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eli-kittim · 1 year

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How Should We Translate John 1.1: “the Word was God,” or “God was the Word”❓

By (native Greek speaker) Eli Kittim 🎓

John 1.1:

Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς

τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος.

John 1.1 is often broken down into 3 phrases:

Phrase 1: Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος

Phrase 2: καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν

Phrase 3: καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος.

From the outset, before they even consider the process of biblical interpretation and exegesis, textual critics and Greek scholars set out to produce a faithful *translation* of the original Greek New Testament. Bear in mind that the processes of translation and interpretation are not the same. We expect the translation committees to translate (not to interpret) the text!

Therefore, a literal and accurate translation of the Greek language should correctly translate the last phrase of Jn 1.1 as “God was the word.” In other words, the third phrase of Jn 1.1 (καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος) should be translated exactly as it was written in the original Greek (for emphasis), not rearranged and reassembled (in the target language) as we would wish it would be. In the original Greek, the text doesn’t actually say that “the Word was God,” as most modern translations maintain:

That’s an interpretation❗️

Rather, the original Greek New Testament says that “God was the Word”! So, the *interpretative* rearrangement is forcing the critical reader to read it backwards, which neglects the emphasis of the word order in the original Greek. It’s as if we were told to read Hebrew backwards, from left to right. What is more, the third phrase of John 1.1 doesn’t actually say ὁ λόγος ἦν (the word was). It says θεὸς ἦν (God was). If the text wanted to emphasize that “the word was God,” the phrase would have been: καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν θεὸς. It would have been written as follows:

Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς

τὸν θεόν, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν θεὸς.

But that’s not what it says! To try to manipulate what the original Greek New Testament is actually emphasizing——by rearranging or *reinterpreting* it during the translation process——is equivalent to editing and, therefore, corrupting the “inspired” text.

Admittedly, the third phrase of Jn 1.1 is somewhat of a Gestalt configuration in which different *meanings* can arise depending on the angle from which it is viewed. One could make the *interpretative* argument that the original phrase “God was the Word” might be equivalent to or interchangeable with “the Word was God.” In other words, on an *exegetical* level, one could make the case that the phrase “the Word was God” might be the converse of “God was the Word.” I don’t deny that possibility on grammatical grounds. That is certainly worthy of exegetical consideration. But when we’re initially *translating* the text, we shouldn’t be interested in theories of exegesis. Rather, we should be entirely focused on producing a faithful translation, which precedes interpretation and subsequent theological ramifications.

In *interpreting* the third phrase of Jn 1.1, many textual scholars typically reverse the word-order of the original Greek phrase (via a grammatical rule) so that we’re forced to read the words backwards. According to this rule, we can determine the *subject* of a phrase if a noun falls into one of the following categories: a) if it’s a proper name; b) if it’s preceded by an article; or c) if it’s a personal pronoun. However, in contradistinction to this grammatical rule, θεὸς can actually be the subject that precedes the verb ἦν (here, a form of "to be"), while λόγος can be the predicate nominative. On the other hand, in order to identify θεὸς as the predicate nominative and λόγος as the subject, one has to invoke what is known as the “Subset Proposition" rule, or the "Convertible Proposition" rule. In other words, this alteration involves a complex set of esoteric grammatical assumptions and decisions which essentially turn the text upside down.

By contrast, the straightforward way of reading the text seems to be the smoothest and the most natural. Not to mention that the phrase “God was the Word” is actually a faithful translation, whereas the phrase “the Word was God” is merely an *interpretation.* I’m not arguing that the phrase “the Word was God” is a wrong interpretation. I’m arguing that it’s a wrong translation! In the critical edition, we must always let the reader know what the text ACTUALLY says, not our INTERPRETATION of what we think it might mean. That can go in the commentary section. In translating a text——if the word-order of the original Greek doesn’t make any sense——translators are allowed to rearrange the words in order for it to make sense. But this exception to the rule doesn’t apply here because the original Greek makes perfect sense! Therefore, our decision to abandon our fidelity to the lexical details and grammatical structures of the Greek New Testament makes us no better than the scribes who corrupted it.

Moreover, the decision to change the *meaning* of the text (or to *reinterpret* it) is done for obvious theological reasons. Christian translators have a theological axe to grind. In order to validate and uphold the Trinity, they want to maintain the *distinction* between God the Father (the first person of the Trinity) and the Word of God (the second person of the Trinity). Hence why they deliberately *translate* the last part of Jn 1.1 backwards. Because if they were to translate it as the author intended it, namely, that “God was the word,” it might give the wrong impression that there’s no distinction between the Father and the Word. However, the third phrase of Jn 1.1 is not necessarily making a *modalistic* theological claim that there’s no distinction between the Father and the Word. Rather, since the second phrase (καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν) clearly distinguished the two persons of the Trinity, the third phrase establishes their *ontological* unity by affirming that God was not simply separate from the Word, but that God himself was, in fact, the Word per se! After all, the first and second persons of the Trinity share one homoousion (essence): “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10.30)!

At any rate, this *interpretation* has become so wide spread, to such an extent that it has become a dogmatic and systematic standard, not only overriding or supplanting the original *translation* but also prompting modern translations to follow suit. It’s a case of special pleading where an *interpretation* has supplanted a *translation*!

However, there are many credible Bible translations that *translate* the last phrase of Jn 1.1 as “God was the Word”:

Coverdale Bible of 1535

In the begynnynge was the worde, and the

worde was with God, and God was ye

worde.

Smith's Literal Translation

In the beginning was the Word, and the

Word was with God, and God was the Word.

Literal Emphasis Translation

In the beginning was the Word, and the

Word was with God, and God was the Word.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In the beginning was the Word, and the

Word was with God, and God was the Word.

Lamsa Bible

THE Word was in the beginning, and that

very Word was with God, and God was that

Word.

Aramaic New Covenant: In the beginning

the Word having been and the Word having

been unto God and God having been the

Word.

Concordant Literal New Testament: In the

beginning was the word, and the word was

toward God, and God was the word.

Coptic Version of the New Testament: In

(the) beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and God was the Word.

Great Bible (Cranmer 1539): In the

begynnynge was the worde, and the worde

was wyth God: and God was the worde.

New English Bible: When all things began,

the Word already was. The Word dwelt with

God, and what God was, the Word was.

Revised English Bible: In the beginning the

Word already was. The Word was in God’s

presence, and what God was, the Word

was.

Today’s English New Testament: In the

beginning was the Logos. And the Logos

was with God. And God was the Logos.

The Wyclif Translation (by John Wycliffe): In

the bigynnynge was the word and the word

was at god, and god was the word.

Latin Vulgate: in principio erat Verbum et

Verbum erat apud Deum et Deus erat

Verbum.

Vulgate translation: in the beginning was

the Word and the Word was with God and

God was the Word.

See also:

Was the Word “God” or “a god” in John 1.1❓

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bharatjhujhunwala777 · 4 months

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𝐈𝐬 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐬’ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞

In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising his descendants a vast land. The term "Zera," is used for the biological descendants. But then, soon, in Genesis 17:5 God declares Abraham to be the father of nations without mentioning "Zera." Thus, it prompts speculation on whether the covenant extends solely to his biological descendants to all nations.

Genesis 17:8 again intensifies the debate as God promises the land to Abraham's "Zera" (offspring). But this may include moral descendants following Abraham's teachings.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝟏𝟕:𝟗 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.

The speakers grapple with the dual meanings of "Zera," questioning if the covenant is exclusive to biological lineage or includes those embracing Abraham's moral principles. Further, in Genesis 17:9 God says to Abraham: “you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.” But there is no giving of land here.

Again, Genesis 22:17 promises blessings without specifying land inheritance.

𝐈𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐝'𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 :- http://www.commonprophets.com/jews-exclusivity.../

𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐞: https://youtu.be/AHT889mk1F0?si=68OnB17tVSThfTgP

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 l𝐢𝐧𝐤

:-https://www.instagram.com/commonprophets2018/

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharat-jhunjhunwala-437b524a/

𝐌𝐞𝐰𝐞 : https://mewe.com/bharatjhunjhunw/posts

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐫𝐚: https://www.quora.com/profile/Bharat-Jhunjhunwala-6

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celusbookreview · 4 months

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#This one's worth a read! 📖✨#BookReview #BiblicalInterpretation #readingrecommendations #reviews Celsus Book Review

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tmarshconnors · 6 months

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Deconstruct the Bible

History /Laws of Moses

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Poetry

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon

Major Prophets

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Minor Prophets

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

Biography History (The Gospels)

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Prophecy

Book Of Acts

Paul's Letters

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Other letters

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Prophecy

Book Of Revelation.

#BibleAnalysis #ReligiousTexts #BiblicalStudies #LiteraryAnalysis #HistoricalContext #Theology #BiblicalScholarship #Religion #Christianity #TextualCriticism #ComparativeReligion #BiblicalInterpretation #ReligiousLiterature #Spirituality #CulturalImpact #today on tumblr #deep thinking #christian living #biblical

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spiritualmeanings · 10 months

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#FlickeringLights #Spirituality #DivineMessages #Faith #BiblicalInterpretation

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fleatreatment · 1 year

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👹 Devil Fleeing 7 Ways is a powerful image that has been used in many cultures throughout history. It depicts the devil running away from the person who is holding the image. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the history and symbolism behind this mysterious image. 🌍 The image of Devil Fleeing 7 Ways has been used in many cultures around the world, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. It is often used as a symbol of protection against evil forces. The seven ways represent the seven directions: north, south, east, west, up, down, and center. 🔮 The image is believed to have magical powers that can protect the person who holds it from all kinds of evil forces, including the devil. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and protect people from harm. But what is the real meaning behind this powerful image? Stay tuned to find out.1. Understanding the Concept of Devil Fleeing: A Brief OverviewDevil Fleeing is a concept that has been around for centuries. It refers to the belief that the devil and his minions will flee from those who are close to God. This concept is prevalent in many religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It is believed that by living a righteous life, one can repel evil spirits and protect themselves from harm. Prayer is a powerful tool in Devil Fleeing. It allows believers to connect with God and ask for his protection and guidance. Living a life of good deeds and avoiding sin is also important in Devil Fleeing. It is believed that the devil preys on those who are weak in faith and who indulge in sinful activities. In some cultures, wearing protective amulets or carrying holy objects such as crosses or prayer beads is believed to repel evil spirits. Devil Fleeing is not just about protecting oneself from harm. It is also about living a life of purpose and meaning. It is about striving to be a better person and making a positive impact on the world. While the concept of Devil Fleeing may seem outdated or superstitious to some, it continues to be an important belief for many people around the world. 👹🙏🏼💪🏼🔥2. The Significance of the Number 7 in Devil Fleeing: An Insightful AnalysisThe number 7 plays a crucial role in Devil Fleeing. It is a powerful symbol that represents perfection and completion. Seven is also associated with good luck and prosperity in many cultures. It is believed to bring blessings and protection from evil spirits. Seven days of creation in the Bible Seven deadly sins Seven chakras in Hinduism Seven wonders of the world In Devil Fleeing, the protagonist must overcome seven challenges to defeat the devil. Each challenge represents a different aspect of life and requires a specific skill to overcome. By completing all seven challenges, the protagonist achieves a state of perfection and is able to overcome the devil's influence. Overall, the significance of the number 7 in Devil Fleeing is a powerful symbol of completion and the ability to overcome challenges. It highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. 👍3. The 7 Ways in which Devil Fleeing is Explained: An In-Depth LookMany religions believe in the concept of Devil Fleeing. Here are seven ways in which it is explained: Prayer: Praying for protection against evil is one way to make the devil flee. Fasting: Fasting is believed to weaken the devil's power, making it easier to resist temptation. Repentance: Repenting for sins can help remove the devil's hold on a person. Baptism: Baptism is believed to cleanse a person of sin and protect them from the devil's influence. Using Holy Water: Holy water is believed to have the power to repel evil spirits and protect against the devil. Exorcism: Exorcism is a ritual performed by a religious authority to expel evil spirits from a person or place. Reading Scripture: Reading religious texts can provide guidance and strength to resist the devil's temptations. These methods can be used in combination or individually to protect against the devil's influence. It is important to note that the devil is often seen as a metaphor for negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therefore, applying these methods can also help individuals overcome their personal demons and lead a more positive life. Regardless of one's beliefs, the idea of Devil Fleeing serves as a reminder to stay vigilant against negative influences and strive for a better life. Have you ever used any of these methods to protect yourself against the devil's influence?🤔4. The Symbolism of Devil Fleeing in Different Cultures and Religions: A Comparative Study Different cultures and religions have their interpretations of Devil Fleeing. 👹 In Christianity, it symbolizes the power of God over evil. 🙏 In Hinduism, it represents the victory of good over evil. 🕉️ In Buddhism, it signifies the abandonment of material desires. 🧘‍♀️ In Islamic culture, the Devil Fleeing symbolizes the power of Allah over evil. 🕌 In African culture, it represents the triumph of the community over evil spirits. 🌍 In Chinese culture, it is a symbol of the victory of a righteous person over evil forces. 🐲 In ancient Greek mythology, the Devil Fleeing symbolized the triumph of the gods over evil. 🏛️ In Native American culture, it represents the power of the Great Spirit over evil. 🌳 In Norse mythology, it was a symbol of Odin's power over evil forces. 🗡️ In conclusion, the symbolism of Devil Fleeing varies among cultures and religions. 🌎 However, it always represents the triumph of good over evil and the power of a higher force. ✨ Understanding these diverse interpretations can help us appreciate the cultural significance of this symbol. 🤝 5. The Psychological Interpretation of Devil Fleeing: A Scientific PerspectiveDevil fleeing is a phenomenon that has been recorded in many cultures throughout history. It is often interpreted as a spiritual event, but there is also a scientific perspective to consider. According to psychologists, devil fleeing can be explained as a reaction to fear and anxiety. When faced with a perceived threat, our bodies release adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can cause us to feel an urge to flee. This response is rooted in our evolutionary history, as it allowed our ancestors to survive in dangerous situations. However, in modern times, it can also be triggered by non-physical threats like social anxiety or phobias. Studies have shown that devil fleeing can also be influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. People who strongly believe in the existence of demons or evil spirits may be more likely to experience this phenomenon. It is important to note that devil fleeing is not necessarily a sign of mental illness or weakness. It is a natural response to perceived danger, and can be managed through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness. In conclusion, while devil fleeing has long been interpreted as a spiritual event, there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. By understanding the psychological factors involved, we can better manage our responses to fear and anxiety.6. How to Apply the Principle of Devil Fleeing in Your Life: Practical Tips and TechniquesIncorporating the Principle of Devil Fleeing in your life isn't as hard as you think. Here are practical tips and techniques to help you: Identify the things that attract the devil in your life Stay away from such situations, people, and places Always surround yourself with positive energy and people Consciously choose your thoughts and feelings Remember, the devil feeds on negativity, so don't give it any power over you. Instead: Focus on gratitude and positivity Develop a daily meditation or prayer practice Read and listen to inspiring messages Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally Practice self-awareness and be mindful of your actions and reactions. When faced with challenges: Respond instead of reacting impulsively Pause and take a deep breath Assess the situation and choose your response wisely Focus on solutions instead of problems Finally, surround yourself with a support system that uplifts you and holds you accountable. Seek guidance from a mentor or coach to help you stay on track. Remember, the devil is always lurking, but you have the power to overcome it Use these practical tips and techniques to help you apply the Principle of Devil Fleeing in your life 👊🏼🙏🏼7. The Benefits of Embracing the Meaning of Devil Fleeing: Personal Growth and Spiritual EnlightenmentEmbracing the meaning of devil fleeing leads to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. It helps to eliminate negative habits and thoughts. It allows you to focus on positive aspects of life. It leads to a happier and healthier life. By embracing devil fleeing, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose in life. You develop a stronger connection with your spirituality. You become more aware of your actions and how they affect others. You learn to appreciate the present moment and find inner peace. Devil fleeing allows you to let go of fear and embrace courage. You learn to face challenges with confidence. You become more resilient and adaptable to change. You develop a positive mindset and attract abundance into your life. Embracing devil fleeing is a journey that requires commitment and discipline. You need to be willing to confront your inner demons and overcome them. You need to cultivate good habits and surround yourself with positive influences. You need to be patient and persistent in your pursuit of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Start your journey towards personal growth and spiritual enlightenment by embracing the meaning of devil fleeing. Commit to eliminating negative habits and thoughts. Focus on positive aspects of life. Develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose in life. Let go of fear and embrace courage. Cultivate good habits and surround yourself with positive influences. 🙏🌟 In conclusion, the Devil Fleeing 7 Ways is more than just a biblical reference. It represents a powerful symbol of spiritual protection and guidance. Understanding the meaning behind this phrase can help us overcome our fears and strengthen our faith. By embracing the concept of Devil Fleeing 7 Ways, we can learn to face life's challenges with courage and resilience. This symbol reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always a path forward. So, let us embrace this powerful symbol and let it guide us towards a life of purpose and meaning.🙏 In the end, the Devil Fleeing 7 Ways is a reminder that we have the power to overcome evil and darkness. It encourages us to embrace the light and to trust in the divine guidance that surrounds us. So, let us take comfort in this powerful symbol and use it to inspire us on our spiritual journey. May it bring us peace, hope, and strength in all that we do.🕊️ https://fleatreatment.uk/meaning-of-devil-fleeing-7-ways-explained/?_unique_id=64574363ca6a2

#Uncategorised #biblicalinterpretation #devilfleeing #metaphoricalunderstanding #religioussignificance #spiritualsymbolism #aiomatic_0

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indiegospel · 28 days

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tristansherwin · 7 years

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This a seriously good resource from Professor Nyasha Junior (@nyashajunior), tracing the development and distinctiveness of Womanism and Womanist interpretation in comparison with the trajectory of the feminist movement. . Clearing away the misconceptions, Junior’s exploration helps to demonstrate the breadth and history of womanist engagement with the Biblical texts. She provides a fascinating survey of the work of the women that have generated the movement and it’s diversity (in turn, greatly increasing my “must read” list), and critiques both the positives and negatives of their contributions to Biblical interpretative methods. Concluding the book, Juniors adds her own poignant assessment and reflections on the future of Womanism. . There’s much I took away from this survey. Most of all, I’m reminded again—especially as a white, British, male—of how imperative it is to listen to the voices and experiences of others as I view the world around me; including when I engage with the Bible. These voices are needed to pull us away from our myopic tribalism, and are prophetic in exposing our systematic evils. . Nyasha Junior’s *An Introduction to Womanist Biblical Interpretation* has introduced me to stories and voices of many that I have been ignorant of; stories that have not been made available to me through other streams of scholarship. And for that, I am extremely grateful. Thank you Professor! . Also, as an aside, out of all the books I’ve read the past few years, this certainly has best cover design! . — Tristan Sherwin, author of *Love: Expressed* . #introWBI #womanism #biblicalinterpretation #bibliophile #booksstagram @wjkbooks

#womanism #booksstagram #introwbi #biblicalinterpretation #bibliophile

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truckingtheolojian-blog · 7 years

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Episode 73: Seraphim (Hamilton, that is...), an interview

#biblicalinterpretation #biblicalstudies #notredame #serap #seraphim

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divinepurposecoach · 6 years

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Dreams & Visions: God's Voice in the Night ~ Transgression is at work where people talk too much, but anyone who holds his tongue is prudent. Proverbs 10:19 It is important to handle dreams properly through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. #dreams #vision #biblicalinterpretation

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eli-kittim · 2 years

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Who are the “Earth Dwellers” in the Bible? And Will There Be a Zombie Apocalypse?

By Award-Winning Goodreads Author & Bible Researcher Eli Kittim 🎓

There are many pre-tribulation pastors today who are preaching that the so-called “earth dwellers” of the Bible represent a particular class of people who are distinct from the church of God (i.e. “the elect”) and are therefore under God’s judgment. To prove their point, they’ll typically take a verse where the phrase seems to be used in that particular way, and then they’ll make false generalizations that this is how it’s typically used throughout the Bible. Revelation 13.8 (SBLGNT) is a case in point. It reads:

καὶ προσκυνήσουσιν αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ

κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς

Translation (KJV):

And all that dwell upon the earth shall

worship him [the beast].

The pre-trib expositors typically argue that since the church has been raptured by the time we get to Revelation 4, then obviously the phrase “all that dwell upon the earth” (in Revelation 13 and elsewhere) must be referring to those who have been left behind, namely, the damned. However, since the *great tribulation* is mentioned several times in the Book of Revelation, one would naturally expect that all the inhabitants of the earth, both good & bad, will experience much suffering and turmoil (cf. Rev. 8.13; 13.12; 13.14; 17.8). Besides, this is not the way the Greek phrase οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς is used throughout the Bible. Therefore, these pre-trib pastors are deliberately taking the *meaning* of the phrase οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (all that dwell upon the earth) out of context!

Their teaching is actually erroneous and misleading. It all starts from a false pre-trib rapture position. The logic goes something like this. Because the church will be supposedly raptured early on, this means that the so-called “earth dwellers,” who are mentioned later in the Book of Revelation, must be a particular class of people who are left behind (i.e. the *unsaved*). Moreover, these teachers often try to impose their own view by wrongly interpreting every instance where the “earth dwellers” are mentioned, in both the OT and NT, as the *unsaved.* But this is a false teaching. It’s not only false because the original Hebrew & Greek do not support these interpretations, but also because they’re mangling scripture by the inaccurate eschatological eisegeses concerning the sequence of end time events. This mishandling of scripture is suggestive of gross incompetence on the part of those who are making these claims!

For example, the Greek phrase τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς simply means “those who inhabit the earth,” or “those who live on the earth.” Whether we look at the OT, the NT, or the LXX, the meaning is the same. This phrase is obviously referring to all the people who live on the earth, irrespective of belief or unbelief. Yet pastors like Tiff Shuttlesworth, as well as other pre-tribbers, falsely interpret the so-called “earth dwellers” as the “damned,” or as a particular classification of people who are left behind. They obviously don’t understand Koine Greek!

When the Hebrew OT talks about “earth dwellers,” it implies the entire world, not just the damned. For instance, Isaiah 18.3 (BHS) reads:

‎ כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֥י תֵבֵ֖ל וְשֹׁ֣כְנֵי אָ֑רֶץ

Transliteration:

kāl (all) yō·šə·ḇê (inhabitants) tê·ḇêl (of the

world) wə·šō·ḵə·nê (and dwellers on)

’ā·reṣ (the earth).

Alternative Translations:

All you people of the world, everyone who

lives on the earth (NLT).

All you inhabitants of the world, you who

dwell on the earth (ESV).

Contrary to what pre-tribbers are claiming, the OT is referring to all the people of the earth, both good and bad, not simply to the damned per se!

The LXX follows suit and uses the Greek terms κατοικουμένη and κατοικηθήσεται to mean “inhabited.” These terms are obviously cognate with κατοικοῦντας, the word that is used in the NT for “inhabitants.” The Greek terms in the LXX are referring to all the inhabitants of a country, not simply to the damned. For example, Isaiah 18.3 LXX reads:

πάντες ὡς χώρα κατοικουμένη·

κατοικηθήσεται ἡ χώρα αὐτῶν.

L.C.L. Brenton Translation:

Now all the rivers of the land shall be

inhabited as an inhabited country.

The LXX uses the terms κατοικουμένη and κατοικηθήσεται——which are derived from κατοικέω (G2730)——to refer to the “inhabited” land, and, by implication, to the “dwellers” or “inhabitants” thereof. In other words, it’s referring to the entire population of a country as a whole, not simply to its evil constituents!

The cognate κατοικοῦντας (G2730) is the word that the NT uses for those people who are “inhabiting” cities (Acts 9.22, 32), provinces (Acts 19.10), as well as the entire world (Rev. 11.10)! For example, the phrase τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ⸃ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς (Rev. 8.13) simply refers to all those who inhabit (or dwell on) the earth. In and of itself, this expression does not make a value judgment. Neither does the Greek term κατοικοῦντες (i.e. “dwellers”; see Acts 2.5). Depending on the particular context of a verse, it can take on different meanings. But the above-mentioned phrase is simply referring to the inhabitants of the entire world, not to a certain class of people, let alone the damned. See the *Blue Letter Bible*:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/inflections.cfm?strongs=G2730&t=MGNT&ot=MGNT&word=%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%E1%BF%A6%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%82

The aforementioned confusion stems from the false theory that Christians will be raptured early on, prior to the great tribulation, which implies that the “earth dwellers” who will remain——and who are later mentioned in the Book of Revelation——must be the damned. But the church is mentioned many times after Revelation 4. And the church will certainly go through the tribulation, which is *not* God’s wrath. So, the Biblical references to the “earth dwellers” concern all people, good and bad, unless otherwise indicated by the context!

Will there be a Zombie Apocalypse?

In the OT, Daniel 12.2 (NIV) was prophesying a general resurrection of the dead:

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the

earth will awake: some to everlasting life,

others to shame and everlasting contempt.

This means that the general resurrection of the dead will include both the saved and the unsaved. According to Daniel 12.2, both groups will be resurrected together. But keep in mind that, according to 1 Thess. 4.16-17, the *rapture* and *resurrection* events will be contemporaneous with each other. So, if the *saved*——who will be resurrected from the dead——are “caught up … in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,” then there will definitely be a *zombie apocalypse* because the *damned* will also be *resurrected* and roam the earth!

——-

For further details, see my essay:

Three Questions On the Rapture: Is it Pre-Trib or Post-Trib? Is it Secret or Not? And is it Imminent?

https://eli-kittim.tumblr.com/post/628794727776632832/three-questions-on-the-rapture-is-it-pre-trib-or

——-

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bibtheojournals-blog · 9 years

Link

Bruce W. Longenecker, "The Story of the Samaritan and the Innkeeper (Luke 10:30-35): A Study in Character Rehabilitation" Biblical Interpretation (2009): 422-47.

#GoodSamaritan #Luke #Gospel #BiblicalInterpretation

0 notes

eli-kittim · 2 years

Text

🚫 Millennialism Debunked

By Eli Kittim

The Contradictions of Millennialism

Millennialism is a belief that there will be a paradise here on earth before the final judgment. There are, of course, various scriptural discrepancies within this view, as I have often pointed out in my other papers. For example, how will people live here on earth if the earth itself will be destroyed in a great conflagration? 2 Pet. 3.10 reads:

“the heavens will pass away with a loud

noise, and the elements will be dissolved

with fire.”

Besides, there are other contradictions. For instance, how could the same people who would not be resurrected “until the thousand years were completed” (Rev. 20.5) simultaneously live and reign with Christ for a millennium? (Rev. 20.4). They cannot be both dead and alive at the same time! There are other contradictions as well. For example, Millennialism directly contradicts scripture by implying that there will be at least 2 additional comings of Christ, 2 appearances by Satan, 2 Great Wars, 2 Great tribulations, 2 resurrections, 2 apocalypses, 2 Armageddons, 2 judgments, 2 Great Ends, and so on. This is preposterous. In Scripture, there is only one of each. Scripture mentions only one resurrection (Dan. 12.2) and only one Armageddon (Rev. 16.16)! Where else does it mention a second resurrection or a second Armageddon? Besides, 1 Thess. 4.17 says that after the rapture “we will be with the Lord forever,” not just for 1,000 years. And the Book of Daniel is clear that both the Saved and the Damned will be resurrected simultaneously, not successively (12.2). Therefore, this DOUBLING of scriptural events is unwarranted and without merit! It is worth mentioning that the doctrine of millennialism was formally condemned at the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 AD.

Millennialism Repeats Events a Second Time; But Revelation is Recording Single Events

The same event that is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 is repeated in Revelation 20. The endtime Gog/Magog war that Satan is said to unleash at the end of the millennium (Rev. 20.8) is the exact same Gog/Magog war that is mentioned in Ezekiel 38, which is also alluded to in Luke 21.20! The Book of Revelation isn’t saying that the exact same Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel will repeat 1,000 years later. That’s ridiculous. It’s actually talking about one and the same Gog-Magog war; not 2. In fact, the phrase that is used to indicate that Satan will be released “for a little while” (Rev 20.3) is actually a reference to the Great Tribulation, which only lasts for “a little while,” namely, only 3 and a half years, or 42 months, or 1,260 days, or a time, and times, and half a time (cf. Rev. 11.2; 12.6, 14; 13.5)!

Moreover, the narrative in Rev 19 & 20 is basically telling the reader what will happen when God no longer restrains Satan (see 2 Thess 2.7)——that is, when the restrainer is removed——and the Antichrist is finally revealed at the end of a thousand years. That’s when Satan will be unleashed, once and for all, to wreak havoc “for a little while” (i.e. for 3 and a half years, during the Great Tribulation)!

Why would the Book of Revelation REPEAT the exact same story TWICE, like the film “Edge Of Tomorrow”? Why would Satan (Incarnated; Rev. 12.9) come out TWICE “to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth [from the exact same location, Gog & Magog (Ezekiel 38)] in order to gather them for the [exact same] battle” (Rev. 20.7-9)? And why is it that “fire came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev 20.9) exactly as it did in Ezekiel 38.22? And why is it that they “surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city” exactly as they did in Luke 21.20? Are you kidding me? What is this, a repeat of “Groundhog Day”?

There’s an Interpretive Mixup: Millennialists Conflate Scenes that Occur Before 1,000 Years with Scenes that Occur After 1,000 Years

If Jesus appears BEFORE the millennium on a white horse, and the beast and his armies are killed, and the beast is then captured and “thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Rev 19.19-21), then how does Satan manage to escape “the lake of fire” and mount a comeback? Notice that following Christ’s FIRST encounter with the Beast, BEFORE the millennium (Rev. ch. 20), the Beast was captured & immediately “thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Rev. ch. 19)! But the lake of fire is the second death! It’s game over! No one survives the lake of fire and comes back to to tell stories about it. That’s another red flag. It would be a scriptural contradiction to state that AFTER being “thrown into the lake of fire,” the Antichrist escaped and mounted a comeback. That would constitute a scriptural contradiction. Notice the description of the “lake of fire” in Rev. 20.14:

“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the

lake of fire. This is the second death, the

lake of fire.”

This event is final! It is the final separation of life and death. So, it’s completely bogus to say that Satan survived the lake of fire in chapter 19 & came back physically to fulfill chapter 20. It’s complete nonsense! Moreover, Satan’s activities in Rev. 20 suggest that he’s incarnate, otherwise how does a nonphysical being fight a war on earth? Besides, Rev. 12.9 tells us that Satan will be incarnated on earth! So, the Millennialists are mixing apples with oranges. They’re conflating scenes that happen BEFORE the 1,000 years (Rev. 19) with scenes that take place AFTER the 1,000 years (Rev. 20)! And if the description in Rev 20.10—-concerning what happens to Satan AFTER the supposed 1,000 years——turns out to be the exact same version of Rev 19.20—-about what happens to Satan BEFORE the 1,000 years——then we obviously have one story, not two!

Conclusion

The Bible never mentions the alleged “thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.” Only 2 verses mention those who “reigned with Christ a thousand years.” These are temporal signs that reveal the timing of Christ’s coming and of the apocalyptic events! In other words, when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be loosed for a little while (a reference to the 3 and a half year Great Tribulation). Then, the resurrection will occur, followed by the rapture, and the believers will henceforth reign with Christ forever!

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