Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

In mid-December of 2017, Pope Francis (Time Person of the Year in 2013) made headlines by stating that he wanted to revise the traditional translation of the Lord's Prayer.

Pope Francis suggested that the phrase "lead us not into temptation" should be changed to "do not let us fall into temptation" as a better translation of what Jesus actually said. More precisely, what is written in the original Greek text of the Gospels. The Pope did not suggest that the original words be changed, just the translation of those words.

Matthew 6:13

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KJV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Hebrew: ואל תביאנו לידי נסיון כי אם חלצנו מן הרע כי לך הממלכה והגבורה והתפארת לעולמי עולמים אמן׃

Greek: και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρουοτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην

Latin: et ne inducas nos in temptationem sed libera nos a malo

Luther: Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung, sondern erlöse uns von dem Übel. Denn dein ist das Reich und die Kraft und die Herrlichkeit in Ewigkeit. Amen.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

The four words important in the phrase "and lead is not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" of the Lord's Prayer are the following.

"lead" and "deliver" (verbs)
"temptation" and "evil" (nouns)

The verbs have nuances of meaning that fit the nouns better if the meaning of those nouns reflects the history and meaning of those words as often used at the time.

It then appears that the meaning, and warning, of the phrase was changed in a manner that the original phrase warned about. Let us investigate.

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

Let us look at the verbs first.

"lead" and "deliver" (verbs)
"temptation" and "evil" (nouns)

*G1533 *8 εἰσφέρω (ice-fer'-o) : from G1519 and G5342; to carry inward (literally or figuratively):--bring (in), lead into.

Usage

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εισενεγκης *2

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, ...
Luke 11:4 ... is indebted to us. And lead us not into ...

εισενεγκειν

Luke 5:18 ... and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay ...

εισενεγκωσιν

Luke 5:19 ... by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, ...

εισφερωσιν

Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, ...

εισφερεις

Acts 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ...

εισηνεγκαμεν

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain ...

εισφερεται

Hebrews 13:11 ... beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by ...

Words: εισενεγκειν εισενεγκης=2 εισενεγκωσιν εισηνεγκαμεν εισφερεις εισφερεται εισφερωσιν

The meaning of the Greek is to, literally, "carry into" or "bring into".

As we shall see, the meaning of "temptation" will be more of a logical mental activity than a physical activity. Thus, the nuance of the verb meaning becomes less important. As such, focusing too much on the meaning of this word is a "distractor" from the underlying importance of the phrase.

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. [kjv]

ειπεν δε προς αυτον ο ιησους ουδεις επιβαλων την χειρα επ αροτρον και βλεπων εις τα οπισω ευθετος εστιν τη βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]

In gymnastics, and other activities requiring balance (in-line skating, diving, etc.), the way one looks tends to be the way the body goes. Consider Lot looking towards Sodom. In NASCAR racing, where one looks while driving is important.

In psychology, it is assumed that attitude effects behavior. In such cases, the way one thinks and looks effects what one does. Thus the Greek for "repent" is that of "think after" what you are doing.

Thus, to change what one does, as in deception, it becomes important to (deceptively) change what one thinks. Thus, the correct attitude on things that otherwise "tempt" is important.

More: Change what you are doing

More: Think after what you heard and repent

*G4506 *17 ῥύομαι (rhoo'-om-ahee) : middle voice of an obsolete verb, akin to G4482 (through the idea of a current; compare G4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue:--deliver(-er).

Usage

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ρυσεται *4

Romans 7:24 ... man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body ...
2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom ...
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every ...

ερρυσατο *2

2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom ...
2 Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with ...

ερυσατο *2

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, ...
2 Timothy 3:11 ... out of them all the Lord delivered me.

ρυσαι

Matthew 6:13 ... into temptation, but deliver us from evil: ...

ρυσασθω

Matthew 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if ...

ρυσθεντας

Luke 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of ...

ρυομενος

Romans 11:26 ... There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness ...

ρυσθω

Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; ...

ρυομενον

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ... the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

ρυσθωμεν

2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and ...

ερυσθην

2 Timothy 4:17 ... the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

ρυεσθαι

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, ...

Words: ερρυσατο=2 ερυσατο=2 ερυσθην ρυεσθαι ρυομενον ρυομενος ρυσαι ρυσασθω ρυσεται=4 ρυσθεντας ρυσθω ρυσθωμεν

The idea of the Greek word is that of "flow" as in a "movement" from one place (not desired) to another place (desired).

Note that once a meaning is later assumed to be something other than what the meaning had at the time, that changed meaning is used from that time forward.

Thus, one should determine the meaning of the Greek words translated as "temptation" and "evil" before those meanings changed - both in other languages and even in the Greek language itself - as used, say, by the early church fathers.

The first place in Matthew that the Greek word for "tempt" or "temptation" is used in Matthew 4 where the devil "tempts" Jesus. The next place is in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. What is the connection?

Is it the "thing" which is used to "tempt"?
Is it the "way" in which one is "examined"?

The Greek translated as "tempt" is that of "examination". Aristotle has a more specific way in which the examination is undertaken when that examination is used to "deceive".

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"

More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention

More: Aristotle

On page 2, Schreiber elaborates on "peirastic" reasoning as distinguished by Aristotle.

... he (Aristotle) distinguishes another type of reasoning called "peirastic" (πειραστικός) or examinational reasoning. Peirastic proceeds from some belief of the person being examined. ... (1) it must be believed by the person being examined ... and (2) it need not be an endoxon (i.e., it may be an entirely idiosyncratic belief) ...

Aristotle's clarification of the word fits the "temptations" of Jesus in the Gospels. The ancient Greek word "πειράζω" ≈ "examine" and is often translated in the KJV (King James Version) as "tempt". The modern idea of the Greek "temptation" is that of an interview where one examines someone about things they know or believe they know.

More: Do not mention temptations nor attempt to be a pirate

More: Book: Aristotle on False Reasoning

Aristotle, in the 4th century BC, wrote a lot in the ancient Greek world. Of what survived, I have a two volume 2,500 page (of not big print) set of his works (in English). Aristotle wrote about philosophy, science, logic, language, etc.

Aristotle's works on logic, and how to misuse logic, and language, and how to use language to deceive, etc., are quite useful.

In many cases, what Aristotle writes provides ideas of how to look at Greek in the GNT (Greek New Testament). However, once studied, the patterns discovered tend to stand out by themselves and Aristotle falls out of the picture.

So, at no time is the argument that "Aristotle says ...". Rather, based on the ideas written by Aristotle, patterns matching those ideas appear in the GNT that then stand by themselves without Aristotle.

*G3985 *38 πειράζω (pi-rad'-zo) : from G3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:--assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.

Note how Strongs starts with the Greek definition of "examine" or "test" objectively, but then segues to the "tempt" definition that was adopted. This "tempt" meaning appears to have been adopted in later writings and to the present day.

In the verse references in the GNT, ask yourself the following. How does "examine" with the idea of using what one already knows or accepts in order to deceive fit each verse?

The ancient Greek word "πειρατής" ≈ "pirate" comes from the base the ancient Greek word "πεῖρα" ≈ "trial, experiment, attempt".
A pirate is someone who steals something that belongs to someone else. They are tempted by getting something easy without working for it at the expense of others - often using trickery.

Change the friendly flag to the pirate flag right before the attack.

Have you ever been tempted to be a pirate? Have you ever attempted to be a pirate? Don't mention it (it does not tempt me). Those ideas and concepts are related.

More: Do not mention temptations nor attempt to be a pirate

Let us look at the temptations of Jesus by the devil in Matthew. The Greek for "temptation" is that of "examination". Address the following questions.

What is the goal of the devil?
What is the method of the devil?
Is the temptation/examination the "thing" (health, wealth, power, etc.) being offered?
Is the temptation/examination the appearance of logic using the belief of the Jesus (in the scriptures)?
What lesson does that have for us?

From Aristotle's use of the word, the "examination" is an attempt to deceive by using the beliefs of the individual to the advantage of the questioner.

Thus, the "examination" by the "devil" is an attempt to deceive "Jesus" by using the beliefs of "Jesus" to the advantage of the "devil".

The English word "examine" comes from the Latin word "examinare" ≈ "weigh, consider, examine" from the Latin for "swarm of bees" and is related to the ancient Greek word "ᾰ̓́ξῐος" ≈ "weighing as much as, worthy".

At West Point, a written examination was traditionally called a "writ".

A "writ of habeas corpus" orders a custodian of an individual to produce that individual before the court.

In interviewing a job candidate in the field of, say, software engineering and programming, it may be hard to determine what the candidate knows.

One technique, which I have used (including how much progress a student has made) is to ask the candidate the following.

1. What programming language would you say is your best language?
2. Could you sketch out a simple program to do such and such?

That is, the candidate states what they think they know well. The questions are then directed to what they claim to know.

In an exam, some teachers require the student to do two things.

Answer the question.
Justify why that answer is correct.

Aristotle defines two requirements of a refutation of apparent but invalid logic.

Show that the logic and reasoning are not correct.
Show why that logic and reasoning appeared to be correct.

In the temptations of Jesus by the devil, the logic and reasoning appear to be correct if one verifies what the devil says as correct but does not verify the claim against the entire context of God's word. This is sometimes called "cherry picking".

More: Selective evidence fallacy: Cherry picking

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [kjv]

τοτε ο ιησους ανηχθη εις την ερημον υπο του πνευματος πειρασθηναι υπο του διαβολου [gnt]

… temptaretur … diabolo [v]

4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. [kjv]

English translations are influenced by the Latin word "tempto" ≈ "test, try".

Some people do not believe that the "devil" or "Satan" exist.

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 4:1

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KJV: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Greek: τοτε ο ιησους ανηχθη εις την ερημον υπο του πνευματος πειρασθηναι υπο του διαβολου

Matthew 4:2

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KJV: And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

Greek: και νηστευσας ημερας τεσσαρακοντα τεσσερακοντα και νυκτας τεσσαρακοντα τεσσερακοντα υστερον επεινασεν

*G3985 *38 πειράζω (pi-rad'-zo) : from G3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:--assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.

Usage

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πειραζοντες *6

Matthew 16:1 ... with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew ...
Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying ...
Mark 8:11 ... a sign from heaven, tempting him.
Mark 10:2 ... for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Luke 11:16 And others, tempting him, sought of him ...
John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, ...

πειραζων *4

Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If ...
Matthew 22:35 ... them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
John 6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself ...
1 Thessalonians 3:5 ... faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and ...

πειραζετε *4

Matthew 22:18 ... wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Mark 12:15 ... said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me ...
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke ...
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; ...

πειραζομενος *4

Mark 1:13 ... the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and ...
Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And ...
Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and ...
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: ...

πειρασθηναι *2

Matthew 4:1 ... the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ... not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; ...

πειρασαι *2

Acts 5:9 ... that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, ...
Revelation 3:10 ... upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

επειρασεν *2

Acts 24:6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom ...
1 Thessalonians 3:5 ... faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and ...

επειραζεν

Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed ...

επειραζον

Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: ...

πειραζη

1 Corinthians 7:5 ... again, that Satan tempt you not for ...

πειρασθης

Galatians 6:1 ... lest thou also be tempted.

πειρασθεις

Hebrews 2:18 ... himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

πειραζομενοις

Hebrews 2:18 ... himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

επειρασαν

Hebrews 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, ...

πεπειρασμενον

Hebrews 4:15 ... infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

επειρασθησαν

Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about ...

πειραζομαι

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: ...

πειραζει

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: ...

πειραζεται

James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own ...

επειρασας

Revelation 2:2 ... bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, ...

πειρασθητε

Revelation 2:10 ... into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ...

Words: επειραζεν επειραζον επειρασαν επειρασας επειρασεν=2 επειρασθησαν πειραζει πειραζεται πειραζετε=4 πειραζη πειραζομαι πειραζομενοις πειραζομενος=4 πειραζοντες=6 πειραζων=4 πειρασαι=2 πειρασθεις πειρασθηναι=2 πειρασθης πειρασθητε πεπειρασμενον

Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. [kjv]

και προσελθων ο πειραζων ειπεν αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου ινα οι λιθοι ουτοι αρτοι γενωνται [gnt]

… costnigend… hlafe … [wes]

4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν γεγραπται ουκ επ αρτω μονω ζησεται ο ανθρωπος αλλ επι παντι ρηματι εκπορευομενω δια στοματος θεου [gnt]

This as an offer of "wealth". The Old English word "costian" ≈ "try, prove, examine".

The devil quotes scripture. Jesus detects the deception and quotes back scripture. Context is important!

More: Selective evidence fallacy: Verse context matters

Matthew 4:3

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KJV: And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Greek: και προσελθων αυτω ο πειραζων ειπεν αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου ειπε ειπον ινα οι λιθοι ουτοι αρτοι γενωνται

Wessex: And þa geneahleahte se costnigend. & cwaeð. Gyf þu godes sune syo. cwaeð þaet þas stanes syen to hlafe gewordan.

Matthew 4:4

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KJV: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν γεγραπται ουκ επ αρτω μονω ζησεται ο ανθρωπος αλλ επι παντι ρηματι εκπορευομενω δια στοματος θεου

Matthew 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, [kjv]

4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου βαλε σεαυτον κατω γεγραπται γαρ οτι τοις αγγελοις αυτου εντελειται περι σου και επι χειρων αρουσιν σε μηποτε προσκοψης προς λιθον τον ποδα σου [gnt]

4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [kjv]

εφη αυτω ο ιησους παλιν γεγραπται ουκ εκπειρασεις κυριον τον θεον σου [gnt]

This as an offer of "health" as in "well-being". The devil quotes scripture (out of context), using peiristic (and deceptive) reasoning, which Jesus would accept. Jesus, however, detects the deception and quotes back more appropriate scripture.

Matthew 4:5

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KJV: Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Greek: τοτε παραλαμβανει αυτον ο διαβολος εις την αγιαν πολιν και ιστησιν εστησεν αυτον επι το πτερυγιον του ιερου

Matthew 4:6

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KJV: And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Greek: και λεγει αυτω ει υιος ει του θεου βαλε σεαυτον κατω γεγραπται γαρ οτι τοις αγγελοις αυτου εντελειται περι σου και επι χειρων αρουσιν σε μηποτε προσκοψης προς λιθον τον ποδα σου

Matthew 4:7

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KJV: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Greek: εφη αυτω ο ιησους παλιν γεγραπται ουκ εκπειρασεις κυριον τον θεον σου

Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; [kjv]

παλιν παραλαμβανει αυτον ο διαβολος εις ορος υψηλον λιαν και δεικνυσιν αυτω πασας τας βασιλειας του κοσμου και την δοξαν αυτων [gnt]

4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. [kjv]

4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [kjv]

τοτε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους υπαγε σατανα γεγραπται γαρ κυριον τον θεον σου προσκυνησεις και αυτω μονω λατρευσεις [gnt]

This as an offer of "power". Jesus does not contend the claim of the devil that he has power over the kingdoms of the world. The devil is using peiristic reasoning.

Jesus detects the deception and quotes back scripture.

Matthew 4:8

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KJV: Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

Greek: παλιν παραλαμβανει αυτον ο διαβολος εις ορος υψηλον λιαν και δεικνυσιν αυτω πασας τας βασιλειας του κοσμου και την δοξαν αυτων

Matthew 4:9

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KJV: And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Greek: και λεγει ειπεν αυτω ταυτα παντα σοι παντα δωσω εαν πεσων προσκυνησης μοι

Matthew 4:10

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KJV: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Greek: τοτε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους υπαγε σατανα γεγραπται γαρ κυριον τον θεον σου προσκυνησεις και αυτω μονω λατρευσεις

Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. [kjv]

τοτε αφιησιν αυτον ο διαβολος και ιδου αγγελοι προσηλθον και διηκονουν αυτω [gnt]

The Greek for "leaveth" is the same root word that is translated as "forgive" or "let go".

Discuss: Did the devil "forgive" Jesus or did the devil "let go" of Jesus?

Discuss: How can the English word "forgive" make discussions difficult when the Greek means "let go" of something or someone?

Matthew 4:11

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KJV: Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Greek: τοτε αφιησιν αυτον ο διαβολος και ιδου αγγελοι προσηλθον και διηκονουν αυτω

Here is a summary if the "things" with which Jesus was tempted by the devil.

wealth - stones to bread
health - not be hurt
power - rule kingdoms

Note that the devil does not tempt Jesus with knowledge or wisdom. Why might that be?

Note: Eve was deceived with the promise of knowledge or wisdom.

Many have heard the exercise saying "No pain. No gain.". This saying is deceptive as "fatigue" is good for training but "pain" is not good.

The Greek word for "work" or "toil" appears to be the origin of a Greek word often translated as "evil" in the KJV. The meaning appears to have shifted from just "work" to "work" afflicted by someone else to that someone else being "evil" to the modern meaning of "pain". In many cases the "evil" person inflicting "work" or "pain" on others has to do with laziness and/or greed and/or pleasure-seeking of that "evil" person.

More: Evil training is toilsome work: no pain no gain

One Greek word for "evil" in the GNT is the ancient Greek word "πονηρός" ≈ "oppressed by toils" and comes from the ancient Greek word "πονέω" ≈ "to toil, labor".

The ancient Greek word "πόνος" ≈ "work, toil". The ancient Greek word "πονηρός" ≈ "enduring toil or suffering" and, in religion it means a somewhat nebulous "evil" (as that is the meaning theologians have given it).

The modern Greek word "πόνος" (PO-nos) ≈ "pain ache".
The modern Greek word "παράπονο" (pa-RA-po-no) ≈ "complaint, grievance" and is, literally, that which goes "beyond the pain".
The modern Greek word "πονηρός" (po-nee-ROS) ≈ "tricky, cunning".

The Latin word "malus" ≈ "unpleasant, evil".
Whisper chain toilsome to evil

It appears that there is a "word slide" here in that the Latin word had more than one meaning and that other meaning was adapted in many places as the meaning of the original word.

Would such a "semantic slide" be to the advantage or disadvantage of the church? Explain.

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

One can be oppressed by others. One can oppress oneself.
Discuss:

Does the modern idea of slaving away to earn the money needed to get things we want (or covet) oppress us in toils?
How might an attitude closer to what Jesus portrays help minimize that enslavement?
Would the world that is using you to take advantage of that coveting not appreciate you not being beholden to that behavior?

Discuss: Do you own the land you bought? Do you rent that land? (e.g., via property taxes, etc.) What about eminent domain?

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

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1 You and others

2 Do you oppress others?

3 Do others oppress you?

4 Do others oppress others?

5 Do you oppress you?

The Greek translated as "evil" is that of "toil" as in "oppression" (word slide through Latin). The same diagram for "oppression" works for "deception".

deceive

Lord's Prayer, where the Greek for "evil" has the idea of "oppression".

... flow us away from evil ...
... flow us away from oppression ...

How many of the following prayer segments do you think about when you pray the Lord's Prayer?

... flow me away from me oppressing others ...

... flow me away from others oppressing me ...

... flow me away from others oppressing others ...

... flow me away from me oppressing me ...

Is there one of these which is, by far, the one thought about the most during the Lord's Prayer?

Discuss: Which of the following is accomplished by giving your riches to the poor? Add any additional reasons you think appropriate.

The poor have a better life on earth. How far does that go? How about their life in heaven?
I am then not oppressing myself by being continually pre-occupied with gaining and maintaining wealth.

Discuss:

What is the eternal significance of just giving away riches?
Can one "follow Jesus" while not giving away all (fairly obtained) riches to the poor?

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [kjv]

τοτε ο ιησους ανηχθη εις την ερημον υπο του πνευματος πειρασθηναι υπο του διαβολου [gnt]

6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

Paraphrase: Do not be deceived by ideas/beliefs that you already think you understand. Help us move/flow from being oppressed by others or oppressing others or oppressing ourselves with toils (based on those deceptions).

Avoid confirmation bias (deciding what it says before investigation).
Ask deep questions.
Do fundamental research on meanings and ideas.
When there are differences, which makes more sense?

If the meaning is anywhere near the paraphrase, it is interesting that exactly what the paraphrase warns against is what the eventual translation and meaning is doing. That is, by a check-list of avoiding things that are temptations, one can be delivered from evil. Instead, we are more likely to succumb to bad logic of what we think we know and, as a result, be oppressed in toils without realizing it.

The "idiom" of "gnashing of the teeth" appears in the Bible. This phrase appears 9 times in the GNT and 5 times in the LXX (Septuagint). In the LXX the phrase appears to be related to "anger" against someone else.
The English word "gnashing" does not quite express the idea (unless one uses a hard "g" sound), but the ancient Greek word "βρυγμος" ≈ "gnash". The modern Greek word "βρύγμος" (VREE-gmos) ≈ "gnash". Try saying it a few times - fast. The modern Greek word for tooth is "δόντι" (THON-tee) ≈ "tooth" from which we get the English word "dental" and "orthodontist".

The phrase appears to have a more restricted meaning when used by Jesus in the GNT in that it appears to be "anger" against oneself as in "regret" in a counterfactual sense. This is in a similar sense of how Jesus use the word "offend" as "entrap" in the sense of "misinterpret".

It appears that the phrase "gnashing of teeth" has to do with someone who "thought" they were correct but gets surprised. This idea appears on the narrow and wide gates, the parable of the sheep and goats, etc. Let us investigate.

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

More: Gnashing of the teeth

Matthew 11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]

και μακαριος εστιν ος αν μη σκανδαλισθη εν εμοι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "σκάνδαλον" ≈ "trap, snare" as in entice, tempt, etc. Jesus is speaking in Matthew 11:6.
The Greek word "blessed" here means "happy". The "offended" means "entrapped" as in being "tricked" or "deceived". Or is it? How could someone be "deceived" by Jesus? How could someone be "deceived" by themselves or someone else about what Jesus really means?

A simple idiom as "misinterpret" may explain this and other verses in the GNT.

More: Matthew 11:6: Idiomatic misinterpretations that offend

Jesus says to tell John the Baptist the following.

Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [kjv]

blind	receive sight
lame	walk
lepers	cleansed
deaf	hear
dead	raised up
poor	gospel preached

These are recognized as "signs" of the Messiah.

This is what Jesus has been doing.

What should the church be doing?

What should believers be doing?

The next verse is interesting.

More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

In logic, a "red herring" is a distractor used to divert attention from otherwise important points. The name comes (in part) from using a strong-smelling fish drug across a path to distract hunting dogs away from their intended prey.

The "red herring" is plausible and believable, not subject to fact checking, but distracts and is often not relevant to the argument being made.

In multiple choice (and other) exams, "distractor" answers are often included in the possible answers.

In sermons, "idle words" are often used as "red herrings" to avoid or ignore certain parts of the Bible.

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

More: Deceptions

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

(bottom-up forward-chaining)

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]

12:32 And who soever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but who soever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. [kjv]

12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]

12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. [kjv]

What is the "unpardonable sin"? What is an "idle word"? How might they be related? How are they related to "treasure".

More: Matthew 13:44 Fifth kingdom parable: treasure in a field

More: Matthew 13:51-53 Eighth kingdom parable: treasure of new and old codes

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

A "red herring" diverts attention away from otherwise important points.

By contrast, a "straw man" is a distortion of the position of the other side.

More: Strawman fallacy

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

Some pastors who appear to be trying to impress the congregation with their expertise in, say, the Greek language, may go into extended discussions of Greek verb tenses, as if, in the context being discussed, those verb tenses are actually important.
In many cases, it is a "red flag" that warns of a possible "red herring" in that there may be other parts of the verse, or surrounding verses, that the pastor wishes to distract attention from in order to make a desired point, often based on the "opinion" or "glory" of that pastor. In some cases, the verb tense discussion disguises the fact that the base meaning of the verb is not what is claimed or implied in the English translation.

More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?

More: Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

In Biblical issues, the primary way for someone to deceive is to "cherry-pick" verses out of context and piece them together to support the desired point of view - which is often not the view of God as expressed by scripture.

Be aware of verses skipped, verses "cherry-picked" from various contexts that may be out of context, etc. When Satan tempts Jesus, Satan uses scripture out of context. Jesus answers and refutes Satan with scripture in context.

The use of "cherry-picked" is sometimes called "suppressed evidence" or "incomplete evidence". Whatever it is called, it encourages what is called "confirmation bias" and, as a result, a "faulty generalization" or "hasty generalization".

More: Confirmation bias

More: Selective evidence fallacy: Cherry picking

A confirmation bias is a bias of accepting only facts that agree with what you have already decided is true and ignoring other facts.
That is, one accepts only new information that confirms what one already believes or has heard, etc. You can ignore facts that you do not know about (ignorance of the law) or ignore things in order to deceive others (and yourself).

A confirmation bias can be encouraged by the use of "cherry picking" information to view or accept.

More: Selective evidence fallacy: Cherry picking

More: Confirmation bias

A "red herring" distracts from the something more important. The Greek for "temptation" is an "examination" that deceives using what you already think is true.
Consider the temptations of Jesus by the devil in Matthew 4. You may have encountered debates or discussions between the following views.

One liberal view: The temptations were in the mind of Jesus and not a reality.
One conservative view: The temptations were real and happened exactly as recorded.

Discuss: How might this discussion be considered a "red herring"? Note that there is no discussion of the meaning or translation of "temptation".

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: … [kjv]

και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]

A "red herring" distracts from the something more important. The Greek for "temptation" is an "examination" that deceives using what you already think is true.
Consider the change to the Lord's Prayer suggested by Pope Francis in 2017.

Original: "lead us not into temptation".
Revised: "do not let us fall into temptation".

Discuss: How might this controversy be considered a "red herring"? Note that there was no discussion of the meaning or translation of "temptation".

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

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1 Look and do

2 Look not do

3 Do not look

Many people think of two choices.

1. Look and do it.
2. Look but do not do it.

A third choice is at the heart of computer science and statistics.

3. Do not look. There is a cost to looking. And it may not matter.

It may already be known what is there, or it may have been determined that it is not necessary.

This idea is used all of the time in computer science and programming. A simple example is that of conditional evaluation.

In the expression A and B, if A is false, then one need not look at B.
In the expression A or B, if A is true, then one need not look at B.

It may be the case that evaluating B may cause an error.

In discussions, it may be the case that B is a "red herring" and does not matter. The only thing that matters is A.

More: Red herring: look at me distraction deception

More: Nothing is something: actions

Let us look at some other verses in the GNT that use the Greek word for "examine" or "test" and that is often translated as "tempt".

For some verses in the LXX, see Do not mention temptations nor attempt to be a pirate.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [kjv]

μηδεις πειραζομενος λεγετω οτι απο θεου πειραζομαι ο γαρ θεος απειραστος εστιν κακων πειραζει δε αυτος ουδενα [gnt]

1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [kjv]

εκαστος δε πειραζεται υπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος [gnt]

James has a lot to say about "examination", using variations of the word (or root) five times in two verses. English teachers would not like the use of the same word that many times. The use of "tempt" seems strange given the modern meaning.

The main danger of "examination" is that of self-deception.

James 1:13

All

KJV: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Greek: μηδεις πειραζομενος λεγετω οτι απο του θεου πειραζομαι ο γαρ θεος απειραστος εστιν κακων πειραζει δε αυτος ουδενα

James 1:14

All

KJV: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Greek: εκαστος δε πειραζεται υπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος

The modern Greek phrase "δεν πειράζει" (thehn pee-RA-zee) ≈ "it does not matter" or, in common usage, "Never mind!". That is, it does not tempt me. It does not test me, as in my patience (in the modern sense of patience).

So when the devil (or his minions) try to tempt (as a pirate might), one could answer, "Never mind!". It does not tempt me.

Better yet, pray not to be preyed on by avoiding the temptation (or test or trial).

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, … [kjv]

δια τουτο και ημεις αφ ης ημερας ηκουσαμεν ου παυομεθα υπερ υμων προσευχομενοι και αιτουμενοι ινα πληρωθητε την επιγνωσιν του θεληματος αυτου εν παση σοφια και συνεσει πνευματικη [gnt]

Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) wrote a poem of comfort to his mother entitled "Pray without ceasing". Charles Converse (1832-1918), an American educated in Germany, set Scriven's poem "Pray without ceasing" to music and renamed it "What a friend we have in Jesus". One verse talks of trials and temptations. Music: What a friend we have in Jesus

More: Song: What a friend we have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Jesus says the following after the Last Supper in the Garden.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [kjv]

γρηγορειτε και προσευχεσθε ινα μη εισελθητε εις πειρασμον το μεν πνευμα προθυμον η δε σαρξ ασθενης [gnt]

Matthew 26:41

All

KJV: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Greek: γρηγορειτε και προσευχεσθε ινα μη εισελθητε εις πειρασμον το μεν πνευμα προθυμον η δε σαρξ ασθενης

Latin: vigilate et orate ut non intretis in temptationem spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma

Wessex: Wakieð & gebiddað eow. þt ge in ne gan on costnenge. Witodlice se gast ys raed. & þt flaesc is untrum.

Wycliffe: Wake ye, and preye ye, that ye entre not in to temptacioun; for the spirit is redi, but the fleisch is sijk.

Tyndale: watche and praye that ye fall not into temptacion. The spirite is willynge but the flesshe is weake.

Spanish: Velad y orad, para que no entréis en tentación; el espíritu a la verdad está dispuesto, pero la carne es débil.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [kjv]

… costnenge… [wes]

… temptacioun… [wy]

… temptacion… [ty]

The Middle English word "costning" ≈ "temptation" comes from the Old English word "costnung" ≈ "temptation" which through Germanic comes from the PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*GEWS" ≈ "enjoy, taste". It is related to the German word "kosten" ≈ "taste" and the Latin word "gustus" ≈ "taste" and the Latin word "gusto" ≈ "taste".

One meaning of the Old English word "cost" ≈ "option, choice".

It is interesting that the temptation of Eve involved a "taste" of the fruit of the forbidden tree where the tempter used trickery and deception to accomplish it.

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. [kjv]

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? [kjv]

γνους δε ο ιησους την πονηριαν αυτων ειπεν τι με πειραζετε υποκριται [gnt]

The context of this verse is whether money should be rendered to Caesar or God. Notice that they are trying to use ideas to which Jesus already accepts, but in a tricky manner.

The Greek for "wickedness" is that of "oppression".

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? [kjv]

γνους δε ο ιησους την πονηριαν αυτων ειπεν τι με πειραζετε υποκριται [gnt]

When the religious leaders attempt (trial) to tempt Jesus, are they actually hypocrites in the modern sense in that they are saying and thing and doing another? Or are they not in touch with reality and "pretending"?

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

Matthew 22:16

All

KJV: And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Greek: και αποστελλουσιν αυτω τους μαθητας αυτων μετα των ηρωδιανων λεγοντες λεγοντας διδασκαλε οιδαμεν οτι αληθης ει και την οδον του θεου εν αληθεια διδασκεις και ου μελει σοι περι ουδενος ου γαρ βλεπεις εις προσωπον ανθρωπων

Matthew 22:18

All

KJV: But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Greek: γνους δε ο ιησους την πονηριαν αυτων ειπεν τι με πειραζετε υποκριται

Latin: cognita autem Iesus nequitia eorum ait quid me temptatis hypocritae

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.

"ῠ̔πο" ≈ "under" as in English words starting with "hypo".
"κρῑ́νω" ≈ "separate".

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".

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? [kjv]

επαρας ουν τους οφθαλμους ο ιησους και θεασαμενος οτι πολυς οχλος ερχεται προς αυτον λεγει προς φιλιππον ποθεν αγορασωμεν αρτους ινα φαγωσιν ουτοι [gnt]

6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. [kjv]

τουτο δε ελεγεν πειραζων αυτον αυτος γαρ ηδει τι εμελλεν ποιειν [gnt]

… temptans … [v]

The same ancient Greek word for "tempt" mean "examine". In a deceptive sense it uses ideas to which the person examined already accepts as true or valid.