The lecture shows that many words of the Holy Scripture carry more than one meaning, and that superficial literal understanding may mislead. The believer must know when a phrase is taken literally and when it is symbolic, pertains to a certain time, or has a theological spiritual meaning.
Important linguistic examples
The word “earth” may mean the physical earth or “the kingdom” or “the land of the living” according to context.
“To bless” and “to glorify” differ according to who issues them: from the greater to the lesser means granting blessing or glory, and from the lesser to the greater means acknowledgment of the greater’s blessing or glory.
“The angel of the Lord” sometimes is an embodiment of the Lord appearing in the form of an angel or a man, and not every angelic appearance is a separate being from the Lord.
Symbolic and temporal concepts
There are commands or expressions that were specific to the time of the first mission (for example: do not go by the way of the Gentiles) and ended when the proclamation extended to all nations.
The rites and symbols in the Old Testament had a temporal and symbolic function and with the New Covenant became the meaning to which they pointed.
Theological terms needing precision
“Firstborn” means opener of the womb, not necessarily the eldest among siblings.
“Just” in the psalms means justified by the grace of Christ, not intrinsic righteousness.
“Humility” is sometimes understood as lowering one’s status, but in the language of Scripture it means contrition and abasement before God.
Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective) Correct understanding of the language of Scripture leads the believer into the depth of spiritual life: distinguishing between literal and symbolic preserves its sacramental meaning and strengthens doctrine. Christian interpretation anchored in tradition purifies understanding and prevents distortion of meanings or their use to support heresies.
Practical conclusion We must learn the language of the Holy Scripture, consider historical and symbolic context, and awaken to theological and spiritual meanings instead of clinging to literalness that may lead to misunderstanding.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Terms in the Bible, Part 2
The lecture shows that many words of the Holy Scripture carry more than one meaning, and that superficial literal understanding may mislead. The believer must know when a phrase is taken literally and when it is symbolic, pertains to a certain time, or has a theological spiritual meaning.
Important linguistic examples
The word “earth” may mean the physical earth or “the kingdom” or “the land of the living” according to context.
“To bless” and “to glorify” differ according to who issues them: from the greater to the lesser means granting blessing or glory, and from the lesser to the greater means acknowledgment of the greater’s blessing or glory.
“The angel of the Lord” sometimes is an embodiment of the Lord appearing in the form of an angel or a man, and not every angelic appearance is a separate being from the Lord.
Symbolic and temporal concepts
There are commands or expressions that were specific to the time of the first mission (for example: do not go by the way of the Gentiles) and ended when the proclamation extended to all nations.
The rites and symbols in the Old Testament had a temporal and symbolic function and with the New Covenant became the meaning to which they pointed.
Theological terms needing precision
“Firstborn” means opener of the womb, not necessarily the eldest among siblings.
“Just” in the psalms means justified by the grace of Christ, not intrinsic righteousness.
“Humility” is sometimes understood as lowering one’s status, but in the language of Scripture it means contrition and abasement before God.
Spiritual and educational dimension (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)
Correct understanding of the language of Scripture leads the believer into the depth of spiritual life: distinguishing between literal and symbolic preserves its sacramental meaning and strengthens doctrine. Christian interpretation anchored in tradition purifies understanding and prevents distortion of meanings or their use to support heresies.
Practical conclusion
We must learn the language of the Holy Scripture, consider historical and symbolic context, and awaken to theological and spiritual meanings instead of clinging to literalness that may lead to misunderstanding.
For better translation support, please contact the center.