[B-Greek] Urban legends

sotl sotl at sotl.org
Wed Dec 16 22:29:13 EST 2009


On 12/15/2009 11:39 AM Chap8med at optonline.net scribbled the following:

> Regarding the recent threads on "urban legends" and the use of Greek in preaching, comments about two texts from a devotional series, offered without comment:
>
> John 1:14 - "The Greek word for 'dwelt' is better translated 'tabernacled.'  The Lord came to us as a tabernacle, or temple, from which He dispenses His good gifts."
>   

I am in no way an expert in Greek. But, I thought to respond to this 
portion because I do understand why this thought is prevalent.

σκῆνος, SKENOS   tent, tabernacle; normally used in a figurative sense 
of the (human) body in its temporary and corruptible state (2C 5.1); 
idiomatically εἶναι ἐν τῷ σκήνει (EINAI EN TW(i) SKENEI) literally be in 
the tent, i.e. be physically alive (2C 5.4)

σκηνόω  SKENOW  fut. σκηνώσω; SKENWSW 1aor. ἐσκήνωσα; ESKENWSA live, 
dwell (temporarily); literally live or camp in a tent; figuratively in 
the NT dwell, take up one’s residence, come to reside (among) (JN 1.14)

Both of those are from Friberg's ANLEX. Even Strong's says, " to tent or 
encamp, i.e. (fig.) to occupy (as a mansion) or (spec.) to reside (as 
God did in the Tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and 
communion):—dwell."

Even the NET Bible alludes to "tabernacled."

Whether right or wrong, it's there.
> Luke 9:51 - "In the Greek, these words literally say that Jesus made his face hard in order to go to Jerusalem...He faced His destiny with a face like rock--the entire time, looking at us with compassion."
>
>   
I agree with your implication that's not what the Greek actually says. 
This is what I call a "preacherism," a taking of one idea superimposing 
it on another to make a point. Isaiah 50:7 is the first idea in this case.

Just my two cents.

{charley}


-- 


Rev. Charles A. Wootten, Th.D., D.D., Dean
International College of Bible Theology
Midwest Seminary of Bible Theology Extension
King's Word Academy Adult Education Extension
2301 County Drive
Petersburg, VA., 23803-4711
(804) 721-4857
icbt at sotl.org
msbt at sotl.org
kwa at otl.org
www.sotl.org/public/icbt/icbt.htm




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