"My same-uteruses, if any among you should stray from the way of truth, and one should on-turn him;"
After instructions about prayer and rubbing with olive oil for health, James now prepares to conclude this letter by addressing those who stray from the way of truth. Though it may seem awkward to translate ultra literally as "same uterus", this is the etymology of the word we translate "brother" (or "sister") in Greek. And since the Etymological New Testament is intended to convey literal etymologies as they occur in the text, this includes the word here normally translated as brethren or brothers in many translations. When someone very close to us begins to have no regard for truth, it can be very difficult to relate to them. The word "on-turn" reflects the intensity required to help others regain their passion for the truth.
Ironically, it is often within a religious context that one begins to place more emphasis on conformity to the peer group rather than to the truth. Thus, James' encouragement to the family is very appropriate here. Too often, when someone seems to depart from doctrinal orthodoxy in their pursuit of truth, there are those seeking to do just the opposite of James' advice. They intend to keep someone in error, rather than allow them to stay on the way to truth. May we all be willing to keep an open mind and heart in our pursuit of the truth. JMW
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
James 5:16
"Out-like-say therefore your unmarks one to another, and wish one for another, that you may be healed."
Typically translated "confess", the Greek word is a three part compound word which the Etymological New Testament renders ultra literally as "out-like-say." And what is that which we are saying-like God? Our unmarks. Rather than using the Latin based word "sin" with its heavy theological load, the ENT translates HAMARTIA to reflect its Greek etymology: un-marks. When we miss the mark, it is good to out-like-say so! And the result of this process, as we are honest with one another, is that our lives are healed.
Typically translated "confess", the Greek word is a three part compound word which the Etymological New Testament renders ultra literally as "out-like-say." And what is that which we are saying-like God? Our unmarks. Rather than using the Latin based word "sin" with its heavy theological load, the ENT translates HAMARTIA to reflect its Greek etymology: un-marks. When we miss the mark, it is good to out-like-say so! And the result of this process, as we are honest with one another, is that our lives are healed.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
James 5:15
"and the vow of trust shall make-whole the one who is faltering, and the Affirmer shall raise him up; and if he has committed un-marks, it shall be from-let him."
Most translations render the phrase "prayer of faith" in this verse. The Etymological New Testament distinguishes the different Greek words and thus has "vow of trust." After being rubbed with olive oil, a vow of trust can lead us to begin a path to wholeness, even as we falter. Further, if we have missed the mark, fallen short of our aim, this can be allowed to go from us. The etymology of "forgive" is "from-let", letting it go from us.
Most translations render the phrase "prayer of faith" in this verse. The Etymological New Testament distinguishes the different Greek words and thus has "vow of trust." After being rubbed with olive oil, a vow of trust can lead us to begin a path to wholeness, even as we falter. Further, if we have missed the mark, fallen short of our aim, this can be allowed to go from us. The etymology of "forgive" is "from-let", letting it go from us.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
James 5:14
"Is any among you un-firm? Let him call for the elders of the out-called; and let them toward-good-have over him, rubbing him with olive-oil in the name of the Affirmer."
In the Etymological New Testament the request toward those of some experience (elders) in the community, is that they do two things: First, the elders "toward-good-have", that is, they hold this infirm person in goodness (well-being). Next, they are to be "rubbing him with olive-oil." One of the stated purposes of ultra literal translation is that we might slow down and think through the text again.
Was James teaching a new "church sacrament"? Was he teaching "faith healing?" Different groups have embraced these views. The etymology of the word "anoint" comes from a root meaning "to rub."
In the widest sense, James may simply be reflecting the view that there were those experienced persons in their first century community who could pray with someone and then rub them with olive oil...in a non-sacramental and non-faith-healing context. For many of our feelings of infirmity, even in this 21st century, the best treatment may be others who will hold us in the Light and provide some physical therapy.
In the Etymological New Testament the request toward those of some experience (elders) in the community, is that they do two things: First, the elders "toward-good-have", that is, they hold this infirm person in goodness (well-being). Next, they are to be "rubbing him with olive-oil." One of the stated purposes of ultra literal translation is that we might slow down and think through the text again.
Was James teaching a new "church sacrament"? Was he teaching "faith healing?" Different groups have embraced these views. The etymology of the word "anoint" comes from a root meaning "to rub."
In the widest sense, James may simply be reflecting the view that there were those experienced persons in their first century community who could pray with someone and then rub them with olive oil...in a non-sacramental and non-faith-healing context. For many of our feelings of infirmity, even in this 21st century, the best treatment may be others who will hold us in the Light and provide some physical therapy.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
John 1:38,39
"And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What do you seek?
And they said said unto him, My-Much (which is to say, being after-translated, Teacher), Where abideth thou?
He saith unto them, Be coming and be perceiving."
The Etymological New Testament translates as "My-Much" rather than as Rabbi in order to reflect the very literal Aramaic components of the word typically translated as Rabbi. And we gain, perhaps, a little insight into why Jesus taught (in Matthew 23) that we should not call someone "My-Much."
In answer to their basic question about him, Jesus replied with something close to an invitation. The ENT once again makes the present tense emphatic in Jesus' answer: Be coming and be perceiving. A continuous invitation to see and understand!
And they said said unto him, My-Much (which is to say, being after-translated, Teacher), Where abideth thou?
He saith unto them, Be coming and be perceiving."
The Etymological New Testament translates as "My-Much" rather than as Rabbi in order to reflect the very literal Aramaic components of the word typically translated as Rabbi. And we gain, perhaps, a little insight into why Jesus taught (in Matthew 23) that we should not call someone "My-Much."
In answer to their basic question about him, Jesus replied with something close to an invitation. The ENT once again makes the present tense emphatic in Jesus' answer: Be coming and be perceiving. A continuous invitation to see and understand!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
John 1:35,36
"Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his learners; and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Be perceiving the Lamb of Placer!"
The Greek word usually translated "disciple" comes from the root sense of "to learn", not "to be disciplined." The Etymological New Testament is ultra-literal in translating MATHETES as "learner." In this case it was two persons. who were learning from John, who heard his cry concerning Jesus.
When significant, the ENT makes the Greek present tense explicit. In this passage, John issues a challenge: Be perceiving. Continually, habitually perceive this Lamb of Placer. The very literal and emphatic language makes our necessary practice clear. Our need is for non-stop perception of Jesus as Lamb.
The Greek word usually translated "disciple" comes from the root sense of "to learn", not "to be disciplined." The Etymological New Testament is ultra-literal in translating MATHETES as "learner." In this case it was two persons. who were learning from John, who heard his cry concerning Jesus.
When significant, the ENT makes the Greek present tense explicit. In this passage, John issues a challenge: Be perceiving. Continually, habitually perceive this Lamb of Placer. The very literal and emphatic language makes our necessary practice clear. Our need is for non-stop perception of Jesus as Lamb.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
John 1:33
"And I had not perceived him: but the one who sent me to dip in water, the same said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt perceive the Wind down-stepping, and abiding upon him, the same is he who is dipping in Holy Wind."
John had not perceived Jesus, not really. But just as surely as John knew his 'sending' to dip in water, so he knew that he would see one upon whom the Wind would descend or, ultra-literally, "down-step" as in the Etymological New Testament. Like John, we must be open and sensitive to the wind, its motions and swirling patterns. More importantly, whereas John's ministry of dipping in water was a transient thing, this being dipped in Holy Wind is "abiding." So, the wind helps us to know. And, it is that in which we are plunged.
And when these things happen, we will perceive Jesus.
John had not perceived Jesus, not really. But just as surely as John knew his 'sending' to dip in water, so he knew that he would see one upon whom the Wind would descend or, ultra-literally, "down-step" as in the Etymological New Testament. Like John, we must be open and sensitive to the wind, its motions and swirling patterns. More importantly, whereas John's ministry of dipping in water was a transient thing, this being dipped in Holy Wind is "abiding." So, the wind helps us to know. And, it is that in which we are plunged.
And when these things happen, we will perceive Jesus.
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