Biblical Terms, Part 2

1. The variety of meanings in Scripture:
His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that many biblical words have multiple meanings depending on context. For example, the word “earth” does not always mean the physical ground but can refer to the Kingdom of God or the land of the living as in Psalms and Revelation.

2. The meaning changes by who speaks:
Expressions like “bless” or “glorify” differ in meaning depending on direction. When a greater blesses a lesser, he gives blessing; when a lesser blesses God, it means acknowledging His blessing, as in “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”

3. The phrase “Angel of the Lord”:
Sometimes it means a heavenly angel, but other times it refers to the Lord Himself appearing in angelic form, such as in the burning bush or the story of Gideon and Manoah. These were divine manifestations before the Incarnation.

4. Clarifying certain terms:
The word “firstborn” does not always mean the eldest child but rather “the one who opens the womb,” as in the case of Christ, who was presented to God on the fortieth day.

5. Understanding “humility” in Scripture:
Humility means self-abasement and contrition before God, not merely modesty. The Virgin Mary said, “He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden,” referring to her humility of heart.

6. Distinguishing residence from tribe:
“Ephraimite” may refer to residence, not ancestry, as with Elkanah, father of Samuel, who was a Levite living in Ephraim. Likewise, Christ was called “Nazarene” because of residence, not origin.

7. The literary omission of implied words:
The Bible sometimes omits understood elements, as in “Whoever denies Me before men, I will deny,” meaning if he persists unrepentant, unlike Peter who repented.

8. The need for proper interpretation:
Words like “kingdom” or “world” must be read contextually. “World” during Christ’s birth referred to the Roman Empire, while “kingdom” may mean God’s rule in the heart, the Church on earth, or eternal glory in heaven.

9. Symbolic and spiritual interpretation:
Pope Shenouda urges believers to read the Bible spiritually. “Our daily bread” symbolizes the spiritual bread — the Body and Blood of Christ, not mere food. God’s Word surpasses all human expression.

10. Final call:
He concludes that understanding the language of Scripture is essential. “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Christians must interpret Scripture prayerfully and in the Orthodox faith to avoid literalism and error.

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