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John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640


1. John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model

2. Perception
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Which of the four sides is longer?

3. The legal truth table
Table illusion 2 Levels of truth

Advice/adage:

4. John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model
Table illusion 2The ancient Greek word "αἰτία""cause, reason". Aristotle often used this word as "explanation". Each "cause" is a "why" question. These are briefly summarized here using the Aristotle's example of a "table". The more formal Latin and the less formal English words describing the Greek words are provided.
αίτια cause Latin Informal table cooking computer
ὕλη matter material substance wood ingredients data
εἶδος form formal pattern design recipe code
κινοῦν movement efficient agent carpentry making run
τέλος end final purpose dining eating result
Paul appears to use the four causes in writing to the Philippians. John appears to think in a top-down backward-chaining manner (much as a modern computer scientist). A top-down view of the four causes appears to fit John 1:1-5.

5. John 14:13 What's the ask
Verse routeJohn 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ο τι αν αιτησητε εν τω ονοματι μου τουτο ποιησω ινα δοξασθη ο πατηρ εν τω υιω [gnt]

What is "the ask"? Here are some related words. Here are some related Greek words. Greek sayings: (ancient and modern)

6. John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model
Table illusion 2The ancient Greek word "αἰτία""cause, reason". Aristotle often used this word as "explanation". Each "cause" is a "why" question. These are briefly summarized here using the Aristotle's example of a "table". The more formal Latin and the less formal English words describing the Greek words are provided.
αίτια cause Latin Informal table cooking computer
ὕλη matter material substance wood ingredients data
εἶδος form formal pattern design recipe code
κινοῦν movement efficient agent carpentry making run
τέλος end final purpose dining eating result
Paul appears to use the four causes in writing to the Philippians. John appears to think in a top-down backward-chaining manner (much as a modern computer scientist). A top-down view of the four causes appears to fit John 1:1-5.

7. James 3:5 Matter
Verse routeJames 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! [kjv]
Verse routeουτως και η γλωσσα μικρον μελος εστιν και μεγαλα αυχει ιδου ηλικον πυρ ηλικην υλην αναπτει [gnt]
Verse routelingua modicummembrumecce quantus ignis quam magnam silvam incendit [v]

The ancient Greek word "ὕλη""wood, brush, subject, matter". Thus, it has a physical and figurative meaning depending on context. In terms of Aristotle's four causes, "matter" is the "material" that is transformed into something else. The "matter" is similar to the idea of "data" in computer science.

The Latin word "quatntus""how much, how many, how big, as much as" and is the source of the English word "quantum".

8. James 3:5 Matter
Verse routeJames 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! [kjv]
Verse routeουτως και η γλωσσα μικρον μελος εστιν και μεγαλα αυχει ιδου ηλικον πυρ ηλικην υλην αναπτει [gnt]
Verse routelingua modicummembrumecce quantus ignis quam magnam silvam incendit [v]

The ancient Greek word "ὑλικός""of matter, material" from the ancient Greek word "ὕλη""wood, stuff, matter" which is related to the following.

9. James 3:5 Great and little matter of translation
Verse routeJames 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! [kjv]
Verse routeουτως και η γλωσσα μικρον μελος εστιν και μεγαλα αυχει ιδου ηλικον πυρ ηλικην υλην αναπτει [gnt]

James 3:5
Strong Used Unique Word Part of speech
G3779 208 205 ουτως adverb
G2532 8954 8954 και conjunction
G3588 19706 981 η article nominative singular feminine
G1100 50 7 γλωσσα noun nominative singular feminine
G3398 30 6 μικρον adjective nominative singular neuter
G3196 34 5 μελος noun nominative singular neuter
G1510 2435 888 εστιν verb present active indicative 3rd person singular
G2532 8954 8954 και conjunction
G3173 242 8 μεγαλα adjective accusative plural neuter
G3166 1 1 αυχει verb present active indicative 3rd person singular
G3708 682 199 ιδου verb 2nd person aorist middle imperative 2nd person singular
G2245 3 2 ηλικον adjective nominative singular neuter
G4442 71 26 πυρ noun nominative singular neuter
G2245 3 1 ηλικην adjective accusative singular feminine
G5208 1 1 υλην noun accusative singular feminine
G381 2 1 αναπτει verb present active indicative 3rd person singular
The KJV (King James Version) translates as "great" and "little" the same Greek word "ἡλίκος""as big as, as great as, as old as" and is related to "ἡλικία""age, maturity" as used in the story of Zacchaeus where it is mistranslated as "short".

Information sign More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature

10. James 3:5
   James 3:5 
 All 
KJV: Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth !
Greek: ουτως και η γλωσσα μικρον μελος εστιν και μεγαλαυχει μεγαλα αυχει ιδου ολιγον ηλικον πυρ ηλικην υλην αναπτει
Latin: ita et lingua modicum quidem membrum est et magna exultat ecce quantus ignis quam magnam silvam incendit

11. Matthew 23:24 Strain
Verse routeMatthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. [kjv]
Verse routeοδηγοι τυφλοι διυλιζοντες τον κωνωπα την δε καμηλον καταπινοντες [gnt]

Greek preposition through as dia-
The ancient Greek word "διυλίζω""sort out" and literally means "through the matter of". Only in the GNT (Greek New Testament) is this word translated as "strain" and then used only one time.
The Latin word "excolere""tend, cultivate, improve, perfect". The English word "strain" comes, through French, from the Latin word "stringo""draw tight together, tie".

Information sign More: So far as the net gain of a gnat into a canopy

12. Form and function
Verse routeLuke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εγενετο εν τω προσευχεσθαι αυτον το ειδος του προσωπου αυτου ετερον και ο ιματισμος αυτου λευκος εξαστραπτων [gnt]
Verse routefactumoraret … [v]
Verse routePhilippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [kjv]
Verse routeαλλα εαυτον εκενωσεν μορφην δουλου λαβων εν ομοιωματι ανθρωπων γενομενος και σχηματι ευρεθεις ως ανθρωπος [gnt]
Verse routeformamfactusinventus … [v]

Greek has (at least) two words for "form", both of which are used at times by Aristotle, Plato, etc. The English word "form" is, through French, from the Latin word "forme""form, shape, appearance" which appears to be from the ancient Greek word "μορφή""shape, fashion, appearance". The ancient Greek word "εἶδος""form, shape" from the PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*WEYD""see"and is related to words such as "video".

13. Form and function
The "form" is similar to the idea of "code" in computer science where "code" and "data" are interchangeable depending on point of view.

In design and implementation terms of OOP (Object Oriented Programming) the following loosely correspond in terms of the four causes. The English word "information" has the word "form" in it as when someone is "informed" about something.

Information sign More: Classes and objects
Information sign More: The full assurance of information

14. Luke 9:29
   Luke 9:29 
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KJV: And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Greek: και εγενετο εν τω προσευχεσθαι αυτον το ειδος του προσωπου αυτου ετερον και ο ιματισμος αυτου λευκος εξαστραπτων
Latin: et factum est dum oraret species vultus eius altera et vestitus eius albus refulgens

15. Matthew 23:4 Cause of kinetic movement
Verse routeMatthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [kjv]
Verse routeδεσμευουσιν δε φορτια βαρεα και επιτιθεασιν επι τους ωμους των ανθρωπων αυτοι δε τω δακτυλω αυτων ου θελουσιν κινησαι αυτα [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "κίνησις""motion, dance" and is the source of the English word "kinetic". In context, the word can mean "revolt", "inflection" or other "action". The word comes from the ancient Greek word "κινέω""move" and is related to the Latin word "cieo""move".

The "movement" is similar to the idea of "execution" or "running" the "code" with "data" in computer science.

Aristotle uses this word for what philosophers call the "efficient" cause which comes, through French, from the Latin word "efficere""work out, accomplish" and is the source of the English word "effect".

Information sign More: Aristotle
Information sign More: Matthew 23:1-4 Jesus fingers the talk about works

16. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Verse route2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [kjv]
Verse routeτον μη γνοντα αμαρτιαν υπερ ημων αμαρτιαν εποιησεν ινα ημεις γενωμεθα δικαιοσυνη θεου εν αυτω [gnt]
Verse routeefficeremur iustitia … [v]

The Latin word "efficere""work out, accomplish" and is the source of the English word "effect".

The Greek for "made" is that of "coming into being". In John 3, the same word is translated as the "born" in "born again" or "born from above".

Information sign More: John 3 Born from the beginnings

17. 2 Corinthians 5:21
 All 
KJV: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Greek: τον γαρ μη γνοντα αμαρτιαν υπερ ημων αμαρτιαν εποιησεν ινα ημεις γινωμεθα γενωμεθα δικαιοσυνη θεου εν αυτω
Latin: eum qui non noverat peccatum pro nobis peccatum fecit ut nos efficeremur iustitia Dei in ipso

18. 2 Timothy 4:3 A desire to itch
Verse route2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [kjv]
Verse routeεσται γαρ καιρος οτε της υγιαινουσης διδασκαλιας ουκ ανεξονται αλλα κατα τας ιδιας επιθυμιας εαυτοις επισωρευσουσιν διδασκαλους κνηθομενοι την ακοην [gnt]
Verse routetempussanam doctrinamdesideria coacervabuntmagistros prurientes auribus [v]

The prefix «κνηθ-» appears only here but appears to be a common elision (i.e., shortening) of the prefix «κινη-» which appears 14 times in the GNT and LXX (Septuagint) as "moving".

Information sign More: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 The moving ethics of tinnitus and itching ears

19. A hearing on moving ethics
We get the English word "kinetic" from the prefix «κινη-». The related modern Greek word is "κίνηση" (KEE-nee-see) ≈ "move, movement". The word "cinema" is through French and means, literally. "moving" as in a shorting of the phrase "cinematic film".

Paul invents a lot of his own words. A play on words here is that of a "moving ethics" or "relative ethics". The ancient Greek word "ἔθος""habit, custom, manner" and is the source of the English word "ethics". This is part of the modern reader response model.

20. Purposeful goal as a postcondition
Verse routeMatthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. [kjv]
Verse routeο δε υπομεινας εις τελος ουτος σωθησεται [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τέλος""end, purpose, complete". The ancient Greek word "εις""into".

Paraphrase: But he that shall endure into the purpose, the same shall be saved.

That is, one does not need to endure to the "end" of time or "end" of the age or "end" of life. One needs to endure "into" the "purpose". To do that, one needs to insure that one knows the correct "goal" or "purpose" "into" which to "endure".

The "purpose" is similar to the idea of a "goal" or "postcondition" or "result" of "running" the "code" with "data" in computer science.

The Greek word for "endure" is sometimes translated as "patient" and is related to the word for "abide" or "remain".

21. Matthew 24:13
 All 
KJV: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Greek: ο δε υπομεινας εις τελος ουτος σωθησεται

22. James 1:4 Patience and perfection
Verse routeJames 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [kjv]
Verse routeη δε υπομονη εργον τελειον εχετω ινα ητε τελειοι και ολοκληροι εν μηδενι λειπομενοι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τέλειος""purposed, complete, perfected" and not the modern English idea of "perfect" as "without error".

For Aristotle there was the added meaning of "purpose" as in an "end" as "τέλος""end, purpose, complete" and is the source of the English word "teleology" as the "logic" or "reasoning" about the "end times". Aristotle sometimes uses the word in the sense of "mature" as in "ripe" (fruit, etc.) in contrast to "raw".

Information sign More: A perfect end to complete perfection
Information sign More: James 1: Interpretation and misinterpretation

23. Philippians 3:18-19 Destructive purposes
Verse routePhilippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [kjv]
Verse route3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. [kjv]
Verse routeων το τελος απωλεια ων ο θεος η κοιλια και η δοξα εν τη αισχυνη αυτων οι τα επιγεια φρονουντες [gnt]

Who is it that will be "destroyed"? The ancient Greek word "τέλος""end, purpose" is used by Aristotle as the "final" or "end" cause of his four causes and has the idea of "purpose". The word for "glory" is that of "opinion".

KJV: Whose end is destruction, ... whose glory is in their shame. ....
Paraphrase: Whose purpose is destruction, ..., whose opinion is in their shame, ....


Information sign More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes
Information sign More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?
Information sign More: Philippians 3:17-19 walk of destruction

24. Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes
Jesus is our Lord (King) and Savior (Christ) but showed by example how to be a servant.
Verse routePhilippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [kjv]
Verse routeος εν μορφη θεου υπαρχων ουχ αρπαγμον ηγησατο το ειναι ισα θεω [gnt]
Verse routeformarapinamaequalem … [v]
Verse route2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [kjv]
Verse routeαλλα εαυτον εκενωσεν μορφην δουλου λαβων εν ομοιωματι ανθρωπων γενομενος και σχηματι ευρεθεις ως ανθρωπος [gnt]
Verse routeformamfactusinventus … [v]
Verse route2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [kjv]
Verse route εταπεινωσενεταπεινωσεν εαυτον γενομενος υπηκοος μεχρι θανατου θανατου δε σταυρου [gnt]

Philippians 2:6-11 form a famous poem (unknown author, perhaps Paul, but used here by Paul). Paul appears to be using, by analogy, Aristotle's four causes.

Information sign More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes

25. Four causes
Table illusion 2How well does the "poem" in Philippians 2:6-8 fit the Aristotelian model of causes?

Should we "formally" "table" this idea?

The English word "information" has the word "form" in it as when someone is "informed" about something.

Information sign More: The full assurance of information

26. Aristotle's four causes
Pauls verses and four causes
Greek Greek Paul's verses
ὕλη matter Jesus
εἶδος form as God, man, equal, similar
κινοῦν movement servant, humble, obedient
τέλος end death on cross
Discuss: How might this model or explanation relate to the "bishop" issue?

Paul uses none of the technical terms or words of Aristotle in this poem. Any similarity would be semantics (meaning) and not by syntax (exact words).

Paul will use "end" or "purpose" twice in chapter 3 of Philippians in interesting ways.

In a few verses, though, Paul will use some specific and exact technical terms defined and used by Aristotle.

Information sign More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes

27. Computer science model
Here is a computer science model in terms of Aristotle's four causes.

Four causes and computer science
Greek English CS
ὕλη matter data
εἶδος form code
κινοῦν movement run
τέλος purpose goal
This model fits into a top-down backward-chaining design and a bottom-up forward-chaining implementation.

28. Code and data
Code and data Noun and verb
Code and data interleaved Nouns and verbs data interleaved
A deep result of programming language and computational theory (first by Von Neumann) is that "code" and "data" can be interchanged and depend on the context or viewpoint used.

The interchange of "data" and "code" is much like how "nouns" and "verbs" are (by ending change, etc.) interchangeable.
The same appears to be true of statistics "data" (collected) and statistics "code" (assumed interdependency of parts).

The computer science field of programming languages is concerned with programs that (read and) write programs.

Information sign More: John von Neumann
Information sign More: Programs that write programs
Information sign More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

29. Stair analogy
Stepwise refinement - numberedA stair analogy can be used to help understand top-down design and bottom-up implementation. Identifying the goal is most important! You do not want to climb the wrong stairs to get to the wrong goal.
Implementation: Design: When it works, top-down tends to be better. Gospels:

30. Viewpoints
Aristotle's four causes Computer science causes
Let us express Aristotle's four causes using the computer science interpretation in a top-down backward-chaining way.
Top-down backward-chaining design: Bottom-up forward-chaining implementation:

31. Alonzo Church: Lambda calculus
Alonzo Church (1903-1995) was an American logician who invented the lambda calculus. Alan Turing (1912-1954) developed the ideas that proved the limits of computing before the first programmable digital computer was built.

The Church-Turing hypothesis forms the basis of the limits of computation.
Both systems can compute the same functions (and have the same limitations).

Information sign More: Alan Turing: halting problem
Information sign More: Fixed points

32. Lambda calculus
The lambda calculus is a very simple functional language. An expression E is one of the following. The purpose of a simple language like lambda calculus is that properties of programming languages need only be proved for a few constructs. Such a proof is called a structural induction proof.

The core text formatting part of a more general text formatting system is typically a functional string-rewriting system with abstraction mechanisms to manage redundancy.

Information sign More: Fixed points

33. Combinators
A combinators is a λ expressions with no free variables. Three combinators (S, K and I.) are sufficient, though not efficient, to express the computation of all computable functions.

Combinators and reduction rules
S apply K select I identity notation
S x y z → (x z) (y z) K x y → x I x → x arrow (to/towards)
S = λ x y z . ((x z)(y z)) K = λ x y . x I = λ x . x lambda form
S = (λ x.(λ y.(λ z .(x z)(y z)))) K = (λ x. (λ y. x)) I = (λ x. x) parenthesized


Information sign More: Fixed points

34. Fixed point combinator
Book: introduction to combinators and lambda calculus
A fixed point is a x for function f (taking parameter x) such that f(x) = x.

Book: Introduction to combinators and lambda calculus. J. R. Hindley, J F Seldin. 978-0521318396.
A fixed point combinator, usually called Y (in lambda calculus, originally by Curry), is a higher order function that takes a function as an argument and returns a fixed point for the argument (if it exists). A combinator is a closed lambda expression in that it has no free variables. In lambda calculus terms, the fixed point combinator can be defined as follows. If such a fixed point exists, then A text formatting system that can format itself can model this behavior (to any limit desired).

Information sign More: Fixed points

35. Fixed point puzzle
Consider the following puzzle (origin unknown, found Summer 1991) consisting of a self-referential sentence.
In this sentence, the number of occurrences of 0 is ________, of 1 is ________, of 2 is ________, of 3 is ________, of 4 is ________, of 5 is ________, of 6 is ________, of 7 is ________, of 8 is ________, and of 9 is ________.

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate numbers so that the sentence is true.

36. Personal projects
The core text formatting part of the general text formatting system is a functional string-rewriting system with abstraction mechanisms to manage redundancy.

37. Text formatter system
Format all
The text formatting system gives "life" to many different programming languages, web pages, documents, etc., by allowing the abstraction and sharing of high-level code and facilitating the management of redundancy at all levels of development.

38. Source examples
Chapter model Embedded code model Separate code
Chapter model Embedded code model Code model
[slide user interface demo, UI state, content changes]

39. Source to target languages
Source to target languagesnLua, PHP, Python
JavaScript, Java, Kotlin
Bash, Batch, PowerShell
PostScript, Forth, Perl
R, SQL, XUL, AHK
ASP, ASPX, VBA, VBS
C, D, C++, C#, Rust
Go, Julia, Pascal, Ruby
Clojure, Haskell, F#, Racket, Scala, XSLT
Erlang, Prolog
Base languages:

40. Text formatter system
The text formatter system can format itself.
 ▶ 
 + 
 - 
 1 Old Python formatter - Sprint 
 2 New Python formatter - Python 
 3 New new Python formatter 
 4 Python formatter fixed point 

Movie: Back to the future part 2Keep in mind the "Back to the future" movie series and what Doc. Brown tells Marty.

41. Implementation process
Python formatter fixed point

Note that two reflexive applications are needed, not just one, to insure a fixed-point has been reached.

Note that in physical processes there may be somewhat random variations such that the formatter progression changes during each step.

The goal of the formatter is not to propagate itself, but to allow other programs to be created and maintained in order to do useful work.

42. Predicate
Computer science causes Book: A Discipline of Programming Book: Formal Development of Programs and Proofs

Can we actually work backwards from "goal" to "run" to "code" to "data" as "start"?

This was a primary focus of the career of famous and influential Dutch computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra (1930-2002). That is, from a specification, develop a correct program.

When applying for a marriage license the Netherlands refused to accept his occupation as "programmer" since they said there was no such profession. They accepted his alternative as "theoretical physicist" from his graduate academic work.

Information sign More: Edsger Dijkstra

43. Computations
A program is never a goal in itself. The purpose of a program is to evoke computations and the purpose of the computations is to establish a desired effect. Edsger Dijkstra (computer scientist)

Information sign More: Edsger Dijkstra

44. God and nature
If in physics there's something you don't understand, you can always hide behind the uncharted depths of nature. You can always blame God. You didn't make it so complex yourself. But if your program doesn't work, there is no one to hide behind. You cannot hide behind an obstinate nature. If it doesn't work, you've messed up. Edsger Dijkstra (computer scientist)

Information sign More: Edsger Dijkstra

45. Overview
Having used many of Dijkstra's ideas for developing correct programs for some 40 years, here are some observations.

46. Observations
Sequential programming correctness is, in principle, doable and not difficult. It can be compared to the first law of "Loving God". It can be done separately of anyone else in the sense of a single processor system with limited interactions with other systems or processes.

Parallel or concurrent programming correctness is, in principle, not easily doable and intractable in practice. It can be compared to the second law of "Loving neighbor as oneself". It needs to be done in a distributed computing system of many processes.

47. Creation model
Here is a creation model in terms of Aristotle's four causes.

Four causes and cocreation
Greek English CS metaphysics
ὕλη matter data physical elements and reality
εἶδος form code information, life, DNA
κινοῦν movement run time as we know it
τέλος purpose goal purpose of the Creator
This model fits into a top-down backward-chaining design and a bottom-up forward-chaining implementation.

Top-down backward-chaining design: John 1:1-5 Bottom-up forward-chaining implementation: Genesis 1:1+

48. Contrasting viewpoints
One way to design top-down backward-chaining: One way to implement bottom-up forward-chaining:

49. John
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse route1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. [kjv]
Verse route1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [kjv]
Verse route1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [kjv]
Verse route1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [kjv]

What is the "beginning"?

What does the "with" mean? What is "darkness"?

50. Beginning
A synonym for the modern Greek word "έναρξη" (EH-nar-ksee) ≈ "begin, start" is "αρχή" (ar-KHEE) ≈ "beginning". The ancient Greek word "ἀρχή""beginning" but can also mean "authority" or "dominion" as is the basis for the Greek word for "ruler".
Verse routeGenesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]

The "beginning" aspect is the basis for the English word "archaic" as being "old".

What exactly is the "beginning" in both Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1? Are they the same?

Information sign More: Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi

51. John 1:1 Beginning
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]

What is the "beginning"? Which "beginning"? Comparison:

52. John 1:1 Logical reasoning
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "λόγος""rational explanation, word". There is another Greek word to refer to a word or words as "spoken words".

Discuss: Could the "logical reasoning" have to do with "reality" as we perceive it or as "truth" as Jesus uses the word (referring to "reality")?

What does it mean to be "with" God? The Greek word means "to" or "towards",

53. Aristotle: On Interpretation
The ancient Greek word "λόγος""rational explanation" but, in context, can mean "sentence" or even "word".

English: A sentence is significant speech. (Loeb#325, p. 121)
Greek: Λόγος δέ ἐστι φωνὴ σημαντική… Aristotle: On Interpretation [16b]

The "spoken word" can be very powerful and has often has "reasoning" behind it. God speaks or declares something and it is so.

Verse routeGenesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ειπεν ο θεος γενηθητω φως και εγενετο φως [lxx]

The ancient Greek word "φωνή""voice, sound" comes from the ancient Greek word "φως""light" and the ancient Greek word "νους""mind". That is, a "sound" or "voice" is "light" into the "mind".

Information sign More: Aristotle
Information sign More: Declarative models
Information sign More: Genesis 1:1: Declarative models and causal reasoning
Information sign More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

54. Aristotle: Statement of essence
In what was put as Aristotle's opening statement of some 2600 English pages of small text print, Aristotle defines an equivocation as a source of deception. In that statement, Aristotle uses the phrase "statement" of "essence" or "logos" of "ousia". The "essence" is the reality of the physical "substance" or "idea" and the "logos" is the abstract "description" or "logical reasoning" of that "essence". Aristotle will use this a number of times in Categorizes, Metaphysics, etc.

English: Things are equivocally named when they have the name only in common, the definition (or statement of essence) corresponding with the name being different. (Loeb#325, p. 13)
Greek: Ὁμώνυμα λέγεται ὧν ὄνομα μόνον κοινόν, ὁ δὲ κατὰ τοὔνομα λόγος τῆς οὐσίας ἕτερος, οἷον ζῷον ὅ τε ἄνθρωπος καὶ τὸ γεγραμμένον. Aristotle: Categories [1a]

The Greek word for "common" is the same word used for "Koine" Greek. The Latin equivalent is "Vulgar" Latin. The English equivalent is "Street" English.

The word "ousia" as "substance" will acquire a more technical theological meaning later in church history.

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55. Reflexive fixed point: Reasoning of reasoning
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]
Verse route1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. [kjv]
Verse routeουτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον [gnt]

Reflexive reasoning
How do you "reason" by way of "rational explanations"?
When is the reflexive fixed-point reached?

56. Reflexive fixed point: Reasoning of reasoning
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]
Verse route1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. [kjv]
Verse routeουτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον [gnt]

Reflexive reasoning
  • 1. Goal: "reasoning" was "in the beginning" if
  • 2. Relation: "reasoning""God" if
  • 3. Equality: "reasoning""God".

Translating John 1:1 using "to" or "towards" is in line with a reflexive fixed point while the KJV changes the word to "with". The reasoning is top-down and backward-chaining.

Bottom-up thinking (most people): put equality first, then relation, then goal.
Top-down thinking (computer scientists, John): put goal first, then relation, then equality

Information sign More: Divide and conquer: Top-down and bottom-up
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57. Exponential constant
Exponential function chart
e(0.0) = e0.0 = 1.0000... e(1.0) = e1.0 = 2.7182... e(2.0) = e2.0 = 7.3890... ...


Math constant e definition
The exponential constant e, Euler's number, discovered by Jacob Bernoulli in 1683, is defined such that the slope (first derivative) of the function e(x) is e(x) (i.e., as a fixed-point). The value of e = e(1.0) = e1.0 is approximately 2.718281828459.

Numbers such as e are transcendental and, like irrational numbers, have no exact representation and can only be approximated.


Information sign More: Mathematical constants and Hebrew pi

58. Original text
Genesis 1:1 John 1:1
Genesis 1:1
Hebrew Old Testament
John 1:1
Greek New Testament

The images are from e-Sword, http://www.e-sword.net. (as of 2008-04-20)

Ratio of product and sum of letters and words Use the formula to analyze Genesis 1:1 (Hebrew gematria) and John 1:1 (Greek gematria).


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59. Results verification
Here are some results. No other verses are close.

Genesis 1:1 and π: John 1:1 and e: (discovered in 1683) Combined π+e: Are these results significant or are they just a chance happening? That is left for you to decide.

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60. John 1:1-2 Towards
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]
Verse route1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. [kjv]
Verse routeουτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον [gnt]

What does it mean to be "with" God? This idea is both verses. The ancient Greek word "πρός""to, towards". In order to explain the "to" or "towards" someone decided to change the meaning to "with" and then come up with rationalizations to justify changing the meaning.

61. John 1:2 Same
Verse routeJohn 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. [kjv]
Verse routeουτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον [gnt]

The KJV translates as "same" the Greek that is a pronoun that refers to something masculine. Both candidates were equated by John as equal in the previous verse. Some choices for "same". The "to" or "towards" is a reflexive application of the "logical reasoning" to itself. Note that two reflexive applications are needed to achieve a fixed-point in the logical reasoning of reality. There is no need to translate "to" or "towards" as "with" with the associated ambiguity of meaning.

62. Making a creation
Verse routeGenesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
Verse routeJohn 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντα δι αυτου εγενετο και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε εν ο γεγονεν [gnt]

In Genesis 1:1, the KJV translates as "created" what in the LXX is "made". In John 1:1, the KJV translates as "made" what in the GNT is "come into being". Is the difference important?

63. Making a creation
Verse routeGenesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
Verse routeJohn 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντα δι αυτου εγενετο και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε εν ο γεγονεν [gnt]

The reflexive application appears again in this verse.

Paraphrase: Everything came into being through the logical reasoning. And without that logical reasoning, nothing came into being that was in that coming into being.

God created time and space and matter as we know it, including information and us.

The KJV translates as "any" the Greek word for "one". This appears to be an expression of the one cookie rule.

64. One cookie rule
Digits
Growing up, the siblings would often leave the last cookie, piece of cake, etc., not eaten (which annoyed mom).
So, if we were asked "Did you eat all of the cookies?" we could say, "No, I did not have one of them". If pressed, we could point to the "one" cookie that we did not eat. If we had eaten than one, then they would be all (i.e., gone).

Sometimes it is the "one cookie" that is not eaten that is important.

There are two general forms of the "one cookie rule" where the exceptions are important. In general, this is called an "equivocation" in that it could deceive the listener. Equivocations can be used to hide double meanings as in a code or secret code.

Equivocations can be used as jokes which some people like and some do not.

Information sign More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings
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65. John 1:3 Information
Verse routeJohn 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντα δι αυτου εγενετο και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε εν ο γεγονεν [gnt]

The pronoun translated "him" is ambiguous. Information is abstract but important and is not a "thing". John says "he" or "it" made "everything" or "all" and not "every" "thing"

The Greek for "made" is that of "coming into being". How does one "make" information since information, by definition, requires an intelligent entity to be aware of that information?

Saying: Statistics means nothing to a rock.

66. John 1:3
   John 1:3 
 All 
KJV: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Greek: παντα δι αυτου εγενετο και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε εν ο γεγονεν

67. John 1:4 Ambiguous pronoun
Verse routeJohn 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αυτω ζωη ην και η ζωη ην το φως των ανθρωπων [gnt]

The pronoun translated "him" is ambiguous.

68. John 1:4
   John 1:4 
 All 
KJV: In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Greek: εν αυτω ζωη ην και η ζωη ην το φως των ανθρωπων

69. John 1:5
Verse routeJohn 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν [gnt]

The previous verses says that the "life" was the "light" of "men". The Greek for "shineth" is that of "appearing".

The ancient Greek word "καταλαμβάνω""seize, grasp, hold". In context, the word can mean "grasp with the mind" or "comprehend".

To "comprehend" or "grasp with the mind" requires "darkness" to be an "intelligent entity".

Discuss: How can "darkness" be an "intelligent entity"?

70. John 1:5
Verse routeJohn 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν [gnt]

The "darkness" appears to be a "false light". That is, one sees physical light or truth or reality in both cases. One is the true light and one is a false light.

Those following a false light do not want to understand the true light.

How does one tell the difference between true light and false light when, in reality, both appear as physical light?

71. John 1:5
   John 1:5 
 All 
KJV: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Greek: και το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν

72. John 1:6
John then continues with John the Baptist as a messenger from God.

Verse routeJohn 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [kjv]
Verse routeεγενετο ανθρωπος απεσταλμενος παρα θεου ονομα αυτω ιωαννης [gnt]

The Greek for "was" is that of "coming into being".

73. John 1:6
   John 1:6 
 All 
KJV: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Greek: εγενετο ανθρωπος απεσταλμενος παρα θεου ονομα αυτω ιωαννης

74. John 9:33
Verse routeJohn 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. [kjv]
Verse routeει μη ην ουτος παρα θεου ουκ ηδυνατο ποιειν ουδεν [gnt]

The blind man from birth, just healed by Jesus, is talking. The "of God" is elsewhere translated as "from God" which takes into account what came to be believed later.

Discuss: Might the blind man have meant "from God" when saying this at the meeting of the religious authorities?

In any case, in the next verse they are upset at him and cast him out.

75. John 9:33
   John 9:33 
 All 
KJV: If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Greek: ει μη ην ουτος παρα θεου ουκ ηδυνατο ποιειν ουδεν

76. Software
The following question was asked by a student while teaching a graduate software engineering architecture or software engineering project management course (both about 2002). I thought about it and provided the answer given here.
 
When is the software done?
Here is the follow-on question for the current discussion.
 
When is the universe (as we know it) done?

77. Revelation 21:1 Earth
Verse routeRevelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ειδον ουρανον καινον και γην καινην ο γαρ πρωτος ουρανος και η πρωτη γη απηλθαν και η θαλασσα ουκ εστιν ετι [gnt]

This new "earth" is somewhat different. There is no "sea". What is the old "heaven"? What is the new "heaven"?

The modern Greek word "γη" (ghee) ≈ "earth, land" and is the source of English words such as "geology", "geometry", "geocentric", "geography", etc.

There are (at least) two places called "earth". Which "earth" is meant by the third Beatitude? Might the third Beatitude have a double-meaning where both meanings are true in a certain sense?

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78. 2 Peter 3:12-13
Verse route2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [kjv]
Verse routeπροσδοκωντας και σπευδοντας την παρουσιαν της του θεου ημερας δι ην ουρανοι πυρουμενοι λυθησονται και στοιχεια καυσουμενα τηκεται [gnt]
Verse route3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [kjv]
Verse routeκαινους δε ουρανους και γην καινην κατα το επαγγελμα αυτου προσδοκωμεν εν οις δικαιοσυνη κατοικει [gnt]

From thermodynamics (late 19th century): Interestingly, the word "righteousness" used here, as in what "dwelleth" in the new "earth", is a primary word of the next (fourth) Beatitude.

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79. Coming of the day of God
Peter mentions the "coming" or "advent" in 2 Peter 3:12.

Verse route2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [kjv]
Verse routeπροσδοκωντας και σπευδοντας την παρουσιαν της του θεου ημερας δι ην ουρανοι πυρουμενοι λυθησονται και στοιχεια καυσουμενα τηκεται [gnt]
Verse routeadventum … elementa … [v]
Verse route3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [kjv]

The English chemical term "stoichiometric"was coined from the ancient Greek word "στοιχεῖον""element" and the Latin word "metricus""measure".

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80. 2 Peter 3:12

   2 Peter 3:12 
 All 
KJV: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Greek: προσδοκωντας και σπευδοντας την παρουσιαν της του θεου ημερας δι ην ουρανοι πυρουμενοι λυθησονται και στοιχεια καυσουμενα τηκεται
Latin: expectantes et properantes in adventum Dei diei per quam caeli ardentes solventur et elementa ignis ardore tabescent

81. 2 Peter 3:13

   2 Peter 3:13 
 All 
KJV: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Greek: καινους δε ουρανους και γην καινην κατα το επαγγελμα αυτου προσδοκωμεν εν οις δικαιοσυνη κατοικει

82. Hosea 4:6
Verse routeHosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [kjv]
Verse routeωμοιωθη ο λαος μου ως ουκ εχων γνωσιν οτι συ επιγνωσιν απωσω καγω απωσομαι σε του μη ιερατευειν μοι και επελαθου νομον θεου σου καγω επιλησομαι τεκνων σου [lxx]
Verse routeMy people are like as if they had no knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall not minister as priest to me: and as you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. [bs3]

How can one "reject" "knowledge" if one "lacks" "knowledge"?

The LXX says they are acting "like as if" the had no "knowledge".

83. Hosea 4:6
   Hosea 4:6 
 All 
KJV: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Hebrew: נדמו עמי מבלי הדעת כי אתה הדעת מאסת ואמאסאך מכהן לי ותשכח תורת אלהיך אשכח בניך גם אני׃
Greek: ωμοιωθη ο λαος μου ως ουκ εχων γνωσιν οτι συ επιγνωσιν απωσω καγω απωσομαι σε του μη ιερατευειν μοι και επελαθου νομον θεου σου καγω επιλησομαι τεκνων σου
Brenton: My people are like as if they had no knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall not minister as priest to me: and as you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

84. End of page

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