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2 Timothy 2:15 An urgent focused priority to do diligent study
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640
1. 2 Timothy 2:15 An urgent focused priority to do diligent study
2. P asters and the flock
The word "pastor" means, literally, a "shepherd".

Being a pastor of the flock of sheep has been described as trying to lead a "herd of cats".

How can a pastor get a "herd of cats" into a meaningful Bible study?
3. Cat Bible study
A "perfect" solution to the cat Bible study, meaningful to the cats if not the pastor.

The group is growing.

Was it a cat I saw? (palindrome)


Information sign More: Running back again with the palindromes
4. 2 Timothy 2:15 An urgent focused priority to do diligent study
Many people have learned the following verse from Timothy.
Verse route2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [kjv]
Verse routeσπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω θεω εργατην ανεπαισχυντον ορθοτομουντα τον λογον της αληθειας [gnt]
Verse routesollicite … probabilem exhibere … operarium … recte tractantem verbum veritatis [v]

Should one sit down and study?
5. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study
Verse route2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [kjv]
Verse routeσπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω θεω εργατην ανεπαισχυντον ορθοτομουντα τον λογον της αληθειας [gnt]
Verse routesollicite … probabilem exhibere … operarium … recte tractantem verbum veritatis [v]

From this verse, one can justify sitting down, doing some meticulous, careful, diligent and thorough "study" (not very fast, mind you) and maybe, at some future time, putting some of that into action - if the exact action to be done can be determined from that study.

Are you too busy to study? No problem. There are many trained pastors who can teach you what you need to know. There are many books, commentaries, etc., from which you can learn through study. And, you might even want to try reading the Bible itself.
6. 2 Timothy 2:15
   2 Timothy 2:15 
 All 
KJV: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Greek: σπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω θεω εργατην ανεπαισχυντον ορθοτομουντα τον λογον της αληθειας
Latin: sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis
Wycliffe: Bisili kepe to yyue thi silf a preued preisable werkman to God, with oute schame, riytli tretinge the word of treuthe.
Gothic: usdaudei thuk silban gakusanana usgiban guda waurstwjan unaiwiskana, raihtaba raidjandan waurd sunjos.
Luther: Befleißige dich, Gott zu erzeigen einen rechtschaffenen, unsträflichen Arbeiter, der da recht teile das Wort der Wahrheit.
7. Clement: On works and not words
Book: The Apostolic FathersIn the letters of the early church father Clement (35-99 AD) to the churches, Michal W. Holmes in his book "The Apostolic Fathers" (3rd Edition, 2007) provides the following remarks about "slanderers" and "backbiters". The "justified" in the Greek is a verb for what might be called "righteous-fied" in English. The modern Greek word "δίκαιος" (THEE-keh-os) ≈ "observant of custom, righteous, balanced".

How about being righteous from thoughts alone, as in "study"?

Information sign More: Early Church Father: Clement
8. Question
Consider the KJV (King James Version) translation above.

Would a "workman" present an abstract study of "words" to God? Or might a "workman" present "works" to God?
9. Words and works
DVD: Shrek 1

In the animated movie Shrek 1, Fiona tells Shrek to go tell Farquaad to come and tell her himself. Shrek has a nice reply. "Hey. I'm nobody's messenger boy. I'm a delivery boy". He then picks up Fiona and they are on their way to deliver Fiona to Farquaad as per their agreement.

Discuss: Consider the Shrek episode. Which does God (and Jesus) want?
The words after "workman" do not appear to have any variant meaning of importance. So let us now look at the original words and various translations of the following words. We will then look at a series of verses where the relevant words are used and see which possible definitions fit better than other alternatives.
10. Shew
The word for "shew" is that of "presenting" as in a "presentation" or "performance" (meaning of the modern Greek word).

The modern Greek word "παράσταση" (pa-RA-sta-see) ≈ "performance, presentation, representation".

The ancient Greek word "παρίστημι" ≈ "place beside, set before the mind".
11. Strongs
12. Approved
The word for "approved" is that of "providing proof" as in "showing convincingly".
13. Strongs
14. Luke 12:56
   Luke 12:56 
 All 
KJV: Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Greek: υποκριται το προσωπον της γης και του ουρανου οιδατε δοκιμαζειν τον δε καιρον δε τουτον πως ου δοκιμαζετε ουκ οιδατε δοκιμαζειν
Latin: hypocritae faciem terrae et caeli nostis probare hoc autem tempus quomodo non probatis
Luther: Ihr Heuchler, die Gestalt der Erde und des Himmels könnt ihr prüfen, wie prüfet ihr aber diese Zeit nicht?
15. An actor as a hypocrite is not real
Many times Jesus appears to rebuke the Pharisees as "hypocrites", in the modern sense, because the apply rules to others but not to themselves, reflexively. On closer inspection, and using the definition of "hypocrite" at the time, this is not quite what is happening.

The ancient Greek word "ὑποκριτής" ≈ "actor, pretender" and comes from "ὑποκρίνομαι" ≈ "answer, interpret, play a part as an actor" and comes from two Greek words. The meaning went from "separate" to "answer" to "answer" an actor on stage to "play a part" as in "acting" or "pretending".

The modern definition of "hypocrite" appears to come from a misinterpretation of what Jesus says in Matthew 7:3-5 (plank or splinter in the eye).

When Jesus says "You hypocrites", instead of the modern sense, it might be better read as "You actors" as in "You pretenders" or "Get real" or "Get in touch with reality" or "Get in touch with the truth". Substituting "actors" or "pretenders" might make for a better translation than "hypocrites".

Information sign More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real
16. Luke 14:19
   Luke 14:19 
 All 
KJV: And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Greek: και ετερος ειπεν ζευγη βοων ηγορασα πεντε και πορευομαι δοκιμασαι αυτα ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον
Latin: et alter dixit iuga boum emi quinque et eo probare illa rogo te habe me excusatum
17. Romans 2:18
   Romans 2:18 
 All 
KJV: And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
Greek: και γινωσκεις το θελημα και δοκιμαζεις τα διαφεροντα κατηχουμενος εκ του νομου
Tyndale: and knowest his will and hast experience of good and bad in that thou arte informed by the lawe:
18. Romans 5:4
   Romans 5:4 
 All 
KJV: And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Greek: η δε υπομονη δοκιμην η δε δοκιμη ελπιδα
19. Galatians 6:4
   Galatians 6:4 
 All 
KJV: But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Greek: το δε εργον εαυτου δοκιμαζετω εκαστος και τοτε εις εαυτον μονον το καυχημα εξει και ουκ εις τον ετερον
20. Ephesians 5:10
   Ephesians 5:10 
 All 
KJV: Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Greek: δοκιμαζοντες τι εστιν ευαρεστον τω κυριω
Latin: probantes quid sit beneplacitum Deo
Wycliffe: And preue ye what`thing is wel plesynge to God.
Luther: Und prüfet, was da sei wohlgefällig dem Herrn.
21. James 1:3
   James 1:3 
 All 
KJV: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Greek: γινωσκοντες οτι το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως κατεργαζεται υπομονην
Latin: scientes quod probatio fidei vestrae patientiam operatur
22. Approach
The ancient Greek word "σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an urgent focused priority.

The modern Greek word "σπουδή" (spu-THEE) ≈ "study" with a secondary meaning of "eagerness" or "haste". This modern Greek word appears to be influenced by the translation of 2 Timothy 2:15 in the Middle Ages.

With that in mind, let us look at "study" and then some verses and see how their translations match the word meanings.
23. Strongs
Whenever a Greek word in the GNT (Greek New Testament) is translated in many different ways into English, as in the KJV, it might be beneficial to investigate that word.

24. 2 Timothy 2:15
   2 Timothy 2:15 
 All 
KJV: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Greek: σπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω θεω εργατην ανεπαισχυντον ορθοτομουντα τον λογον της αληθειας
Latin: sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis
Wycliffe: Bisili kepe to yyue thi silf a preued preisable werkman to God, with oute schame, riytli tretinge the word of treuthe.
Geneva: Studie to shewe thy selfe approued vnto God, a workeman that needeth not to be ashamed, diuiding the worde of trueth aright.
Gothic: usdaudei thuk silban gakusanana usgiban guda waurstwjan unaiwiskana, raihtaba raidjandan waurd sunjos.
Luther: Befleißige dich, Gott zu erzeigen einen rechtschaffenen, unsträflichen Arbeiter, der da recht teile das Wort der Wahrheit.
Slavonic: Потщися себе искусна поставити пред Богом, делателя непостыдна, право правяща слово истины.
Russian: Старайся представить себя Богу достойным, делателем неукоризненным, верно преподающим слово истины.
Spanish: Procura con diligencia presentarte a Dios aprobado, como obrero que no tiene de qué avergonzarse, que traza bien la palabra de verdad.
The Middle English word "bisili" ≈ "busy" as in "keeping busy". The primary definition of "study" appears to have been influenced by the way the verse 2 Timothy 2:15 was translated, especially during the middle ages.

Many times during the history of the Greek language, a conscious effort was made to bring back words of the ancient language, but, in this case, with a possible influence of translations of the Bible.
25. School of leisure time
The opposite of the ancient Greek word for an urgent focused priority is the ancient Greek word "σχολή" ≈ "leisure, free time" and is the source of the English word "school" which started as something to do in leisure time. In ancient Greece, it became associated with spending leisure time listening to lectures, discussions, etc.
26. Other words
Let us look at other language translations for the word that in the KJV is translated as "study".
27. Latin
The Latin word "sollicite" ≈ "thoroughly moved, agitated or disturbed" and is the source of the English word "solicit". This Latin word comes from two other Latin words. When one "solicits" one is thoroughly moved, agitated, or otherwise motivated to accomplish the desired goal.
28. Peddlers
A solicitor is similar to a peddler - both try to sell something to someone.

While riding my bicycle, I entered a small town with a sign that said "PEDDLING PROHIBITED". I decided to go through anyway and did not get in trouble. (Pun: I peddled my bicycle through). Interestingly ,the last definition (four of four) of this Latin word for "solicit" is "very careful", "concerned in", "punctilious", "particular about". Many times, when the last definition fits the Bible, it might be the case that this last definition was only added because theologians and translators decided to give that word this meaning sometime after the original text was written. This is a form of circular logic.
29. Gothic
The Gothic word "usdaudei" ≈ "diligence, vigor, zeal" where "diligence" once meant being in an "urgent" but focused "hurry".

The Gothic translation was closer to the original Latin and still has that sense of urgency with vigor and zeal.
30. Diligence
Today, in English, "diligence" means a careful and meticulous and sometimes slow progress to a goal involving perseverance and determination.
31. French
The English word is from the French word "diligence" ≈ "stage-coach" with associated attributes.

A stage-coach, as a dependable means of transportation, needs to be on-time, often in a hurry, meticulous, with an urgent and focused priority.
32. Latin
The Latin word "diligens" ≈ "diligent, careful, attentive".

This Latin word is not the Latin word used in many of the verses being investigated. When it is used, the original meaning of the verse in translations tends to change over time.
33. Greek
Ancient Greek had a word for "diligence" that appears in the GNT and LXX (Septuagint) but that word is not used in 2 Timothy 2:15.

For more information, see the following: 2 Timothy 2:15 Careful diligence on the words for careful diligence
34. German
The German word "befleißen" ≈ "endeavor, make an effort". Luther uses this word which appears to be influenced by the Latin Vulgate translation.
35. Russian
The Russian word "стараться" (ste-rats-ya) ≈ "try, attempt, endeavor, pursue".

I could not find a definition for the Old Church Slavonic word "Потщися" but it appears to be in line with the original Greek word of an urgent focused priority.

Latin does have a word for "study" which is not used in the above verse.
36. Study as exercise as an ascetic
Interestingly, the Latin word "studere" ≈ "study" and is used in the Latin Vulgate in Acts 24:16.

Verse routeActs 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. [kjv]
Verse routeεν τουτω και αυτος ασκω απροσκοπον συνειδησιν εχειν προς τον θεον και τους ανθρωπους δια παντος [gnt]
Verse route… studeo … [v]

The last definition (four of four) of the ancient Greek word is "practice", "exercise", "train" as if this definition were added from influence of how the word was later translated from the Bible.
37. German and modern Greek
Verse routeActs 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. [kjv]
Verse routeεν τουτω και αυτος ασκω απροσκοπον συνειδησιν εχειν προς τον θεον και τους ανθρωπους δια παντος [gnt]
Verse route… übe … [lu]

38. Acts 24:16
   Acts 24:16 
 All 
KJV: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Greek: εν τουτω δε και αυτος ασκω απροσκοπον συνειδησιν εχειν προς τον θεον και τους ανθρωπους διαπαντος δια παντος
Latin: in hoc et ipse studeo sine offendiculo conscientiam habere ad Deum et ad homines semper
Wycliffe: In this thing Y studie with outen hirtyng, to haue concience to God, and to men euermore.
Tyndale: And therfore stody I to have a cleare consciece towarde God and toward man also.
Luther: In demselbigen aber übe ich mich, zu haben ein unverletzt Gewissen allenthalben beide, gegen Gott und die Menschen.
39. Strongs - strive
40. Usage - strive
Word usage per chapter Words: ασκω

The Geneva Bible uses "endeuor" (modern English "endeavor").

It appears, from the original Greek, that one needs to work with and/or form one's mind, as in "conscience", which is not the same as exercising one's body.
41. Spanish
The Spanish word "procura con diligencia" ≈ "procure with diligence" or "diligently seek".
42. History
It appears that in the case of the Greek word for "haste" as an urgent focused priority, the whisper game model fits well in the following pattern (which appears to happen many times with many words)
43. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study paraphrase
Verse route2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [kjv]
Verse routeσπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω θεω εργατην ανεπαισχυντον ορθοτομουντα τον λογον της αληθειας [gnt]
Verse routesollicite … probabilem exhibere … operarium … recte tractantem verbum veritatis [v]

Paraphrase: Make it an urgent focused priority to provide convincing proof to God, ... (of actual works with fruit!)

The ancient Greek word "σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an urgent focused priority. The Latin word "sollicite" ≈ "thoroughly moved, agitated or disturbed" and is the source of the English word "solicit".

The original English word "study" went through many meanings from "endeavor" to "diligence" (original French meaning) to "study".
44. Study
The word that the KJV translates as "study" in 2 Timothy 2:15 is often translated as "haste" in other places in the Bible.

In the following verses, try to substitute "study" for "haste".
45. Mark 6:25
   Mark 6:25 
 All 
KJV: And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
Greek: και εισελθουσα ευθεως ευθυς μετα σπουδης προς τον βασιλεα ητησατο λεγουσα θελω ινα μοι εξαυτης δως εξ αυτης μοι επι πινακι την κεφαλην ιωαννου του βαπτιστου
Wessex: Sona þa hye mid efste in to þam kynge geode. hyo baed & þus cwaeð. Ic wille þt þu me raedlice on anen dissce selle johannes heafed.
Wycliffe: And whanne sche was comun ynne anoon with haast to the kyng, sche axide, and seide, Y wole that anoon thou yyue to me in a dische the heed of Joon Baptist.
Tyndale: And she cam in streygth waye with haste vnto ye kynge and axed sayinge: I will that thou geve me by and by in a charger ye heed of Iohn Baptist.
It appears that she made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to make this request to the king.

The Old English word "geode" ≈ "went" as in "goed".
46. Exodus 12:11
   Exodus 12:11 
 All 
KJV: And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
Hebrew: וככה תאכלו אתו מתניכם חגרים נעליכם ברגליכם ומקלכם בידכם ואכלתם אתו בחפזון פסח הוא ליהוה׃
Greek: ουτως δε φαγεσθε αυτο αι οσφυες υμων περιεζωσμεναι και τα υποδηματα εν τοις ποσιν υμων και αι βακτηριαι εν ταις χερσιν υμων και εδεσθε αυτο μετα σπουδης πασχα εστιν κυριω
Wycliffe: Forsothe thus ye schulen ete hym; ye schulen girde youre reynes, and ye schulen haue schoon in the feet, and ye schulen holde stauys in hondis, and ye schulen ete hastili; for it is fase, that is, the passyng of the Lord.
Luther: Also sollt ihr's aber essen: Um eure Lenden sollt ihr gegürtet sein und eure Schuhe an euren Füßen haben und Stäbe in euren Händen, und sollt es essen, als die hinwegeilen; denn es ist des Herrn Passah.
It appears that the Israelites made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to eat and be prepared to leave.
47. Exodus 12:33
   Exodus 12:33 
 All 
KJV: And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
Hebrew: ותחזק מצרים על העם למהר לשלחם מן הארץ כי אמרו כלנו מתים׃
Greek: και κατεβιαζοντο οι αιγυπτιοι τον λαον σπουδη εκβαλειν αυτους εκ της γης ειπαν γαρ οτι παντες ημεις αποθνησκομεν
Wycliffe: And Egipcians constreyneden the puple to go out of the lond swiftli, and seiden, All we schulen die!
It appears that the Egyptians made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to get the Israelites out of Egypt.
48. Daniel 3:24
   Daniel 3:24 
 All 
KJV: Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
Hebrew: אדין נבוכדנצר מלכא תוה וקם בהתבהלה ענה ואמר להדברוהי הלא גברין תלתא רמינא לגוא נורא מכפתין ענין ואמרין למלכא יציבא מלכא׃
Greek: και ναβουχοδονοσορ ηκουσεν υμνουντων αυτων και εθαυμασεν και εξανεστη εν σπουδη και ειπεν τοις μεγιστασιν αυτου ουχι ανδρας τρεις εβαλομεν εις μεσον του πυρος πεπεδημενους και ειπαν τω βασιλει αληθως βασιλευ
It appears that the Nebuchadnezzar made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to find out what was happening in the fiery furnace.
49. Daniel 6:19
   Daniel 6:19 
 All 
KJV: Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
Hebrew: באדין מלכא בשפרפרא יקום בנגהא ובהתבהלה לגבא די אריותא אזל׃
Greek: τοτε ο βασιλευς ανεστη το πρωι εν τω φωτι και εν σπουδη ηλθεν επι τον λακκον των λεοντων
Wycliffe: Thanne the kyng roos in the firste morewtid, and yede hastili to the lake of liouns;
Luther: Des Morgens früh, da der Tag anbrach, stund der König auf und ging eilend zum Graben, da die Löwen waren.
It appears that the king made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to check on Daniel.
50. Luke 1:39
   Luke 1:39 
 All 
KJV: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Greek: αναστασα δε μαριαμ εν ταις ημεραις ταυταις επορευθη εις την ορεινην μετα σπουδης εις πολιν ιουδα
Wycliffe: And Marie roos vp in tho daies, and wente with haaste in to the mounteyns, in to a citee of Judee.
Luther: Maria aber stund auf in den Tagen und ging auf das Gebirge eilends zu der Stadt Juda
It appears that the Mary made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to go to a city of Juda.
51. Luke 7:4
   Luke 7:4 
 All 
KJV: And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
Greek: οι δε παραγενομενοι προς τον ιησουν παρεκαλουν αυτον σπουδαιως λεγοντες οτι αξιος εστιν ω παρεξει παρεξη τουτο
Latin: at illi cum venissent ad Iesum rogabant eum sollicite dicentes ei quia dignus est ut hoc illi praestes
Wycliffe: And whanne thei camen to Jhesu, thei preieden hym bisili, and seiden to hym, For he is worthi, that thou graunte to hym this thing;
Tyndale: And they came to Iesus and besought him instantly sayinge: He is worthi that thou shuldest do this for him.
Gothic: ith eis qimandans at iesua bedun ina usdaudo, qithandans thatei wairths ist, thammei fragibis thata;
It appears that they made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority" to find Jesus.

The modern Greek changed the ancient Greek word to match the modern translations.
52. Romans 12:8 Diligence
Verse routeRomans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. [kjv]

53. Romans 12:8
   Romans 12:8 
 All 
KJV: Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Greek: ειτε ο παρακαλων εν τη παρακλησει ο μεταδιδους εν απλοτητι ο προισταμενος εν σπουδηβ ο ελεων εν ιλαροτητι
Latin: qui exhortatur in exhortando qui tribuit in simplicitate qui praeest in sollicitudine qui miseretur in hilaritate
Gothic: .... sa dailjands in allawerein, sa faurastandands in usdaudein, sa armands in hlasein.
Spanish: el que exhorta, en la exhortación; el que da, hágalo con sencillez; el que preside, con diligencia; el que hace misericordia, con alegría.
54. Romans 12:11
Verse routeRomans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [kjv]
Verse routeτη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω κυριω δουλευοντες [gnt]
Verse route… slow … bisynesse… [wy]
Verse route… busynes … tedious … [ty]

The ancient Greek word "σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an urgent focused priority. The Old English word for "busy-ness" became the modern word "business".

The KJV "slothful" is "ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" as in being "fearful".

Paraphrase: Make it an urgent and immediate priority not to shy away or be fearful of ... serving the Lord.

Anyone in business knows not to be fearful or shy away from approaching a customer rather than have them walk out of the store without buying anything.
55. Strongs - hesitate
  • *G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.
    •  Usage 
     All 
    • οκνηρε
      •   Matthew 25:26 ... unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that ...
    • οκνηροι
      •   Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
    • οκνηρον
      •   Philippians 3:1 ... to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
56. Usage - hesitate
*G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.
Word usage per chapter Words: οκνηρε οκνηροι οκνηρον

The ancient Greek word "ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" and is related to the Latin word "cunctor" ≈ "delay, hold up, hesitate" and to the English word "hang" as in "hang back". Think of hard "k" going to "kh" and then softening to "h".

Verse routeNumbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με [lxx]
Verse route… cuncteris … [v]

57. Romans 12:11

   Romans 12:11 
 All 
KJV: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Greek: τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω κυριω δουλευοντες
Latin: sollicitudine non pigri spiritu ferventes Domino servientes
Wycliffe: not slow in bisynesse, feruent in spirit, seruynge to the Lord,
Tyndale: Let not yt busynes which ye have in honde be tedious to you. Be fervet in ye sprete. Applye youre selves to ye tyme.
Gothic: usdaudein ni latai; ahmin wulandans; fraujin skalkinondans;
Spanish: Diligentes, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor.
58. Numbers 22:16

   Numbers 22:16 
 All 
KJV: And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
Hebrew: ויבאו אל בלעם ויאמרו לו כה אמר בלק בן צפור אל נא תמנע מהלך אלי׃
Greek: και ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με
Latin: qui cum venissent ad Balaam dixerunt sic dicit Balac filius Sepphor ne cuncteris venire ad me
59. 2 Corinthians 8:8
   2 Corinthians 8:8 
 All 
KJV: I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Greek: ου κατ επιταγην λεγω αλλα δια της ετερων σπουδης και το της υμετερας αγαπης γνησιον δοκιμαζων
Latin: non quasi imperans dico sed per aliorum sollicitudinem etiam vestrae caritatis ingenitum bonum conprobans
Wycliffe: Y seie not as comaundinge, but bi the bisynesse of othere men appreuynge also the good wit of youre charite.
Geneva: This say I not by commandement, but because of the diligence of others: therefore prooue I the naturalnesse of your loue.
Gothic: ni swaswe fraujinonds qitha izwis, ak in thizos antharaize usdaudeins jah izwaraizos frijathwos airknitha kiusands.
Spanish: No hablo como quien manda, sino por causa de la diligencia de otros, y para probar la sinceridad de vuestro amor.
Here, the KJV uses "frowardness" for the "urgent and focused priority".
60. 2 Corinthians 8:17
   2 Corinthians 8:17 
 All 
KJV: For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
Greek: οτι την μεν παρακλησιν εδεξατο σπουδαιοτερος δε υπαρχων αυθαιρετος εξηλθεν προς υμας
Latin: quoniam exhortationem quidem suscepit sed cum sollicitior esset sua voluntate profectus est ad vos
Wycliffe: for he resseyuede exortacioun; but whanne he was bisier, bi his wille he wente forth to you.
Gothic: unte raihtis bida andnam, aththan usdaudoza wisands silba wiljands galaith du izwis.
Luther: Denn er nahm zwar die Ermahnung an; aber dieweil er so sehr fleißig war, ist er von selber zu euch gereiset.
Spanish: Pues a la verdad aceptó la exhortación; y estando también muy solícito, de su voluntad partió para ir a vosotros.
61. Froward
The KJV will often use the word "froward".

The word "froward" is opposite of "toward". That is, "away from" and is often used in the sense of "perverse" or "turned away from", is in the truth.
Here, many translations favor the Latin over the original Greek.

Here, the KJV uses "exhortation" for the "urgent and focused priority".

The modern Greek changed the ancient Greek word to the Latin word.
62. Philippians 2:28
   Philippians 2:28 
 All 
KJV: I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Greek: σπουδαιοτερως ουν επεμψα αυτον ινα ιδοντες αυτον παλιν χαρητε καγω αλυποτερος ω
Wycliffe: Therfor more hastili Y sente hym, that whanne ye han seyn hym, ye haue ioye eft, and Y be withouten heuynesse.
Geneva: I sent him therefore the more diligently, that when yee shoulde see him againe, yee might reioyce, and I might be the lesse sorowfull.
Luther: Ich habe ihn aber desto eilender gesandt, auf daß ihr ihn sehet und wieder fröhlich werdet, und ich auch der Traurigkeit weniger habe.
Here, the KJV uses "carefully" for the "urgent and focused priority".
63. 2 Timothy 1:17
   2 Timothy 1:17 
 All 
KJV: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
Greek: αλλα γενομενος εν ρωμη σπουδ αιοτερον σπουδ αιως εζητησεν με και ευρεν
Latin: sed cum Romam venisset sollicite me quaesivit et invenit
Wycliffe: But whanne he cam to Rome, he souyte me bisili, and foond.
Geneva: But when he was at Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
Gothic: ak qimands in rumai usdaudo sokida mik jah bigat.
Spanish: antes, estandoél en Roma, me buscó diligentemente, y me halló.
Is Paul saying that he did "diligence" (modern meaning) or he made it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?
64. 2 Timothy 4:9
   2 Timothy 4:9 
 All 
KJV: Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
Greek: σπουδασον ελθειν προς με ταχεως
Latin: festina venire ad me cito
Wycliffe: Hyye thou to come to me soone. For Demas, louynge this world, hath forsakun me, and wente to Tessalonyk,
Geneva: Make speede to come vnto me at once:
Gothic: sniumei qiman at mis sprauto;
Russian: Постарайся придти ко мне скоро.
Spanish: Procura venir pronto a mí;
Is Paul saying do "diligence" (modern meaning) or make it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?
65. 2 Timothy 4:21
   2 Timothy 4:21 
 All 
KJV: Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Greek: σπουδασον προ χειμωνος ελθειν ασπαζεται σε ευβουλος και πουδης και λινος και κλαυδια και οι αδελφοι παντες
Wycliffe: Hiye thou to come bifore wyntir. Eubolus, and Prudent, and Lynus, and Claudia, and alle britheren, greten thee wel.
Geneva: Make speede to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Luther: Tu Fleiß, daß du vor dem Winter kommest. Es grüßet dich Eubulus und Pudens und Linus und Klaudia und alle Brüder.
Slavonic: Потщися прежде зимы приити. Целует тя Еввул и Пуд, и Лин и Клавдиа и братия вся.
Russian: Постарайся придти до зимы. Приветствуют тебя Еввул, и Пуд, и Лин, и Клавдия, и все братия.
66. Hebrews 4:11
   Hebrews 4:11 
 All 
KJV: Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Greek: σπουδασωμεν ουν εισελθειν εις εκεινην την καταπαυσιν ινα μη εν τω αυτω τις υποδειγματι πεση της απειθειας
Latin: festinemus ergo ingredi in illam requiem ut ne in id ipsum quis incidat incredulitatis exemplum
Wycliffe: Therfor haste we to entre in to that reste, that no man falle in to the same ensaumple of vnbileue. For the word of God is quyk,
Tyndale: Let vs study therfore to entre into that rest lest eny man faule after the same ensample in to vnbelefe.
Geneva: Let vs studie therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same ensample of disobedience.
Slavonic: Потщимся убо внити во оный покой, да не кто в ту же притчу противления впадет.
Here, Wycliffe uses "haste" while Tyndale uses "study" and the Geneva Bible uses "studie".

Is Paul saying to "labour" (modern meaning) or make it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?
67. Hebrews 6:11
   Hebrews 6:11 
 All 
KJV: And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Greek: επιθυμουμεν δε εκαστον υμων την αυτην ενδεικνυσθαι σπουδην προς την πληροφοριαν της ελπιδος αχρι τελους
Latin: cupimus autem unumquemque vestrum eandem ostentare sollicitudinem ad expletionem spei usque in finem
Wycliffe: And we coueiten that ech of you schewe the same bisynesse to the fillyng of hope in to the ende;
Tyndale: Yee and we desyre that every one of you shew the same diligence to the stablysshynge of hope even vnto the ende:
Spanish: Y deseamos que cada uno de vosotros muestre la misma diligencia hasta el fin, para la plena certeza de la esperanza:
Is Paul saying to use "diligence" (modern meaning) or make it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?
68. 2 Peter 1:5
   2 Peter 1:5 
 All 
KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
Greek: και αυτο τουτο δε σπουδην πασαν παρεισενεγκαντες επιχορηγησατε εν τη πιστει υμων την αρετην εν δε τη αρετη την γνωσιν
Latin: vos autem curam omnem subinferentes ministrate in fide vestra virtutem in virtute autem scientiam
Wycliffe: And bringe ye in alle bisynesse, and mynystre ye in youre feith vertu, and`in vertu kunnyng;
Luther: so wendet allen euren Fleiß daran und reichet dar in eurem Glauben Tugend und in der Tugend Bescheidenheit
Spanish: Vosotros también, poniendo toda diligencia en esto mismo, añadid a vuestra fe, virtud, y a la virtud, conocimiento;
Is Peter saying to use "diligence" (modern meaning) or make it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?
69. 2 Peter 1:10
   2 Peter 1:10 
 All 
KJV: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Greek: διο μαλλον αδελφοι σπουδασατε βεβαιαν υμων την κλησιν και εκλογην ποιεισθαι ταυτα γαρ ποιουντες ου μη πταισητε ποτε
The modern Greek changed the ancient Greek word to the Latin word.
70. 2 Peter 1:15
   2 Peter 1:15 
 All 
KJV: Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
Greek: σπουδασω δε και εκαστοτε εχειν υμας μετα την εμην εξοδον την τουτων μνημην ποιεισθαι
Latin: dabo autem operam et frequenter habere vos post obitum meum ut horum memoriam faciatis
Wycliffe: But Y schal yyue bisynesse, and ofte after my deth ye haue mynde of these thingis.
Luther: Ich will aber Fleiß tun, daß ihr allenthalben habet nach meinem Abschied, solches im Gedächtnis zu halten.
Spanish: También yo procuraré con diligencia, que después de mi muerte, vosotros podáis en todo momento tener memoria de estas cosas.
Is Peter saying he will "endeavor" (modern meaning) or that he will make it an "urgent focused and immediate priority"?

The modern Greek changed the ancient Greek word to the Latin word rather than using the original Greek word.
71. Whisper game
Whisper chainThe "whisper game" is a way whereby a message is passed from person to person and tends to change with each retelling - especially when whispering where one cannot clearly hear what is being said.

Most cultures have some name for this type of game which is often popular with children - of all ages.

Information sign More: Whisper game
72. Summary
Whisper chainThe whisper game appears to be in effect in many of these verses involving what became "study".

The Latin, with words not exactly the same as the original Greek, appears to have influenced translations in the Middle Ages.

In some cases, the modern Greek has changed the translation to the (different) meaning adopted in the Middle Ages, even when the original Greek word has the same (or very similar) meaning today.
73. End of page
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