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Standing together for systemic constancy
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640


1. Standing together for systemic constancy
In case you might think from the title that this content is related to any current political thought in any way, you might be disappointed.

This content is related to the linguistic meaning and origin of words such as "system", "constant", etc.

2. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics involves the study of heat and energy, often changes in heat and energy over time.

Due to the 2nd law of thermodynamics that states that the entropy (measure of disorder) of a closed system increases over time (that is how time is defined) change is inevitable, since the entropy is not constant.
Here we look at the word "system" and "constant" in terms of mathematics, physics, computer science, linguistics and the Bible.

3. Constant
The word constant comes from the Latin word "constans""standing together" also "standing still" or "unchanging", and is from the Latin word "constare""to stand firm".

4. Acts 23:11
Verse routeActs 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. [kjv]

Verse routesequenti autem nocte adsistens ei Dominus ait constans esto sicut enim testificatus es de me Hierusalem sic te oportet et Romae testificari [v]


5. Constantine
The name "Constantine" or "Constance" comes from this Latin word, as in the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the fourth century A.D., moved the capital of Rome to a new city that was soon called Constantinople, or the "City of Constantine".

6. Acts 23:11
   Acts 23:11 
 All 
KJV: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
Greek: τη δε επιουση νυκτι επιστας αυτω ο κυριος ειπεν θαρσει παυλε ως γαρ διεμαρτυρω τα περι εμου εις ιερουσαλημ ουτως σε δει και εις ρωμην μαρτυρησαι
Latin: sequenti autem nocte adsistens ei Dominus ait constans esto sicut enim testificatus es de me Hierusalem sic te oportet et Romae testificari
Wycliffe: And in the niyt suynge the Lord stood niy to hym, and seide, Be thou stidfast; for as thou hast witnessid of me in Jerusalem, so it bihoueth thee to witnesse also at Rome.

7. Unstable
If one is not constant, or not standing still in a stable way, one is unstable.

8. James 1:8
   James 1:8 
 All 
KJV: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Greek: ανηρ διψυχος ακαταστατος εν πασαις ταις οδοις αυτου
Latin: vir duplex animo inconstans in omnibus viis suis
Wycliffe: A man dowble in soule is vnstable in alle hise weies.
Luther: Ein Zweifler ist unbeständig in allen seinen Wegen.

9. Boldness
Boldness can be considered a form of "standing together" is in the following verses, as translated by the KJV (King James Version).

The Greek uses a word for "presence" as in a bold type of presence.

10. Acts 4:13
   Acts 4:13 
 All 
KJV: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Greek: θεωρουντες δε την του πετρου παρρησιαν και ιωαννου και καταλαβομενοι οτι ανθρωποι αγραμματοι εισιν και ιδιωται εθαυμαζον επεγινωσκον τε αυτους οτι συν τω ιησου ησαν
Latin: videntes autem Petri constantiam et Iohannis conperto quod homines essent sine litteris et idiotae admirabantur et cognoscebant eos quoniam cum Iesu fuerant
Wycliffe: And thei siyen the stidfastnesse of Petre and of Joon, for it was foundun that thei weren men vnlettrid, and lewid men, and thei wondriden, and knewen hem that thei weren with Jhesu.

11. Constants
In computer science, a constant is not just something that "does not change" (the answer often given by students and others).

12. Computer science
A constant is a named literal

In computer science, a constant is a named literal.

Since literals do not change while a program is running, neither do constants. Change the literal (outside the running of the program) and the constant changes.

13. Computer science constant
Here is an example in the C programming language with three constants and one variable. In reality, a C constant such as this is a variable with a value that cannot be changed (while the program is running)

Here is the C code [#1]
Here is the output of the C code.

14. Mathematics
What is a constant in mathematics?

15. Mathematical constants and Hebrew pi
In mathematics, a constant is a name for a number that does not change.

16. Physics
What is a constant in physics?

17. The speed of light and other physical constants
In physics, a constant as a number that is assumed not to change. In the 1960's the speed of light was redefined to be based on certain atomic measurements. These measurements are themselves based on the speed of light. Using the speed of light to measure the speed of light constitutes a rubber ruler.

Information sign More: The speed of light and other physical constants

18. Change
For us humans, everything is permanent - until it changes, as we are immortal until we die. Malcolm Muggeridge (British broadcaster)

Information sign More: Malcolm Muggeridge

19. Holding together
What holds the universe together?

20. Colossians 1:17
Verse routeColossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι αυτος εστιν προ παντων και τα παντα εν αυτω συνεστηκεν [gnt]

How does "constant" relate to "system"? We get a hint from the above verse.

The modern Greek word "συνεστήκεν" (see-neh-STEE-kehn) ≈ "consist" which is, literally, "together stands" as in a "system".

Before that, let us look at holding all things together.

Does Jesus really hold all things together, is Paul indicates in the above verse?

21. Colossians 1:17
 All 
KJV: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Greek: και αυτος εστιν προ παντων και τα παντα εν αυτω συνεστηκεν
Latin: et ipse est ante omnes et omnia in ipso constant
Luther: Und er ist vor allen; und es bestehet alles in ihm.

22. Zero Point Energy
The Bohr model of the atom, in 1913, refining some previous models, has the electron orbiting the nucleus in quantum levels without losing energy.

23. Atomic orbits
Sun and EarthRichard Feynman was one of the top physics personalities of his time, after Albert Einstein and before Steven Hawking.

Shortly after electrons were discovered it was thought that atoms were like little solar systems, made up of a … nucleus and electrons, which went around in “orbits,” much like the planets … around the sun. If you think that’s the way atoms are, then you’re back in 1910. (From his book on QED).
The orbit model is a nice way to think of and work with atoms, as long as one does not take the model literally.

Information sign More: Richard Feynman

24. Bohr model
As Feynman points out (in Quantum Electrodynamics), the Bohr model violates the second law of thermodynamics. Bohr's model works well in practice.
Why doesn't the electron lose energy as it orbits the nucleus?

25. Vacuums
In the late middle ages, the Catholic church opposed the idea of a vacuum because that meant that God could not be there.

Sound would not travel in a vacuum and mice could not survive in a vacuum.

An "absolute" vacuum does not exist. Today, the term bare vacuum is used.

26. Zero point energy
At absolute zero, there is still energy in a vacuum. This energy is known as the ZPE (Zero Point Energy), which exists even in a physical vacuum.

27. Casimir force
The Casimir force is named for the physicist Casimir who dissevered the force. Dates of discovery vary between experiments, submission of results, publication of results, etc.

28. Zero point energy
Zero point energyforceResearcher Harold Puthoff claims that the energy absorbed from the ZIP is what keeps the electron orbiting around the nucleus. That is, the energy the electron would lose is the amount of energy supplied by the ZPE - otherwise the universe would collapse.
The ZPE is huge - estimated as the energy of millions of suns in one cubic centimeter. Whenever an electron "orbits" an atom, it should lose energy.

29. 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]

If it were not for the ZPE, every atom in the universe would undergo immediate radiative collapse. Is this a "heat death" or (lack of) "heat death"? Or something more?

Is the ZPE really holding the universe together? What could be holding the universe together? If the universe were created, maybe the creator is holding the universe together.

30. 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
Wycliffe: abidinge and hiyynge in to the comyng of the dai of oure Lord Jhesu Crist, bi whom heuenes brennynge schulen be dissoluyd, and elementis schulen faile bi brennyng of fier.

31. Greek
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]

The ancient Greek word "στοιχεῖον""one of a row or series or sequence" and is the origin of the English chemical term "stoichiometric". The Greek word had origins in the lines of soldiers. Combining such ordered sequences results in what is called a table.

Information sign More: Galatians 4:21-25 Another allegory sequence of tabular dimensions
The modern Greek word "στοιχεία" (stee-KHEE-a) ≈ "elements".

32. Colossians 2:8 Hollow philosophy
Verse routeColossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidetedecipiatphilosophiaminanem fallaciamtraditionemelementa mundi … [v]

The origins of this verse in the NIV (New International Version) appear to go back to Wescott and Horte who are said to have loved Greek philosophy. Instead of (all) "philosophy", as in the "wisdom of man", they used the words "hollow philosophy" or "empty philosophy" so that some Greek philosophy would not fall under this warning.

NIV: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Philippians 2:8. The English word "hollow" is related to the English word "hole" as in an empty space.

Information sign More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

33. Colossians 2:8
 All 
KJV: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Greek: βλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον
Latin: videte ne quis vos decipiat per philosophiam et inanem fallaciam secundum traditionem hominum secundum elementa mundi et non secundum Christum
Spanish: Mirad que nadie os engañe por medio de filosofías y vanas sutilezas, según las tradiciones de los hombres, conforme a los rudimentos del mundo, y no según Cristo.

34. Galatians 4:3
Verse routeGalatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: [kjv]
Verse routeουτως και ημεις οτε ημεν νηπιοι υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου ημεθα δεδουλωμενοι [gnt]


35. Galatians 4:3
 All 
KJV: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Greek: ουτως και ημεις οτε ημεν νηπιοι υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου ημεν ημεθα δεδουλωμενοι

36. Systems
Let us return to how "constant" relates to "system".

The modern Greek word "σύστημα" (SEE-stee-ma) ≈ "organized whole of parts" and is the origin of the English word "system". Interestingly, it could mean a , musical scale or music as a combination of several tones.

The Greek word for "system" comes from two Greek words. So, like the related Latin word "constant", the Greek word "σύστημα" means, literally, "standing together".

37. Genesis 1:10
   Genesis 1:10 
 All 
KJV: And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
Hebrew: ויקרא אלהים ליבשה ארץ ולמקוה המים קרא ימים וירא אלהים כי טוב׃
Greek: και εκαλεσεν ο θεος την ξηραν γην και τα συστηματα των υδατων εκαλεσεν θαλασσας και ειδεν ο θεος οτι καλον
Latin: et vocavit Deus aridam terram congregationesque aquarum appellavit maria et vidit Deus quod esset bonum
Wycliffe: And God clepide the drie place, erthe; and he clepide the gadryngis togidere of watris, the sees. And God seiy that it was good;
Tyndale: And god called the drye lande the erth and the gatheringe togyther of waters called he the see. And God sawe that it was good
Luther: Und Gott nannte das Trockene Erde, und die Sammlung der Wasser nannte er Meer. Und Gott sah, daß es gut war.
The "gathering together" in the KJV is the "systems" in the LXX.

38. 2 Samuel 23:15
Verse route2 Samuel 23:15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! [kjv]
Verse routeκαι επεθυμησεν δαυιδ και ειπεν τις ποτιει με υδωρ εκ του λακκου του εν βαιθλεεμ του εν τη πυλη το δε συστημα των αλλοφυλων τοτε εν βαιθλεεμ [lxx]

The LXX (Septuagint) adds a part of the "system" or "standing together" of the Philistines who are guarding the will by the gate.

39. 2 Samuel 23:15
 All 
KJV: And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!
Hebrew: ויתאוה דוד ויאמר מי ישקני מים מבאר בית לחם אשר בשער׃
Greek: και επεθυμησεν δαυιδ και ειπεν τις ποτιει με υδωρ εκ του λακκου του εν βαιθλεεμ του εν τη πυλη το δε συστημα των αλλοφυλων τοτε εν βαιθλεεμ

40. Systems
Today, a "system" is a collection of related parts that "work together" or "stand together" for some purpose.

41. Grace Hopper
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was an early computer programmer and for years went around lecturing about computer technology and related topics.

42. Grace Hopper: First computer bug
In the early days of computers, the first documented computer bug was a "moth" that had short-circuited a switch in a computer circuit.

The first bug was documented by Grace Hopper (first computer bug) , though the term bug goes back further than computers.

Information sign More: Grace Hopper

43. Grace Hopper: Management and leadership
So, translating literally the source of the words in the title, the "Standing together for systemic constancy" is the "standing together for standing together of standing together". Interesting how words with the same origin somewhat diverge in their later meanings.

Now that we are "standing together" for something, a future topic is to see what it means to "stand under" or "understand"

44. End of page

by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640