- *G1739 *1 ἐνδόμησις (en-dom'-ay-sis) : from a compound of G1722 and a derivative of the base of G1218; a housing in (residence), i.e. structure:--building.
29. Matthew 6:25 Raiment
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
"ἐνδύματος" ≈ "get into, put on (clothes)".
"ενδωματος" ≈ "(in) house" (play).
30. Matthew 24:17 House and raiment
31. Matthew 24:17
KJV: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Greek: ο επι του δωματος μη καταβαινετω καταβατω αραι τι τα εκ της οικιας αυτου
32. Matthew 6:25
KJV: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Greek: δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε και η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος
33. Matthew 6:25-27 The missing part worked out for the birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
Jesus directly mentions
birds four times in Matthew. According to Jesus:
The birds do not sow.
The birds do not reap.
The birds do not gather into barns.
Who are the
"birds"? What do they do?
34. Matthew 6:26 Word usage
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
| Matthew 6:26 |
| Strong |
Used |
Unique |
Word |
Part of speech |
| G1689 |
11 |
1 |
εμβλεψατε |
verb aorist active imperative 2nd person plural |
| G4687 |
53 |
2 |
σπειρουσιν |
verb present active indicative 3rd person plural |
| G2325 |
21 |
2 |
θεριζουσιν |
verb present active indicative 3rd person plural |
| G4863 |
59 |
2 |
συναγουσιν |
verb present active indicative 3rd person plural |
| G596 |
6 |
2 |
αποθηκας |
noun accusative plural feminine |
| G3770 |
9 |
7 |
ουρανιος |
adjective nominative singular masculine |
| G5142 |
8 |
2 |
τρεφει |
verb present active indicative 3rd person singular |
| G1308 |
13 |
4 |
διαφερετε |
verb present active indicative 2nd person plural |
35. Matthew 6:26 Bird examples
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
Jesus now provides an example. Is this a good or not good example?
The ancient Greek word
"ἐμβλέψατε" ≈ "look (in the eye)". The ancient Greek word
"εις" ≈ "into". In
context, it can mean
"against". One is to "
look"
"into", and possibly
"against", and not just, in English, "
behold".
The "
eye", as a code word, represents the "
leader" which in the case of a
false "
leader" is a
"bird".
36. Matthew 6:26 Birds of heaven
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
The etymology of the Greek word for
"lowly" or
"humble" is not known. As a
Spoonerism (exchanged consonants), the word for
"lowly" or
"humble" is a play on words with
"birds"
"πετεινός" ≈ "fully fledged, able to fly" as in a "bird".
"ταπεινός" ≈ "low-lying, humbled, downcast" (etymology unknown)
37. Matthew 6:26 Birds of heaven
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
"ουρανου" ≈ "heaven, sky" (genitive).
"ουρά" ≈ "tail" and "νου" ≈ "of the mind" (genitive).
|
Birds of the air.
|
|
Birds of the heaven.
|
Birds of the sky.
|
|
Birds of the tail of the mind.
|
Your mind should be in your head, not in your tail (gutter).
Why did some people eat the heads and tails of animals?
They were making ends meat.
38. Matthew 6:26
KJV: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Greek: εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων
Latin: respicite volatilia caeli quoniam non serunt neque metunt neque congregant in horrea et Pater vester caelestis pascit illa nonne vos magis pluris estis illis
39. Matthew 6:27
KJV: Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Greek: τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα
Latin: quis autem vestrum cogitans potest adicere ad staturam suam cubitum unum
Wycliffe: But who of you thenkynge mai putte to his stature o cubit?
Tyndale: Which of you (though he toke thought therfore) coulde put one cubit vnto his stature?
Luther: Wer ist unter euch, der seiner Länge eine Elle zusetzen möge, ob er gleich darum sorget?
40. Sports teams with bird names
Many sports teams have
bird names.
Not birds: Blackhawks, Red Wings, Flyers, Hornets
| Sports teams with bird names |
| NFL bird name teams |
| Arizona |
Cardinals |
| Atlanta |
Falcons |
| Baltimore |
Ravens |
| Philadelphia |
Eagles |
| Seattle |
Seahawks |
| NBA bird name teams |
| Atlanta |
Hawks |
| New Orleans |
Pelicans |
|
| Sports teams with bird names |
| MLB bird name teams |
| Baltimore |
Orioles |
| St. Louis |
Cardinals |
| Toronto |
Blue Jays |
| NHL bird name teams |
| Arizona |
Mighty Ducks |
| Atlanta |
Thrashers |
| Pittsburgh |
Penguins |
|
41. Angry birds
At one time, Angry Birds was a very popular game and mobile application that eventually had a movie named after it.
It is still popular.
Behind the scenes, the low level programming is in C/C++ and was scripted at the high level, in part, using the Lua programming language.
42. Birdbrain
The English phrase
"birdbrain" conveys the idea of being stupid or a "
scatterbrain".
There are many jokes that a "
birdbrain" might tell.
43. Birds of a feather
Some birds compete for the best "
cheap", "
cheap", "
cheap" and go "
cheaper", "
cheaper", "
cheaper".
The "
nest" thing is to cover some bird (brain) jokes as a special "
tweet".
When is the best time to buy a bird?
When it is going cheap. That was a fowl joke.
Why did the little bird get in trouble at school?
He was tweeting on a test.
Perhaps these jokes are "
for the birds". Instead of "
winging it", let us investigate before we go into a "
tail spin".
44. Eagles and vultures
We are not interested in birds such as "
eagles" or, sometimes, "
vultures", as in "
birds of prey".
The Greek word for "
eagle" appears many times in the
LXX (Septuagint) and
GNT.
45. Flying dragon and dinosaurs
One area of "
dinosaurs" is that of "
flying dragons" or "
flying dinosaurs". The "
pterodactyl", a name coined by French naturalist and zoologist Georges Cuvier (1769-1832), comes from two Greek words.
The ancient Greek word "πτερόν" ≈ "feather, wing" which is cognate with the English word "feather". The Greek word forms the "pter" part of the English word "helicopter".
The ancient Greek word "δάκτυλος" ≈ "finger, toe" and may be related to the Latin word "digitus" ≈ "finger, toe" which is the source of the English word "digit".
[wing of the temple]
46. Roosters
We are not interested in "
hens" that brood and sit on nests or in "
roosters" as associated with Peter's denial of Christ where Peter is targeted by Satan.
Back to the generic
"birds" of the Bible.
47. Roosters and weather vanes
In the Middle Ages, the Catholic church wanted each
parish church (area around the church) to have a rooster to remind everyone of Peter's
denial.
This reminder often became a weather vane. The modern Greek word
"ανεμοδείκτης" (a-neh-mo-THEE-ktees) ≈ "weather vane" is, literally, a "
wind pointer" where the prefix is the modern Greek word
"άνεμος" (A-neh-mos) ≈ "wind".
The Greek word for "
deny" is a play on words with "
bird". To "
bird" Christ is to "
deny" Christ. He will then "
deny" or "
bird" you. Do "
birds" as
false leaders,
false teachers, etc., "
crow" when they deceptively get someone to "
deny" Christ? Do we see this in what happened, as an example, to Peter?
48. Notre Dame Cathedral rooster
 |
 |
 |
The rooster at Notre Dame Cathedral in France is well-known.
|
 |
|
 |
The Apostolic Clock at the Hershey Museum has a depiction of Peter's denial of Jesus. At the denial, the Jesus figure turns his back.
|
A "
rooster" makes a "
voice" just as a "
pipe" in on "
organ" is said to make a "
voice". The settings on an "
organ" are called "
voices".
49. Song: Turn! turn! turn!
The current topic is the
"birds" and not the "
Byrds".
The "
Byrds" were an American rock music band from the 1960's. Some band members: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, Jim McGuinn
First four albums:
Mr. Tambourine Man
Turn! Turn! Turn! (lyrics taken from Ecclesiastes 3)
Fifth Dimension
Younger Than Yesterday
Note: The "
Yardbirds" were a different rock group at that time period.
50. Turn! Turn! Turn
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die.
A time to plant, a time to reap.
A time to kill, a time to heal.
A time to laugh, a time to weep.
... A time for peace, I swear it's not too late!
51. Matthew 8:20 Birds of heaven
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]
… Foxas … holo… heofene fugeles nyst… heafod änhelde. [wes]
… Foxis … dennes… briddis … heuene … nestis… reste … heed. [wy]
The
ancient Greek word
"οὐρανός" ≈ "heaven, air". Jesus uses the dative of
"heaven" or
"air" or
"sky" as a play on words with "
mind" of the "
tail".
Wycliffe translates the Greek as the Middle English phrase
"briddis" ≈ "birds" of
"heuene" ≈ "heaven" as does the Wessex Old English phrase
"fugeles" ≈ "birds" of
"heofene" ≈ "heaven". The Old English word
"briddis" for
"bird" may be the source of the English word
"bride".
52. Greek for bird
53. Strongs - bird
*G4071 *14 πετεινόν (pet-i-non') : neuter of a derivative of G4072; a flying animal, i.e. bird:--bird, fowl.
 |
Words: πετεινα=11 πετεινων=3
|
The etymology of the Greek word for
"lowly" or
"humble" is not known. As a
Spoonerism (exchanged consonants), the word for
"lowly" or
"humble" is a play on words with
"birds"
Saying:
Fly high as a bird. That is,
a high flying bird.
54. Usage - bird
- *G4071 *14 πετεινόν (pet-i-non') : neuter of a derivative of G4072; a flying animal, i.e. bird:--bird, fowl.
- πετεινα *11
- Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, ...
- Matthew 8:20 ... have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but ...
- Matthew 13:4 ... by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured ...
- Matthew 13:32 ... becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and ...
- Mark 4:4 ... by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and ...
- Mark 4:32 ... great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge ...
- Luke 8:5 ... and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
- Luke 9:58 ... have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but ...
- Luke 13:19 ... a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in ...
- Acts 10:12 ... and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
- Acts 11:6 ... and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
- πετεινων *3
- Luke 12:24 ... are ye better than the fowls?
- Romans 1:23 ... corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
- James 3:7 ... kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and ...
55. Strongs - bird
*G3732 *3 ὄρνεον (or'-neh-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of G3733; a birdling:--bird, fowl.
 |
Words: ορνεα ορνεοις ορνεου
|
The ancient Greek word
"ὄρνεον" ≈ "bird" as in a generic bird and is the source of the Old English word
"earn" ≈ "eagle" and the English word
"ornithology" as the "
study of birds" (coined in the 1600's).
The
modern Greek word
"όρνιο" (OR-nee-o) ≈ "vulture, bird of prey".
This word appears
three times in the
GNT, all in Revelation. The word is, however, used as a play on words by Jesus.
56. Usage - bird
- *G3732 *3 ὄρνεον (or'-neh-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of G3733; a birdling:--bird, fowl.
- ορνεου
- Revelation 18:2 ... unclean and hateful bird.
- ορνεοις
- Revelation 19:17 ... voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, ...
- ορνεα
- Revelation 19:21 ... mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
57. Matthew 10:33 Deny as a bird
Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. [kjv]
οστις δε δ αν αρνησηται με εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων αρνησομαι καγω αυτον εμπροσθεν του πατρος μου του εν τοις ουρανοις [gnt]
Use the noun for
"bird" as a verb. What's your "
ask"? [tennising]
Greek: αρνησηται (say "ar-NEE-see-ta"), verb "deny".
Greek: ορνησηται (say "or-NEE-see-ta"), verb "bird".
Paraphrase (with play on words):
Whoever [bones, hostile] denies [birds] me before men, I will deny [bird] him before my Father in heaven.
"ἀρνέομαι" ≈ "deny, disown, refuse, decline".
"ὄρνεον" ≈ "bird" as in ornithology.
This play on word usage is
not the same as the modern "
flip" the
"bird" action, though the word "
flip" is similar in spirit to the Greek word for "
worthy" as in "
counter-balance" and the word translated as "
variance" (in two verses).
58. Genesis 7:14 Creation story
In the creation story in Genesis, birds are created of every sort. The
LXX mentions the bird kind only once.
Genesis 7:14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. [kjv]
και παντα τα θηρια κατα γενος και παντα τα κτηνη κατα γενος και παν ερπετον κινουμενον επι της γης κατα γενος και παν πετεινον κατα γενος [lxx]
And all the wild beasts after their kind, and all cattle after their kind, and every reptile moving itself on the ;earth after its kind, and every flying bird after its kind, [bs3]
59. Genesis 7:14
KJV: They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.
Hebrew: המה וכל החיה למינה וכל הבהמה למינה וכל הרמש הרמש על הארץ למינהו וכל העוף למינהו כל צפור כל כנף׃
Greek: και παντα τα θηρια κατα γενος και παντα τα κτηνη κατα γενος και παν ερπετον κινουμενον επι της γης κατα γενος και παν πετεινον κατα γενος
Brenton: And all the wild beasts after their kind, and all cattle after their kind, and every reptile moving itself on the earth after its kind, and every flying bird after its kind,
60. Flying birds
The creation account says that birds of every kind were created. There are non-flying birds, such as "
Big Bird".
Here, we are only interested in certain types of bird references.
Let us first mention some of the bird types in which we are not interested in this discussion.
61. Doves and pigeons
62. Matthew 3:16
KJV: And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Greek: και βαπτισθεις δε ο ιησους ανεβη ευθυς ανεβη απο του υδατος και ιδου ανεωχθησαν ηνεωχθησαν αυτω οι ουρανοι και ειδεν πνευμα το πνευμα του θεου καταβαινον ωσει περιστεραν και ερχομενον επ αυτον
Latin: baptizatus autem confestim ascendit de aqua et ecce aperti sunt ei caeli et vidit Spiritum Dei descendentem sicut columbam venientem super se
Luther: Und da Jesus getauft war, stieg er bald herauf aus dem Wasser; und siehe, da tat sich der Himmel auf über ihm. Und Johannes sah den Geist Gottes gleich als eine Taube herabfahren und über ihn kommen.
Spanish: Y Jesús, después que fue bautizado, subió luego del agua; y he aquí los cielos le fueron abiertos, y vio al Espíritu de Dios que descendía como paloma, y venía sobreÉl.
63. Luke 12:6-7 Sparrows and hairs
Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? [kjv]
ουχι πεντε στρουθια πωλουνται ασσαριων δυο και εν εξ αυτων ουκ εστιν επιλελησμενον ενωπιον του θεου [gnt]
12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
αλλα και αι τριχες της κεφαλης υμων πασαι ηριθμηνται μη φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε [gnt]
Luke correctly reports what people remembered as to the meaning of what Jesus said, sometimes using other words. This sometimes loses the additional meanings as recorded in Matthew.
Luke talks of
"sparrows" and them not being "
forgotten" by God.
64. Matthew 13:31-32 KP3 Parable of the mustard seed
Matthew 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: [kjv]
13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. [kjv]
The
"mustard seed" :
is not the "smallest" of all "seeds".
is not the "greatest" of all "herbs".
grows into a bush, not a tree.
The
"birds" do
not (usually) nest in small bushes. Are the
"birds" good? What is a
"mustard seed"? What does a
"tree" represent?
The
KJV (King James Version) translates as
"least" the Greek word that means
"smallest". There is another Greek word for
"least".
65. Matthew 13:4,19 Birds and the evil one
At the request of the disciples, Jesus provides the code-word meaning of the
"birds" or
"fowls" as those of the
"wicked one". This happens when one does "
not understand" as in "
deception" (including self-deception).
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]
και εν τω σπειρειν αυτον α μεν επεσεν παρα την οδον και ελθοντα τα πετεινα κατεφαγεν αυτα [gnt]
13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [kjv]
παντος ακουοντος τον λογον της βασιλειας και μη συνιεντος ερχεται ο πονηρος και αρπαζει το εσπαρμενον εν τη καρδια αυτου ουτος εστιν ο παρα την οδον σπαρεις [gnt]
Jesus relates "
devour" as in "
eating" to
"catcheth away" which is related to the word for
"rapture". The
KJV translates as "
evil" or "
wicked" the Greek word that means "
oppression" or "
oppressor".
66. Matthew 13:4,19 Devour and snatch away
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: [kjv]
13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. [kjv]
The Greek for
"snatch away" is the word used for
"rapture" and the source of the English word
"harpoon". It is also used as
"ravenous" in terms of "
wolves".
Saying:
You'll be birdseed. The "
seed" that was
"snatched away" in parable 1 appears to have been deposited (by the
"birds") in parable 2 as "
weeds" and then grows into a "
tree" in parable 3 so that those
"birds" have a place to make their "
nests".
67. Matthew 8:20 Birds of the air
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη [gnt]
Is the
"kingdom of heaven" actually
"heaven" as in the
"kingdom of God"?
"βασίλεια των ουρανών" ≈ "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of the air".
"πετεινα του ουρανου" ≈ "birds of the air" or "birds of heaven".
Wycliffe uses the phrase "briddis of heuene" or "birds of heaven".
Some will attempt to "
fix" a perceived "
error" in the Bible text by asserting their opinion (or glory) that
"kingdom of God" and
"kingdom of heaven" are the same thing.
If birds represent "
evil" or "
oppression" (parable 1), are there any birds in heaven?
68. Revelation 18:2 Cagey birds
Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]
και εκραξεν εν ισχυρα φωνη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]
In Revelation, Babylon is described as a
"watch" of every "
unclean" and "
hateful" type of
"bird". Are they
"watching" those in the
"watch"?
Some Greek manuscripts add a "
beast" as a
land animal.
In Matthew 7, the house built on sand will be "
cut off" and
"fall".
69. Revelation 18:2 Bird watching
Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [kjv]
και εκραξεν εν ισχυρα φωνη λεγων επεσεν επεσεν βαβυλων η μεγαλη και εγενετο κατοικητηριον δαιμονιων και φυλακη παντος πνευματος ακαθαρτου και φυλακη παντος ορνεου ακαθαρτου και μεμισημενου [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"φυλάσσω" ≈ "watch" is related to
"φυλακή" ≈ "watch, prison". The
KJV translates the same word as
"hold" and then
"cage" and takes a viewpoint on who is
"watching" and who is being
"watched".
Discuss: How might the world be a "
cage" or "
watch" for a believer?
The Greek word for "cage" is that of a "prison" as in something that is "watched".
The Greek word for "bird" is not the word used in Matthew but is that of "fowl", as used by John, or "hen", as used in Matthew and Luke.
70. Revelation 19:17,21 Birds
Revelation 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; [kjv]
και ειδον ενα αγγελον εστωτα εν τω ηλιω και εκραξεν εν φωνη μεγαλη λεγων πασιν τοις ορνεοις τοις πετομενοις εν μεσουρανηματι δευτε συναχθητε εις το δειπνον το μεγα του θεου [gnt]
19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. [kjv]
και οι λοιποι απεκτανθησαν εν τη ρομφαια του καθημενου επι του ιππου τη εξελθουση εκ του στοματος αυτου και παντα τα ορνεα εχορτασθησαν εκ των σαρκων αυτων [gnt]
71. Revelation 19:17
KJV: And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
Greek: και ειδον ενα αγγελον εστωτα εν τω ηλιω και εκραξεν εν φωνη μεγαλη λεγων πασιν τοις ορνεοις τοις πετωμενοις πετομενοις εν μεσουρανηματι δευτε και συναγεσθε συναχθητε εις το δειπνον το μεγα του μεγαλου θεου
72. Revelation 19:21
KJV: And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Greek: και οι λοιποι απεκτανθησαν εν τη ρομφαια του καθημενου επι του ιππου τη εκπορευομενη εξελθουση εκ του στοματος αυτου και παντα τα ορνεα εχορτασθησαν εκ των σαρκων αυτων
73. Luke 12:24 Ravens
The
ancient Greek word
"κόραξ" ≈ "raven, crow" and is onomatopoeic, as is the English word
"crow". Luke uses
"ravens" (used once
GNT).
Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? [kjv]
κατανοησατε τους κορακας οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν οις ουκ εστιν ταμειον ουδε αποθηκη και ο θεος τρεφει αυτους ποσω μαλλον υμεις διαφερετε των πετεινων [gnt]
In ancient Greece, to tell someone to "
go to hell" was to say, literally, "
to the ravens". This might refer to bodies left in the open to be eaten by the "
birds".
Quoth the Raven : "Nevermore." From the poem "
The Raven", 1845, by Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849) who attended West Point (but did not graduate).
The
modern Greek word
"κόρακας" (KO-ra-kas) ≈ "raven". The Latin word
"corvus" ≈ "raven".
74. Luke 12:24
KJV: Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Greek: κατανοησατε τους κορακας οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν οις ουκ εστιν ταμειον ουδε αποθηκη και ο θεος τρεφει αυτους ποσω μαλλον υμεις διαφερετε των πετεινων
Latin: considerate corvos quia non seminant neque metunt quibus non est cellarium neque horreum et Deus pascit illos quanto magis vos pluris estis illis
75. Ecclesiastes 11:4
Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. [kjv]
τηρων ανεμον ου σπερει και βλεπων εν ταις νεφελαις ου θερισει [lxx]
The "
wind" may be related to the "
birds" who do not "
sow" neither do they "
reap".
76. Strongs - raven
- *G2876 *1 κόραξ (kor'-ax) : perhaps from G2880; a crow (from its voracity):--raven.
- κορακας
- Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow ...
 |
Words: κορακας
|
The
ancient Greek word
"κόραξ" ≈ "raven, crow" and is onomatopoeic, as is the English word
"crow". Luke uses
"ravens" (used once
GNT).
In ancient Greece, to tell someone to "
go to hell" was to say, literally, "
to the ravens".
77. Raven kinds
Leviticus 11:15 Every raven after his kind; [kjv]
και κορακα και τα ομοια αυτω [lxx]
Deuteronomy 14:14 And every raven after his kind, [kjv]
και παντα κορακα και τα ομοια αυτω [lxx]
78. Leviticus 11:15
KJV: Every raven after his kind;
Hebrew: את כל ערב למינו׃
Greek: και κορακα και τα ομοια αυτω
79. Deuteronomy 14:14
KJV: And every raven after his kind,
Hebrew: ואת כל ערב למינו׃
Greek: και παντα κορακα και τα ομοια αυτω
80. Job 38:41
Job 38:41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. [kjv]
τις δε ητοιμασεν κορακι βοραν νεοσσοι γαρ αυτου προς κυριον κεκραγασιν πλανωμενοι τα σιτα ζητουντες [lxx]
81. Job 38:41
KJV: Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Hebrew: מי יכין לערב צידו כי ילדו אל אל ישועו יתעו לבלי אכל׃
Greek: τις δε ητοιμασεν κορακι βοραν νεοσσοι γαρ αυτου προς κυριον κεκραγασιν πλανωμενοι τα σιτα ζητουντες
82. 1 Kings 17:4
1 Kings 17:4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. [kjv]
και εσται εκ του χειμαρρου πιεσαι υδωρ και τοις κοραξιν εντελουμαι διατρεφειν σε εκει [lxx]
83. 1 Kings 17:4
KJV: And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
Hebrew: והיה מהנחל תשתה ואת הערבים צויתי לכלכלך שם׃
Greek: και εσται εκ του χειμαρρου πιεσαι υδωρ και τοις κοραξιν εντελουμαι διατρεφειν σε εκει
84. Psalms 147:9
Psalms 147:9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. [kjv]
διδοντι τοις κτηνεσι τροφην αυτων και τοις νεοσσοις των κορακων τοις επικαλουμενοις αυτον [lxx]
85. Psalms 147:9
KJV: He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
Hebrew: נותן לבהמה לחמה לבני ערב אשר יקראו׃
Greek: διδοντι τοις κτηνεσι τροφην αυτων και τοις νεοσσοις των κορακων τοις επικαλουμενοις αυτον
86. Proverbs 30:17
Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. [kjv]
οφθαλμον καταγελωντα πατρος και ατιμαζοντα γηρας μητρος εκκοψαισαν αυτον κορακες εκ των φαραγγων και καταφαγοισαν αυτον νεοσσοι αετων [lxx]
87. Proverbs 30:17
KJV: The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Hebrew: עין תלעג לאב ותבוז ליקהת אם יקרוה ערבי נחל ויאכלוה בני נשר׃
Greek: οφθαλμον καταγελωντα πατρος και ατιμαζοντα γηρας μητρος εκκοψαισαν αυτον κορακες εκ των φαραγγων και καταφαγοισαν αυτον νεοσσοι αετων
88. Song of Solomon 5:11
Song of Solomon 5:11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. [kjv]
κεφαλη αυτου χρυσιον και φαζ βοστρυχοι αυτου ελαται μελανες ως κοραξ [lxx]
89. Song of Solomon 5:11
KJV: His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
Hebrew: ראשו כתם פז קוצותיו תלתלים שחרות כעורב׃
Greek: κεφαλη αυτου χρυσιον και φαζ βοστρυχοι αυτου ελαται μελανες ως κοραξ
90. Isaiah 34:11
Isaiah 34:11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. [kjv]
και κατοικησουσιν εν αυτη ορνεα και εχινοι και ιβεις και κορακες και επιβληθησεται επ αυτην σπαρτιον γεωμετριας ερημου και ονοκενταυροι οικησουσιν εν αυτη [lxx]
91. Isaiah 34:11
KJV: But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
Hebrew: וירשוה קאת וקפוד וינשוף וערב ישכנו בה ונטה עליה קו תהו ואבני בהו׃
Greek: και κατοικησουσιν εν αυτη ορνεα και εχινοι και ιβεις και κορακες και επιβληθησεται επ αυτην σπαρτιον γεωμετριας ερημου και ονοκενταυροι οικησουσιν εν αυτη
92. Matthew 6:26 Birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
When Jesus talks, what is not said can be as important as what is said. What step in the literal process is
missing that the birds
do?
|
1. sow
|
2: ?
|
3. reap
|
4. gather into barns
|
93. Step 1
The
first step is sowing the seed. The "
seed" is the word and Jesus in the parable of the sower "
sows" the "
seed". This is the first kingdom parable in Matthew 13.
The
"birds" do not
"sow" in this good sense. They could sow "
weeds" as in the second kingdom parable. When might they do this?
Let us leave the second step for last.
94. Matthew 13:24,27,37 Householder as Son of Man
Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: [kjv]
13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? [kjv]
13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; [kjv]
As noun code words, Jesus defines the
"man" is as the
"householder" as the
"Son of Man". In all the parables that refer to a "
householder", four other times with this word, only in Matthew, the
"householder" also appears to be
Jesus as God. Similar verses in Luke and Mark are translated as the
"goodman of the house" or
"master of the house".
Luke will often use the ancient Greek word
"οἰκονόμος" ≈ "manager of the house, steward" which is the source of the English word
"ecomonics" or, literally,
"laws of the house".
95. Step 3
The
third step is to
"reap". In the second kingdom parable in Matthew 13, Jesus says that the "
angels" are the reapers.
Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [kjv]
The
"birds" do not
"reap" in this sense but they have pecked away "
seeds" and sown "
weeds". This can be reflexive in that the birds can sow themselves as weeds.
96. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 KP2 Parable of the wheat and tares
The parable of the wheat and the tares provides a
fault tolerant and realistic approach to the
tolerance paradox which, as a simple form of the Russell Paradox, has no logical solution but occurs often in society.
Parable: (encoded with code words)
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [kjv]
13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [kjv]
Explained: (decoded code words)
13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [kjv]
ο δε εχθρος ο σπειρας αυτα εστιν ο διαβολος ο δε θερισμος συντελεια αιωνος εστιν οι δε θερισται αγγελοι εισιν [gnt]
97. Step 4
The English word
"barn" comes from the Middle English word
"berne" ≈ "barn" which comes from the Old English word
"bern" ≈ "barn".
The
fourth step is to "
store" into "
barns".
This comes after the "
reaping" of the "
harvest" at the "
end of the age".
The
"birds" do not "
store" into "
barns" in this sense.
98. Barley barn
The English word
"barn" comes from the Middle English word
"berne" ≈ "barn" which comes from the Old English word
"bern" ≈ "barn".
The original meaning was that of a compound of the Old English word
"berene" ≈ "barley" and the Old English word
"ærn" ≈ "dwelling" as in a "
barn".
That is, the word "
barn" is a shortened form of "
barley dwelling".
The Greek word for "
separate", often translated as "
judge" is related to the Greek word for "
barley".
99. Standing out
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [kjv]
τοτε λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου ο μεν θερισμος πολυς οι δε εργαται ολιγοι [gnt]
Both football players and farmers like to be "
outstanding in their field".
100. Step 2
That leaves the second step which is to work what grows until the harvest. This is done by the "
workers" or "
laborers".
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [kjv]
τοτε λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου ο μεν θερισμος πολυς οι δε εργαται ολιγοι [gnt]
Note that the "
workers" help to "
grow" the "
fruit" for the "
harvest". A reflexive relationship exists in that the "
workers" are also part of the "
harvest" as "
fruit".
101. Matthew 6:26 Kingdom of the birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
The step
omitted by Jesus is the
"grow" part. The
"birds" work the growing harvest by "
pecking" and taking part of the harvest (first parable), and, in turn, sowing
"weeds" (second parable). You are "
rather different" (at least you should be). The
KJV, influenced by the Latin, says "
much better".
The
"birds" are used by Jesus as a symbol of "
false teachers" who "
prey", rather than "
pray", on others. The "
wolf" or "
wolf-dog", as contrasted to a "
sheep-dog", and the "
snake" or "
viper" appear to be used in the same manner.
102. Omitted step
The
"ask",
"seek" and
"knock" sequence can be seen in the
"sow",
"grow" and
"harvest" sequence.
The
"Holy Spirit" is part of the
"worker" process as in the "
kingdom" of
"heaven" or the "
kingdom" of the "
air" where one must deal with the
"birds" of the "
air".
103. Seed picker
A term for "
babbler" in Greek is that of a "
bird" that goes around pecking at seeds as in talking but not doing real work.
In Acts 17 at Mars Hill, Paul is ridiculed as doing what the people saying it about him are doing.
Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers ... said, What will this babbler say? ... [kjv]
τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]
… seminiverbius … [v]
… sowere of wordis … [wy]
The ancient Greek word
"σπερμόλογος" ≈ "picking up seeds" as does a bird. Figuratively it meant gossiping.
104. Strongs - seed-picker
- *G4691 *1 σπερμολόγος (sper-mol-og'-os) : from G4690 and G3004; a seed-picker (as the crow), i.e. (figuratively) a sponger, loafer (specially, a gossip or trifler in talk):--babbler.
- σπερμολογος
- Acts 17:18 ... What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth ...
105. Matthew 6:26 Feeding the birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
It appears that the "
Father"
"feeds" the
"birds" even though they sow "
weeds". How nice? Would the "
Father" ever
"turn away (from)" "
them", the
"birds"
What can separate you from the "
love" of Christ? Some would proclaim
nothing. That is not what Jesus, Paul, etc., appear to say.
106. Matthew 6:26 Feeding the birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
"οὐράνιος" ≈ "heaven, sky".
"τρεφει" ≈ "feeds"
"στρέφειι" ≈ "turn, direct, twist"
107. Matthew 6:26 Feeding the birds
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
| Language |
What is said. |
What is heard. |
| English |
twenty sick sheep |
twenty six sheep |
| Greek |
...ουράνιος τρέφει αυτα |
...ουράνιος στρέφει αυτα |
| English |
...(in) heaven feeds them |
... (in) heaven turns (away from) them |
The
"birds" appear to "
work" but do not do useful "
work". The "
laborers" are needed for the future "
harvest". We see other verses where the "
Father" feeds both the
"birds" and the others. What can
separate you from the
love of Christ?
108. Play on words in Matthew 6:26
| Language |
What is said. |
What is heard. |
| English |
twenty sick sheep |
twenty six sheep |
| Greek |
...ουράνιος τρέφει αυτα |
...ουράνιος στρέφει αυτα |
| English |
...(in) heaven feeds them |
... (in) heaven turns (away from) them |
Spiros Zodhiates (Greek-American Bible scholar, author and ministry innovator) published an audio version of the
GNT (Nestle/Aland 26 edition) using modern Greek pronunciation which is used in many colleges and universities.
The
same play on words can be heard in
ancient Greek and in
modern Greek. It is interesting that when Spiros Zodhiates reads this verse, he puts in a distinct and somewhat long (and unusual) pause between the two words that would otherwise be heard as a play on words in Greek. [English trains and strains]
109. The reign/rain of Jesus
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [kjv]
7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [kjv]
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]
Jesus says that the Father sends rain on both the
just and the
unjust. Some of that "
rain" is sent on houses built on "
sand" and on "
rock", with different results.
Note:
"βροχή" ≈ "rain" GNT.
"κλοπή" ≈ "theft".
"βρέχω" ≈ "wet, drench, rain".
"βρόχος" ≈ "noose, snare (for birds)"
110. Matthew 5:45
KJV: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Greek: οπως γενησθε υιοι του πατρος υμων του εν ουρανοις οτι τον ηλιον αυτου ανατελλει επι πονηρους και αγαθους και βρεχει επι δικαιους και αδικους
Geneva: That ye may be the children of your father that is in heauen: for he maketh his sunne to arise on the euill, and the good, and sendeth raine on the iust, and vniust.
111. Matthew 7:25
KJV: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Greek: και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθον ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσον προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν
112. Matthew 7:27
KJV: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Greek: και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθον ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη
113. Deferring on a difference of opinion on differences
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
In many places in the
GNT, the Greek verb for
"difference" as in
"making a difference" is translated as
"better".
"μᾶλλον" ≈ "rather".
"διαφέρω" ≈ "carried through, different" with a sense of a "different" way or type as in it "makes a difference".
Are you not rather different than the birds?
[CGL]
114. Matthew 6:26 Paraphrase
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων [gnt]
The
KJV translation is somewhat contrived from the actual Greek word order.
Greek word order: ... and the Father (of) yours (in) the heavens feeds them not you rather different (of/from) them.
Paraphrase: ... and the Father (of) yours (in) the heavens feeds [turns away from] them. Not you! Rather, (you) be different (imperative) (of/from) them (the birds).
The paraphrase does not need to change the Greek word order nor change the meanings of the words. The "
not"
you fits with the play on words. Was that what Jesus really meant?
The ancient Greek word
"δῐεφέρετε" ≈ "different" (second person plural imperfect active indicative).
115. The Greek difference is not better
Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
μη ουν φοβεισθε πολλων στρουθιων διαφερετε υμεις [gnt]
12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. [kjv]
ποσω ουν διαφερει ανθρωπος προβατου ωστε εξεστιν τοις σαββασιν καλως ποιειν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"διαφέρω" ≈ "carried through, different" with a sense of a
"different" way or type as in it
"makes a difference".
In many places, the Latin Vulgate changed
"different" to
"better".
Paraphrase: ... you are different (not better) than many of the sparrows.
Paraphrase: ... how different (not better) is a man (than) a sheep.
The word comes from two Greek words.
The ancient Greek prefix "δια" ≈ "through" as in the English word "diameter".
The ancient Greek word "φέρω" ≈ "bring, carry" and is related to the English word "bear" (as in carrying something) and the Latin word "fero" ≈ "bear, carry".
The modern Greek word
"διαφέρω" (thee-a-FEH-ro) ≈ "differ, be different".
116. Biblical dimensions
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα [gnt]
Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? [kjv]
τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται επι την ηλικια ν αυτου προσθειναι πηχυν [gnt]
Does this verse refer to "
age" or "
height"?
Biblical dimensions are based on the "
cubit". Can a "
cubit" be a measure of "
time" as in "
age" or "
maturity"?
"πῆχυν" ≈ "forearm, cubit" (accusative singular).
117. Matthew 6:27 Translations
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα [gnt]
What is the "
yardstick" or "
ruler" by which
age or
maturity should be measured?
… can add a single hour to your span of life? NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)
… can add a single hour to his life? NASB (New American Standard Bible)
Phrase: "
One foot in the grave" (distance with time meaning).
The Greek for "
stature" has a meaning of "
age". The word "
cubit" can be taken in the sense of time as in extending the span of life.
Discuss: How might this verse relate to mammon?
118. Matthew 6:27 Play on words
119. Matthew 6:27 Word usage
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα [gnt]
| Matthew 6:27 |
| Strong |
Used |
Unique |
Word |
Part of speech |
| G4369 |
18 |
2 |
προσθειναι |
verb 2nd person aorist active infinitive |
| G2244 |
8 |
4 |
ηλικιαν |
noun accusative singular feminine |
| G4083 |
4 |
2 |
πηχυν |
noun accusative singular masculine |
120. Comparison
If the
"birds" are the "
evil ones", we find other verses in the previous chapter, Matthew 5, that describe this idea that we should be
"different" than
"birds". Two successive verses in Matthew 5:13-14 (the previous chapter and part of the same discourse) appear to refer to how we are to be
"different" than
"birds".
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]
121. Matthew 5:13
KJV: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Greek: υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθηναι βληθεν εξω και καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων
122. Matthew 5:14
KJV: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Greek: υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη
123. Matthew 6:25-27 Summary
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
It appears we are to be
"different" than the
"birds".
Coming up: Lilies, Solomon, grass, oven, little faith.
124. Matthew 6:32-34 Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτε δε πρωτον την βασιλειαν και την δικαιοσυνην αυτου και ταυτα παντα προστεθησεται υμιν [gnt]
What might this verse mean? Let us investigate.
125. Proverbs 1:17 Birds and nets
Proverbs 1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. [kjv]
ου γαρ αδικως εκτεινεται δικτυα πτερωτοις [lxx]
for nets are not without cause spread for birds. [bs3]
The
Epistle of Barnabas interprets
birds and
nets from Proverbs 1:17 in the
LXX. Both use the Greek word for
"bird" that emphasizes the "
wing".
A bird net works much better if there is some food on which the birds desire to eat. It might be "
deceptive" food.
English: Now the scripture says: "Not unjustly are nets spread out for the birds". This means that people deserve to perish if, having knowledge of the way of righteousness, they ensnare themselves in the way of darkness. (1.4, Holmes, p. 393)
Greek: [1.4] λέγει δὲ ἡ γραφή Οὐκ ἀδίκως ἐκτείνεται δίκτυα πτερωτοῖς. τοῦτο λέγει, ὅτι δικαιως ἀπολεῖται ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἔχων ὁδοῦ δικαιοσύνης γνῶσιν ἑαυτὸν εἰς ὁδὸν σκότους ἀποσυνέχει.
126. Proverbs 1:17
KJV: Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
Hebrew: כי חנם מזרה הרשת בעיני כל בעל כנף׃
Greek: ου γαρ αδικως εκτεινεται δικτυα πτερωτοις
Brenton: for nets are not without cause spread for birds.
127. Matthew 10:16 Animal crackers
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus uses
four creatures in one verse:
sheep,
wolves,
serpents and
doves or (
pigeons) as
"birds". The English adjectives do not fit the Greek words.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]
ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]
"
Wolves" operate in groups and look for any weakness in their prey. Wolves and dogs can interbreed. A "
wolf-dog" is in contrast to a "
sheep-dog".
The
"serpents" are
not "wise" in the English sense. They are
opportunistic and
prudent. So, no "
wise crackers" here!
The
"doves" or
"pigeons" (same bird) or
"birds" are
not "
harmless" in the English sense. They are without frills (insect antennas), with smooth feathers, preened of pests. not fact-checked, etc. Is this how
"birds" of "
prey" or
"pray" want to appear?
128. End of page
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. [kjv]
οσοι ουν τελειοι τουτο φρονωμεν και ει τι ετερως φρονειτε και τουτο ο θεος υμιν αποκαλυψει [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. [kjv]
καλεσας δε δεκα δουλους εαυτου εδωκεν αυτοις δεκα μνας και ειπεν προς αυτους πραγματευσασθαι εν ω ερχομαι [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [kjv]
μη πηραν εις οδον μηδε δυο χιτωνας μηδε υποδηματα μηδε ραβδον αξιος γαρ ο εργατης της τροφης αυτου [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε η τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος [gnt]
Matthew 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: [kjv]
ο επι του δωματος μη καταβατω αραι τα εκ της οικιας αυτου [gnt]
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus ... saw the Spirit of God descending like a pigeon, and lighting upon him: [kjv]
βαπτισθεις δε ο ιησους ευθυς ανεβη απο του υδατος και ιδου ηνεωχθησαν αυτω οι ουρανοι και ειδεν πνευμα το πνευμα του θεου καταβαινον ωσει περιστεραν ερχομενον επ αυτον [gnt]
… Taube … [lu]
… paloma… [es]
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
τις δε εξ υμων μεριμνων δυναται προσθειναι επι την ηλικιαν αυτου πηχυν ενα [gnt]
