changing experience.

2 In each of the passages below the word “world” has a different sense. Look at each and give the sense in which “world” is used.

1. a. First Peter 1:20…………………………………………………………………….

1. b. First John 5:4………………………………………………………………………

1. c. John 3:16……………………………………………………………………………

3 Circle the letter preceding the phrase that completes this statement. When it comes to finding the meaning of a single word, the interpreter must know that

• a) In any given verse the meaning of a selected term is limited by its usage in that context.
• b) A term used in the Bible always means the same thing no matter what context it is found in
• c) Every term used in the Bible has only possible meaning.
• d) Usage of any biblical word never varies from author’ to author.

The Search for the Meaning

We have stated that a biblical “term” can have only one meaning: that determined by the context. Now our next question is, “How do we find that meaning?” Let’s quickly review some methods for doing word studios. The methods we will study are the use of;

1) the immediate context,

2) the dictionary,

3) the concordance, and

4) the cross-references.

The Immediate Context

Sometimes a key term is defined by the biblical author himself. Many examples of this are found in Mark where the writer frequently explains foreign words to his Gentile readers. “Talitha koun” (which means, “little girl, I say to you, get up!’) (5:41).

………..with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (Which means, “Be opened”) (7:34). Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtani?” –which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (15:34).

Sometimes the definition is not as direct, but it is nevertheless clear in the context. We may wonder, for example, what Paul meant by a man becoming “perfect” (2Timothy 3:17, KJV). The text answers that question with the words “equipped for every good work” (NIV).

Let me add that a second translation of the Bible can be especially helpful in this respect. First, it will help you to read the text in a fresh light and to look for clues you might normally overlook in a more familiar version. Then, too, another translation may possibly use synonyms (different words that have nearly the same meaning) that will help to define the term in question. In the case of the term “perfect,” other versions use the synonyms “adequate’ and “mature” which shed further light on the meaning of the term.

4 Read Galatians 5:1 and 13. In verse1 the word “freedom” is used and in verse 13 it is explained based on these verses, suggesting what freedom Paul is referring to and what he is NOT referring to.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Lexicon or Dictionary

A good dictionary is a fundamental tool for interpretation. It provides precise descriptions of a word’s meaning, along with possible shades of meaning.

A Bible dictionary is like other dictionaries. Its only uniqueness is that it specializes in ancient languages such as Greek and Hebrew. If one is available, it would be a valuable investment for your study library. Many technical terms such as “Pharisees” and “Sadducees” are given extended explanations in this special dictionary.

A lexicon is another special dictionary that lists biblical words in their original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) forms along with definitions in the reader’s native language. Many modern lexicons are designed to be used by students who have had very limited exposure to Hebrew or Greek (or none at all). Do not be intimidated by this valuable tool. It would be a most worthwhile addition to your study library.

Obviously, the meanings given in a lexicon are closer to the Bible usage than those found in the ordinary dictionary, but even this tool is limited to giving basic and multiple definitions. Remember, you cannot simply pick one possible meaning for a word and apply it blindly to your text. The options merely help us identify the general sense of the word, the context defines the usage.

A lexicon also provides the history of the origin of the word (its etymology). This can help one get a feel for the word’s general meaning, but it should not be considered as equal to its definition. For example, the months of September, October, November, and December in Latin-based languages refer t the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months of the year. The etymology of these words, however, is seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December). Clearly, present usage is quite different from the original meaning.

In the same way, the biblical writers used words that had a meaning in their day that was far removed from the way they were originally used. Consider tartarosas, which in 2Peter 2:4 is translated as “sent them to hell.” The etymology of the word is based on an imaginary place of judgment which, according to Greek mythology, was located inside the earth at the distance it takes a stone to drop in seven days, below hades, another place of judgment of the dead. While the biblical writers do use the term hades to describe hell, the use of this Greek term does not imply that Greek mythology is correct. In Christ’s day, these words simply referred to death and punishment after death, and the Bible uses vocabulary the original readers and writers were accustomed to. How foolish it would be to suggest that there are two sections of hell based on the Greek mythology behind these words.

On the other hand, there are times when the etymology can be helpful and illustrative. An example is a word exaleipho translated “having cancelled” in Colossians 2:14: “Having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Historically, this word referred to the ancient process of cleaning manuscripts by dipping them in a chemical solution that would dissolve the ink. In the case of a paid bill, for example, the parchment was too valuable to be thrown away; instead, it was dipped in this solution and made perfectly clean and useful once again. This makes a striking illustration of pardon as Christ erases our sin and debt (Henricksen 1979, 121).

5 You may be familiar with the following words, but do you know what they mean? Look them up in a dictionary (or Bible dictionary if available) and note their meanings.

1. a. Ephod (Judges 8:27)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. b. Covenant (Hebrews 8:7)

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

1. c. Centurion (Acts 27:1)

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

1. d. Drachmas (Ezra 2:69)

………………………………………………………………………………………….

The Concordance

Apart from the Bible, I believe the most important book a Bible student can own is a Bible concordance. This tool lists words alphabetically and groups together all the references to each word. Perhaps you have used a concordance to help you find a verse when all you could remember was a word or phrase in the verse. Or perhaps you have used a concordance to help you develop a character study by locating all the biblical references given for a certain person. You may also have used it to find verses related to the selected theme.

The concordance can also be extremely helpful in doing word studies. While a lexicon gives the possible definitions of a word, a concordance traces how the given author “use” the word and explains how a concept develops in Scripture from the Old Testament into the New Testament.

If possible, it is best to purchase a concordance with a system for explaining the Hebrew or Greek basis of the biblical words. This will help you to be certain you are comparing “apples with apples and not apples with tomatoes.’ That is, be sure you are comparing the same original Hebrew or Greek word in all the texts you are studying.

We can illustrate this with the word “life” from the New Testament. Actually, there are three common New Testament Greek words translated into the English word ‘life.” One is bios, which refers to the manner of living including the personal belonging obtained in this life (2 Timothy 2:4. KJV). Another is the psyche which is used to refer to the mental and psychological aspects of life (Mark 8:35). Finally, Zoe, as used in Jude 21, refers to the eternal life promised to those who believe in Christ. A complete concordance will indicate the different Greek or Hebrew words behind the translated word. This will help you to amid making unjustified comparisons.

Another striking example is the use of the word “love” in John 2l. Beginning at verse 15, Christ asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter answers in the affirmative all three times. The passage makes no sense if the reader does not know that different words for love are being used Christ begins by asking for a high form of love—agape. Peter does not say his love is at that level but instead, he uses the Greek verb phileo in his response. In brief, the love Peter offered (phileo) was summarized in the statement “I love you because” while the love Christ asked for was agape or love that states “because I love” irrespective of what I receive from you). The words are not the same although they are usually both translated simply as “love.”

6 In John 21:15-17 the conversation includes three questions from Christ and three answers from Peter. Examine the difference between the words used by each and state in your own words the thought behind the three questions.

Christ’s Questions Peter’s Responses

Verse 15: Do you truly love (agape) me? You know that I love (phileo) you.

Verse 16: Do you truly love (agape) me? You know that I love (phileo) you.

Verse 17: Do you love (phileo) me? You know all things: you know that I love (phileo) you.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7 Suppose as you read Proverbs 1:2 that you notice the word “wisdom.” How would you use the concordance to help you understand what Solomon meant when he used this term?

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Cross-references

Using concordance to study a term is primarily a matter of finding cross-references. Cross-references are texts in which the same word, used in the same way, appears in a different verse (verbal cross-references). Sometimes a parallel story or concept can also help define a term (topical cross-references).

Cross-references are particularly helpful in determining how a writer uses a term or concept throughout his writing. For example, if you were studying Acts 2:38, you would want to look up all the references to the word “baptize” and “baptism” in Acts. After noting how Luke used the word in Acts, you would also want to consider how he used the same word in the Gospel he wrote.

An added help in finding cross-references is to use the notes in the margin of your Bible where related texts are often listed. I found these notes very helpful recently in my study of Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sister s—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.”

The keyword in this verse is “hate.” I wondered why God would ask anyone to hate his own family. It seemed contradictory to Christ’s teachings to love even your enemies. To resolve this apparent contradiction, notice the footnotes in your Bible. Do you see the reference to Mathew 10:37 given as a parallel to this passage? Turn, then, to Mathew 10:37 and note that it gives the same teaching. However, instead of using the word, “hate” Mathew uses the phrase. “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me,”

This exercise shows us that the “hate” in the Luke passage would be better translated as “loveless.” The passage thus teaches that God is to be the first and central focus of our lives; not even our families are to have this place in our hearts. Of course, such a love for God will increase our love for our families beyond what natural love can imagine.

8 Read Mathew 10:34 and pay particular attention to the expression, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Now, look up the passage in Luke 12:51. (Is it given in the footnote of your Bible?) What word does Mathew use in place of the word “sword?”………………………………..

9 Which expression accurately describes what Christ is teaching in Mathew 10:34?

• a) The Christian may be asked to kill in order to defend his faith.
• b) The Christian may suffer division within his own family and even violence because of his faith.
• c) It is biblical to own a gun and even kill if it is in self-defence.

Special care must be taken to distinguish between those passages that have the same word—and thus appear to be cross-references—and those that are genuine cross-references or parallels. Just as a word can have various definitions in the dictionary, so it can be used in varying senses in the bible. You must note carefully whether the word under consideration is being used in the second passage exactly as it is in the text you are studying.

10 Distinguish between a true cross-reference and an apparent cross-reference by comparing the text of John 3:17 with each of the possible cross-references which follow it. After reading each option carefully, identify each one. In the space preceding it, write

T if it is a TRUE or valid cross-reference

A for APPARENT if it is not a valid cross-reference.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him (John 3:17).

1. a. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst (1Timothy 1:15).
2. b. Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon (1Kings 1:12).
3. c. “………who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water” (1Peter 3:20).

SEEING WORDS IN PHRASES

One of the most intriguing words in the Old Testament is yahdah. Just as some English words are formed by “echoing” the sound something makes (as in the words hum, buzz, trickle, boom) so this word was created to describe the almost unintelligible sounds of someone deep in thought. In Hebrew, these low murmurings sounded like “ya-da-ya-da.”

The etymology of this word often translated as “mediate”(see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2), brings to mind an accurate picture of a Bible student, so deep in concentration that the texts and his thoughts about them are spoken almost unconsciously. This type of Bible mediation is characterized by delving deeply into the Word and pondering even the tiniest details. Such mediation the text and give vent to any thought that comes to mind.

Are you interested in serious Bible “mediation”? This may surprise you, but one of the most effective aids to such detailed concentration and study is grammar—studying how words are formed and how they relate to each other in the phrase. In fact, a fundamental rule of interpretation states that the exegete cannot ignore or abuse normal rules of grammar in his interpretation of the Bible study but also a guard against wrong interpretation.

Let’s look at the types of words that play key roles in biblical grammar. When you finish this overview, choose a passage of scripture you have recently studied and note how your understanding of it deepens as you look for details like the ones we are about to describe.

11 Which statement describes correctly how grammar and Bible interpretation are interrelated?

• a) Grammar is of little importance because “the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.”
• b) Although grammar is important, it can be ignored if it does not agree with the illumination of the Spirit.
• c) Grammar is important to Bible scholars but of little importance to individual Christians in their Bible interpretation.
• d) No conscientious interpreter can ignore or abuse normal rules of grammar in his interpretation of the Bible.

Active Words

In studying the verbs (action words) of a phrase, the “tense” or time an action is taking place is second in importance only to its meaning. Consider this famous text for example No one who lives in him keeps on shining. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him” (1John 3:6).

Certainly, this verse is not promoting the idea of “sinless perfection,” for this very epistle also teaches that no believer is sinlessly perfect (1John 1:8,10) and that believers should take advantage of the forgiveness available to them (1John 1:9;2:1).

Looking more closely at the verb “keeps on sinning,” we see that it is in the present tense (also called present progressive). Note here that if it were in the past tense it would mean that salvation is limited to perfect people; in the future tense, it would indicate that once we are saved we will never sin again. Still, in the present tense, we have other options. One good option is the idea of the “customary present.” For example, I may say that I eat at noon every day. This is basically true even though sometimes I may eat later or earlier than twelve o’clock, and I may occasionally not eat at all. But I do customarily eat at noon—with rare exceptions.

In this sense, the verse teaches that the believer, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, cannot have a “custom” or “habit” of sin. He may stumble and sin occasionally and need to repent but this is not his custom (see 1John 1:9-2:1).

12 Now it’s your turn to study a verb tense. Read 1Peter 4:6 carefully, noting the expression “was preached even to those who are now dead.” Based on the correct verb tense, which interpretation is the best?

• a) There is a second opportunity for the dead to receive the gospel and gain eternal life even if they died sinners.
• b) Some men have had the gospel preached to them after death, but this is not true for people who die during the New Testament age.
• c) These people heard the gospel during their lives and were saved, but they suffered persecution for their faith (perhaps martyrdom) and are now in heaven.

Substituting Words

Pronouns are words that replace nouns (names of person, places, or things). For instance, we may say. “The pastor preached well because he studied and prayed before he delivered his message.” As you can see, the pronouns “he” and “his” replaced the word “pastor.” The word that is substituted is called the antecedent of the pronoun.

The Bible uses pronouns frequently. This allows for a free-flowing text without the cumbersome repetition of nouns. At the same time, it can cause confusion if the reader skims the text hastily without taking care to identify the word, phrase, or clause represented by the pronoun (it’s antecedent). Some common pronouns that require special attention are; he, she, it, this, that, you, whatever, whoever, them, they, and me.

Now let’s turn to Mathew 16:13-20 and consider the phrase “You are Peter and on this rock, I will build my church.” The question so often asked here is “Who or what does this refer to? Is it Peter or the declaration that he had just made about Christ?

Looking at the phrase without the benefit of the original Greek, the most natural interpretation would be that “this” is not referring to Peter. If Christ wanted to refer Peter, He could have said, “You are Peter and on you, I will build my church.” It would be odd for Christ to address Peter as “you” and then as “this rock” in the same phrase. Since another text clearly states that Christ is the “only” foundation of the same phrase, rules out the possibility that Peter is the antecedent (1Corinthians 3:11).

Looking at the text in Greek confirms that Peter is not the antecedent behind the expression “this rock.” First of all, the word “this” is in the feminine rather than the masculine case. Furthermore, the name Peter in Greek is Petros which means “a small pebble,” while the word for “rock” is petra, meaning a boulder. Obviously, the church is not built on a pebble but on the solid foundation that Christ is the Son of God.

At times it is extremely difficult to identify the correct antecedent of a pronoun. Yet the entire meaning of a passage may rely on its identification. Read John 21:15 and look for the key pronoun (substitute word) on which the thought is based: “When they have finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

The question immediately comes to mind: “What is the antecedent of these?” Is referring to the articles used in fishing such as the boats, poles, nets, or perhaps even in fish? Or is it referring to the other ten disciples? Since we do not know what Christ was pointing at when He spoke, we will have to examine the text for clues.

Some scholars point to Peter’s boast in Mathew 26:33 that he was the “most loyal” disciple and reason that here Christ is shedding him for being so presumptuous. Although this is possible, I don’t think it is probably because of the tendency of the antecedent of the pronoun to be found close to the pronoun. The closest option is usually the best one.

In this case, we must look for the antecedent in John 21, and we don’t find Peter’s boast in this context. Instead, notice what is in the immediate vicinity: Peter’s abandonment of his commission to evangelize in favour of a fishing career (v. 3), the futility of such a venture without Christ (v. 5), and the miraculous catch of 153 fish (v. 6,11). When we consider these, along with Christ’s appeal to feed His “sheep,” the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that Christ is challenging Peter to give not only his complete love but also to accept a life of full-time ministry.

Let me add a note of caution here. There are occasions when the nearest possible antecedent is not always the correct one. When there is doubt, the context and grammar must be the final judges of the correct antecedent. For example, in Ephesians 2:8-9 we read. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

If the interpreter were reading this in the original Greek language, it would be obvious that the word “faith” was in the feminine gender and therefore could not be the antecedent of “this” in the neuter gender. However, without this information, he must carefully examine the context. In it, he sees that the primary issue treated before and after this passage is “our salvation,” which is a gift of God that is not achieved through works.

13 Who is the antecedent for “he” in the verse “When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went and reclined at the table” (Luke 11:37)?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

14 In the verse “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me?” (John 14:10), what is the antecedent for you”?………..

Connecting Words

Perhaps the most overlooked words in Bible study are the vital “connecting words” (conjunctions) that link thoughts together. For example, “therefore” is one of the most important. It means “for this or that reason” and tells why something was done or said.

Other important liking words are: because, for, yet, while, but, and so forth. These words are used as “bridges” between words and thoughts. And just as actual bridges do not all serve the same purpose (some crossroads, rivers, or ravines, and some are for people, or cars, or trains), so the verbal bridges do not all function alike. Consider the difference in meaning in the expressions below, based on the choice of the bridge (connecting word).

I am a Christian because I believe.

I am a Christian therefore I believe.

I am a Christian but I believe

I am a Christian yet I believe.

Obviously, the type of “bridge” makes a great difference in the meaning of the phrase. These “word bridges” are called conjunctions (con=with, juntio=to join). Let’s look at some common uses of these bridges, keeping in mind that conjunctions such as “and” are multi-purpose: their function will vary depending on the context (Kaiser 1983, 97).

1. 1. Cause and effect (or result and reasons). Tells what or why and includes words such as “therefore,” “because,” “for,” “so then.” Example: “Stand firm, then” (Galatians 5:1).
2. 2. Transition-series. Continues a thought or list of things and uses such words as “and,” “first,” “finally,” moreover,” and “also,” to name a few. Example: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!” (Philippians 3:1).
3. 3. Emphasis. Accents phrases that are important with words like “yet,” “even,” “truly,” “if it be,” and “that.” Example: “Yet because of the man’s persistence he will get up” (Luke 11:8).
4. 4. Condition or possibility. Indicates potential for something such as “should it happen” or a condition to make it happen and is preceded by the word “if.” Example: “If you continue in your faith………..” (Colossians 1:23).
5. 5. Contrast/adversative. Indicates opposition or opposing ideas connected with words like “but,” “howbeit,” and “however.” Example:” Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mathew 4:4).
6. 6. Comparison. Pairs comparing or contrasting thoughts with word combinations such as “neither-nor,” “either-or,” “both-and,” and “not only but also.” Example: “Either in this age or in the age to come…….” (Mathew 12:32)

While this list is not complete, it does serve to remind us of the importance of these keywords. They are vital because they tell us how individual thoughts relate to one another.

Just a note of creation; some of the conjunctions do “double duty.” That is, they are used in more than one way. “It” is an example of conjunction used in more than one way. It can be used to accentuate a point (if it is a fact that) or introduce a condition (if—then). Knowing that conjunctions may be used in various ways, the interpreter should pay close attention to the context of the conjunction to determine exactly how it is used.

15 Read the verses below and after each conjunction indicates the “way” it links thoughts by writing the appropriate number in the blank following it.

• 1) Cause and effect
• 2) Transition or series
• 3) Condition or possibility
• 4) Contrast/adversative

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange was happening to you. But (a____) rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that (b____) you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If (c_______) you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for(d______) the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If (e_____) you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, (f______) if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but (g_________) praise God that you bear that name (1Peter 4:12-16).

Specifying Words

Do you see a difference between the expression “the Son of God” and “a son of God”? Obviously, the first is very specific, referring to just one person, Christ. The second is more indefinite and could refer to any one of millions of believers.

Seeing the difference between a definite article (the) and an indefinite article (a/an) is very critical. A classic example comes from an old English version of the Bible that translated 1Timothy 6:10 this way: “For the love of money is the root of evil.” As a result, many preached that the love of money was at the root of every evil. What Paul actually said was that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. This distinction is important.

16 In Joshua 5:15 Joshua meets “the commander of the Lord’s army.” In this case, the definite article indicates that

• a) This is one of the most important commanders of the Lord’s hosts.
• b) There is no other like this commander, he is unique.
• c) This commander is one of many leaders in the Lord’s hosts.
• d) The army of the Lord is very organized in ranks of leadership.

Summary

It is not necessary to be an expert in grammar to be a good Bible interpreter. However, you must never purposely ignore the grammar of a verse by using a meaning that is contradictory to the author’s intention. Accurate Bible interpretation requires attention to the details of a text. Hopefully, this overview of how to study words and their interwoven relationships will help you be more attentive to those details.

MULTIPLE CHOICE Circle the letter preceding the best answer to each question.

1. 1. If you were studying the word “transformed” in Romans 12:2, the best way to determine its meaning would be to
2. a) Look it up in a lexicon or dictionary and pick the meaning that is best for your church’s needs.
3. b) Go to a conservative commentary to get an expert’s opinion before attempting your own study
4. c) Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning so you don’t have to waste time in study
5. d) Use a dictionary or lexicon to find the possible meanings and then study the context to find which one is appropriate.
6. 2. In determining the meaning of a biblical term, the primary and final authority is
7. a) The context in which the term is found
8. b) The witness of the Holy Spirit
9. c) The confirmation of other scholars
10. d) Its effectiveness when preached
11. 3. A verbal cross-reference is
12. a) Any use of the same word in a different passage
13. b) The use of the same word in the same book
14. c) Another use of the same word in the same sense
15. d) Another reference to the same Greek or Hebrew word.
16. 4. The difference between a “word in isolation” and a “term in a phrase” is that the word in isolation
17. a) Has only one possible meaning, while a term can have several meanings
18. b) May have multiple meanings, while the term in context has only one meaning.
19. c) Will have its meaning determined by its context
20. d) Is limited to the meanings in a dictionary while the “term” can have both a literal and figurative meaning
21. 5. To say that the interpreter cannot abuse or ignore rules of grammar in his interpretation is to say that
22. a) It is impossible to be a good student of the Bible without formal training in grammar
23. b) Knowing grammar is as important as depending on the Holy Spirit to guide your study
24. c) The student must know the rules of grammar in order to study the Bible
25. d) The interpreter cannot manipulate the text to say something it does not mean in normal communication.

ALTERNATE CHOICE After each verse two types of conjunctions are noted. Circle the type which matches the conjunction underlined in the verse.

6. “So because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him (John 5:16).

(Cause and effect Contrast/adversative).

7. “Once you were alienated from God….. but now he has reconciled you (Colossians 1:21-22)

(Cause and effect: Contrast/adversative).

8. If you continue in your faith, established and firm……” (Colossians 1:23).

(Emphasis: Condition/possibility)

9. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these” (Mathew 6:29).

(Comparison: Emphasis).

MATCHING. Read the instruction carefully and write your answer in the space preceding each question.

10-15 Read the following verse and then make a grammatical identification of each underlined word. To do this, match each word (left) with the appropriate definition (right). (Some definitions may be used twice or not at all.)

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18).

……….10 whoever a) Verb (action word)

……….11 Believes b) Pronoun (substituting word)

………..12 But c) Conjunction (linking word)

……….13 Stands condemned d) Article (specifying word)

………14 Because e) Antecedent (replaced word)

………..15 The

SHORT ANSWER. The following questions will be based on the verses below. Read the question, seek the answer from the verses, then record your answers briefly after each question.

So I teller you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more (Ephesians 4:17-19).

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:20-21).

16 The word “Gentile” may have several meanings as an isolated word. Mention two of them.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7 Use the immediate context to determine what the term “Gentile” means in this particular context.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Guidelines for individual words and the Grammar Context

16 In Acts 15:23 we see a reference to Gentiles. Read it and determine if Gentile in Acts 15:23 is a real or apparent verbal cross-reference with “Gentiles” in the Ephesians passage above. Explain your answer.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

19 What are the first conjunctions you read in each of the two paragraphs from Ephesians 4 above? How does each connect the prior thought with the thought that follows?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

20 Identify the antecedents for the pronouns “I,” “this,” and “you” in Ephesians 4:17.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

21 There is one definite article in Ephesians 4:20-21. Identify and explain its purpose in that context

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Based on the answer to this question, the best option is b(. the Christian may suffer division within his own family and even violence because of his faith.

a. Term.

b. Word.

c. Term.

d. Word.

10 Only option a is a true cross-reference. It speaks of spiritual salvation while the others speak of physical salvation.

2 a. The physical world.

b. The worldly system against the Christian

c. The inhabitants of the world.

11 d. No conscious interpreter can ignore or abuse normal rules of grammar in his interpretation of the Bible.

3a) in any given verse the meaning of a selected term is limited by its usage in that context.

12c) These people heard the gospel during their lives.

4He is referring to freedom from the condemnation of the law but not from any biblical moral restraints.

13Jesus is the antecedent.

5a An ephod is a richly embroidered outer cloak.

b A covenant is an official agreement between two or more parties

c A centurion is a Roman army commander of over 100 soldiers.

D Drachmas represent a unit of weight of 60 grains (1/8 ounce).

14Philip is the antecedent.

6, Christ is asking about the type of love Peter had, not simply if the disciple loved Him. Peter understands the question but continually responds that his love is on the lower level. The third time Christ lowers His standard and asks if Peter even has the lower level of love. Peter is hurt, realizing that his love is actually not at the level Christ wants.

15 a 4) Contrast/adversative.

b 1) Cause and effect.

C 3) Condition or possibility

D 1) Cause and effect

e 3) Condition or possibility

f 4) Contrast/adversative

g 4) Contrast/adversative.

7 I would look up references in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (books written by Solomon) to see how he used the term. Of course, I would check the context of each to be certain the word was used in the same sense as in Proverbs 1:2.

16 b) there is no other like this commander, he is unique.

8 Luke uses the word “division” in place of the word “sword.”

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