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John 3 Born from the beginnings
1. John 3 Born from the beginnings
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
The
GNT (Greek New Testament) uses the phrase that means "
born from above" or "
born from the beginning". This was changed to "
born again" from the Latin word
"denuo" ≈ "anew, again". Which is it? The Greek for "
born" is that of "
coming into existence". Does that make a difference?
☐ 1. "
again"
☐ 2. "
from above"
☐ 3. "
from the beginning"
2. John 3:3
KJV: Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.
Greek: απεκριθη ο ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου
Latin: respondit Iesus et dixit ei amen amen dico tibi nisi quis natus fuerit denuo non potest videre regnum Dei
3. BASH as the Bourne again shell
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
The original UNIX shell program (command line interface) was not the best. In the 1980's, a person named
Bourne wrote a much better shell program.
President Jimmy Carter (1976-1980) was known as a "
Born again Christian" - often defined as someone who has had a dramatic transformation in their life.
A play on words was made on Bourne's dramatic improvement of the UNIX shell program as a "
Bourne Again Shell", now known as
Bash or
BASH.
4. Genesis of birth
The corresponding ancient Greek word
"γέννησις" ≈ "producing, beginning, birth"and is the source of the English word
"genesis" and the name of the book of "
Genesis" from the ancient Greek word
"γένεσις" ≈ "origin, source, manner of birth, creation".
The ancient Greek word
"γίγνομαι" ≈ "come into being". The context may indicated being born, being produced, taking place, etc.
The Latin
"nativitas" ≈ "birth, nativity". From this we get "
native", "
nativity", "
naive", etc.
5. Aristotle and coming to be
Aristotle uses the Greek word for "
coming to be" or "
birth" many times in his works. One of Aristotle's works is the ancient Greek word
"Περὶ γενέσεως καὶ φθορᾶς" ≈ "On the coming to be and passing away" (of the universe).
English: ... for coming-to-be and passing-away occur when things come together and are dissolved. Loeb #400, p. 166.
Greek: συνιόντων γὰρ καὶ διαλυομένων ἡ γένεσις συμβαίνει καὶ ἡ φθορά. [314b]
Aristotle uses a Greek word for "
dissolving" that is
not the Greek word translated as "
dissolve" in the
GNT.
Jesus says that he did not come to "dissolve the law" (incorrect translation).
Jesus says that he did not come to "reside in the law" (correct translation). He came to "reside" with sinners such as Zacchaeus (same Greek word).
6. Strongs - from above
- *G509 *13 ἄνωθεν (an'-o-then) : from G507; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew:--from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.
- ανωθεν *13
- Matthew 27:51 ... in twain from the top to the bottom; and ...
- Mark 15:38 ... in twain from the top to the bottom.
- Luke 1:3 ... perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, ...
- John 3:3 ... Except a man be born again, he can not see ...
- John 3:7 ... Ye must be born again.
- John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is ...
- John 19:11 ... it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered ...
- John 19:23 ... without seam, woven from the top throughout.
- Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, ...
- Galatians 4:9 ... elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
- James 1:17 ... perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father ...
- James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then ...
7. Usage - from above
8. Strongs - above
- *G1883 *18 ἐπάνω (ep-an'-o) : from G1909 and G507; up above, i.e. over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.):--above, more than, (up-)on, over.
- επανω *18
- Matthew 2:9 ... till it came and stood over where the young child was.
- Matthew 5:14 ... of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
- Matthew 21:7 ... and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
- Matthew 23:18 ... sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
- Matthew 23:20 ... and by all things thereon.
- Matthew 23:22 ... and by him that sitteth thereon.
- Matthew 27:37 And set up over his head his ...
- Matthew 28:2 ... the door, and sat upon it.
- Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and ...
- Luke 4:39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; ...
- Luke 10:19 ... unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, ...
- Luke 11:44 ... and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
- Luke 19:17 ... a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
- Luke 19:19 ... Be thou also over five cities.
- John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
- 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; ...
- Revelation 6:8 ... name that sat on him was Death, and ...
- Revelation 20:3 ... up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive ...
9. Usage - above
The ancient Greek word
"ἐπάνω" ≈ "above, higher than, more than" and comes from
"ἐπί" ≈ "on" and
"ἄνω" ≈ "upwards, above". The modern Greek word
"πάνω" (PA-no) ≈ "above, on".
*G1883 *18 ἐπάνω (ep-an'-o) : from G1909 and G507; up above, i.e. over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.):--above, more than, (up-)on, over.
 |
Words: επανω=18
|
John uses this word for "
above" in the same verse as the word translated as "
again" (below).
10. Usage - again
The ancient Greek word
"πάλιν" ≈ "again, once more" and can mean "
back in time" and is related to the ancient Greek word
"παλιά" ≈ "old". The modern Greek word
"πάλιν" (PA-leen) ≈ "again".
*G3823 *1 πάλη (pal'-ay) : from pallo (to vibrate; another form for G906); wrestling:--+ wrestle.
*G3825 *139 πάλιν (pal'-in) : probably from the same as G3823 πάλη (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand:--again.
 |
Words: παλη παλιν=141
|
John uses this word for "
again" in
47 verses.
11. Greek words with similar meanings
*G1883 *18 ἐπάνω (ep-an'-o) : from G1909 and G507; up above, i.e. over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.):--above, more than, (up-)on, over.
*G3825 *139 πάλιν (pal'-in) : probably from the same as G3823 (through the idea of oscillatory repetition); (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand:--again.
*G509 *13 ἄνωθεν (an'-o-then) : from G507; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew:--from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.
Note how Strongs forces the "
again" meaning since that was the meaning decided in John 3:3 from the Latin translation. The word is used thirteen times in the
GNT.The meaning of "
again" is only found in the
GNT translations and only in John 3 (two of three usages).
12. False dilemma
1 False dilemma 1
2 False dilemma 2
3 False dilemma 3
4 False dilemma 4
A "
false dilemma" is a logical fallacy whereby only a few of all possible choices are presented as being "
collectively exhaustive". In some cases, the choices presented are not "
mutually exclusive".
13. False dilemma
The general question to be asked of each usage of the word is the following.
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
Some discussions (e.g., Wikipedia) present a "
false dilemma", as a specific form of "
framing", whereby only "
above" and "
again" are presented. In many cases, the "
from the beginning" fits better but that idea is not presented nor discussed. And there may be other possible meanings.
14. Again - from the beginning
Can you do something "
again" if that something is
not the same? To do something "
again" means that part of what is being done is the same.
Can one "
search again" as in "
research" as in doing it "
again" for the "
first time"? How about "
research" it "
from the beginning"?
The famous line remembered from the movie Casablanca is "
Play it again, Sam". That line is never said. Bergman says, "
Play it once, Sam, for old times sake". When Sam does nothing, she says "
Play it, Sam! Play 'As time goes by'.".
Bergman said, essentially, "
play it from the beginning". It is not uncommon to remember or think "
play it again" when that was not actually said.
15. From the top
The idiom of "
from the beginning" is in English as taking something "
from the top". Interestingly,
Some call the "
top of town" the north-most part of town or the part of highest elevation. In Greek cities, the "
acropolis" became known as the highest part of the town. A temple was often built on this highest part of town.
Note: The Greek means the end point of a ridge but the meaning changed over time.
16. Working again
Consider the task of doing work for three days such as on a small building project.
Day 1: Set up and prepare for the work.
Day 2: Do the work.
Day 3: Take down and clean up.
Each day you are doing something different but, yet, with the same idea of "
work".
Day 1: Work.
Day 2: Work again.
Day 3: Work again.
Are you really doing the same thing "
again"? Not really. Part of it is the same and that is the way you might think and talk about it.
17. Born again
Consider the task of "
coming into being" in three periods of time.
Birth 1: Coming into being by physical birth of flesh and spirit.
Birth 2: Coming into being by spiritual birth of water (baptism and washing in the blood as a sword) and spirit (Holy Spirit as flame)
Birth 3: Coming into being in the Kingdom of God in the new heaven and earth with a new body.
One might say the following.
Birth 1: Born.
Birth 2: Born again.
Birth 3: Born again.
Are you really doing the same thing "
again"? Not really. Part of it is the same and that is the way you might think and talk about it.
18. Approach
We could approach this meaning in many ways.
☐ From the "
above".
☐ From the "
beginning". The English idiom "
from the top" has the meaning of "
from the beginning".
☐ Approach it "
again" even though we have not done it before.
John often writes in what computer scientists call a "
top down" or "
goal-directed" manner - "
from the end".
Let us look at how this word is used in the
LXX (Septuagint) and (thirteen times) in the
GNT , starting with the most obvious uses and continuing to the less obvious.
19. Genesis 6:16
In Genesis, God provides engineering plans for Noah to build the ark.
Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. [kjv]
επισυναγων ποιησεις την κιβωτον και εις πηχυν συντελεσεις αυτην ανωθεν την δε θυραν της κιβωτου ποιησεις εκ πλαγιων καταγαια διωροφα και τριωροφα ποιησεις αυτην [lxx]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
20. Genesis 6:16
KJV: A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
Hebrew: צהר תעשה לתבה ואל אמה תכלנה מלמעלה ופתח התבה בצדה תשים תחתים שנים ושלשים תעשה׃
Greek: επισυναγων ποιησεις την κιβωτον και εις πηχυν συντελεσεις αυτην ανωθεν την δε θυραν της κιβωτου ποιησεις εκ πλαγιων καταγαια διωροφα και τριωροφα ποιησεις αυτην
21. Exodus 25:21
In Exodus, God provides engineering plans to build the Ark of the Covenant.
Exodus 25:21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. [kjv]
και επιθησεις το ιλαστηριον επι την κιβωτον ανωθεν και εις την κιβωτον εμβαλεις τα μαρτυρια α αν δω σοι [lxx]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
22. Exodus 25:21
KJV: And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
Hebrew: ונתת את הכפרת על הארן מלמעלה ואל הארן תתן את העדת אשר אתן אליך׃
Greek: και επιθησεις το ιλαστηριον επι την κιβωτον ανωθεν και εις την κιβωτον εμβαλεις τα μαρτυρια α αν δω σοι
23. Job and Mark
Job 3:4 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it. [kjv]
η ημερα εκεινη ειη σκοτος και μη αναζητησαι αυτην ο κυριος ανωθεν μηδε ελθοι εις αυτην φεγγος [lxx]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1. again ☐ 2. from above ☐ 3. from the beginning
|
The ancient Greek for "light shine" used here became the modern Greek word for "moon".
|
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, [kjv]
αλλα εν εκειναις ταις ημεραις μετα την θλιψιν εκεινην ο ηλιος σκοτισθησεται και η σεληνη ου δωσει το φεγγος αυτης [gnt]
24. Mark 13:24
KJV: But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
Greek: αλλ αλλα εν εκειναις ταις ημεραις μετα την θλιψιν εκεινην ο ηλιος σκοτισθησεται και η σεληνη ου δωσει το φεγγος αυτης
25. Job 3:4
KJV: Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.
Hebrew: היום ההוא יהי חשך אל ידרשהו אלוה ממעל ואל תופע עליו נהרה׃
Greek: η ημερα εκεινη ειη σκοτος και μη αναζητησαι αυτην ο κυριος ανωθεν μηδε ελθοι εις αυτην φεγγος
26. Jeremiah 4:27-28
Jeremiah 4:27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. [kjv]
4:28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it. [kjv]
επι τουτοις πενθειτω η γη και συσκοτασατω ο ουρανος ανωθεν διοτι ελαλησα και ου μετανοησω ωρμησα και ουκ αποστρεψω απ αυτης [lxx]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
The
KJV (King James Version) uses
"repent". How could God
"repent" when he knows everything?
The literal Greek meaning is that of
"think after" as in an
"after thought".
God will
not "think after" nor have an
"after thought" on this matter. The Greek
"turn back" is that of
"turn away" (with some distance).
27. Jeremiah 4:27
KJV: For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.
Hebrew: כי כה אמר יהוה שממה תהיה כל הארץ וכלה לא אעשה׃
Greek: ταδε λεγει κυριος ερημος εσται πασα η γη συντελειαν δε ου μη ποιησω
28. Jeremiah 4:28
KJV: For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.
Hebrew: על זאת תאבל הארץ וקדרו השמים ממעל על כי דברתי זמתי ולא נחמתי ולא אשוב ממנה׃
Greek: επι τουτοις πενθειτω η γη και συσκοτασατω ο ουρανος ανωθεν διοτι ελαλησα και ου μετανοησω ωρμησα και ουκ αποστρεψω απ αυτης
Brenton: For these things let the earth mourn, and let the sky be dark above: for I have spoken, and I will not repent; I have purposed, and I will not turn back from it.
29. James 1:17
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [kjv]
πασα δοσις αγαθη και παν δωρημα τελειον ανωθεν εστιν καταβαινον απο του πατρος των φωτων παρ ω ουκ ενι παραλλαγη η τροπης αποσκιασμα [gnt]
James provides enough redundancy that the meaning is easier to determine.
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
30. James 1:17
KJV: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Greek: πασα δοσις αγαθη και παν δωρημα τελειον ανωθεν εστιν καταβαινον απο του πατρος των φωτων παρ ω ουκ ενι παραλλαγη η τροπης αποσκιασμα
31. James 3:15,17
James uses the word twice in three verses.
James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [kjv]
ουκ εστιν αυτη η σοφια ανωθεν κατερχομενη αλλα επιγειος ψυχικη δαιμονιωδης [gnt]
3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [kjv]
η δε ανωθεν σοφια πρωτον μεν αγνη εστιν επειτα ειρηνικη επιεικης ευπειθης μεστη ελεους και καρπων αγαθων αδιακριτος ανυποκριτος [gnt]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
32. James 3:15
KJV: This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Greek: ουκ εστιν αυτη η σοφια ανωθεν κατερχομενη αλλ αλλα επιγειος ψυχικη δαιμονιωδης
33. James 3:17
KJV: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Greek: η δε ανωθεν σοφια πρωτον μεν αγνη εστιν επειτα ειρηνικη επιεικης ευπειθης μεστη ελεους και καρπων αγαθων αδιακριτος και ανυποκριτος
34. James 3:16
The verse between 15 and 17 is interesting.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [kjv]
οπου γαρ ζηλος και εριθεια εκει ακαταστασια και παν φαυλον πραγμα [gnt]
The Greek translated as "
envy" is that of "
zeal" and competing against someone else for the same goal. The Greek translated as "
strife" is that of using bad or contentious or "
eristic" (the Greek word used) logic - usually as part of competing with others for the same goal.
The Greek translated as "
confusion" is the word Paul uses in contrast to the "
peace" of Jesus. The Greek translated as "
evil" is not the usual word for "
evil" but is the ancient Greek word
"φαῦλος" ≈ "trivial, petty, careless".
35. James 3:16
KJV: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Greek: οπου γαρ ζηλος και εριθεια εκει ακαταστασια και παν φαυλον πραγμα
36. James 3:15-17 Fit together
James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [kjv]
ουκ εστιν αυτη η σοφια ανωθεν κατερχομενη αλλα επιγειος ψυχικη δαιμονιωδης [gnt]
3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [kjv]
οπου γαρ ζηλος και εριθεια εκει ακαταστασια και παν φαυλον πραγμα [gnt]
3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [kjv]
η δε ανωθεν σοφια πρωτον μεν αγνη εστιν επειτα ειρηνικη επιεικης ευπειθης μεστη ελεους και καρπων αγαθων αδιακριτος ανυποκριτος [gnt]
How well does verse 16 fit with the verse before and the verse after?
37. Matthew and Mark
38. Matthew 27:51
KJV: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Greek: και ιδου το καταπετασμα του ναου εσχισθη εις δυο απο απ ανωθεν εως κατω εις δυο και η γη εσεισθη και αι πετραι εσχισθησαν
39. Mark 15:38
KJV: And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
Greek: και το καταπετασμα του ναου εσχισθη εις δυο απο απ ανωθεν εως κατω
40. John 19:23
John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. [kjv]
οι ουν στρατιωται οτε εσταυρωσαν τον ιησουν ελαβον τα ιματια αυτου και εποιησαν τεσσαρα μερη εκαστω στρατιωτη μερος και τον χιτωνα ην δε ο χιτων αραφος εκ των ανωθεν υφαντος δι ολου [gnt]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
41. John 19:23
KJV: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
Greek: οι ουν στρατιωται οτε εσταυρωσαν τον ιησουν ελαβον τα ιματια αυτου και εποιησαν τεσσαρα μερη εκαστω στρατιωτη μερος και τον χιτωνα ην δε ο χιτων αρραφος αραφος εκ των ανωθεν υφαντος δι ολου
42. Galatians 4:9
Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [kjv]
νυν δε γνοντες θεον μαλλον δε γνωσθεντες υπο θεου πως επιστρεφετε παλιν επι τα ασθενη και πτωχα στοιχεια οις παλιν ανωθεν δουλευσαι θελετε [gnt]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
If Paul meant for the word "
from above" or "
from the beginning" to mean "
again", why did Paul not use the usual Greek word for "
again" which Paul uses in this verse!
The ancient Greek word
"πάλιν" ≈ "again, once more" and can mean "
back in time" and is related to the ancient Greek word
"παλιά" ≈ "old".
43. Galatians 4:9
KJV: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Greek: νυν δε γνοντες θεον μαλλον δε γνωσθεντες υπο θεου πως επιστρεφετε παλιν επι τα ασθενη και πτωχα στοιχεια οις παλιν ανωθεν δουλευειν δουλευσαι θελετε
44. John 19:10-11
John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? [kjv]
λεγει ουν αυτω ο πιλατος εμοι ου λαλεις ουκ οιδας οτι εξουσιαν εχω απολυσαι σε και εξουσιαν εχω σταυρωσαι σε [gnt]
19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. [kjv]
απεκριθη αυτω ιησους ουκ ειχες εξουσιαν κατ εμου ουδεμιαν ει μη ην δεδομενον σοι ανωθεν δια τουτο ο παραδους με σοι μειζονα αμαρτιαν εχει [gnt]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
45. John 19:10
KJV: Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
Greek: λεγει ουν αυτω ο πιλατος εμοι ου λαλεις ουκ οιδας οτι εξουσιαν εχω σταυρωσαι απολυσαι σε και εξουσιαν εχω απολυσαι σταυρωσαι σε
46. John 19:11
KJV: Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Greek: απεκριθη ο αυτω ιησους ουκ ειχες εξουσιαν ουδεμιαν κατ εμου ουδεμιαν ει μη ην σοι δεδομενον σοι ανωθεν δια τουτο ο παραδιδους παραδους με σοι μειζονα αμαρτιαν εχει
47. Luke 1:3
Luke is writing.
Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, [kjv]
εδοξεν καμοι παρηκολουθηκοτι ανωθεν πασιν ακριβως καθεξης σοι γραψαι κρατιστε θεοφιλε [gnt]
In English, the idiom "
from the top" means "
from the beginning".
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
48. Luke 1:3
KJV: It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Greek: εδοξεν καμοι παρηκολουθηκοτι ανωθεν πασιν ακριβως καθεξης σοι γραψαι κρατιστε θεοφιλε
49. Acts 26:5-6
Paul is speaking/writing.
Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [kjv]
προγινωσκοντες με ανωθεν εαν θελωσιν μαρτυρειν οτι κατα την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν της ημετερας θρησκειας εζησα φαρισαιος [gnt]
26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: [kjv]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
50. Acts 26:5
KJV: Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Greek: προγινωσκοντες με ανωθεν εαν θελωσιν μαρτυρειν οτι κατα την ακριβεστατην αιρεσιν της ημετερας θρησκειας εζησα φαρισαιος
51. Acts 26:6
KJV: And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Greek: και νυν επ ελπιδι της προς εις τους πατερας ημων επαγγελιας γενομενης υπο του θεου εστηκα κρινομενος
52. John
John uses the word three times in John 3 where Jesus is talking to Nicodemus. The last of these is verse 31.
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. [kjv]
ο ανωθεν ερχομενος επανω παντων εστιν ο ων εκ της γης εκ της γης εστιν και εκ της γης λαλει ο εκ του ουρανου ερχομενος επανω παντων εστιν [gnt]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
The ancient Greek word
"ἐπάνω" ≈ "above, higher than, more than" and comes from the ancient Greek word
"ἐπί" ≈ "on" and the ancient Greek word
"ἄνω" ≈ "upwards, above".
53. John 3:31
KJV: He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Greek: ο ανωθεν ερχομενος επανω παντων εστιν ο ων εκ της γης εκ της γης εστιν και εκ της γης λαλει ο εκ του ουρανου ερχομενος επανω παντων εστιν
54. John 3:1-2
Let us return to the beginning of John 3 for context. Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, comes to Jesus at night, to avoid attracting attention. This is an interesting "
Nic at night" episode.
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [kjv]
ην δε ανθρωπος εκ των φαρισαιων νικοδημος ονομα αυτω αρχων των ιουδαιων [gnt]
3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [kjv]
ουτος ηλθεν προς αυτον νυκτος και ειπεν αυτω ραββι οιδαμεν οτι απο θεου εληλυθας διδασκαλος ουδεις γαρ δυναται ταυτα τα σημεια ποιειν α συ ποιεις εαν μη η ο θεος μετ αυτου [gnt]
It appears that John received inside information from Nicodemus since only Jesus and Nicodemus were present. Later, John reports what happened at a meeting of the religious establishment where Nicodemus was present.
55. John 3:1
KJV: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Greek: ην δε ανθρωπος εκ των φαρισαιων νικοδημος ονομα αυτω αρχων των ιουδαιων
56. John 3:2
KJV: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Greek: ουτος ηλθεν προς τον ιησουν αυτον νυκτος και ειπεν αυτω ραββι οιδαμεν οτι απο θεου εληλυθας διδασκαλος ουδεις γαρ δυναται ταυτα τα σημεια δυναται ποιειν α συ ποιεις εαν μη η ο θεος μετ αυτου
57. John 3:3,7
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
… natus … denuo … videre … [v]
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [kjv]
μη θαυμασης οτι ειπον σοι δει υμας γεννηθηναι ανωθεν [gnt]
… mireris … nasci denuo [v]
Which meanings fit? Which meaning fits the best?
☐ 1.
again ☐ 2.
from above ☐ 3.
from the beginning
58. Greek and Latin
59. Ancient and modern Greek
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
… natus … denuo … videre … [v]
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [kjv]
μη θαυμασης οτι ειπον σοι δει υμας γεννηθηναι ανωθεν [gnt]
… mireris … nasci denuo [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ἄνωθεν" ≈ "from above" and comes from
"ἄνω" ≈ "upwards, above". The modern Greek word
"άνωθεν" (A-no-thehn) ≈ "from above". This has not changed since ancient times.
Some modern Greek translations follow the English translation and use the (ancient and) modern Greek word
"ξανά" (ksa-NA) ≈ "again" rather then the modern Greek word
"άνωθεν" (A-no-thehn) ≈ "from above".
60. Idioms and meaning
Some will use the "
idiom excuse" and explain a different meaning, when the original meaning fits, as an "
idiom".
In understanding the meaning of the
GNT, one will often hear about the difference between Classic Greek and the Koine Greek spoken at the time of Jesus and how they are different.
Some differences are explained away by calling the phrase or word an "
idiom". Idioms have their place in every language.
However, when the Classic Greek definition of a word fits the context of the
GNT better than, say, any idiom might, the ancient Greek meaning of the word might be the appropriate meaning.
Some will use the "
idiot" excuse, I mean the "
idiom" excuse, to explain away the meaning they want the word to have rather than searching, in the context of the text, the meaning it most likely has.
61. See with understanding
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
… natus … denuo … videre … [v]
The Greek for "
see" means to "
see with understanding". However, this does not say that one will "
enter into" the "
kingdom of God". That comes two verses later (below). For now, consider the 6th Beatitude.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι καθαροι τη καρδια οτι αυτοι τον θεον οψονται [gnt]
Is there a difference between seeing (different words) the "
kingdom of God" and seeing "
God"?
62. Matthew 5:8
KJV: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Greek: μακαριοι οι καθαροι τη καρδια οτι αυτοι τον θεον οψονται
63. John 3:5
KJV: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God.
Greek: απεκριθη ο ιησους αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη εξ υδατος και πνευματος ου δυναται εισελθειν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου
64. Water and spirit
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ο ιησους αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη εξ υδατος και πνευματος ου δυναται εισελθειν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
Why might John say that one needs to be born of both "
water" and "
spirit"? It appears that both "
water" and "
spirit" are required to "
enter into" the "
Kingdom of God".
The symbolic "
sword" brought (thrown) by Jesus appears to represent the water used (thrown) at the Last Supper in the foot washing and is the "
sword" part of the "
flaming sword". The "
wiping" represents "
washed in the blood".
The Holy Spirit appears to be symbolic of the "
flame" part of the "
flaming sword".
65. Model of the kingdoms and births
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
1 Kingdoms 1
2 Kingdoms 2
3 Kingdoms 3
4 Kingdoms 4
5 Kingdoms 5
Four parts: "
earth", "
air", "
fire", "
water".
The "
ask", "
seek", "
knock" sequence is part of the "
flame" and "
sword" progression.
66. Details
Put the Kingdom of God outside of space and time and (since the fall) includes the "tree of life". The creation is inside space and time.
The "flaming sword" both protects and keeps the way open.
The "Kingdom of Earth" is for those "of the world".
The "Kingdom of Heaven" is for those "in the world".
The "flaming sword" is provided by Jesus who "throws" the "sword". The Holy Spirit provides the "flame".
Birth#3 is the regeneration or in-processing into the Kingdom of God.
67. 1 John 5:8
1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [kjv]
το πνευμα και το υδωρ και το αιμα και οι τρεις εις το εν εισιν [gnt]
68. 1 John 5:8
KJV: And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Greek: και τρεις εισιν οι μαρτυρουντες εν τη γη το πνευμα το πνευμα και το υδωρ και το αιμα και οι τρεις εις το εν εισιν
69. John 3:6-7
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [kjv]
το γεγεννημενον εκ της σαρκος σαρξ εστιν και το γεγεννημενον εκ του πνευματος πνευμα εστιν [gnt]
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [kjv]
μη θαυμασης οτι ειπον σοι δει υμας γεννηθηναι ανωθεν [gnt]
… mireris … nasci denuo [v]
70. John 3:6
KJV: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Greek: το γεγεννημενον εκ της σαρκος σαρξ εστιν και το γεγεννημενον εκ του πνευματος πνευμα εστιν
71. John 3:7
KJV: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Greek: μη θαυμασης οτι ειπον σοι δει υμας γεννηθηναι ανωθεν
Latin: non mireris quia dixi tibi oportet vos nasci denuo
72. Wind of the Spirit
In the context of being "
born again" or "
born from above" or "
born from the beginning", Jesus tells Nicodemus the following.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. [kjv]
το πνευμα οπου θελει πνει και την φωνην αυτου ακουεις αλλ ουκ οιδας ποθεν ερχεται και που υπαγει ουτως εστιν πας ο γεγεννημενος εκ του πνευματος [gnt]
Paraphrase:
The spirit speaks to who it desires, and those hear with understanding what the voice (light into the mind) says. They cannot determine from where it came or to where it is going. So is everyone who is born (comes into being) of the Spirit.
The "
spirit" or "
message" can "
request" or "
ask" whoever it "
desires". When this "
message" "
asks", one may need a "
loan".
73. John 3:8
KJV: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Greek: το πνευμα οπου θελει πνει και την φωνην αυτου ακουεις αλλ ουκ οιδας ποθεν ερχεται και που υπαγει ουτως εστιν πας ο γεγεννημενος εκ του πνευματος
74. Mighty breath
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [kjv]
και εγενετο αφνω εκ του ουρανου ηχος ωσπερ φερομενης πνοης βιαιας και επληρωσεν ολον τον οικον ου ησαν καθημενοι [gnt]
The "
sound" might be more accurately described as a "
voice". The "
rushing mighty wind" might be more accurately described as a "
forceful breath".
Paraphrase::
The Spirit speaks to selected believers and they hear and tell others what they have heard. Some listeners hear as if in their own language. Some do not hear at all. Those speakers (who speak) and listeners (who understand) appear to have been born (come into being) of the Spirit.
The
speaking and
listening appears to go much deeper than a superficial
speaking in some arbitrary
language.
75. Mighty breath
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [kjv]
και εγενετο αφνω εκ του ουρανου ηχος ωσπερ φερομενης πνοης βιαιας και επληρωσεν ολον τον οικον ου ησαν καθημενοι [gnt]
The "
mighty" is the same word used by Jesus to describe those who try to "
take" or "
rapture" (
harpoon) the "
Kingdom of Heaven" by "
force" or "
might" in Matthew 11:12.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]
απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]
76. Strongs - blow
- *G4154 *7 πνέω (pneh'-o) : a primary word; to breathe hard, i.e. breeze:--blow. Compare G5594.
- επνευσαν *2
- Matthew 7:25 ... came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that ...
- Matthew 7:27 ... came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that ...
- πνεοντα
- Luke 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; ...
- πνει
- John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest ...
- πνεοντος
- John 6:18 ... arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
- πνεουση
- Acts 27:40 ... and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
- πνεη
- Revelation 7:1 ... that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor ...
- *G4157 *2 πνοή (pno-ay') : from G4154 πνέω; respiration, a breeze:--breath, wind.
- πνοης
- Acts 2:2 ... as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all ...
- πνοην
- Acts 17:25 ... to all life, and breath, and all things;
77. Usage - blow
*G4154 *7 πνέω (pneh'-o) : a primary word; to breathe hard, i.e. breeze:--blow. Compare G5594.
*G4157 *2 πνοή (pno-ay') : from G4154 πνέω; respiration, a breeze:--breath, wind.
 |
Words: επνευσαν=2 πνεη πνει πνεοντα πνεοντος πνεουση πνοην πνοης
|
The same "
blow" or "
breath" is in John 3:8 with Nicodemus and Acts 2:2 at Pentecost. The word
can mean "
wind" but usually in the sense of the gods providing a good "
wind". There is another Greek word that means "
wind" and John uses it elsewhere.
78. Wind and animals
79. Diagram
80. Wind
Can we tell where the "
wind bloweth" and from "
whence it cometh" and "
wither it goeth"?
Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravity. Newton's Laws let us determine exactly, via mathematical equations, how two bodies, such as the sun and earth, or earth and moon, interact and move due to gravity. However, mathematics has never solved the problem of how three or more bodies interact, such as sun, earth, and moon together.
81. Hearing a voice
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. [kjv]
ειπεν ουν αυτω ο πιλατος ουκουν βασιλευς ει συ απεκριθη ο ιησους συ λεγεις οτι βασιλευς ειμι εγω εις τουτο γεγεννημαι και εις τουτο εληλυθα εις τον κοσμον ινα μαρτυρησω τη αληθεια πας ο ων εκ της αληθειας ακουει μου της φωνης [gnt]
Throughout time, there are those who hear the message and have understanding. Jesus tells this to Pilate. The Greek for "
born" means to "
come into being" (in some form).
The Greek for "
hear" assumes understanding. The ancient Greek word
"φωνή" ≈ "voice" comes from the ancient Greek word
"φως" ≈ "light" and the ancient Greek word
"νους" ≈ "mind". That is, a "
sound" is "
light" into the "
mind".
82. John 18:37
KJV: Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Greek: ειπεν ουν αυτω ο πιλατος ουκουν βασιλευς ει συ απεκριθη ο ιησους συ λεγεις οτι βασιλευς ειμι εγω εγω εις τουτο γεγεννημαι και εις τουτο εληλυθα εις τον κοσμον ινα μαρτυρησω τη αληθεια πας ο ων εκ της αληθειας ακουει μου της φωνης
Latin: dixit itaque ei Pilatus ergo rex es tu respondit Iesus tu dicis quia rex sum ego ego in hoc natus sum et ad hoc veni in mundum ut testimonium perhibeam veritati omnis qui est ex veritate audit meam vocem
83. Translation
Translation issues make the context and meaning of both John 3:8 (Nicodemus) and Acts 2:2 (Pentecost) more difficult to associate with each other.
Discuss: How might preconceptions and prejudices about "
free will" and "
predestination" have effected the translation of what Jesus tells Nicodemus and what happens at Pentecost?
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Details are left as a future topic.
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84. John 3:9
John 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? [kjv]
απεκριθη νικοδημος και ειπεν αυτω πως δυναται ταυτα γενεσθαι [gnt]
The Greek word translated as "
can" means "
having the potential" or "
possibility".
The Greek word translated as "
be" means "
come into existence" or "
come into being" and is the same Greek word used for "
born" as in "
born from above", "
born from the beginning" or, as appears to be mistranslated, "
born again".
85. John 3:9
KJV: Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Greek: απεκριθη νικοδημος και ειπεν αυτω πως δυναται ταυτα γενεσθαι
86. Jesus and expectations
John 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω συ ει ο διδασκαλος του ισραηλ και ταυτα ου γινωσκεις [gnt]
Paraphrased, Jesus is saying to a religious leader of his time, "
In your position as a teacher of the scriptures, you should know these things".
18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? [kjv]
απεκριθη αυτω ιησους ει κακως ελαλησα μαρτυρησον περι του κακου ει δε καλως τι με δερεις [gnt]
The word translated as "
evil" is the Greek word for "
bad" in contrast to "
good" or "
well".
87. John 3:10
KJV: Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Greek: απεκριθη ο ιησους και ειπεν αυτω συ ει ο διδασκαλος του ισραηλ και ταυτα ου γινωσκεις
88. John 18:23
KJV: Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Greek: απεκριθη αυτω ο ιησους ει κακως ελαλησα μαρτυρησον περι του κακου ει δε καλως τι με δερεις
89. John 3:11-12
John 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. [kjv]
3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? [kjv]
ει τα επιγεια ειπον υμιν και ου πιστευετε πως εαν ειπω υμιν τα επουρανια πιστευσετε [gnt]
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Earth: Inside of time and space. Inside the box.
Heaven: Outside of time and space. Outside the box.
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Peter says that the "
sure word" of prophecy is more important than being an "
eye witness". Jesus says much the same here.
90. John 3:11
KJV: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
Greek: αμην αμην λεγω σοι οτι ο οιδαμεν λαλουμεν και ο εωρακαμεν μαρτυρουμεν και την μαρτυριαν ημων ου λαμβανετε
91. John 3:12
KJV: If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Greek: ει τα επιγεια ειπον υμιν και ου πιστευετε πως εαν ειπω υμιν τα επουρανια πιστευσετε
92. John 3:13
John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. [kjv]
και ουδεις αναβεβηκεν εις τον ουρανον ει μη ο εκ του ουρανου καταβας ο υιος του ανθρωπου [gnt]
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Earth: Inside of time and space. Inside the box.
Heaven: Outside of time and space. Outside the box.
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Jesus now presents a prophecy from the
OT (Old Testament) to be fulfilled that will act as an authentication code that is "
more sure" than an "
eye witness".
93. John 3:13
KJV: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Greek: και ουδεις αναβεβηκεν εις τον ουρανον ει μη ο εκ του ουρανου καταβας ο υιος του ανθρωπου ο ων εν τω ουρανω
94. John 3:14-15 Context after
95. John 3:14
KJV: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Greek: και καθως μωσης μωυσης υψωσεν τον οφιν εν τη ερημω ουτως υψωθηναι δει τον υιον του ανθρωπου
96. John 3:15
KJV: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Greek: ινα πας ο πιστευων εις αυτον μη αποληται αλλ εν αυτω εχη ζωην αιωνιον
97. John 3:16-17 Context after
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [kjv]
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [kjv]
ου γαρ απεστειλεν ο θεος τον υιον εις τον κοσμον ινα κρινη τον κοσμον αλλ ινα σωθη ο κοσμος δι αυτου [gnt]
The word translated as "
condemn" in verse 17 is the Greek word for "
divide" or "
separate". Jesus did not come to "
separate", as in "
sheep" and (young) "
goats" in his first coming.
98. John 3:16
KJV: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Greek: ουτως γαρ ηγαπησεν ο θεος τον κοσμον ωστε τον υιον αυτου τον μονογενη εδωκεν ινα πας ο πιστευων εις αυτον μη αποληται αλλ αλλα εχη ζωην αιωνιον
99. John 3:17
KJV: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Greek: ου γαρ απεστειλεν ο θεος τον υιον αυτου εις τον κοσμον ινα κρινη τον κοσμον αλλ ινα σωθη ο κοσμος δι αυτου
100. Romans 8:1
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [kjv]
ουδεν αρα νυν κατακριμα τοις εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"νῦν" ≈ "now" and is related to the Latin word
"num" ≈ "now" and the English word
"now" and the German word
"nun" ≈ "now". The "
condemnation" is not "
now" but could be "
later" if one does not do what they are supposed to do. A different word "
judge" means to separate.
Might this help answer the question of "
once saved always saved"?
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Details are left as a future topic.
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101. Romans 8:1
KJV: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Greek: ουδεν αρα νυν κατακριμα τοις εν χριστω ιησου μη κατα σαρκα περιπατουσιν αλλα κατα πνευμα
102. Judging related Greek words
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. [kjv]
μη κρινετε ινα μη κριθητε [gnt]
Pilate has power to do all three parts. The only
"separation" in Matthew 7 is that of who is going through the "
narrow gate" (heaven) or remaining in the "
wide area" (hell).
103. Strongs - condemnation
- *G2631 *3 κατάκριμα (kat-ak'-ree-mah) : from G2632; an adverse sentence (the verdict):--condemnation.
- κατακριμα *3
- Romans 5:16 ... was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of ...
- Romans 5:18 ... all men to condemnation; even so by ...
- Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ ...
104. Usage - condemnation
*G2631 *3 κατάκριμα (kat-ak'-ree-mah) : from G2632; an adverse sentence (the verdict):--condemnation.
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Words: κατακριμα=3
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105. End of page
Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; [kjv]
και ιδου το καταπετασμα του ναου εσχισθη απ ανωθεν εως κατω εις δυο και η γη εσεισθη και αι πετραι εσχισθησαν [gnt]
Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. [kjv]
και το καταπετασμα του ναου εσχισθη εις δυο απ ανωθεν εως κατω [gnt]
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω αμην αμην λεγω σοι εαν μη τις γεννηθη ανωθεν ου δυναται ιδειν την βασιλειαν του θεου [gnt]
… natus … denuo … videre … [v]
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [kjv]
μη θαυμασης οτι ειπον σοι δει υμας γεννηθηναι ανωθεν [gnt]
… mireris … nasci denuo [v]
The Latin Vulgate starts the "word slide" with the Latin word "denuo" ≈ "anew, again". This continued through Luther German and English translations such as the KJV.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [kjv]
και καθως μωυσης υψωσεν τον οφιν εν τη ερημω ουτως υψωθηναι δει τον υιον του ανθρωπου [gnt]
3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [kjv]
In the desert, the people had only to look on the serpent on the pole to be saved. What must we do to be saved?
