Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: October 16, 2005
A FEW THOUGHTS CONCERNING WORDS
Ben Justice
Without “words” where would we be? “Words” serve as the vehicle of intelligent
and understandable communication. Words make up sentences. Therefore, in
order to understand the meaning of a sentence one must understand the
meaning of the words that make up the sentence. Progressing still further,
sentences make up paragraphs. Thus, in order to under a paragraph, one must
understand the sentences that make up the paragraph, which is predicated upon
understanding the meaning of words.
The tower of Babel serves a perfect illustration of the power of language. In Gen.
11, the account reveals that the “whole earth was of one language, and of one
speech” (v. 1). Consequently, they were able to communicate with one another
using the vehicle of words in building a city and a tower (v. 4). As the inspired
record reveals, God was not pleased with their pride and lust, seeking to be their
own “god.” According to v. 7, God confounded their language. The word
“confound” literally denotes “to confuse.” What was the purpose of this? Verse
7 states, “that they may not understand one another’s speech.” Understanding
another person’s speech is contingent upon understanding the person’s words.
So important are words to a person’s life that Jesus said, “For by thy words thou
shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt. 12:37).
What about when it comes to understanding the Word of God? God’s Word is
obviously made up of words. Thus, in order to understand God’s word, there
must be an understanding of the meaning of words. Now, we must address this
crucial point. The Bible is the verbally inspired word of God. The word “verbally”
attached to the word “inspired” means that the Scriptures are “word-for-word”
inspired. In other words, the very words are inspired of God. This truth is seen
throughout the entirety of the Bible. In fact, no clearer pronouncement of this
truth is found than in I Cor. 2:4-13. Paul noted in v. 13 that the words he spoke
were Spirit given. Please consider this: If the very words of the Bible are
inspired, then shouldn’t that impress upon us to want to study those words?
Sometimes, brethren have made light of the idea of taking the time to study the
individual words of the Bible. They may not even realize it, but such an attitude
reflects upon the inspiration of the Bible. If one truly believes in word-for-word
inspiration of the Bible, then they ought to want to study those words! Some
say, “That just takes too much time.” Again, such a statement reflects upon a
person’s attitude. God forbid that we should take the necessary amount of time
to study words. Paul affirmed in Eph. 3:4 — “Whereby, when ye read, ye may
understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.”
It is at this point that I want to address the original languages used in
composing the Word of God. Three languages were used — these being Hebrew,
Greek, and Aramaic. Hebrew and Greek are predominately used, with just a few
portions of the Bible written in Aramaic.
Concerning the NT, it was originally written in Koine Greek — the language of
the common people. The Greek language was an extremely rich language, with
nuances that can’t even be expressed into English, without using several
different words. And, even then, some of the richness may be lost. A study of
the original Greek words makes for some of the most rewarding study. I have
literally spent hours studying one word. Whenever studying a Biblical passage, I
always make sure I understand the meanings of the words that make up that
passage, first and foremost the meanings of the original Greek words, for an
English definition of a word may not reflect the meaning of the original word.
When one learns the etymology and background of a word, how a word was used
in everyday secular life, and how it is used throughout the scriptures, it is truly
thrilling. Those who have done this know exactly what I am referring to.
Allow me to emphasize this important point: One does not have to know an
ounce of Greek to go to heaven. The Greek text has been faithfully translated
into the English vernacular. We can rest assured that we have the full Word of
God and all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3).
However, one should never shy away from studying the original words of the
text. I would encourage all members of the church to purchase a very simple
tool to use: VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT
WORDS. This has truly been an invaluable resource in my studies. In this
resource, Vine gives numbers for each Greek word that is tied with Strong’s work
and Thayer’s lexicon. One doesn’t have to know an ounce of Greek in order to
understand and appreciate Vine’s.
Again, let it emphasized that the Scriptures are word-for-word inspired.
Therefore, it is imperative for us to understand the meanings of words. Also, it
ought to be a joy and a pleasure to study those very words God himself gave to
holy men of God to pen his will to humanity (cf. 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
Notice the following facts about the significance and importance of words:
1.) Jesus told his disciples that the words he spoke are spirit and life (John 6:
63). In the context, Jesus was speaking of consuming his words (v. 53-58).
2.) According to John 6:66, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and
walked no more with him.” Jesus then turned to the twelve, and asked, “Will ye
also go away?” (v. 67). Take note of Peter’s response in v. 68: “Lord, to whom shall
we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”
3.) Jesus affirmed in John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words,
hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the
last day.”
4.) According to Jesus, those who love him will keep his “words” (John 14:23).
5.) Jesus spoke of his “words” abiding in us (John 15:7).
6.) Peter admonished the crowd to listen to the words he spoke. He said
“hearken to my words” (v. 14) and “hear these words” (v. 22).
7.) We are warned in Eph. 5:6, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because
of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Also,
Col. 2:4, “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”
8.) “Words” have comforting power, according to I Thess. 4:18.
9.) Those who consent not to wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus
Christ, are to be withdrawn from (I Tim. 6:3-5).
10.) Paul commanded Timothy to charge his hearers, “that they strive not (lit. to
fight or quarrel) about words to no profit, but to the subverting of hearers” (2 Tim. 2:
14).
11.) In Revelation, John stated to the seven churches of Asia, “Blessed is he that
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, . . .” (Rev. 1:3). At the very
end of Revelation, it warns us to not add to or take away from the “words” of this
prophecy (Rev. 22:18-19).
In light of the tremendous emphasis upon “words” throughout the Bible, do we
not owe it to ourselves to carefully study the words of the Bible? Indeed, it is
imperative!