As you consider these definitions, first try and give one of your own for the word. Then, compare it with those from the Bible dictionaries cited. Undoubtedly you will soon discover a flawed definition for one word can change the entire meaning of a verse.
USING THESE DEFINITIONS EFFECTIVELY
If you have done the exercise correctly, you likely found some of your definitions were either the same or similar to the Bible dictionary definitions, while others were quite different. A word of caution here. When it comes to the Bible and ‘accurate’ knowledge, ‘similar’ is not adequate. YHWH God, who inspired the Scriptures is a master of subtleties in words. When he inspired writers to use certain words to express his thoughts he had good reason behind their use. In evaluating scriptural meaning, one must always weigh Bible dictionary meanings above secular meanings when there seems to be either a conflict or confusion as to their meaning.
However, even in Bible dictionary definitions one soon discovers that it is not entirely unusual to confront a word that has several different meanings in biblical applications. In this case context plays an important part in revealing which definition is most suitable. Immediate, intermediate and overall context (the ‘synergy’ principal) will in most cases reveal the most correct meaning conforming to overall scriptural truth. Then, as always when studying the Bible, prayer is an all important tool for making decisions based on what one learns.
There is no Review Section for this lesson since the entire lesson is in itself an exercise in using correct definitions for important scriptural meanings for words found in the Bible. The next lesson will continue the consideration of Bible dictionary meanings for words from A. – Z. and cover ‘FINE’ through ‘HEAVEN’
If you have done the exercise correctly, you likely found some of your definitions were either the same or similar to the Bible dictionary definitions, while others were quite different. A word of caution here. When it comes to the Bible and ‘accurate’ knowledge, ‘similar’ is not adequate. YHWH God, who inspired the Scriptures is a master of subtleties in words. When he inspired writers to use certain words to express his thoughts he had good reason behind their use. In evaluating scriptural meaning, one must always weigh Bible dictionary meanings above secular meanings when there seems to be either a conflict or confusion as to their meaning.
However, even in Bible dictionary definitions one soon discovers that it is not entirely unusual to confront a word that has several different meanings in biblical applications. In this case context plays an important part in revealing which definition is most suitable. Immediate, intermediate and overall context (the ‘synergy’ principal) will in most cases reveal the most correct meaning conforming to overall scriptural truth. Then, as always when studying the Bible, prayer is an all important tool for making decisions based on what one learns.
There is no Review Section for this lesson since the entire lesson is in itself an exercise in using correct definitions for important scriptural meanings for words found in the Bible. The next lesson will continue the consideration of Bible dictionary meanings for words from A. – Z. and cover ‘FINE’ through ‘HEAVEN’