Bible Study Defining and understanding biblical words and terms.

[JLB]

Jesus gave us the key to being fruitful:

But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:23


I am starting this thread, in hopes of bringing some clarification and understanding to some of our discussions that concern foundational doctrines of the Church, that Christ taught to His disciples, who in turn taught to their generation, that are written for us in the New Testament.

Key biblical words and phrases that were used by our Lord, and the writers of the New Testament, may have a different meaning than their modern day counterparts, used today.


There is no need for endless debate over simple, basic biblical words and terms, that degrade into unhealthy dialogue between Christians.


In addition I hope to see these definitions, that should be widely agreed upon by staff and participants, added to the new Statement of Faith (glossary of biblical words) that is being developed, when the TOS is complete.


Having unity and harmony concerning biblical words and terms is the beginning to having unity and harmony concerning sound biblical doctrine, for it is the words that make up the doctrine.


Misunderstand the words and we will misunderstand the doctrine.

• till we all come to the unity of the faith

• that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16


Here are just a few of the biblical words and terms that I hope to see us define and understand as a community, for the purpose of unity and growth in this body of believers, as well as those that the Lord will bring here in the coming months and years.


Love
Believe
Faith
Salvation
Eternal life (now & then)
Lost
Found
Gospel
Repent
Grace


Inherit the kingdom
The faith
The love of God
The truth
The doctrine of Christ (the doctrine)
Son of God (three aspects)


Hopefully others, including staff will add to this list.


Paul said, I know in part, but we have the mind of Christ.




Blessings to all,


JLB

 

[JLB]

The Bible is its own best interpreter, in that the scriptures themselves define for us in some cases what a word or phrase means, either by context or by direct definition.


Contextually we must allow the scriptures to define for us the Authors intent and use of a word to convey His meaning to us.


Here is an example of a biblical definition -

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1


Here is the definition of faith according to the Strongs -

Faith pistis. Strongs 4102 - Noun


I. conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
A. relating to God
i. the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
B. relating to Christ
i. a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
C. the religious beliefs of Christians
D. belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
II. fidelity, faithfulness
A. the character of one who can be relied on



The Point: Bible dictionary’s, lexicons, and study guides are a good place to start, but are not necessarily the final say on how a biblical word is defined.


Believe: - pisteuō Strongs # G4100 - verb


The KJV translates Strong's G4100 in the following manner: believe (239x), commit unto (4x), commit to (one's) trust (1x), be committed unto (1x), be put in trust with (1x), be commit to one's trust (1x), believer (1x).


I. to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
A. of the thing believed
i. to credit, have confidence
B. in a moral or religious reference
i. used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
ii. to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
iii. mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
II. to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
A. to be intrusted with a thing

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 NKJV​

He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 NASB​

It is noteworthy to understand that unbelief and disobedience are the same Greek word and are used interchangeably in the Bible based on translation.


Example: Unbelief - Disobedience

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Hebrews 4:6 KJV​

Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, Hebrews 4:6 NKJV​

The word “believe” as it relates to Christ and His gospel, commandments and doctrine should be understood as follows.

Believe - Trust, commit; submit to obey





JLB

 

[chessman]

Having unity and harmony concerning biblical words and terms is the beginning to having unity and harmony concerning sound biblical doctrine,

Not to be obstinate, but how do you define what is and what is not a Biblical “term” in your list?

Google says a “term”: a word or expression used in relation to a particular subject​

​

Do you have a Biblical definition of what is and what is not a “term”?

For example:

And on-the-basis-of faith in His name, His name made this one strong whom you see and know. And the faith that comes through Him gave him this wholeness in front of all of you.​

Acts 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts 3:16&version=DLNT

​

Would “faith in His name” be an expression used in particular by the Bible to express the faith that comes through Him which gives that someone who has it strength and wholeness?

Whereas ‘the faith’ is simply two words which have no specific meaning as a ‘term’ in and of itself, without context?

For example, “the faith” in your father Abraham could be an expression that is used in particular by someone to express the faith someone has in Abraham. That is, that being children of Abraham gives them some special status among the nations?

Or “the faith” in Donald Trump to build a border wall lead to his election as president.

 

[JLB]

Not to be obstinate, but how do you define what is and what is not a Biblical “term” in your list?

From the scriptures and context, (as the Spirit of truth leads) as well as recognized biblical concordances, lexicons and dictionary’s.



JLB

 

[JLB]

Do you have a Biblical definition of what is and what is not a “term”?

By term I am referring to a phrase; meaning more than one word.


Example: inherit the kingdom




JLB

 

[JLB]

Would “faith in His name” be an expression used in particular by the Bible to express the faith that comes through Him which gives that someone who has it strength and wholeness?

Whereas ‘the faith’ is simply two words which have no specific meaning as a ‘term’ in and of itself, without context?

For example, “the faith” in your father Abraham could be an expression that is used in particular by someone to express the faith someone has in Abraham. That is, that being children of Abraham gives them some special status among the nations?

Or “the faith” in Donald Trump to build a border wall lead to his election as president.

I would think defining faith would be a good place to start, then understanding the principle by which faith functions, operates and works to produce the intended divine result.


If you have a word or phrase you would like to define, then please list it with the definition.


So far I started with the word believe.


Do you have anything to add to what I posted.



JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

All terms and definition of words used in scripture can only be defined like you said in the full context. When studying the Bible cross referencing scripture with scripture, OT with NT and understanding the times and the cultures back in those days defines the true meaning of what has already been written. Our English language has way to many meanings for just one word,especially in this modern day. Not to many us us can read Hebrew Aramaic and Greek so we have to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us search out the definitions of the English that has already been written.

 

[chessman]

If you have a word or phrase you would like to define, then please list it with the definition.

Here’s two:

And on-the-basis-of faith in His name, His name made this one strong whom you see and know. And the faith that comes through Him gave him this wholeness in front of all of you.Acts 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts 3:16&version=DLNT

To have “faith in His name” means to have faith that it His name that has (past tense) made you strong.

To have “the faith that comes through Him” means to have the faith that He gave (past tense) you wholeness.

 

[JLB]

Here’s two:


To have “faith in His name” means to have faith that it His name that has (past tense) made you strong.

To have “the faith that comes through Him” means to have the faith that He gave (past tense) you wholeness.

And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16


What’s the definition of faith?


Here is what the Bible says faith is:


Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1


And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:4-7

At this point, the man now has faith that he can walk.

The substance of the thing he is hoping for:
to walk.


And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:7-8



JLB

 

[JLB]

All terms and definition of words used in scripture can only be defined like you said in the full context. When studying the Bible cross referencing scripture with scripture, OT with NT and understanding the times and the cultures back in those days defines the true meaning of what has already been written. Our English language has way to many meanings for just one word,especially in this modern day. Not to many us us can read Hebrew Aramaic and Greek so we have to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us search out the definitions of the English that has already been written.

I hope you will get involved in helping develop a sound biblical glossary for the new SOF.


Blessings.


JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

You have a very good list going so I will add this:

Call
Endure
Fellowship
Godhead
Humble
Merciful
Redeemer
Servant
Trust

 

[JLB]

You

You have a very good list going so I will add this:

Call
Endure
Fellowship
Godhead
Humble
Merciful
Redeemer
Servant
Trust

Ok.

Pick a word or phrase and define it.


So far my definition for believe is:

Trust, commit; submit to obey



JLB

 

[JLB]

Love - God is love


He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8


Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

• Love rejoices in the truth;

Love - Strongs G26 ; agape

The KJV translates Strong's G26 in the following manner: love (86x), charity (28x), dear (1x), charitably (with G2596) (1x), feasts of charity (1x).

1. affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
2. love feasts

Greater love (agape) has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13



Note: Love is probably the most important word in the Bible, and has as one of its definitions as simply: God is love.



And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23


Love - Strong’s G25 ; agapao

The KJV translates Strong's G25 in the following manner: love (135x), beloved (7x).

1. of persons
   1. to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly
2. of things
   1. to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing

I have yet to post any definitions or scriptures from the Old Testament, Hebrew.


The Hebrew language is probably the most dynamic and rich language to bring forth the meanings of biblical words.

There are those who truly gifted, through study and inspiration, to convey the meanings of words in the Hebrew language.


I’m hoping to see someone here take up that task.


It will probably take a few months to develope good glossary of biblical words and phrases, and may be something that is ongoing as the site grows and developes.



Example of a statement from the SOF with just these two words believe and love, might read as:


We believe (and demonstrate that we believe by obeying God’s command to love each other,) the Christian life should be marked by love; a patient rejoicing in the understanding of God abiding in us, to demonstrate the truth of His kingdom in kindness, harmony and peace, through the encouragement and grace of the Holy Spirit.




JLB

 

[Truthfrees]

JLB when you determine a definition for a word or a term are you going to edit your 1st post to add the definition to the word?

 

[JLB]

JLB when you determine a definition for a word or a term are you going to edit your 1st post to add the definition to the word?

are you also going to add new words/terms people suggest to your 1at post?

if so can you put the words/terms in alphabetical order so that we can keep track easily of which words/terms have been determined?

i did it as per below for what has been stated so far




WORDS
BELIEVE - Trust, commit; submit to obey - scripture verse
ENDURE - meaning - scripture verse
ETERNAL LIFE (now & then) - meaning - scripture verse
FAITH - meaning - scripture verse
FELLOWSHIP - meaning - scripture verse
FOUND - meaning - scripture verse
GODHEAD - meaning - scripture verse
GOSPEL - meaning - scripture verse
GRACE - meaning - scripture verse
HUMBLE - meaning - scripture verse
LOST - meaning - scripture verse
MERCIFUL - meaning - scripture verse
REDEEMER - meaning - scripture verse
REPENT - meaning - scripture verse
SALVATION - meaning - scripture verse
SERVANT - meaning - scripture verse
TRUST - meaning - scripture verse
UNBELIEF - meaning - scripture verse

PHRASES
INHERIT THE KINGDOM - meaning - scripture verse
THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (the doctrine) - meaning - scripture verse
THE FAITH - meaning - scripture verse
THE LOVE OF GOD - meaning - scripture verse
SON OF GOD (three aspects) - meaning - scripture verse
THE TRUTH - meaning - scripture verse

If possible I will leave this part of organizing the list up to you and wondering.

Also I’m hoping the staff will make final decisions as to the full meaning of a word or term.


You really seem to have great organizational skills.



Thanks.

 

[for_his_glory]

Taken from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Call
Hebrew # 4377 prosphoneo (pros-fo-neh-o) to call to
Greek Dictionary #2564 kaleho (kal-eh-o) bid, call forth, used in a variety of applications
Usage: summon, to address
Matthew 22:14

Endure
Hebrew #7011 gayam (kah-yawm) steadfast
Greek # 5278 hupomeno (hoop-om-en-o) to stay behind, to wait
Usage: I remain behind, I stand my ground. bear up against
Matthew 24:13

Fellowship
Hebrew #2270 chabar (khaw-bare) united, associate, companion
Greek #2842 koinonia (koy-nohn-ee-ah) partnership communicate, communion
Usage: spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit
1 John 1:3

Godhead
Hebrew #2304 theios (thi-os) divine, the Deity
Greek #2320 theotes (theh-ot-ace) deity
Usage: deity, Godhead
Colossians 2:9

Humble
Hebrew #6035 anav (aw-nawv) poor, afflicted, meek
Greek #5013 tapeinoo (tap-i-no-o) to make low, humble
Usage: I make or bring low, humiliate, I am humbled
1 Peter 5:6

Merciful
Hebrew # 2616 chacad (khaw-sad) to be good, kind
Greek #1655 eleemon (el-eh-ay-mone) merciful
Usage: full of pity, merciful, compassionate
Luke 1:50

Redeemer
Hebrew #1350 gaal (gaw-al) to redeem, act as a kinsman
Greek #3086 lutrotes (loo-tro-tace) redeemer, deliverer
Usage: a redeemer, liberator, deliverer
Isaiah 47:4

Servant
Hebrew #5649 abad (ab-bad) slave servant
Greek #4889 sundoulos (soon-doo-los) a fellow servant
Usage: a fellow slave, a fellow servant; of Christians: a fellow worker, colleague
John 12:26

Trust
Hebrew #982 batach (baw-takh) to trust
Greek #4102 pistis (pis-tis) faith, faithfulness
Usage: faith, belief, trust, confidence, fidelity, faithfulness
Psalms 56:3, 4

 

[JLB]

Endure
Hebrew #7011 gayam (kah-yawm) steadfast
Greek # 5278 hupomeno (hoop-om-en-o) to stay behind, to wait
Usage: I remain behind, I stand my ground. bear up against

Jesus used the word endure synonymously with the word believe as far as context goes.


But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13


But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Matthew 13:20-21






JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

JLB I am using the word endure in the context of Matthew 24:13 that all who will endure until the end, meaning the trials, temptations and all tribulations of this world will be saved when Christ returns.

Matthew 13:20, 21 only speaks of a temporal endurance, which the word endure is used in a different context of what is written.

 

[JLB]

@JLB I am using the word endure in the context of Matthew 24:13 that all who will endure until the end, meaning the trials, temptations and all tribulations of this world will be saved when Christ returns

That’s the exact same context I’m using.

Exactly.


but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.



But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13


But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Matthew 13:20-21


The point Jesus is making in Matthew 24:13, as well as Luke 8:13, and Mathew 13:20-21, is in order to be saved we must continue to believe
(endure) to the end.

Which is another way of saying be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.






JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

JLB I totally agree with you, but what I was trying to point out is two different types of enduring within the context of those scriptures. One is a temporal belief and the other one is believeing no matter what until the end.