Monday, September 24, 2012

Hebrews 11:8

"By trust Abraham, when he was called, under-heard to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not being adept at where he went."

There are two different Greek words typically translated as "obey" in most Bibles.  The Etymological New Testament consistently translates them as "to under-hear" and "to yield."  The purpose of the ENT is to supply ultra literal information...not to be yet another permutation of the NIV or other modern "essentially literal" translation.  Some critics seem to misapprehend the clearly stated function of the Etymological New Testament: literal information at a glance.

In the verse above, the kind of obedience that Abraham displayed was "under-hearing." He listened deeply.  And, in this deep hearing, he was able to go out from his comfort zone to an inheritance.  Though he was not adept, he went.  May we also listen deeply.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Hebrews 11:7

"By trust Noah, being warned concerning things not seen as yet, moved with piety, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he down-judged the system, and became heir of the justice which is according to trust."

The Etymological New Testament often uses hyphens to convey the multiple roots of various Greek words.  In this verse, Noah "down-judged" the world (system in the ENT).  As one reads the ENT, it will be obvious that the word "down" is used as an intensifier of a number of different verbs.  In this case, there is also the negative connotation in the modifier.  To down-judge is to condemn. And the object of this down-judging is the "system."  Often translated "world" in most Bibles, the ENT consistently employs "system" even when used of adornment or a bodily member.  By his negative judgement of the cultural and religious system of his day, Noah became an heir of the "justice" (DIKN) according to trust. God's justice is apparent in his dealings with those who trust. 

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Hebrews 11:6

"And without trust it is impossible to be well-pleasing; for the one who cometh to Placer must trust that Placer existeth, and a hire-from-giver of those who seek after him."

The Greek word PISTIS has a broader semantic range than the does our English word "faith."  In an attempt to reflect the ultra literal meaning of the word, the Etymological New Testament consistently uses the word "trust."  It is critical to understand that Biblical "trust" is based on what we know.  Too often the reverse is proclaimed.  Too often, we are in de facto agreement with Huck Finn: "Faith is believin' what you  know ain't so." 

It is because of our experience of the Spirit of God (Placer) that we know.  And because we know, we trust.