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Existence is not is existence
by RS  admin@creationpie.org : 1024 x 640
1. Existence is not is existence
2. Meaning
Natural language is inherently ambiguous.
It depends on what the definition of "is" is. Bill Clinton's grand jury impeachment testimony, 1998.
When a human cannot understand the sentence, how can a computer be expected to understand the sentence?

Information sign More: Word and parsing ambiguity
3. Existence is not is existence
That simple English word "is" has many meanings - more than in, say, Greek.

The English meaning of "is" can be relating two things such as "a" is "b" for equality which is different than "a" is a "b" as in a subset. Greek requires the word for "equal" if "a" and "b" are "equal" and that "equal" cannot be inferred from context. (future topic) For time it may involve a before and after.

The meaning of "is" can be that "a" exists without anything with which to compare it to for some sense of equality. Greek has a separate word for this idea. When this word is used in the GNT (Greek New Testament), preaching a sermon on "is" using the English meaning of "equals" can result in a changed meaning.
4. Existence
There existsExistence means that something exists. In mathematics, the symbol "∃" (backwards upper case "E") is used for "there exists".


Information sign More: Peano: symbols
everone liarsPaul refers to the Cretan paradox in Titus which is not the Russell paradox. The property of "existence" is important in understanding the difference.

Information sign More: Titus 1:12-13 The Epimenides paradox about Cretans
Information sign More: Examining some dignified and worthy axioms
5. Existence of citizenship
Paul uses the Greek word for "citizenship" twice in Philippians. In the first verse, the "is" or "be" is inferred and not explicitly in the Greek.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: … [kjv]
μονον αξιως του ευαγγελιου του χριστου πολιτευεσθε ινα ειτε ελθων και ιδων υμας ειτε απων ακουω τα περι υμων οτι στηκετε εν ενι πνευματι μια ψυχη συναθλουντες τη πιστει του ευαγγελιου [gnt]

3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

In the second verse, that citizenship "exists" in heaven.
6. Caesar
The Roman (democratic) Republic (with Senate) essentially ended in 59 BC with the Triumvirate of Caesar, Pompeius and Crassus. The Greek word "democracy" means "people power".
In 44 B.C. Caesar was assassinated by Brutus and Cassius. Why? This act was made more famous by a play by Shakespeare. Thereafter, Rome was ruled, not by a king, but by a dictators called Caesar.

Antony and Octavian defeated these conspirators at the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C. This is about 90 years before Paul visits the city and about 100 years before the letter to the Philippians by Paul.
7. Roman colony
After the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C., many Roman veterans were settled here and many locals were awarded the coveted Roman citizenship. Paul will remind the Philippians of this twice in his letter. The KJV (King James Version) uses "conversation" as "citizenship".

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

From these veterans, the importance of law and order is seen in Paul's visit to Philippi in Acts 16 where the Philippians jailer is part of the story.


Information sign More: Philippians: Background and introduction
8. Philippians 1:27
   Philippians 1:27 
 All 
KJV: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Greek: μονον αξιως του ευαγγελιου του χριστου πολιτευεσθε ινα ειτε ελθων και ιδων υμας ειτε απων ακουσω ακουω τα περι υμων οτι στηκετε εν ενι πνευματι μια ψυχη συναθλουντες τη πιστει του ευαγγελιου
9. Conversation
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

The Greek word for "conversation" is that of "citizenship" and had to do with interactions with others in daily routine (as in driving down the highway). This is an older meaning of "conversation" in English. This meaning has narrowed to verbal speech.
Book cover: Yogi BerraIt was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much. Yogi Berra (American professional baseball player and manager)

Information sign More: Yogi Berra



Information sign More: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Conversational interactions by prayer
10. Philippians 3:20 Begin to exist
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "to begin, to exist" and comes from two Greek words. Paul used the word for "conversation" in Philippians 1:27 and makes a pun using the word for "begin", as part of the word "exists" in Philippians 1.6 with a reminder in 1:24 (just before the "conversation" verse 1:27).
11. Philippians 1:6,24 Having begun a pun in the flesh
Philippians 1:6 …, that he which hath begun a good work in you … [kjv]
… εναρξαμενος … [gnt]

Considering the context, here is a possible pun, considering both Philippians 1:6 and Galatians 3:3. The pun words "in flesh remain" in verse 6 are used directly in verse 24.

1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [kjv]
το δε επιμενειν τη σαρκι αναγκαιοτερον δι υμας [gnt]



Information sign More: Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi
12. Philippians 1:6
   Philippians 1:6 
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KJV: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Greek: πεποιθως αυτο τουτο οτι ο εναρξαμενος εν υμιν εργον αγαθον επιτελεσει αχρις αχρι ημερας ιησου χριστου
13. Paul in Philippians
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

The Greek word for "is" is that of "exists". It is strange to say that "Our citizenship belongs in heaven" when the Greek says that it "exists" in heaven.
14. Context
Philippians 3:19 … who mind earthly things. [kjv]
… τα επιγεια … [gnt]
3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]
… πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει … απεκδεχομεθα … [gnt]

The context of the end of the previous verse is interesting and can be contrasted with the Lord's Prayer in Matthew.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [kjv]
ελθατω η βασιλεια σου γενηθητω το θελημα σου ως εν ουρανω και επι γης [gnt]

Discuss: When exactly is the "kingdom" to come that is "looked for"?
15. Philippians 3:19
   Philippians 3:19 
 All 
KJV: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
Greek: ων το τελος απωλεια ων ο θεος η κοιλια και η δοξα εν τη αισχυνη αυτων οι τα επιγεια φρονουντες
16. Matthew 6:10
   Matthew 6:10 
 All 
KJV: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Greek: ελθετω ελθατω η βασιλεια σου γενηθητω το θελημα σου ως εν ουρανω και επι της γης
17. Philippians 3:20
   Philippians 3:20 
 All 
KJV: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Greek: ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον
18. Strongs - exists
19. Usage - exists
Word usage per chapter Words: υπαρχει=3 υπαρχειν=6 υπαρχοντα=2 υπαρχοντας υπαρχοντες=6 υπαρχοντος=3 υπαρχοντων υπαρχουσης υπαρχουσιν υπαρχων=15 υπαρχωσιν υπηρχεν=5 υπηρχον=2

20. Strongs - citizenship
21. Usage - citizenship
Word usage per chapter Words: πεπολιτευμαι πολιται πολιτευεσθε πολιτευμα πολιτην πολιτης πολιτων

22. Verses
Let us look at a few verses that use the Greek word "exists" which is often translated as English "is" with the resulting potential ambiguity.
23. Job
Job 38:26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; [kjv]
του υετισαι επι γην ου ουκ ανηρ ερημον ου ουχ υπαρχει ανθρωπος εν αυτη [lxx]

That is, "where no man exists".
24. Job 38:26
   Job 38:26 
 All 
KJV: To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
Hebrew: להמטיר על ארץ לא איש מדבר לא אדם בו׃
Greek: του υετισαι επι γην ου ουκ ανηρ ερημον ου ουχ υπαρχει ανθρωπος εν αυτη
25. Psalms
Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. [kjv]
τι γαρ μοι υπαρχει εν τω ουρανω και παρα σου τι ηθελησα επι της γης [lxx]

That is, whom "exists" in "heaven".
26. Psalms 73:25
   Psalms 73:25 
 All 
KJV: Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Hebrew: מי לי בשמים ועמך לא חפצתי בארץ׃
Greek: τι γαρ μοι υπαρχει εν τω ουρανω και παρα σου τι ηθελησα επι της γης
27. Counsel and safety
Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. [kjv]
οις μη υπαρχει κυβερνησις πιπτουσιν ωσπερ φυλλα σωτηρια δε υπαρχει εν πολλη βουλη [lxx]
They that have no guidance fall like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety. [bs3]
… est gubernator populus corruet … consilia [v]

That is, where no counsel "exists".

The Greek word for "counsel" is the source of the English word "governor" which comes, through French, from the Latin word "gubernator" ≈ "governor" which comes from the ancient Greek word "κυβέρνησις" ≈ "steering, pilotage".
28. Proverbs 11:14
   Proverbs 11:14 
 All 
KJV: Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Hebrew: באין תחבלות יפל עם ותשועה ברב יועץ׃
Greek: οις μη υπαρχει κυβερνησις πιπτουσιν ωσπερ φυλλα σωτηρια δε υπαρχει εν πολλη βουλη
Brenton: They that have no guidance fall like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety.
Latin: ubi non est gubernator populus corruet salus autem ubi multa consilia
29. Righteous and wicked
Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. [kjv]
επισταται δικαιος κρινειν πενιχροις ο δε ασεβης ου συνησει γνωσιν και πτωχω ουχ υπαρχει νους επιγνωμων [lxx]
A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind. [bs3]

The LXX (Septuagint) adds a third part not in the KJV which is based on the traditional Hebrew.
30. Proverbs 29:7
   Proverbs 29:7 
 All 
KJV: The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Hebrew: ידע צדיק דין דלים רשע לא יבין דעת׃
Greek: επισταται δικαιος κρινειν πενιχροις ο δε ασεβης ου συνησει γνωσιν και πτωχω ουχ υπαρχει νους επιγνωμων
Brenton: A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.
31. Peter and the beggar
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [kjv]
ειπεν δε πετρος αργυριον και χρυσιον ουχ υπαρχει μοι ο δε εχω τουτο σοι διδωμι εν τω ονοματι ιησου χριστου του ναζωραιου περιπατει [gnt]

That is, "silver and gold does not exist" (with me).
32. Acts 3:6
   Acts 3:6 
 All 
KJV: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Greek: ειπεν δε πετρος αργυριον και χρυσιον ουχ υπαρχει μοι ο δε εχω τουτο σοι διδωμι εν τω ονοματι ιησου χριστου του ναζωραιου εγειραι και περιπατει
33. Divisions
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. [kjv]
πρωτον μεν γαρ συνερχομενων υμων εν εκκλησια ακουω σχισματα εν υμιν υπαρχειν και μερος τι πιστευω [gnt]

That is, "there exist divisions". The Greek is that of "schisms".
34. 1 Corinthians 11:18
   1 Corinthians 11:18 
 All 
KJV: For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
Greek: πρωτον μεν γαρ συνερχομενων υμων εν τη εκκλησια ακουω σχισματα εν υμιν υπαρχειν και μερος τι πιστευω
35. End of page
by RS  admin@creationpie.org : 1024 x 640