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Canons, cannons and canyons
1. Canons, cannons and canyons
Many people have heard about the Bible "canon". Did you know that word is related to canyons, such as the Grand Canyon, artillery cannons, the Wedding at Cana in John 2, writing and measuring and even John the Baptist?
2. Canons, cannons and canyons
Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. [kjv]
In general, a "
canon" is a principle or rule that is accepted by a group.
A "
rule" in Greek is related to a hollow "
reed". Such a "
reed" was used to "
measure".
That "
measuring" became, through Latin, a "
canon". Hollowed out tubes were used as weapons to send projectiles against an enemy. There were called "
cannons".
The Greek word for "
canon" came from the Semitic and is related to the name of the town called Cana is in the "
wedding" at "
Cana" in John 2. Jesus uses the idea to refer to John the Baptist.
3. Musical canon
A
musical canon or round, such as "
Row, row, row your boat" originated about the 13th century and there is uncertainty as to the origin of that name. The first known printing of the lyrics was in 1852.
Row, row, row your boat.
gently down the stream.
Merrily merrily, merrily, merrily,
life is but a dream.
There are other verses but the first is the most common.
4. Biblical canon
A Biblical "
canon" is a group of texts (books) that are regarded as authentic scripture.
Some people believe that a canon is closed while others may believe that it can be changed based on new information, thought, etc.
We will focus here on the etymology and use of related words and provide some interesting examples.
5. Etymology
6. Acts 17:18 Epicurus
Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. [kjv]
τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]
Epicurus taught the importance of having friends, controlling anger, not having fear, etc.
Having rejected "
logic" as used by the competing Stoics, and in order to investigate and reason about idea and knowledges,
Epicurus introduced what he called "
rules" or a "
canon of truth" named with the ancient Greek word
"κανών" ≈ "rod, pole, bar, standard".
7. Acts 17:18
KJV: Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
Greek: τινες δε και των επικουρειων και των στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν αυτοις ευηγγελιζετο
8. Measurements
Another measuring standard in Bible times was the "
cubit".
The Greek word often translated as the Latin "
stature" meant a measurement of "
age" and
not "
height".
9. Language diagram
10. Galatians 6:16 Rules
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. [kjv]
και οσοι τω κανονι τουτω στοιχησουσιν ειρηνη επ αυτους και ελεος και επι τον ισραηλ του θεου [gnt]
… regulam … [v]
… reule… [wy]
… Regel … [lu]
The German word
"Regel" ≈ "rule" is from the Latin word
"regulam" ≈ "rule" which could refer to a "
nobleman". Historically, the Germanic hard "
g" in the middle of a word became a "
y" sound. Thus, "
Regel" goes to "reyel" goes to "
rule".
The hard "
g" is in words such as "
regulation", "
regular", etc.
11. Galatians 6:16
KJV: And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Greek: και οσοι τω κανονι τουτω στοιχησουσιν ειρηνη επ αυτους και ελεος και επι τον ισραηλ του θεου
Latin: et quicumque hanc regulam secuti fuerint pax super illos et misericordia et super Israhel Dei
Wycliffe: And who euere suwen this reule, pees on hem, and merci, and on Israel of God.
Luther: Und wieviel nach dieser Regel einhergehen, über die sei Friede und Barmherzigkeit und über den Israel Gottes!
Spanish: Y a todos los que anduvieren conforme a esta regla, paz y misericordia sea sobre ellos, y sobre el Israel de Dios.
12. Strongs - rule
- *G2583 *4 κανών (kan-ohn') : from kane (a straight reed, i.e. rod); a rule ("canon"), i.e. (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e. (figuratively) a sphere (of activity):--line, rule.
- κανονι *2
- 2 Corinthians 10:16 ... to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
- Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, ...
- κανονος
- 2 Corinthians 10:13 ... but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed ...
- κανονα
- 2 Corinthians 10:15 ... according to our rule abundantly,
13. Mathematics
In mathematics and computer science, a "canonical" or "normal" or "standard" form is (usually) the simplest representation of the equation, object, etc.
For example, the integer expression "100 + 50 + 6" is usually represented in the canonical or normal form of "156".
For example, the Boolean expression "a or true" is usually represented in the canonical or normal form of "a".
Likewise, the Boolean expression "a and false" is usually represented in the canonical or normal form of "a".
14. Apocrypha: Silent years
If you have listened to enough sermons, you have probably heard about the "
silent years" which typically goes as follows.
From the end of the Old Testament after Malachi until the New Testament are 400 years. These years are called the silent years since the Bible is silent about these years.
This is inaccurate or misleading at many levels.
Daniel writes about the Silent Years before they happen.
Jesus talks about the Silent Years after they happen.
Jesus says the Old Testament (Law and the Prophets) go until John the Baptist, overlapping the New Testament.
The Protestant churches decided to remove the Apocryphal history books (Maccabees 1, 2) that form a good part of the history of the Silent Years.
15. Artillery
A "
cannon" is linguistically related but not the same thing as a "
cannon" which is an artillery weapon and comes from the Latin word
"canna" ≈ "reed" which comes from the ancient Greek word
"κάννα" ≈ "reed".
The "
cannon" as an artillery weapon comes from the idea of a "
tube" or "
reed".
16. Hebrew
Ezekiel 40:8 He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed. [kjv]
και το θεε το τριτον ισον τω καλαμω το πλατος και ισον τω καλαμω το μηκος [lxx]
An apparently related word is the Hebrew word
"קנה" (qane) ≈ "reed".
17. Ezekiel 40:8
KJV: He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
Hebrew: וימד את אלם השער מהבית קנה אחד׃
Greek: και το θεε το τριτον ισον τω καλαμω το πλατος και ισον τω καλαμω το μηκος
Latin: et limen portae iuxta vestibulum portae intrinsecus calamo uno
Luther: Und er maß die Halle am Tor von inwendig eine Rute.
Spanish: Midió asimismo la entrada de la puerta por dentro, una caña.
18. Strongs
- *H7069 קָנָה (kaw-naw') : a primitive root; to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own:--attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, X surely, X verily.
19. Wedding at Cana
You might recognize the Hebrew word "
qane" for "
reed" as similar to the town name of "
Cana" in Galilee from John 2.
John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: [kjv]
Weddings were often on Tuesday, the day of "
double blessing" from Genesis. There were no statements of "
blessing" on Monday.
20. John 2:1
KJV: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Greek: και τη ημερα τη τριτη γαμος εγενετο εν κανα της γαλιλαιας και ην η μητηρ του ιησου εκει
Latin: et die tertio nuptiae factae sunt in Cana Galilaeae et erat mater Iesu ibi
Wessex: Nuptie facte sunt in chana galilëë. On þam þriddan daige waeren gyfte ge ge-wordene (sic) on chana galilëë. aend þas halendes moder waes þaer.
Wycliffe: And the thridde dai weddyngis weren maad in the Cane of Galilee; and the modir of Jhesu was there.
Tyndale: And the thryde daye was ther a mariage in Cana a cite of Galile: and the mother of Iesus was there.
Luther: Und am dritten Tage ward eine Hochzeit zu Kana in Galiläa; und die Mutter Jesu war da.
Slavonic: И в третий день брак бысть в Кане Галилейстей: и бе Мати Иисусова ту.
Russian: На третий день был брак в Кане Галилейской, и Матерь Иисуса была там.
Spanish: Y al tercer día se hicieron unas bodas en Caná de Galilea; y estaba allí la madre de Jesús.
21. Strongs - reed
- *G2580 *4 Κανᾶ (kan-ah') : of Hebrew origin (compare H7071); Cana, a place in Palestine:--Cana.
- κανα *4
- John 2:1 ... there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother ...
- John 2:11 ... did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth ...
- John 4:46 ... came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made ...
- John 21:2 ... and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the ...
22. Reed instruments
A cut "
reed" is used to make sound for some musical woodwind instruments, called "
reed instruments". Note that the flute is woodwind instrument but not a "
reed" instrument.
23. Reeds
24. Diagram
25. Thorns and a reed
The Greek word for "
reed" as in "
scepter" is used right before the crucifixion .
Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! [kjv]
26. Matthew 27:29
KJV: And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
Greek: και πλεξαντες στεφανον εξ ακανθων επεθηκαν επι την κεφαλην της κεφαλης αυτου και καλαμον επι την δεξιαν εν τη δεξια αυτου και γονυπετησαντες εμπροσθεν αυτου ενεπαιζον ενεπαιξαν αυτω λεγοντες χαιρε ο βασιλευς βασιλευ των ιουδαιων
Latin: et plectentes coronam de spinis posuerunt super caput eius et harundinem in dextera eius et genu flexo ante eum inludebant dicentes have rex Iudaeorum
Wessex: & wunden kynehelm of þornen. & asetten ofer hys heafod. & reod on hys swiðran. & beigdon heore cneow beforan hym. and bysmeredon hine þus cweðende.
Wycliffe: and thei foldiden a coroun of thornes, and putten on his heed, and a rehed in his riyt hoond; and thei kneliden bifore hym, and scornyden hym, and seiden, Heil, kyng of Jewis.
27. Reed
Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. [kjv]
και ευθεως δραμων εις εξ αυτων και λαβων σπογγον πλησας τε οξους και περιθεις καλαμω εποτιζεν αυτον [gnt]
The Greek word for "
reed" is used at the crucifixion.
The Greek word for "
sponge" is the source of the English word
"sponge".
28. Matthew 27:48
KJV: And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
Greek: και ευθεως δραμων εις εξ αυτων και λαβων σπογγον πλησας τε οξους και περιθεις καλαμω εποτιζεν αυτον
Latin: et continuo currens unus ex eis acceptam spongiam implevit aceto et inposuit harundini et dabat ei bibere
Wessex: Ða raedlice arn an heora. & genam aenne spongen. & fylde hyo mid echede. & ä-sette an reod þaer-on. & sealde hym drinken.
Wycliffe: And anoon oon of hem rennynge, took and fillide a spounge with vynegre, and puttide on a rehed, and yaf to hym to drynke.
Gothic: jah suns thragida ains us im jah nam swamm fulljands aketis, jah lagjands ana raus draggkida ina.
Luther: Und bald lief einer unter ihnen, nahm einen Schwamm und füllete ihn mit Essig und steckte ihn auf ein Rohr und tränkte ihn.
Spanish: Y luego, corriendo uno de ellos, tomó una esponja, y la empapó de vinagre, y poniéndola en una caña, le daba de beber.
29. Reed as writing pen
3 John 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: [kjv]
πολλα ειχον γραψαι σοι αλλ ου θελω δια μελανος και καλαμου σοι γραφειν [gnt]
The Greek word for "
reed" is used as a "
pen" in 3 John.
The English word
"pen" as a writing instrument comes from the Latin word
"penna" ≈ "feather".
30. 3 John 1:13
KJV: I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
Greek: πολλα ειχον γραφειν γραψαι σοι αλλ ου θελω δια μελανος και καλαμου σοι γραψαι γραφειν
Latin: multa habui scribere tibi sed nolui per atramentum et calamum scribere tibi
Spanish: Yo tenía muchas cosas que escribirte, pero no quiero escribírtelas con tinta y pluma,
31. Ink
32. Strongs - dark, black
- *G3188 *3 μέλαν (mel'-an) : neuter of G3189 as noun; ink:--ink.
- μελανος *2
- 2 John 1:12 ... write with paper and ink: but I trust to come ...
- 3 John 1:13 ... I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
- μελανι
- 2 Corinthians 3:3 ... us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living ...
33. Pens
In ancient and until about a hundred years ago, a pen was a tube as in a quill from a feather of a bird. The quill dipped into Ink would fill slightly which could then be used to write on parchment or paper.
In the 1700's and into the 20th century, any educated person would almost always carry a knife - a "
pen knife".
34. Reed for measuring
The Greek word for "
reed" is used in Revelation as a way to measure.
Revelation 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. [kjv]
The measuring standard is a "
golden" reed rather than a "
platinum" ruler.
In English, a measuring "
ruler" is often considered to be a "
foot ruler". Otherwise clarification is needed. Another measuring term is "
yardstick".
35. Revelation 21:15
KJV: And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
Greek: και ο λαλων μετ εμου ειχεν μετρον καλαμον χρυσουν ινα μετρηση την πολιν και τους πυλωνας αυτης και το τειχος αυτης
Latin: et qui loquebatur mecum habebat mensuram harundinem auream ut metiretur civitatem et portas eius et murum
Wycliffe: And he that spak with me, hadde a goldun mesure of a rehed, that he schulde mete the citee, and the yatis of it, and the wal.
Luther: Und der mit mir redete, hatte ein gülden Rohr, daß er die Stadt messen sollte und ihre Tore und Mauern.
36. Strongs
- *G2563 *12 κάλαμος (kal'-am-os) : or uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen:--pen, reed.
- καλαμον *6
- Matthew 11:7 ... into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and ...
- Matthew 27:29 ... his head, and a reed in his right hand: ...
- Matthew 27:30 ... upon him, and took the reed, and smote him ...
- Luke 7:24 ... into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- Revelation 21:15 ... me had a golden reed to measure the city, ...
- καλαμω *4
- Matthew 27:48 ... it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
- Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, ...
- Mark 15:36 ... of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, ...
- Revelation 21:16 ... and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. ...
- καλαμου
- 3 John 1:13 ... with ink and pen write unto thee:
- καλαμος
- Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, ...
37. Job
We see the older usage as "
reeds" in Job in the
LXX (Septuagint), in the context of "
behemoth" who fits a description of a dragon or dinosaur.
Job 40:21 He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. [kjv]
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Details are left as a future topic.
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38. Job 40:21
KJV: He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
Hebrew: תחת צאלים ישכב בסתר קנה ובצה׃
Greek: υπο παντοδαπα δενδρα κοιμαται παρα παπυρον και καλαμον και βουτομον
39. Meaning
So the meaning of "
reed" in the Bible includes the following.
an actual reed (e.g., in a swamp)
a pen (made of a reed, similar to quill pens)
a measuring device (noun)
40. John the Baptist
And now we come to an interesting remark made be Jesus.
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [kjv]
Keep in mind that Jesus often uses sayings that have more than one interpretation and where all the interpretations can be valid.
41. Matthew 11:7
KJV: And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Greek: τουτων δε πορευομενων ηρξατο ο ιησους λεγειν τοις οχλοις περι ιωαννου τι εξηλθετε εξηλθατε εις την ερημον θεασασθαι καλαμον υπο ανεμου σαλευομενον
42. Matthew continues
Matthew continues.
Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [kjv]
43. Matthew 11:8
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
Greek: αλλα τι εξηλθετε εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων εισιν
44. Matthew 11:9
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
Greek: αλλα τι εξηλθετε ιδειν εξηλθατε προφητην ιδειν ναι λεγω υμιν και περισσοτερον προφητου
45. Missing answer
Jesus in Matthew 11, verses 7, 8 and 9, asks a (somewhat rhetorical) question in each verse but only provides an answer in verses 8 and 9. Let us look at the question in verse 7 again.
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [kjv]
Why is no answer provided? Consider the following.
A "reed" can be a measurement instrument.
The "wind" can represent the Holy Spirit (as in John 3).
The "shaking" of a "house" built on "sand" may fall, one on "rock" may not fall.
That wind can shake things. Near the end of Matthew 7, the rain, rivers and wind beat on the houses (not the foundation). The house on rock withstands. The house on sand falls. At the beginning of Matthew 7 we have some statements about measuring.
Is the "
measuring stick" of John going to be "
shaken" or "
divided" by the "
wind" of the Holy Spirit, by the baptismal river waters, by "
rain" from heaven?
Will those same Pharisees be "
measured" or "
shaken" or "
divided" by the "
wind" of the Holy Spirit, by the baptismal river waters, by "
rain" from heaven? Will their house built on "
sand", as an organization of people, be "
shaken" or "
divided" and not stand?
46. Matthew 7 Houses built on sand and on rock
47. Canyons
48. Luke 3:5
KJV: Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
Greek: πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται τα σκολια εις ευθειαν ευθειας και αι τραχειαι εις οδους λειας
Latin: omnis vallis implebitur et omnis mons et collis humiliabitur et erunt prava in directa et aspera in vias planas
Spanish: Todo valle será llenado, y se bajará todo monte y collado; y lo torcido será enderezado, y los caminosásperos serán allanados;
Portuguese: Toda a ravina será preenchida, todo o monte e colina serão abatidos; os caminhos tortuosos ficarão direitos e os escabrosos tornar-se-ão planos.
49. Greek
50. Strongs - valley
- *G5327 *1 φάραγξ (far'-anx) : properly, strengthened from the base of G4008 or rather of G4486; a gap or chasm, i.e. ravine (winter-torrent):--valley.
- φαραγξ
- Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain ...
51. Proverbs 30:17
KJV: The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Hebrew: עין תלעג לאב ותבוז ליקהת אם יקרוה ערבי נחל ויאכלוה בני נשר׃
Greek: οφθαλμον καταγελωντα πατρος και ατιμαζοντα γηρας μητρος εκκοψαισαν αυτον κορακες εκ των φαραγγων και καταφαγοισαν αυτον νεοσσοι αετων
52. End of page