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Physical substance and abstract quality
1. Physical substance and abstract quality
In his Sophistic Refutations, Aristotle makes a contrast between "
substance" and "
quality" of arguments that can be logical or opinion.
The idea is that the Greek word for "
substance" is similar to "
this" (meaning an actual object) and that of "
quality" is similar to "
that" (meaning an abstract idea).
The Greek word for "
substance" appears many times in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) but the word for "
quality" appears many fewer times an is often translated in the
KJV (King James Version) as "
such as", "
such that", etc.
2. Sophistic refutations
Aristotle wrote a book called
On Sophistic Refutations in which he detailed the "
false reasoning" used by Sophists (from the Greek word for "
wisdom") who would use invalid logic to convince others of ideas to make money for themselves. In English, "
sophistic" logic or "
false reasoning" is "
sophistry".
One of the many types of invalid logic detailed by Aristotle was "
eristic" reasoning. Paul uses that word often but it is often translated, without the "
bad logic" connection, as "
strife"
3. Substance and quality
Aristotle writes: (underlining added).
Greek: Τὸ γὰρ ψευδῆ ἢ ἀληθῆ λόγον ἢ δόξαν εἶναι οὐ τόδε ἀλλὰ τοιόνδε σημαίνει· ὁ γὰρ αὐτὸς λόγος καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς δόξης.
English: No, for the falsity or truth of a statement or opinion does not denote a substance but a quality; for the same account applies to an opinion as to a statement. Loeb #400, p. 115.
The Greek word for "opinion" is "glory" as in the "doxology".
The Greek word for "statement" is "logos" as in "rational explanation".
The Sophistic argument Aristotle is showing (omitted) is interesting but not important here. Only the meanings of the words are important here.
4. Substance and quality
Aristotle writes: (underlining added).
Greek:
Τὸ γὰρ ψευδῆ ἢ ἀληθῆ λόγον ἢ δόξαν εἶναι οὐ τόδε ἀλλὰ τοιόνδε σημαίνει· …
English:
No, for the falsity or truth of a statement or opinion does not denote a substance but a quality; … Loeb #400, p. 115.
"τόδε" ≈ "hither, therefore" as in "this" in a concrete way.
"τοιόσδε" ≈ "of this sort or kind" as in "that" in an abstract way.
Here we are interested in the latter abstract "
such that" word. This word, and inflections, appears many times in the
GNT and forms the idea of an abstraction.
5. Abstraction
To
abstract is to
take away from the essentials and thereby to ignore certain differences.
The
similarity is what is the same. The
difference is what is different.
Human brains are built for complex abstraction.
The Latin word
"abstractus" ≈ "take away from". In abstract art, something is taken away, something remains, one needs to then interpret what is meant or intended.
6. Strongs - such kind
- *G5108 *57 τοιοῦτος (toy-oo'-tos) : (including the other inflections); from G5104 and G3778; truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality):--like, such (an one).
- τοιαυτα *9
- Mark 7:13 ... ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
- Luke 9:9 ... whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
- John 9:16 ... a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was ...
- Acts 19:25 ... with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know ...
- Romans 1:32 ... that they which commit such things are worthy of death, ...
- Romans 2:2 ... truth against them which commit such things.
- Romans 2:3 ... man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, ...
- Galatians 5:21 ... you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit ...
- Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
- τοιαυτην *6
- Matthew 9:8 ... glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
- Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them ...
- 1 Corinthians 11:16 ... we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
- 2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ ...
- 2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
- Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners ...
- τοιουτον *6
- Acts 22:22 ... voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for ...
- 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, ...
- 2 Corinthians 12:2 ... tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
- 2 Corinthians 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in ...
- Galatians 6:1 ... which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; ...
- Hebrews 8:1 ... the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set ...
- τοιουτοι *6
- Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord ...
- 1 Corinthians 7:28 ... not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: ...
- 1 Corinthians 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
- 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves ...
- τοιουτων *5
- Matthew 19:14 ... unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
- Mark 10:14 ... them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
- Luke 18:16 ... them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
- Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
- Ephesians 5:27 ... wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be ...
- τοιουτους *5
- John 4:23 ... for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
- Acts 26:29 ... almost, and altogether such as I am, ...
- 1 Corinthians 16:18 ... therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
- Philippians 2:29 ... gladness; and hold such in reputation:
- 3 John 1:8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
- τοιουτος *5
- 2 Corinthians 2:7 ... him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
- 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
- Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, ...
- Philemon 1:9 ... rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, ...
- Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, ...
- τοιαυτη *3
- Mark 13:19 ... affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation ...
- 1 Corinthians 5:1 ... among you, and such fornication as is not so much as ...
- James 4:16 ... your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
- τοιουτοις *3
- 1 Corinthians 7:15 ... not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called ...
- 1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that ...
- 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by ...
- τοιαυταις *2
- Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he ...
- Hebrews 13:16 ... forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- τοιαυτας *2
- John 8:5 ... commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what ...
- John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, ...
- τοιουτω *2
- 1 Corinthians 5:11 ... a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
- 2 Corinthians 2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
- τοιουτο
- Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my ...
- τοιαυται
- Mark 6:2 ... unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by ...
- τοιουτου
- 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself ...
7. Usage - such kind
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Words: τοιαυτα=9 τοιαυται τοιαυταις=2 τοιαυτας=2 τοιαυτη=3 τοιαυτην=6 τοιουτο τοιουτοι=6 τοιουτοις=3 τοιουτον=6 τοιουτος=5 τοιουτου τοιουτους=5 τοιουτω=2 τοιουτων=5
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8. Suffer the children
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀφίημι" ≈ "send forth, send away" and is the word often used by the
KJV for "
suffer". The word is often used for "
forgive" as in "
release from" and comes from two Greek words.
"απο" ≈ "from" as in a separating distance.
"ἵημι" ≈ "release, let go".
Is the "
kingdom of heaven" used here best described as the "
realm" of an "
idea", a "
way", an "
area" or "
people" (or something else)?
9. Kingdom of heaven
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
Mark 10:14 … Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ιδων δε ο ιησους ηγανακτησεν και ειπεν αυτοις αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
Luke 18:16 … Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους προσεκαλεσατο αυτα αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με και μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]
The "
such" indicates that this is an abstract pattern that has to do with the "
kingdom of heaven" which may not be the same as the "
kingdom of God".
10. Prevent
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"κωλύω" ≈ "hinder, prevent" and appears to be pre-Greek in origin.
11. Matthew 19:14
KJV: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Greek: ο δε ιησους ειπεν αφετε τα παιδια και μη κωλυετε αυτα ελθειν προς με των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων
12. Mark 10:14
KJV: But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Greek: ιδων δε ο ιησους ηγανακτησεν και ειπεν αυτοις αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με και μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου
13. Luke 18:16
KJV: But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Greek: ο δε ιησους προσκαλεσαμενος προσεκαλεσατο αυτα ειπεν λεγων αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθαι προς με και μη κωλυετε αυτα των γαρ τοιουτων εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου
14. Miracles
John 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. [kjv]
ελεγον ουν εκ των φαρισαιων τινες ουκ εστιν ουτος παρα θεου ο ανθρωπος οτι το σαββατον ου τηρει αλλοι δε ελεγον πως δυναται ανθρωπος αμαρτωλος τοιαυτα σημεια ποιειν και σχισμα ην εν αυτοις [gnt]
In an abstract way, the reference is to many miracles of various types not to one specific miracle.
15. Kudos for the glory of a Russian miracle
The Russian word
"чудо" (choo-da) ≈ "miracle". A connection has been made to the Greek word «
κυδος» meaning glory or fame, and from which we get the English word "
kudos". The Greek word «
κυδος» is used once in the
LXX (Septuagint).
Isaiah 14:25 That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. [kjv]
του απολεσαι τους ασσυριους απο της γης της εμης και απο των ορεων μου και εσονται εις καταπατημα και αφαιρεθησεται απ αυτων ο ζυγος αυτων και το κυδος αυτων απο των ωμων αφαιρεθησεται [lxx]
… montibus … onus … [v]
… Bergen… Bürde … [lu]
… горах … слава … [ocs]
… горах … бремя … [rus]
… montes … carga … [es]
Note that the word is in the singular but a back-formation has been mode in English to assuming that "
kudos" is plural and thus inferring a singular form of "
kudo".
16. John 9:16
KJV: Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
Greek: ελεγον ουν εκ των φαρισαιων τινες ουτος ο ανθρωπος ουκ εστιν ουτος παρα του θεου ο ανθρωπος οτι το σαββατον ου τηρει αλλοι δε ελεγον πως δυναται ανθρωπος αμαρτωλος τοιαυτα σημεια ποιειν και σχισμα ην εν αυτοις
17. Third heaven
2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. [kjv]
οιδα ανθρωπον εν χριστω προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων ειτε εν σωματι ουκ οιδα ειτε εκτος του σωματος ουκ οιδα ο θεος οιδεν αρπαγεντα τον τοιουτον εως τριτου ουρανου [gnt]
This in the verse that indicates that Paul had a gap of
14 years, during which time he could have learned a lot about what he would later write (e.g., Greek philosophy, etc.).
What is the target of the reference to "
such"? It is not clear what is the "
third heaven".
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
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18. Third heaven
2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. [kjv]
οιδα ανθρωπον εν χριστω προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων ειτε εν σωματι ουκ οιδα ειτε εκτος του σωματος ουκ οιδα ο θεος οιδεν αρπαγεντα τον τοιουτον εως τριτου ουρανου [gnt]
The "
caught up" is the word used elsewhere for "
rapture". Note that the Greek word order does not need to match the English word order.
19. 2 Corinthians 12:2
KJV: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
Greek: οιδα ανθρωπον εν χριστω προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων ειτε εν σωματι ουκ οιδα ειτε εκτος του σωματος ουκ οιδα ο θεος οιδεν αρπαγεντα τον τοιουτον εως τριτου ουρανου
20. Spot or wrinkle or such
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [kjv]
ινα παραστηση αυτος εαυτω ενδοξον την εκκλησιαν μη εχουσαν σπιλον η ρυτιδα η τι των τοιουτων αλλ ινα η αγια και αμωμος [gnt]
… maculam … rugam … aliquid eiusmodi … inmaculata [v]
Some people desire a complete list of what to do and what not to do. The example of a "
spot" or "
wrinkle" by Paul are examples of a larger set of attributes or traits or behaviors not to have. There are many. Paul only provides a few examples.
The Latin appears to need two words for this ideas. The Latin word
"aliquid" ≈ "somewhat, to some extent" and
"eiusmodi" ≈ "of this sort, kind, manner".
21. Ephesians 5:27
KJV: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Greek: ινα παραστηση αυτην αυτος εαυτω ενδοξον την εκκλησιαν μη εχουσαν σπιλον η ρυτιδα η τι των τοιουτων αλλ ινα η αγια και αμωμος
Latin: ut exhiberet ipse sibi gloriosam ecclesiam non habentem maculam aut rugam aut aliquid eiusmodi sed ut sit sancta et inmaculata
22. Abstraction with algebra
Algebra can be used to abstract from a potentially infinite number of possibilities to a finite representation of those possibilities. Consider the following pattern.
| Abstraction |
| f(0) = 2*0+1 = 1 |
f(4) = 2*4+1 = 9 |
f(8) = 2*8+1 = 17 |
| f(1) = 2*1+1 = 3 |
f(5) = 2*5+1 = 11 |
f(9) = 2*9+1 = 19 |
| f(2) = 2*2+1 = 5 |
f(6) = 2*6+1 = 13 |
f(10) = 2*10+1 = 21 |
| f(3) = 2*3+1 = 7 |
f(7) = 2*7+1 = 15 |
... |
Many students have trouble abstracting the above to the following function.
f(x) = 2*x+1
23. Snoopy and Woodstock
Text: from Peanuts cartoon of March 23, 1990, by Charles Schultz. Snoopy is talking to Woodstock, who says nothing.
SNOOPY: And sometimes when a rabbit is frightened, it will sit very still like this so no one will see it...
SNOOPY: Of course you can still see me! I was just giving an example!!
SNOOPY: You can't explain anything to a bird!
Many people have trouble with abstraction - looking at similarities and ignoring differences. If they think not, try having them write a small computer program that requires abstraction. Many professional programmers have problems making appropriate abstractions.
24. Philippians 2:15
Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [kjv]
ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμα μεσον γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω [gnt]
The Greek for "
sons" is "
children" (gender unspecified).
The Greek for "blameless" is "without spots".
The Greek for "harmless" is "without horns".
25. Such in reputation
Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: [kjv]
προσδεχεσθε ουν αυτον εν κυριω μετα πασης χαρας και τους τοιουτους εντιμους εχετε [gnt]
The behavior of that person is an example that others may have too.
26. Philippians 2:29
KJV: Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Greek: προσδεχεσθε ουν αυτον εν κυριω μετα πασης χαρας και τους τοιουτους εντιμους εχετε
27. Such parables
Mark 4:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. [kjv]
και τοιαυταις παραβολαις πολλαις ελαλει αυτοις τον λογον καθως ηδυναντο ακουειν [gnt]
What is a "
parable"? How does it differ from a "
proverb"?
Since the Greek for "
hear" assumes understanding what is heard, there were some who did not "
hear" with understanding. Why might this have been?
28. Mark 4:33
KJV: And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
Greek: και τοιαυταις παραβολαις πολλαις ελαλει αυτοις τον λογον καθως ηδυναντο ακουειν
29. End of page
