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Matthew 5:5 Grounds for meekly inheriting humble pie
1. Matthew 5:5 Grounds for meekly inheriting humble pie
2. Beatitudes summary
Here is a quick summary of the Beatitudes. Each starts with "
Blessed are".
1. poor in spirit - theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. they that mourn - shall be comforted.
3. meek - shall inherit the earth
4. those that hunger and thirst for righteousness - shall be satisfied
5. merciful - shall obtain mercy
6. pure in heart - shall see God
7. peacemakers - shall be called children of God
8. persecuted for righteousness sake - theirs is the kingdom of heaven
...reviled... (follow-on, not same format as previous eight)
To
not be
negative, most series of
ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons) stop at number 6 or 7. The Sermon on the Mount then starts with "
salt of the earth" and ends with the "
house built on sand".
3. Crowds and mountains
Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: [kjv]
ιδων δε τους οχλους ανεβη εις το ορος και καθισαντος αυτου προσηλθαν αυτω οι μαθηται αυτου [gnt]
The
KJV (King James Version) translates as "
into a mountain" what in the Greek is "
into the mountain" (definite article) as a specific but unnamed mountain.
Going or being "επί" ≈ "on" the mountain means going (if necessary) and being "on" the mountain semi-permanently.
Going "εις" ≈ "into, to" the mountain means going "to" and "on" the mountain but only temporarily.
4. Crowds and a private briefing
Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: [kjv]
ιδων δε τους οχλους ανεβη εις το ορος και καθισαντος αυτου προσηλθαν αυτω οι μαθηται αυτου [gnt]
It appears that Jesus was getting away from the crowds. Jesus had many disciples,
not just the
12 remaining at the end. So the Beatitudes "
teachings" are a private briefing these disciples.
Later, in John 6, Jesus starts to explain his real mission and many stop following him (for the food, healing, etc.). The
12 disciples remain.
5. Matthew 5:3 Summary and paraphrase
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πτωχοι τω πνευματι οτι αυτων εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων [gnt]
beati pauperes spiritu … regnum caelorum [v]
Paraphrase: Happy and content are the fallen who lack and beg for the Holy Spirit of God since the kingdom of heaven is now made available to them.
Who might be the
not "poor" "beggars" be who would
not be
happy if those
"poor" "beggars" now have access to the "
kingdom of heaven" without their "
yoke of oppression"?
How does
your church preach the "
Good News" to the
"poor" "beggars" of the "
Good News" and/or to the
"poor" "destitute"?
6. Matthew 5:4 Review
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [kjv]
There is
no "consolation" prize of
"comfort" for unjust wrongs that result in
"mourning".
Here is one possible interpretation of the second Beatitude that attempts to keep the original meaning of the Greek (and Hebrew) words.
Paraphrase: Happy and content are those that mourn because of being wronged unjustly for they shall be comforted, in the last days by being avenged by the Avenger of Blood, and comforted now, given the Holy Spirit.
Those who has done the wrong (persecution, etc.) against the "
righteous" throughout history would
not be
"happy" about that avenging (later) or by the
"comfort" of the
Holy Spirit.
☐ World (
hates the followers of Jesus)
☐ Church (Would they ever become like the world?)
7. Matthew 5:5 Grounds for meekly inheriting humble pie
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
beati mites … possidebunt terram [v]
The important word here are the following:
"blessed",
"meek",
"inherit",
"earth".
Whatever
"meek" means, both
Jesus and
Moses are described as
"meek".
☐ The
"earth" as now exits.
☐ The
new heaven and
new "earth".
The Latin Vulgate and Wycliffe (and Wessex Gospels) switch the verses for "
mourn" and "
meek". This has been adjusted in the verses as used.
8. Church
In a historical context, the
"meek" of the "
church" inherited the power of the
"earth" in the fourth century when Rome tolerated Christianity and then made it the official religion of the empire.
This is when the mustard seed became a tree and the birds came to make a home in the branches.
In the western empire of Rome in Rome, the church had almost absolute power. Latin alphabet.
In the eastern empire of Rome in Constantinople, the church had power but not absolute power. Cyrillic alphabet.
9. Matthew 5:5
KJV: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Greek: μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην
Latin: beati mites quoniam ipsi possidebunt terram
10. Matthew 5:4
KJV: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Greek: μακαριοι οι πενθουντες οτι αυτοι παρακληθησονται
11. Sermons
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
beati mites … possidebunt terram [v]
A typical sermon on this Beatitude, and I have heard many, goes as follows.
Define "blessed" which means "happy".
Define "meek". One pastor depended on Alexa (the voice recognition software on a tablet computer) for a definition. One pastor spent a lot of time explaining how meek was not weak.
Define "inherit" (or just assume it is clear).
Define "earth", which is often secular power over other people on the earth rather than a piece of territory, as in the new heaven and earth.
[One pastor: We won!]
Let us look at each word in more detail.
12. Matthew 5: A eulogy of some blessed words on being blissfully happy
Each of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 start with the word
"blessed". What does it mean to say someone is "
blessed"?
The Latin word
"beati" ≈ "happy, fortunate, blessed" and is the origin of the English word
"beatitude" and the name of the "
Beatitudes". Latin has
one word as "
fortunate" for which Greek has
two separate words:
"blessed" from the Greek "happy" or "content".
"blessed" from the Greek "good words" as in "eulogy".
Observation: It is easier for a priest, pastor, etc., to wave their hands and
"bless" you than to actually make you
"happy".
In English, both words are merged as one
"blessed" and, historically, conflated with the word "
bliss" which is associated with "
joy".
13. Negation by failure
A common logical assumption, in the presence of incomplete information (or mathematical incompleteness), is to assume that if something cannot be proven or shown true, then it is false (or not true). This is called "
negation by failure".
If the "
meek" do "
inherit" the "
earth", whatever that means, does it then mean that whoever is "
not meek" will "
not inherit" the "
earth", whatever that means. The definition of "
meek" might be important.
This, in general, is the "
converse fallacy".
14. Visiting bishop
An early church father (reference needed) wrote that if the visiting Bishop is quiet, it as not a good sign. The Bishop would make nice and good comments if everything was appeared well. If not, the Bishop would be silent.
15. German bishop
The German word
"Bischof" ≈ "Bishop".
The German word "Schaf" ≈ "sheep".
The German word "Biss" ≈ "bite, sting".
Church members (even Bishops) are often characterized as sheep. So a German pun was to call the "
Bischof" (not to his face) a "
Biss Schaf" (sheep that bites or someone that bites the sheep)
A "
biting" sheep is different than a "
bleating" sheep.
16. The word meek
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
beati mites … possidebunt terram [v]
The
ancient Greek word
"πρᾶος" ≈ "soft, gentle, tame, mild" .
The modern Greek word "πράος" (PRA-os) ≈ "meek, gentle, mild".
The Latin word "mitis" ≈ "mild, mellow, soft".
One paster, without explicitly stating the above, but to reconcile this issue, added many additional "
Christian" principles to the definition of "
meek" that do not appear to be in the original text in order to create a "
prescriptive" application of this Beatitude (ignoring the definition of "
blessed").
17. Related words
18. Matthew 5:4 Mourning
The Greek word for
"meek" appears to refer to that of, in general, being
"passive" as in the Greek word for
"suffer".
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πενθουντες οτι αυτοι παρακληθησονται [gnt]
beati qui lugent quoniam ipsi consolabuntur [v]
Who are those that
"mourn"? [
suffer for Christ]
The ancient Greek word
"πένθος" ≈ "grief, sorrow, mourning, misery" and is cognate with
"πάθος" ≈ "experience, happening" and
"πάσχω" ≈ "undergo, experience" (as opposed to "
doing" or "
acting"). In context, the meaning can be
"pain",
"suffering", etc. Think
"passive" and
not "
active".
The actual Greek word (prefix) used here appears four times in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) and
LXX (Septuagint). We will look at those ofter looking at causes of mourning and grief and of consolation and comfort.
The English word
"grief" is related to
"grave".
19. John 8:33
John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [kjv]
απεκριθησαν προς αυτον σπερμα αβρααμ εσμεν και ουδενι δεδουλευκαμεν πωποτε πως συ λεγεις οτι ελευθεροι γενησεσθε [gnt]
… freoge. [wes]
Here is an Old English usage of "
free" as "
freoge", but not (apparently) related to "
meek".
20. John 8:33
KJV: They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Greek: απεκριθησαν αυτω προς αυτον σπερμα αβρααμ εσμεν και ουδενι δεδουλευκαμεν πωποτε πως συ λεγεις οτι ελευθεροι γενησεσθε
Latin: responderunt ei semen Abrahae sumus et nemini servivimus umquam quomodo tu dicis liberi eritis
Wessex: Ða andswereden hyo hym & cwaeðen. we synt abrahames kynnes. & ne þeowedon we nanen menn naefre. hu-mete cweðst þu ge beoð freoge.
Wycliffe: Therfor the Jewis answeriden to hym, We ben the seed of Abraham, and we serueden neuere to man; hou seist thou, That ye schulen be fre?
21. Matthew 11:29
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [kjv]
αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου οτι πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων [gnt]
… mitis … humilis … [v]
Jesus is
"meek". The ancient Greek word
"πρᾶος" ≈ "soft, gentle, tame, mild".
From the above verse, the concept of
"meek" and
"lowly in heart" or
"humble" are taken to be similar. Is this accurate?
From the Latin word
"humilis" ≈ "humble" comes the English words
"humble" and
"humility".
For a hymn that uses the words
"meek" and
"lowly", see
Song: The church is one foundation
22. Matthew 11:29
KJV: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Greek: αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου οτι πραος πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων
Latin: tollite iugum meum super vos et discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde et invenietis requiem animabus vestris
Wessex: Nemeð min göc ofer eow. & leornigeð aet me. for-þam ich eom bylehwit & eadmod on heortan. & ge ge-metað reste owren sawlen.
Wycliffe: Take ye my yok on you, and lerne ye of me, for Y am mylde and meke in herte; and ye schulen fynde reste to youre soulis.
23. Meek Moses
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. ) [kjv]
και ο ανθρωπος μωυσης πραυς σφοδρα παρα παντας τους ανθρωπους τους οντας επι της γης [lxx]
Moses is
"meek".
Moses may not seem
"meek". In going to Egypt and taking the people out of that world and to the promised land, Moses is a
type of Christ in the second coming as the "
Avenger of Blood" (on the world with the plagues).
24. Matthew 12:26-29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man
Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [kjv]
η πως δυναται τις εισελθειν εις την οικιαν του ισχυρου και τα σκευη αυτου σαι αρπασαι εαν μη πρωτον δηση τον ισχυρον και τοτε την οικιαν αυτου διαρπασει [gnt]
The
GNT word for
"spoil" is the ancient Greek word
"ἁρπάζω" ≈ "snatch away, carry off" and may be related to the ancient Greek word
"ἅρπη" ≈ "bird of prey" as a hawk or falcon and which
may be related to the
PIE root for "
reap", "
harvest", "
sickle". This word for
"snatch" is sometimes translated
"rapture" or
"ravenous" as in "
wolves".
The ancient Greek word
"σκευή" ≈ "vessel" as something that is made but can refer to
"people" as in a
"chosen vessel".
[Last Supper, 1 & 2 Thessalonians]
25. Hebrew
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
However one defines
"meek", it should account for Moses as recorded in Numbers. The
LXX uses the same word as the third Beatitude for
"meek".
The Hebrew word
"ענו" (a-nav) ≈ "humble, meek" which is the same as the previous verse where the
LXX used
"humble".
.
26. Numbers 12:3
KJV: (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. )
Hebrew: והאיש משה ענו מאד מכל האדם אשר על פני האדמה׃
Greek: και ο ανθρωπος μωυσης πραυς σφοδρα παρα παντας τους ανθρωπους τους οντας επι της γης
27. Matthew 18:4 Humble
28. Matthew 18:4
KJV: Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Greek: οστις ουν ταπειν ωση ταπειν ωσει εαυτον ως το παιδιον τουτο ουτος εστιν ο μειζων εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων
Latin: quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste hic est maior in regno caelorum
Wessex: Swa hwylc swa hine eadmet. swa þes litling. se ys mare on hefene riche.
Wycliffe: Therfor who euer mekith hym as this litil child, he is gretter in the kyngdom of heuenes.
Luther: Wer nun sich selbst niedriget wie dies Kind, der ist der Größte im Himmelreich.
29. Humble pie
The term "
humble pie" comes from the Middle English word
"umple pie" ≈ "meat pie", made with "
offel" (scrap meat cut "
off of") and often served to lower class people. The related German word
"Abfall" ≈ "waste, refuse".
The "
umble" and "
humble" are unrelated words, but became associated during the Middle Ages because of their similar sound.
Thus, to eat "
umble pie" became to eat "
humble pie".
30. Currant jelly
A similar name correspondence is found in "
currant" berries. From Greece, dried Corinth grapes (raisins) became known as "
currants" with the association to "
Corinth", from the French word
"raisin de Corinthe" ≈ "grapes of Corinth".
In English, the term "
currant" became associated by some with "
current".
What happens if you try making jelly while driving?
You may end up with a traffic jam.
31. Matthew 23:12
Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. [kjv]
οστις δε υψωσει εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και οστις ταπεινωσει εαυτον υψωθησεται [gnt]
… humiliabitur … humiliaverit … [v]
… mekid… mekith … [wy]
The use of
"humble" in the above verse is used as opposites. That is, the
KJV "abased" (lowered, as in status) is the Greek
"humbled", just as Greek uses similar roots for "
exalt" and "
exalted".
Wycliffe uses the Middle English word
"mekith" ≈ "humbled" which is
"make meek" as
"meeketh".
32. Matthew 23:12
KJV: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Greek: οστις δε υψωσει εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και οστις ταπεινωσει εαυτον υψωθησεται
Latin: qui autem se exaltaverit humiliabitur et qui se humiliaverit exaltabitur
Wycliffe: For he that hieth himself, schal be mekid; and he that mekith hym silf, schal be enhaunsid.
Tyndale: But whosoever exalteth himsilfe shalbe brought lowe. And he yt hubleth himsilfe shalbe exalted.
33. Arrogance
One might consider the opposite of "
humble" as "
arrogant".
Accusing someone of "
arrogance" is a tricky issue. It is an example of a catch-22 situation.
If the person responds indignantly, then the case for "arrogance" is enhanced.
If the person does not respond, they appear to tacitly agree with the accusation.
How should someone respond to such an allegation?
Similar (improper) questions:
Have you stopped beating your wife?
Do you still say stupid things?
34. Luke 3:3-4 John the Baptist
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; [kjv]
και ηλθεν εις πασαν περιχωρον του ιορδανου κηρυσσων βαπτισμα μετανοιας εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων [gnt]
… paenitentiae … [v]
In Luke 3, John the Baptist preached from Isaiah using the Greek word for "
humble" but in the sense of "
brought low".
3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [kjv]
ως γεγραπται εν βιβλω λογων ησαιου του προφητου φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου [gnt]
… clamantis … parate … semitas … [v]
Luke makes a connection to Isaiah.
35. Luke 3:3
KJV: And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Greek: και ηλθεν εις πασαν την περιχωρον του ιορδανου κηρυσσων βαπτισμα μετανοιας εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων
Latin: et venit in omnem regionem Iordanis praedicans baptismum paenitentiae in remissionem peccatorum
36. Luke 3:4
KJV: As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Greek: ως γεγραπται εν βιβλω λογων ησαιου του προφητου λεγοντος φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου
Latin: sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Esaiae prophetae vox clamantis in deserto parate viam Domini rectas facite semitas eius
37. Luke 3:5 Valleys and mountains
Luke 3:5 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; [kjv]
πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται τα σκολια εις ευθειας και αι τραχειαι εις οδους λειας [gnt]
… implebitur … vias … [v]
The
KJV often uses "
hill" whereas the Greek word is "
mountain" where the ancient Greek has two words for mountain - one named and prominent and one more general. Both are used here.
"ὁδός" ≈ "way, path" as in the last part of the English words
"method" and
"exodus".
The ancient Greek word
"ἔξοδος" ≈ "way out, exodus" and is the source of the English word
"Exodus". The early Christians called their faith "
the way". The book of Exodus is the story of the "
way out" of the bondage of slavery, where Egypt represents the (evil) power of this world.
The modern Greek word
"έξοδος" (EH-kso-thos) ≈ "way out".
The modern Greek word
"οδός" (o-THOS) ≈ "path, way, road".
38. 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
39. Observations
The Greek word for "brought low" is the word above for "humble" which may be related to "meek".
It would appear that the word "fill" will appear in the fourth Beatitude. The KJV uses "fill" in both places, but the fourth Beatitude uses another, interesting, word that the KJV translates as "fill".
40. Luke 3:6
Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. [kjv]
και οψεται πασα σαρξ το σωτηριον του θεου [gnt]
… videbit … caro salutare … [v]
The modern Greek word
"όψεται" (O-pseh-teh) ≈ "see" and is the origin of English words such as "
optics", "
optical", etc.
This word "
see" will appear in the sixth Beatitude.
41. Luke 3:6
KJV: And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Greek: και οψεται πασα σαρξ το σωτηριον του θεου
Latin: et videbit omnis caro salutare Dei
42. Isaiah 40:4
Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: [kjv]
πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται παντα τα σκολια εις ευθειαν και η τραχεια εις πεδια [lxx]
… mons … collis humiliabitur … [v]
Here is the verse from Isaiah that Luke is quoting.
Some take "
meek" as "
weak". Is this inference more correct than not? Some dictators (e.g., Stalin) give (gave) the impression of being "
meek", but behind the scenes they are (were) fierce against any opposition, real or imagined.
43. Isaiah 40:4
KJV: Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Hebrew: כל גיא ינשא וכל הר וגבעה ישפלו והיה העקב למישור והרכסים לבקעה׃
Greek: πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται παντα τα σκολια εις ευθειαν και η τραχεια εις πεδια
Latin: omnis vallis exaltabitur et omnis mons et collis humiliabitur et erunt prava in directa et aspera in vias planas
44. Job 42:15 Inherit
Job 42:15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. [kjv]
και ουχ ευρεθησαν κατα τας θυγατερας ιωβ βελτιους αυτων εν τη υπ ουρανον εδωκεν δε αυταις ο πατηρ κληρονομιαν εν τοις αδελφοις [lxx]
… hereditatem … [v]
What does it mean to
"inherit" something?
We "inherit" genes from our parents. (nature)
We might "inherit" possessions from our parents. (nurture)
Job gave his daughters an
"inheritance". The Latin word
"hereditatem" ≈ "inheritance" and is the source of the English word
"hereditary".
45. Job 42:15
KJV: And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
Hebrew: ולא נמצא נשים יפות כבנות איוב בכל הארץ ויתן להם אביהם נחלה בתוך אחיהם׃
Greek: και ουχ ευρεθησαν κατα τας θυγατερας ιωβ βελτιους αυτων εν τη υπ ουρανον εδωκεν δε αυταις ο πατηρ κληρονομιαν εν τοις αδελφοις
Latin: non sunt autem inventae mulieres speciosae sicut filiae Iob in universa terra deditque eis pater suus hereditatem inter fratres earum
46. Coining a customary distribution law of iniquity
The ancient Greek words for "
pasture", "
law", "
nomad", "
coin" are related. The progression appears to be from a pasture, to a distribution of sheep, to the rules for such distributions, to representations of such wealth as coins, etc.
The ancient Greek word "νέμω" ≈ "distribute, pasture, graze" (as a verb)
The ancient Greek word "νομός" ≈ "pasture" (as a noun, accent on second syllable)
The ancient Greek word "νόμος" ≈ "custom, law" (as a noun, accent on first syllable)
Some English words made from this word include "
economy", "
astronomy", "
Deuteronomy", "
numismatics", etc.
Interestingly, the word the
KJV translates as "
iniquity" is a negation of that word for "
law".
47. Daughters of Zelophehad
The daughters of Zelophehad are another example of inheritance (and related to the story of Ruth and Boaz) and on which the claims of Christ as lawful and legal King reside.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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48. Kinsman redeemer
49. Ruth 4:5-6
Ruth 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. [kjv]
και ειπεν βοος εν ημερα του κτησασθαι σε τον αγρον εκ χειρος νωεμιν και παρα ρουθ της μωαβιτιδος γυναικος του τεθνηκοτος και αυτην κτησασθαι σε δει ωστε αναστησαι το ονομα του τεθνηκοτος επι της κληρονομιας αυτου [lxx]
4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. [kjv]
και ειπεν ο αγχιστευς ου δυνησομαι αγχιστευσαι εμαυτω μηποτε διαφθειρω την κληρονομιαν μου αγχιστευσον σεαυτω την αγχιστειαν μου οτι ου δυνησομαι αγχιστευσαι [lxx]
What might mar his
"inheritance"? Might it be his "
good name" or "
good standing" in society. He might not want to "
humble" himself in a lower status.
There is no worldly "
kinsman redeemer". Boaz is a type of Jesus Christ who has come into the world to be a "
kinsman redeemer".
50. Psalms 33:12
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. [kjv]
μακαριον το εθνος ου εστιν κυριος ο θεος αυτου λαος ον εξελεξατο εις κληρονομιαν εαυτω [lxx]
beata gens … populus … hereditatem … [v]
51. Psalms 33:12
KJV: Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Hebrew: אשרי הגוי אשר יהוה אלהיו העם בחר לנחלה לו׃
Greek: μακαριον το εθνος ου εστιν κυριος ο θεος αυτου λαος ον εξελεξατο εις κληρονομιαν εαυτω
Latin: beata gens cuius Dominus Deus eius populus quem elegit in hereditatem sibi
Luther: Wohl dem Volk, des der Herr ein Gott ist, das Volk, das er zum Erbe erwählet hat!
There are four contiguous verses in Psalms 37 that appear to be related to the third Beatitude.
52. Psalms 37:8-10
Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. [kjv]
παυσαι απο οργης και εγκαταλιπε θυμον μη παραζηλου ωστε πονηρευεσθαι [lxx]
37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
οτι οι πονηρευομενοι εξολεθρευθησονται οι δε υπομενοντες τον κυριον αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν γην [lxx]
… hereditabunt terram [v]
37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. [kjv]
Does this verse and description have anything to do with "meek"?
How shall the evildoers be "cut off"? Might it be by the "Avenger of Blood"?
Do those who "wait upon the LORD" have anything to do with the "meek"?
53. Psalms 37:8
KJV: Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Hebrew: הרף מאף ועזב חמה אל תתחר אך להרע׃
Greek: παυσαι απο οργης και εγκαταλιπε θυμον μη παραζηλου ωστε πονηρευεσθαι
54. Psalms 37:9
KJV: For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Hebrew: כי מרעים יכרתון וקוי יהוה המה יירשו ארץ׃
Greek: οτι οι πονηρευομενοι εξολεθρευθησονται οι δε υπομενοντες τον κυριον αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν γην
Latin: quoniam qui malefaciunt interibunt expectantes autem Dominum ipsi hereditabunt terram
55. Psalms 37:10
KJV: For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
Hebrew: ועוד מעט ואין רשע והתבוננת על מקומו ואיננו׃
Greek: και ετι ολιγον και ου μη υπαρξη ο αμαρτωλος και ζητησεις τον τοπον αυτου και ου μη ευρης
56. Meek inherit the earth
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πραεις οτι αυτοι κληρονομησουσιν την γην [gnt]
Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. [kjv]
οι δε πραεις κληρονομησουσιν γην και κατατρυφησουσιν επι πληθει ειρηνης [lxx]
Who are the
"meek"? Which
"earth" will the
"meek" "inherit"? We will return to that question.
This "
peace" appears to be after those "
oppressing" have been "
cut off". The "
peace" is mentioned in the seventh Beatitude.
57. Psalms 37:11
KJV: But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Hebrew: וענוים יירשו ארץ והתענגו על רב שלום׃
Greek: οι δε πραεις κληρονομησουσιν γην και κατατρυφησουσιν επι πληθει ειρηνης
Latin: mites autem hereditabunt terram et delectabuntur in multitudine pacis
58. Hebrew
The Hebrew word
"וענוים" (wa-a-na-wim) ≈ "but the meek" may be important.
The Hebrew word has the meaning of poor, afflicted, humble, meek. So the Hebrew word has a meaning more than just
"meek". Since Jesus spoke Greek and Aramaic (and read Hebrew) the meaning here may be important.
59. Matthew 25:34 Sheep and goats
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [kjv]
τοτε ερει ο βασιλευς τοις εκ δεξιων αυτου δευτε οι ευλογημενοι του πατρος μου κληρονομησατε την ητοιμασμενην υμιν βασιλειαν απο καταβολης κοσμου [gnt]
The parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew is interesting and appears to be related to the third Beatitude. Does this word for "
left", which is not as common as the other word, fit at all with the third Beatitude?
Can the sheep on his "
right" (hand is inferred from the Greek) and the (young) goats on his left be somehow associated with the "
meek" and the "
not meek"?
Can this "
kingdom" somehow be associated with the "
earth"? Is it of "
God" or of "
heaven"?
60. Matthew 25:34
KJV: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Greek: τοτε ερει ο βασιλευς τοις εκ δεξιων αυτου δευτε οι ευλογημενοι του πατρος μου κληρονομησατε την ητοιμασμενην υμιν βασιλειαν απο καταβολης κοσμου
61. Holy avenger of blood
Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. [kjv]
6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [kjv]
και εκραξαν φωνη μεγαλη λεγοντες εως ποτε ο δεσποτης ο αγιος και αληθινος ου κρινεις και εκδικεις το αιμα ημων εκ των κατοικουντων επι της γης [gnt]
What might the
"earth" "
dwellers"
"inherit"?
62. Revelation 4:8
KJV: And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Greek: και τα τεσσαρα ζωα εν καθ εαυτο ειχον εν αυτων εχων ανα πτερυγας εξ κυκλοθεν και εσωθεν γεμοντα γεμουσιν οφθαλμων και αναπαυσιν ουκ εχουσιν ημερας και νυκτος λεγοντα λεγοντες αγιος αγιος αγιος κυριος ο θεος ο παντοκρατωρ ο ην και ο ων και ο ερχομενος
63. Revelation 6:10
KJV: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Greek: και εκραζον εκραξαν φωνη μεγαλη λεγοντες εως ποτε ο δεσποτης ο αγιος και ο αληθινος ου κρινεις και εκδικεις το αιμα ημων απο εκ των κατοικουντων επι της γης
64. Mark 10:23-24
Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [kjv]
και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται [gnt]
10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! [kjv]
οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν χρημασιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]
The modern Greek word
"χρήματα" (HREE-ma-ta) ≈ "money".
This idea is repeated in the next verse.
65. Mark 10:23
KJV: And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Greek: και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται
Latin: et circumspiciens Iesus ait discipulis suis quam difficile qui pecunias habent in regnum Dei introibunt
66. Mark 10:24
KJV: And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Greek: οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν τους πεποιθοτας επι τοις χρημασιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
Latin: discipuli autem obstupescebant in verbis eius at Iesus rursus respondens ait illis filioli quam difficile est confidentes in pecuniis regnum Dei introire
67. Comparison
Interestingly, the "
mourning" of the second Beatitude appeared to be related to the "
comfort" provided by the "
Avenger of Blood".
Might the "
inheritance" of the third Beatitude be related to the "
inheritance" provided by the "
Kinsman Redeemer"?
68. Revelation 21:1 Earth
Revelation 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]
και 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".
The original and current "earth".
The new "heaven" and new "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?
69. Revelation 21:1
KJV: 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.
Greek: και ειδον ουρανον καινον και γην καινην ο γαρ πρωτος ουρανος και η πρωτη γηπαρηλθεν απηλθαν και η θαλασσα ουκ εστιν ετι
70. 2 Peter 3:10-11
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [kjv]
ηξει δε ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν η οι ουρανοι ροιζηδον παρελευσονται στοιχεια δε καυσουμενα λυθησεται και γη και τα εν αυτη εργα ευρεθησεται [gnt]
3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [kjv]
Peter relates something similar.
The Latin Vulgate does not have the last part of the verse that is in Greek.
71. 2 Peter 3:10
KJV: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Greek: ηξει δε η ημερα κυριου ως κλεπτης εν νυκτι εν η οι ουρανοι ροιζηδον παρελευσονται στοιχεια δε καυσουμενα λυθησονται λυθησεται και γη και τα εν αυτη εργα κατακαησεται ευρεθησεται
Latin: adveniet autem dies Domini ut fur in qua caeli magno impetu transient elementa vero calore solventur
72. 2 Peter 3:11
KJV: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Greek: τουτων ουν ουτως παντων λυομενων ποταπους δει υπαρχειν υμας εν αγιαις αναστροφαις και ευσεβειαις
73. 2 Peter 3:12-13
2 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]
προσδοκωντας και σπευδοντας την παρουσιαν της του θεου ημερας δι ην ουρανοι πυρουμενοι λυθησονται και στοιχεια καυσουμενα τηκεται [gnt]
3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [kjv]
καινους δε ουρανους και γην καινην κατα το επαγγελμα αυτου προσδοκωμεν εν οις δικαιοσυνη κατοικει [gnt]
From
thermodynamics (late 19th century):
There is a beginning to time. (creation, big bang).
There is an end to time (heat death, dissolving).
Eternal means outside of time and space as we know it.
Interestingly, the word "
righteousness" used here, as in what "
dwelleth" in the
new "earth", is a primary word of the next (fourth) Beatitude.
74. 2 Peter 3:12
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
75. 2 Peter 3:13
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
Latin: novos vero caelos et novam terram et promissa ipsius expectamus in quibus iustitia habitat
76. Isaiah 51:6
Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. [kjv]
On the present "
earth" are "
earth dwellers".
77. Isaiah 51:6
KJV: Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Hebrew: שאו לשמים עיניכם והביטו אל הארץ מתחת כי שמים כעשן נמלחו והארץ כבגד תבלה וישביה כמו כן ימותון וישועתי לעולם תהיה וצדקתי לא תחת׃
Greek: αρατε εις τον ουρανον τους οφθαλμους υμων και εμβλεψατε εις την γην κατω οτι ο ουρανος ως καπνος εστερεωθη η δε γη ως ιματιον παλαιωθησεται οι δε κατοικουντες την γην ωσπερ ταυτα αποθανουνται το δε σωτηριον μου εις τον αιωνα εσται η δε δικαιοσυνη μου ου μη εκλιπη
78. Multiple meanings
This page has looked at the third Beatitude in Matthew 5 which goes as follows: "
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.".
It has been stated that a verse can have multiple meanings, all of which are true. This might be one such verse. Assume the following.
Blessed is the Greek word for "happy", "content", "satisfied".
The "meek" or the "humble" Christians doing what they are to do.
The word "inherit" means to obtain something distributed to them - the "earth".
The "
earth" might be the old "
earth" and the secular power that goes with it, or it might be the new "
earth" of peace.
79. Matthew 5:5 Paraphrase review
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [kjv]
Here are
two possible interpretations of the third Beatitude that attempt to keep the original meaning of the Greek (and Hebrew) words.
Judas is among those being taught these Beatitudes. Not all are "
meek" and "
humble".
Paraphrase 1: Happy and content are the meek and humble because they will inherit the existing earth (and the secular power that goes with the earth and the lack of peace that goes with it).
This
happened about 300 years later when Rome ceded power to the Christians in the fourth century and which resulted in bringing some into power who were then not so meek or humble.
Paraphrase 2: Happy and content are the meek and humble because they will inherit the (new heaven) and (new) earth (and the peace that goes with it).
This has
not yet happened. Those
not "happy" are those who have inherited worldly power on
"earth" but do not make it to the
new "earth".
80. Historical interpretation of church history
Interpretations |
☐ Literal |
☐ Christian living |
☐ Figurative |
☐ Heresies over time |
☐ Historical |
☐ Prophetic details |
[spread spectrum communication]
[self-similar like fractals]
[linear combinations]
|
Note that the time of Roman persecutions was that of the universal church as a collection of small "mustard seeds" while the time of Roman acceptance was that of the universal church as "tree with birds making a home in the branches".
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81. Matthew 5:6 The righteous type of appetite with which to be gardenized
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [kjv]
μακαριοι οι πεινωντες και διψωντες την δικαιοσυνην οτι αυτοι χορτασθησονται [gnt]
beati qui esuriunt et sitiunt iustitiam quoniam ipsi saturabuntur [v]
The important word here are:
"blessed" (
happy),
"hunger",
"thirst",
"righteousness",
"filled" (
satisfied).
To what
"righteousness" does the verse refer? Can one be
"satisfied" in either (or
both) ways?
☐ Man's
"righteousness", "
opinion", "
glory", "
law".
☐ God's
"righteousness", "
opinion", "
glory", "
law".
82. End of page