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Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no
1. Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no
2. Top of my head
Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
Who is your
"head"?
Who are the
hairs?
What does it mean to be
"numbered"?
3. Cotton candy
4. Matthew 5:36-37 Verses with Greek
5. Matthew 5:33
KJV: Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Greek: παλιν ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ουκ επιορκησεις αποδωσεις δε τω κυριω τους ορκους σου
6. Matthew 5:34
KJV: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Greek: εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη ομοσαι ολως μητε εν τω ουρανω οτι θρονος εστιν του θεου
7. Matthew 5:35
KJV: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Greek: μητε εν τη γη οτι υποποδιον εστιν των ποδων αυτου μητε εις ιεροσολυμα οτι πολις εστιν του μεγαλου βασιλεως
8. Matthew 5:36
KJV: Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Greek: μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν ποιησαι
9. Matthew 5:37
KJV: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Greek: εστω δε ο λογος υμων ναι ναι ου ου το δε περισσον τουτων εκ του πονηρου εστιν
Latin: sit autem sermo vester est est non non quod autem his abundantius est a malo est
Wessex: Soðlice sye eowre spraece. hyt is. hit is. hyt nis. hyt nys. Soðlice gyf þaer mare beoð. þaet beoð of yfele.
Gothic: sijaiththan waurd izwar: ja, ja; ne, ne; ith thata managizo thaim us thamma ubilin ist.
Luther: Eure Rede aber sei: Ja, ja; nein, nein; was darüber ist, das ist vom Übel.
Russian: Но да будет слово ваше: да, да; нет, нет; а что сверх этого, то от лукавого.
10. Matthew 10:30
KJV: But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Greek: υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν
11. Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
Here we look at the
"head" and the
"hairs". The
"oaths" and
"swearing" are covered separately.
12. Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus
Jesus often uses
code words so that sayings have more than one meaning.
All the meanings can be true. The encoded (literal) form makes (some) sense and the decoded form makes sense. In general:
Noun words can be code words. Pronouns can be ambiguous.
Verb words are carefully chosen to work in both contexts.
By definition, in the security field, a
code word is a word that needs to be substituted with another word (e.g., using a
code book) to determine the meaning. By definition, in the security field, a
secret code is a code whose meaning is to be obscured to anyone without the code book.
So Jesus, by definition, uses
secret codes. However, these codes appear to provide only authentication information (and warnings about certain heresies) but no special salvation knowledge - which is always is clear text.
13. Context
The context appears to be important to a better understanding of the Matthew 5:36-37. The general context is that of after the beginning of the sermon on the mount.
Matthew 5:1-12: Beatitudes starting with blessed.
Matthew 5:13-15: Salt of the earth, light of the world, candles
Matthew 5:17-18: Law, jots, tittles
Matthew 5:19-20: Commandments and righteousness
Matthew 5:21-24: Killing and anger, gifts at the altar
Matthew 5:25-27: Adversaries, adultery
Matthew 5:29-30: Plucking out eyes and offenses
Matthew 5:31-32: Divorce
Matthew 5:33-37: Oaths, hairs white or black, yes-yes, no-no
Matthew 5:38-41: Eye for eye, turning cheeks, walking miles, cloaks.
14. Matthew 5:33-34 Swearing and oaths
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
παλιν ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ουκ επιορκησεις αποδωσεις δε τω κυριω τους ορκους σου [gnt]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη ομοσαι ολως μητε εν τω ουρανω οτι θρονος εστιν του θεου [gnt]
An
"oath" is a
"promise" to do something as in an
"oath of office". The Hebrew word for
"oath" is related to the word "
seven". The Greek word for
"oath" is related to the Greek words for "
fence" and
"shoulder".
The Greek word for
"swear" is related to the Greek word for "
shoulder" and can be a play on words with "
Moses".
The ancient Greek word
"ἀποδίδωμι" ≈ "give back, render what is due, return" and many other associated meanings. It is here translated as
"perform".
15. Hebrew oath: seven oneself
In Hebrew, the word for "
seven" and the word for "
oath" is the same. That is, it has the same Hebrew letters but may have been pronounced somewhat differently.
The value of seven was considered complete and/or lucky. The take an oath or vow was literally to "
seven oneself".
So in the Hebrew, "
Beer-sheba" is two words. The first word (on the right) is "
well" and the second word (on the left) is "
oath". That is, "
well of the oath".
16. Greek oath
Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. [kjv]
και ωμοσεν αυτη ο τι εαν με αιτησης δωσω σοι εως ημισους της βασιλειας μου [gnt]
In ancient times, one might take an "
oath" or "
vow". The ancient Greek word
"ὅρκος" ≈ "oath" as in the "
object by which one swears" and is related to
"ἕρκος" ≈ "fence".
The Greek word is related to the shoulder. In the next verse, Luke uses the word for "
swear" (verb) as «
ωμοσεαν» whereas the word «
ορκον» (noun) is used for the "
oath".
Luke 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, [kjv]
ορκον ον ωμοσεν προς αβρααμ τον πατερα ημων του δουναι ημιν [gnt]
The root word is
"ὠμός" ≈ "rude, raw, savage".
17. Matthew 5:36 Make
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
The Greek for
"make" is the
"make" of a "
peacemaker" (verse 9) and requires doing something active and not passive.
The ancient Greek word "ποιέω" ≈ "make, do" and has and active sense and is the source of the English word "poetry".
The ancient Greek word "πᾰ́σχω" ≈ "undergo, experience" and has a passive sense. This word is often translated as "suffer" which has the narrowed sense of undergoing something painful or unpleasant and should not be confused with the Greek word for "allow" which is also translated as "suffer".
The Greek for
"make" is the opposite of the Greek for "
undergo". Aristotle would call them "
contraries". What does "
suffer for Christ" mean?
18. Make
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
εστω δε ο λογος υμων ναι ναι ου ου το δε περισσον τουτων εκ του πονηρου εστιν [gnt]
Jesus says in many ways that, besides loving God and loving one's neighbor as oneself, one should do other things in a "
passive" way such that one "
suffers" for Christ. Since the world will hate the followers of Jesus, such passivity will often result in unpleasant pain. In contrast, the Greek word for "
make", as in "
peacemaker", is not used in a positive sense.
Matthew 5:36: "make" is active and discouraged except for good works to let the light of Jesus shine.
Matthew 5:37: "reasoning" is passive and encouraged, but not "more" as in a "make". Translating the Greek word that means "reasoning" as "word" requires a context. There are other Greek words for "communication".
19. One hair
The idea of "
one hair" could have multiple meanings. It is assumed that the "
head" in question has one or more hairs.
It could be "one hair" as not even one hair of all the hairs.
It could be "one hair" as not a chosen and specific hair from all the hairs.
It could be from "no hairs" as in "bald" or one or two hairs.
The word "
one" and the use of the word "
one" can be ambiguous. Verses on "
hair" are the source of many
ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons).
20. Bad hair daze
What did the hairbrush say to the other hairbrush?
Comb over hair!
What do you say after a bad haircut?
Hair, hair. I think it will grow on me.
In the book of Judges, what did Delilah do to Samson?
She unlocked the secret of Sampson's strength, and it was a shortcut to disaster.
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How did King Archelaus tell his barber to cut his hair? In silence. Aristotle talks of "speaking of the silent".
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21. Hairs on a head
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"τρίχα" ≈ "(single) hair" while
"τρίχας" ≈ "hairs" from
"θρίξ" ≈ "hair" and is the source of English (technical, medical, etc.) words starting with
"tricho".
There are many jokes and comments about this verse by those who do not have many hairs. Might this digression be "
hairsplitting"? Or "
split ends". Not a football player position as a "
split end".
The verse in Matthew 5:36 and 10:30 that both use the Greek word for
"hair", which might have another meaning (as a
code word) where both are true.
22. Strongs - hair
- *G2359 *15 θρίξ (threeks) : genitive case trichos, etc.; of uncertain derivation; hair:--hair. Compare G2864.
- θριξιν *4
- Luke 7:38 ... with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and ...
- Luke 7:44 ... with tear s, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
- John 11:2 ... his feet with her hair, whose brother ...
- John 12:3 ... his feet with her hair: and the house ...
- τριχες *3
- Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your ...
- Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your ...
- Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, ...
- τριχας *3
- Mark 1:6 ... was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin ...
- Revelation 9:8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and ...
- τριχων *2
- Matthew 3:4 ... raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle ...
- 1 Peter 3:3 ... be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, ...
- θριξ *2
- Luke 21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
- Acts 27:34 ... for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
- τριχα
- Matthew 5:36 ... not make one hair white or black.
23. Usage - hair
*G2359 *15 θρίξ (threeks) : genitive case trichos, etc.; of uncertain derivation; hair:--hair. Compare G2864.
 |
Words: θριξ=2 θριξιν=4 τριχα=1 τριχας=3 τριχες=3 τριχων=2
|
The ancient Greek word
"τρίχα" ≈ "(single) hair" while
"τρίχας" ≈ "hairs" from
"θρίξ" ≈ "hair" and is the source of English (technical, medical, etc.) words starting with
"tricho".
24. Hair hair words
25. Running hair
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"τρίχα" ≈ "(single) hair" while
"τρίχας" ≈ "hairs" from
"θρίξ" ≈ "hair" and is the source of English (technical, medical, etc.) words starting with
"tricho".
This word could be a play on words with the ancient Greek word
"τρέχω" ≈ "run" as in a race and the English word
"trek" and as the name of the bicycle company
"Trek" or the
"trek" in "
Star Trek" or "
trekie".
What might be the connection between a
"hair" as a "
believer" and a
"trek" as a "
walk" in "
righteousness"?
26. Hairsplitting
The English idiom
"hairsplitting" means "
pettifoggery" as in "
too much unimportant detail" to the person who is listening - who may or may not understand what is being said (as Aristotle says right before this comment).
The idiom "
hairsplitting" is not the same as "
split ends".
The phrase "
split ends" is not the same as a "
split end" as in a "
wide receiver" in the game of football.
27. Matthew 10:30 Number
Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀριθμός" ≈ "amount, number" the source of the English word
"arithmetic" and is related to
"rhyme" (number, verse).
Interestingly, the ancient Greek word
"ῥυθμός" ≈ "rhythm" as in a regular, repeating "
flow". The ancient Greek word
" ῥέω" ≈ "flow". Percussive instruments such as the drum provide
"rhythm" as a regular, repeating flow of sound.
If one negates the Greek word for
"rhythm" with a prefix of alpha or "
α" and a somewhat similar-sounding vowel change, one gets a "
non-repeating flow". In
AIT (Algorithmic Information Theory), information is a non-repeating flow of symbols (with meaning if appropriate). A Greek
"number" is thus the negation of
"rhythm". Random numbers are a non-repeating flow of symbols (without meaning). Thus, information is the opposite (or contrary) of randomness.
28. Strongs - number
- *G705 *3 ἀριθμέω (ar-ith-meh'-o) : from G706 ἀριθμός; to enumerate or count:--number.
- ηριθμημεναι
- Matthew 10:30 ... head are all numbered.
- ηριθμηνται
- Luke 12:7 ... your head are all numbered. Fear not ...
- αριθμησαι
- Revelation 7:9 ... no man could number, of all nations, ...
- *G706 *18 ἀριθμός (ar-ith-mos') : from G142; a number (as reckoned up):--number.
- αριθμος *10
- Acts 4:4 ... the word believed; and the number of the men was about ...
- Acts 5:36 ... to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, ...
- Acts 6:7 ... of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in ...
- Acts 11:21 ... them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
- Romans 9:27 ... concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be ...
- Revelation 5:11 ... and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, ...
- Revelation 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
- Revelation 13:18 ... understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and ...
- Revelation 20:8 ... together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
- αριθμον *5
- John 6:10 ... So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
- Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed ...
- Revelation 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
- Revelation 13:17 ... the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
- Revelation 13:18 ... understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and ...
- αριθμου *2
- Luke 22:3 ... Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
- Revelation 15:2 ... his mark, and over the number of his name, stand ...
- αριθμω
- Acts 16:5 ... the faith, and increased in number daily.
29. Usage - number
 |
Words: αριθμησαι αριθμον=5 αριθμος=10 αριθμου=2 αριθμω ηριθμημεναι ηριθμηνται
|
*G705 *3 ἀριθμέω (ar-ith-meh'-o) : from G706 ἀριθμός; to enumerate or count:--number.
*G706 *18 ἀριθμός (ar-ith-mos') : from G142; a number (as reckoned up):--number.
30. Song: Count your blessings
The song "
Count your blessings" was written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr.(1856-1922) from New Jersey. He worked in the mercantile business, in the life insurance business, and served as a local preacher. He wrote over 3,000 hymns. The tune is by E. O. Excell (1851-1921).
31. Verse 1
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
32. Verse 3
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
33. Matthew and Luke
Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
αλλα και αι τριχες της κεφαλης υμων πασαι ηριθμηνται μη φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε [gnt]
Matthew is carefully worded. Luke often tends towards the more literal meaning. The
KJV (King James Version) translates as "
more value" the Greek word for "
different".
Meaning: ... you are different than many sparrows. (The "many" is not in Matthew)
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
34. Matthew and Luke
1 Jesus teaches people
2 Matthew writes Gospel
3 Luke writes Gospel
Luke records and correctly reports what people remembered as to the meaning of what Jesus said, sometimes using other words. This often loses the additional meanings as recorded in Matthew.
35. Differences
Many of the differences between Matthew and Luke can be explained by the context in which each was written.
Jesus: Jew, spoke Aramaic and Greek.
Matthew: Jew, spoke Aramaic and Greek, eyewitness, took notes.
Luke: Greek, spoke Greek, interviewed eyewitnesses about their memory.
36. Luke 12:7
KJV: But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Greek: αλλα και αι τριχες της κεφαλης υμων πασαι ηριθμηνται μη ουν φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε
37. Psalms and numbered hairs
Psalms 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. [kjv]
οτι περιεσχον με κακα ων ουκ εστιν αριθμος κατελαβον με αι ανομιαι μου και ουκ ηδυνηθην του βλεπειν επληθυνθησαν υπερ τας τριχας της κεφαλης μου και η καρδια μου εγκατελιπεν με [lxx]
69:4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. [kjv]
επληθυνθησαν υπερ τας τριχας της κεφαλης μου οι μισουντες με δωρεαν εκραταιωθησαν οι εχθροι μου οι εκδιωκοντες με αδικως α ουχ ηρπασα τοτε απετιννυον [lxx]
The idea of the number of
"hairs" on a
"head" appears twice in Psalms in the
LXX (Septuagint).
In both verses, the
"hairs" are
associated with "
evils" and with "
enemies". In a prophetic sense, the
"head" is the "
Messiah".
38. Psalms 40:12
KJV: For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
Hebrew: כי אפפו עלי רעות עד אין מספר השיגוני עונתי ולא יכלתי לראות עצמו משערות ראשי ולבי עזבני׃
Greek: οτι περιεσχον με κακα ων ουκ εστιν αριθμος κατελαβον με αι ανομιαι μου και ουκ ηδυνηθην του βλεπειν επληθυνθησαν υπερ τας τριχας της κεφαλης μου και η καρδια μου εγκατελιπεν με
39. Psalms 69:4
KJV: They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Hebrew: רבו משערות ראשי שנאי חנם עצמו מצמיתי איבי שקר אשר לא גזלתי אז אשיב׃
Greek: επληθυνθησαν υπερ τας τριχας της κεφαλης μου οι μισουντες με δωρεαν εκραταιωθησαν οι εχθροι μου οι εκδιωκοντες με αδικως α ουχ ηρπασα τοτε απετιννυον
40. White or black
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
There are more than just two choices for
"white" or
"black".
All "white" or all "black".
Part "white" and part "black" as in "gray".
Neither "white" nor "black" (bottom "⊥" in information theory).
Aristotle points out that
"white" hair can be a sign of old age and, from his observation, only appears in humans (and just a few animals).
The idea of "
color" is not specifically mentioned in the
GNT (Greek New Testament).
41. White and black
Thus, a translation of Matthew 5:36 as "
white" or "
black" requires a context that requires colors or some separation of visible ideas.
People tend to see things as "
black" and "
white" or, in general, in one of two separate and distinct categories.
In reality, there are often "
shades of gray" in between. People do this in flipping coins. In reality, there are (at least) four possibilities.
42. Colors
There are many jokes about colors in general and black and white in particular.
My mom told me that "the world is not just black and white"
She still hasn't coped with me being colorblind.
Some riddles work best when spoken as a written riddle may give away the (deceptive or surprise) answer.
What is black and white and read/red all over?
Newspaper, wounded zebra, etc.
43. Strongs - white
- *G3022 *25 λευκός (lyoo-kos') : from luke ("light"); white:--white.
- λευκην *3 of 25
- Matthew 5:36 ... make one hair white or black.
- Mark 16:5 ... the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
- Revelation 2:17 ... will give him a white stone, and in ...
44. Clear, light and white
*G3022 *25 λευκός (lyoo-kos') : from luke ("light"); white:--white.
The ancient Greek word
"λευκός" ≈ "bright, light, pale, happy" and, if the
context is
color,
"white". The word is related to the Latin word
"lux" ≈ "light" and the English word
"light" and is the source of the English word
"leukemia", a cancer having to do with, in part, white blood cells.
 |
Words: λευκα=3 λευκαι=2 λευκαις λευκας=2 λευκη=2 λευκην=3 λευκοις=5 λευκον=4 λευκος=3
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45. Strongs - black
- *G3189 *3 μέλας (mel'-as) : apparently a primary word; black:--black.
- μελας *2
- Revelation 6:5 ... I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he ...
- Revelation 6:12 ... and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, ...
- μελαιναν
- Matthew 5:36 ... hair white or black.
46. Unclear, dark and black
*G3189 *3 μέλας (mel'-as) : apparently a primary word; black:--black.
 |
Words: μελαιναν=1 μελας=2
|
The ancient Greek word
"μέλας" ≈ "dark, dim, indistinct" and, if the
context is
color,
"black". It the source of the English word
"melanoma" (dark skin spots),
"melancholy" (dark bile) and
"Melanie" which was a female name from ancient Greek.
Since this word appears only three times in the
GNT and
once in this form, by Jesus, a play on words may be
in play five verses later.
"μελαιναν" ≈ "indistinct, dark, black" (sound or color)
"μίλιον" ≈ "mile" and "ἑν" ≈ "one"
"μυλινον" ≈ "millstone" as used in Revelation 18:21.
Greek: ... μελαιναν
Greek: ... μιλιον εν
Greek: ... μιλιον
Both have the same consonants but somewhat similar vowel sounds. Both verses have to do with "
communication" and "
messages".
47. Matthew 18:6-7 Millstones and entrapments
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]
ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]
18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [kjv]
ουαι τω κοσμω απο των σκανδαλων αναγκη γαρ ελθειν τα σκανδαλα πλην ουαι τω ανθρωπω δι ου το σκανδαλον ερχεται [gnt]
The
"offend",
"offense",
"offenses", etc., means to
"entrap" or
"snare" as in false teaching or deceit to lead one astray. When Jesus uses the word, it can mean
"misinterpret" as in
"entrap" yourself.
Why would someone "entrap" a "little one" as a "believer"?
To be "great". This is the theme of the entire discourse.
Can you
"entrap" or
"ensnare" yourself as the
"one"? Can you "
sin" against
yourself? The counter-factual example of a
"millstone" makes doing this a
very bad "
sin". Is it a "
sin"? How
bad is it? How easy or hard is it for you to "
forgive" those who
"entrap" "little ones"? How hard is it to "
forgive" those who
"entrap" "you"?
48. Matthew 18:8-9 Members
Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. [kjv]
ει δε η χειρ σου η ο πους σου σκανδαλιζει σε εκκοψον αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν εισελθειν εις την ζωην κυλλον η χωλον η δυο χειρας η δυο ποδας εχοντα βληθηναι εις το πυρ το αιωνιον [gnt]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
και ει ο οφθαλμος σου σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου καλον σοι εστιν μονοφθαλμον εις την ζωην εισελθειν η δυο οφθαλμους εχοντα βληθηναι εις την γεενναν του πυρος [gnt]
Jesus avoids using the word
"one" in the "
hands" verse. Doing so would break the pattern model. Jesus then uses (makes up) the ancient Greek word
"μονόφθαλμον" ≈ "one-eyed" rather than the more usual
"one" "eye" or
"eye" "one". In this discourse, the word
"one" has an important secondary meaning and using the word for
"one" with
"eye" in this verse would
not match the pattern model.
49. Matthew 18:10 Touched by an angel
Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. [kjv]
ορατε μη καταφρονησητε ενος των μικρων τουτων λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι οι αγγελοι αυτων εν ουρανοις δια παντος βλεπουσιν το προσωπον του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις [gnt]
It appears that
"little ones" as
"believers" have
"angels" as
"messengers", etc. The "
walk a mile" verse is of being a
"messenger" of God.
The verse applies both to "
you" as the
"one" (reflexively)
and (then) to "
others".
Is it possible for "you" to "despise" yourself as the "little one"?
Is it possible for you to "despise" someone else as the "little one"?
The ancient Greek word
"καταφρόνησις" ≈ "hold in contempt, despise" is used in only one other place in Matthew by Jesus - in the verse on "
mammon". Note that this can be done without the other person knowing. False leaders, false teachers, etc., will show an outward appearance that is
different from their heart on the inside.
50. Revelation 18:21 Atlantis and millstones
Revelation 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. [kjv]
και ηρεν εις αγγελος ισχυρος λιθον ως μυλινον μεγαν και εβαλεν εις την θαλασσαν λεγων ουτως ορμηματι βληθησεται βαβυλων η μεγαλη πολις και ου μη ευρεθη ετι [gnt]
The legend of Atlantis has that city descending into the sea and being found no more..
Apparently "
Babylon" will be thrown down into the sea - with violence - and found no more. What might that mean?
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
51. Revelation 18:21 Millstones
Revelation 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. [kjv]
και ηρεν εις αγγελος ισχυρος λιθον ως μυλινον μεγαν και εβαλεν εις την θαλασσαν λεγων ουτως ορμηματι βληθησεται βαβυλων η μεγαλη πολις και ου μη ευρεθη ετι [gnt]
"Millstones" around the neck and being cast into the sea are used by analogy by Jesus. The Greek word
"millstone" can be a play on words with
"dark" or
"black" (as a
hair) or
"indistinct" (as a
sound) or a play on words on
"mile" "one".
The exact word for
"millstone" used in Revelation 18:21 appears only once in the
GNT. The
TR (Textus Receptus) changes this word and breaks the play on word pattern.
52. Aristotle: Topica
Aristotle explains how words that are often translated as
"white" and
"black" have different meanings in different contexts.
English: ... for example, in the case of clear and dim, for sound is said to be clear and dim and so is colour. Now there is no difference in the terms used, but the variation in kind is immediately obvious in their use; for clear is not used in the same sense as applied to colour and as applied to sound. (Loeb#391, p. 311)
Greek: … οἷον ἐπὶ τοῦ λευκοῦ καὶ μέλανος. Φωνὴ γὰρ λευκὴ καὶ μέλαινα λέγεται, ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ χρῶμα. Τοῖς μὲν οὖν ὀνόμασιν οὐδὲν διαφωνεῖ· τῷ δ´ εἴδει κατάδηλος ἐν αὐτοῖς εὐθέως ἡ διαφορά· οὐ γὰρ ὁμοίως τό τε χρῶμα λευκὸν λέγεται καὶ ἡ φωνή. Aristotle: Topica [106a]
"λευκός" ≈ "bright, light, pale, happy" and, if the context is color, "white" or "light".
"μέλας" ≈ "dark, dim, indistinct" and, if the context is color, "black" or "dark".
For color, it is "light" and "dark", which could be "white" and "black".
For sound, as in a musical sound, it is "clear" and "dim" or "indistinct".
53. Compromise
There is a difference between finding a compromise between two competing alternatives when both are to be accomplished but not all of each can be accomplished
and whether one alternative is important or not.
Example:
Love God
Love neighbor (as yourself)
Each is important in and of itself. Doing both may require some compromise. This can be difficult to accomplish.
The "
yes yes" and "
no no" appear to mean, in part, to avoid ambiguity such that that ambiguity, or condoning by silence, could allow "
evil", which is the idea of "
oppression" of "
toils" (by some on others), to flourish.
54. Bowels of Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. [kjv]
μαρτυς γαρ μου ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου [gnt]
testis … visceribus … [v]
|
Jesus
|
church
|
 |
 |
prudent
|
wise
|
gut feeling
|
head knowledge
|
active
|
passive
|
The Greek for passive "
record" is that of being an active "
witness".
The Greek word for "
bowels" has to do with an active "
gut feeling"or being "
prudent" with "
street smarts" rather than passive "
wisdom" that is "
head knowledge".
55. Philippians 1:8
KJV: For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Greek: μαρτυς γαρ μου εστιν ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου
Latin: testis enim mihi est Deus quomodo cupiam omnes vos in visceribus Christi Iesu
56. Analogies
Let us look at a table of the comparisons in Matthew 5:33-36 as an analogy. Aristotle goes over analogies in
Topica where he covers the different meanings of
"white" or
"light"and
"black" or
"dark".
Some analogies in the Bible.
Stephen in Acts (lecture to the religious establishment)
Peter in 2 Peter (false teachers in the end times)
Paul (Philippians, Colossians, etc.)
57. Table
| Letter |
X |
has |
Y |
|
| A |
heaven |
has |
throne |
is to |
| B |
earth |
has |
footstool |
as |
| C |
Jerusalem |
has |
great King |
is to |
| D |
head |
has |
hair (white or black) |
but |
| E |
person |
has |
reason (yes or no) |
|
|
There appears to be a relationship of A is to B as C is to D but E. What does each represent? This may be at more than one level.
|
Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
58. Table and transposed table
| Letter |
X |
has |
Y |
|
| A |
heaven |
has |
throne |
is to |
| B |
earth |
has |
footstool |
as |
| C |
Jerusalem |
has |
great King |
is to |
| D |
head |
has |
hair (white or black) |
but |
| E |
person |
has |
reason (yes or no) |
|
|
There appears to be a relationship of A is to B as C is to D but E. What does each represent? This may be at more than one level.
|
| Letter |
X |
is to |
Y |
|
| A |
heaven |
is to |
Jerusalem |
as |
| B |
throne |
is to |
great King |
and |
| C |
earth |
is to |
head |
as |
| D |
footstool |
is to |
hair (white or black) |
but |
| E |
person |
has |
reason (yes or no) |
|
|
In many analogies, a transposed table may make a second analogy more clear. In this case, it can help obtain more meaning to the verses.
|
59. Analogies
"heaven" is related to the new "Jerusalem"
"throne" is related to the "great King".
"earth" is related to the "head" where Christ is "head" of the church.
"footstool" is related to "hair" as people or believers and which come in two variations.
Thus:
Only "Jesus" as "head" can "make" or "judge" or "divide" those two colors.
The person or believer should clearly think the truth as "yes" or "no" but not "do" more as in a "make".
60. Hairs on a head revisited
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αι τριχες της κεφαλης πασαι ηριθμημεναι εισιν [gnt]
As a secondary meaning, Jesus is the
"head" of the "
church" of "
believers". Let us
paraphrase both verses using this insight and using a "
person" (or "
believer") as a "
hair".
Matthew 5:36: Do not swear by Jesus because you cannot make/judge/separate one believer/person as 'white' or 'black'. (or "narrow gate" or "wide area" or "heaven" or "hell", etc.).
Matthew 10:30: But the very believers/persons of Jesus are all numbered.
61. Hairs and believers
62. Hairs and believers
Is "
one believer" you? This secondary meanings of both verses are an equivocation used not to deceive but to conceal.
Might this provide some insight into the secondary meaning of "
white" and "
black" which in the Greek have other meanings as "
shades" of color or sound? Here are some possibilities.
"distinct" or "indistinct"
"clear" or "dim"
"saved" or "not saved"
"narrow gate" or "wide area"
"sheep" or (kid) "goats"
63. Consideration
Consider that Christ is "
your head" of the "
church" (called-out believers). If the "
hair" are believers, then "
you" cannot even "
make" the "
one hair" representing "
you" to be "
saved" or "
not saved". You must request the "
head", Jesus, to do that. This may require a definitive "
yes" or "
no" from you and corresponding
actions.
In terms of decision theory and the theory of computation it appears that the "
yes" or "
no" is an "
opt in" offer and not an "
opt out" offer.
|
|
Details are left as a future topic.
|
64. One cookie rule
Growing up, the siblings would often leave the last cookie, piece of cake, etc., not eaten (which annoyed mom).
So, if we were asked "
Did you eat all of the cookies?" we could say, "
No, I did not have one of them". If pressed, we could point to the "
one" cookie that we did
not eat. If we had eaten than
one, then they would be
all (i.e., gone).
Sometimes it is the "
one cookie" that is
not eaten that is important.
There are two general forms of the "
one cookie rule" where the
exceptions are important.
"not one cookie ..." (negative statement)
"one cookie ..." (positive statement)
In general, this is called an "
equivocation" in that it could deceive the listener. Equivocations can be used to hide double meanings as in a code or secret code.
Equivocations can be used as jokes which some people like and some do not.
65. One cookie
Have you "
eaten" (criticized, accused, etc.) all of the other cookies? Are you the "
one cookie" that you have not "
eaten"?
This appears to be an underlying point in the parable of the sheep and the goats.
The "
least of these" refers in general to all believers at the same level and, specifically, to you as a believer. All integers have values, some are more than others, but all integers are at the same semantic domain level.
Have you "
loved your neighbor as yourself" doing what you have not done to yourself? Are you your own neighbor?
The golden rule is "
love your neighbor as yourself". In terms of what Christ wants, you need to first "
love yourself". That is, be "
baptized for the remission of sins" and then "
washed in the blood" before you go out and make disciples and do that to others.
66. Matthew 5:36 One cookie
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
μητε εν τη κεφαλη σου ομοσης οτι ου δυνασαι μιαν τριχα λευκην ποιησαι η μελαιναν [gnt]
The "
one" appears to refer to "
you" from the
one cookie rule.
You cannot "make" yourself "white" as in "light" or "black" as in "dark".
But you can "glue" or "bind" yourself to Jesus such that Jesus is "glued" or "bound" to you.
67. Matthew 25: 31-46 Parable of the sheep and goats
A somewhat misunderstood and sometimes controversial part of the
NT (New Testament) is the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25. For context, the parable of the "
sheep" and "
goat" judgment comes after some other parables. Chapter 24 is the Olivet Discourse about the "
end times" and "
all of it".
The parable of the ten virgins, five wise and five foolish in Matthew 25:1-13.
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
The parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46.
The parables in this chapter could be called the "
division parables" because each deals with some form of division into groups. Let us first go through the verses of the parable in English.
Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [kjv]
οταν δε ελθη ο υιος του ανθρωπου εν τη δοξη αυτου και παντες οι αγγελοι μετ αυτου τοτε καθισει επι θρονου δοξης αυτου [gnt]
68. Lists and books
You might want to be on the "
Dean's List" or "
Jesus's List" but not on the "
Other Dean's List" or "
Other Jesus's List".
That is, the distinction between the "
wide area" to
destruction and the "
narrow gate" to
life.
In the Bible, these lists are usually referred to as "
books" as in the "
book of life".
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|
Details are left as a future topic.
|
69. Song: Jesus loves the little children
The song "
Jesus loves the little children" is by Clare Woolton (1856-1927), a Baptist minister who lived in New Jersey and Philadelphia. The tune is by George Frederick Root (1820-1895) that was used for the American Civil War song "
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" or "
Prisoner's hope". His pseudo-name was "
Wurzel", German for "
root" (his last name).
70. Traditional verse
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world;
Red and
yellow,
black and
white,
They are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
71. Review of head and hairs
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
Insight: Jesus is your
"head". Believers are the
"hairs".
Matthew 5:36:
Do not swear by your head as Jesus because you cannot make/judge/separate one believer/person as 'white' or 'black'. (or "
narrow gate" or "
wide area" or "
heaven" or "
hell", etc.).
The Greek translated as
"white" and
"black" mean
"distinct" or
"indistinct".
Matthew 5:37:
But let your rational explanation (to the points provided and implied) be yes, yes no, no. Whatever is more is out of the evil/oppression.
Matthew 10:30:
But the very hairs or believers/persons of your head as Jesus are all numbered.
72. Revelation 1:14 Head and white hairs
Does the discussion on the head and white hairs add meaning to the verse in Revelation 1:14?
Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; [kjv]
η δε κεφαλη αυτου και αι τριχες λευκαι ως εριον λευκον ως χιων και οι οφθαλμοι αυτου ως φλοξ πυρος [gnt]
There are only
"white" "hairs" of the
"head" (Jesus), not
"black" "hairs". Are any two snowflakes the exact same pattern? How are snowflakes formed?
A snowflake is created as it falls to earth in a chaotic manner - a deterministic chaos. Most are symmetric as the temperature, pressure, etc., are approximately the same at any point in space.
Note: The same argument that no two snowflakes are the same is the same argument that information (i.e., DNA via evolution) cannot arise by chance.
73. End of page
