[B-Greek] Meaning of THERAPEUO

Robert A Bayer robertbayer at juno.com
Mon Jan 10 21:54:40 EST 2005


On Sun, 9 Jan 2005 15:22:27 +1100 "ann nyland" <nyland at tsn.cc> writes:

> Hi Robert,
> The papyri and inscriptions have added to our understanding of this 
> word, as  has Louise Wells of Australia's recent definitive work "The
Greek 
> language  of Healing from Homer to New Testament Times", (Berlin:
>Walter de Gruyter,  1998), see especially pp. 35, 39, 83, 510.

As Ann knows this is a difficult book to obtain.  But I do have a request
in for "Healing in the New Testament : insights from medical and
Mediterranean" by  John J. Pilch.  Can any of you suggest for other
resources, my Librarian might be able to obtain, that would help me
better understand the meaning of QERAPEUW in the NT.

I will append a questions I am asking to a summary of Ann's previous
message.  Your assistance in answering this question would be most
appreciated.

> QERAPEUW describes the result of treatment which embraces physical 
> and psychological therapies, and usually involves a permanent change
>of lifestyle - see, for example, IG >IV2 1, no. 126. 

<snip>

> Isocrates, Aegineticus 11, 20-33 describes treatment, and 
> the resultant healing demands a response in the person who needs the 
> healing - this person takes an active part in the healing process. Note
that 
> the opposite Greek word means "neglect". QERAPEUW  is associated with 
> hearing  the Word (both in pagan and NT contexts) and is often
associated 
> with a  preaching context (again, bhoth in pagan and NT contexts). 

>It is ongoing: recovery may be rapid or slow. Diogenes Laertes says the
terms >that Epicurus  used for things were "ordinary" terms. DL 10.13.
Where >Epicurus uses QERAPEUW to mean heal, the healing agent is the
LOGOS of >the philosopher. 

<snip>

> QERAPEUW is linked with teaching and preaching. It is a continuous 
> process,  and is linked with changing one's way of life. L. Wells
states, 
> "When  passive it (therapeuo) describes the result of God's healing
logos, 
> but this result demands an active and ongoing response in the life of
the 
> hearer of  the word. Thus humans can be both healed and themselves take
an 
> active part  in the healing process." (op.cit., p. 119); "Therapeuo is
the 
> visible effect  of teaching and preaching, the 'action' product of the
message." 

<snip>

> The use of QERAPEUW in the NT is most consistent with its uses from 
> earleir  centuries, and the person who was "healed" remained healed if
they 
> contributed to their own "healing" (i.e. lifestyle). 
> Ann Nyland


The QERAPEUW  of  Jesus and his disciples seemed to include preaching,
teaching, and sometimes touching;  was their more to his QERAPEUW than
this?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Your correspondence regarding this subject would be welcome and
appreciated.


God bless you,
Bob Bayer
Winchendon, MA USA



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