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Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting
1. Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting
2. Review: Matthew 13 Treasure in a field parable 5
Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [kjv]
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [kjv]
Code words |
meaning |
spoken |
righteous |
treasure |
world |
field |
Jesus |
man |
One decoding of the parable of the treasure hid in a field appears to be as a statement of John 3:16. Another is that of Boaz, as a type of Christ, finding Ruth, as a type of the bride of Christ, and Naoma as a type of the Holy Spirit, in the book of Ruth.
3. Truth and parables
Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. [kjv]
13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. [kjv]
The
8 verses between these verses can obscure the connection between them.
Code words |
meaning |
spoken |
righteous |
treasure |
world |
field |
Jesus |
man |
4. Review: Matthew 13 Scribes and treasure parable 8
Matthew 13:51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. [kjv]
13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. [kjv]
scribe |
householder |
instructed |
casts out |
kingdom of heaven |
new and old treasure |
|
Whatever Jesus as the "householder" "takes out" of his "treasure" is what he expects a "scribe" to be able to "take out" if he has "learned" (i.e., been "instructed") "into" the "kingdom of heaven".
|
5. Matthew 12:30-37 Pardon the idle word counting
(bottom-up forward-chaining)
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]
12:32 And who soever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but who soever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. [kjv]
12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. [kjv]
What is the "
unpardonable sin"? What is an "
idle word"? How might they be related? How are they related to "
treasure".
6. Luke 9:29 Idyllic
Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. [kjv]
και εγενετο εν τω προσευχεσθαι αυτον το ειδος του προσωπου αυτου ετερον και ο ιματισμος αυτου λευκος εξαστραπτων [gnt]
The English word
"idyllic" (happy, peaceful, picturesque) is a form of the English word
"idyll" which comes from the Latin word
"idyllium" ≈ "idyl" which comes from the ancient Greek word
"εἰδύλλιον" ≈ "idyll" which is a diminutive form of the ancient Greek word
"εἶδος" ≈ "form, shape" from the
PIE (Proto Indo-European) root
"*WEYD" ≈ "see"and is related to words such as "
video".
7. Luke 9:29
KJV: And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Greek: και εγενετο εν τω προσευχεσθαι αυτον το ειδος του προσωπου αυτου ετερον και ο ιματισμος αυτου λευκος εξαστραπτων
Latin: et factum est dum oraret species vultus eius altera et vestitus eius albus refulgens
Wycliffe: And while he preiede, the licnesse of his cheer was chaungid, and his clothing was whit schynynge.
Tyndale: And as he prayed ye facion of his countenaunce was changed and his garment was whyte and shoone.
8. Python
9. Idol
In English, the words "
idle" and "
idol" are pronounced the same.
The English word
"idol" means something representing a god that is worshiped - which could be a physical entity or something abstract in the mind (or both).
One idol in the Bible is in the apocryphal book of Daniel called "
Bel and the dragon" where "
Bel" is an idol that is worshiped.
The English word
"idle" means "
not working" in some way as in "
idle words".
10. No idling
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: [kjv]
ιστε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι εστω δε πας ανθρωπος ταχυς εις το ακουσαι βραδυς εις το λαλησαι βραδυς εις οργην [gnt]
Many have seen the sign that says, "
No idling. Turn engine off!".
This is in areas where the excess car exhaust (hot air) may not be good to those around.
Many think of "
idle talk" in the same way. "
No idle talk. Turn mouth off!".
This is in areas where the excess mouth exhaust (hot air) may not be good to those around.
A related English expression is "
engage brain before shifting mouth into gear".
11. James 1:19
KJV: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Greek: ωστε ιστε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι εστω δε πας ανθρωπος ταχυς εις το ακουσαι βραδυς εις το λαλησαι βραδυς εις οργην
12. An opus on the workings of work
Matthew 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. [kjv]
συμφωνησας δε μετα των εργατων εκ δηναριου την ημεραν απεστειλεν αυτους εις τον αμπελωνα αυτου [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἔργον" (er-gon) ≈ "work" is the source of the physics term
"erg" for work and is related to many other
PIE words for
"work".
20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, [kjv]
και εξελθων περι τριτην ωραν ειδεν αλλους εστωτας εν τη αγορα αργους [gnt]
The
negation of the Greek word for
"work" is the ancient Greek word
"αεργος" ≈ "not working, idle" which contracted to
"αργος" ≈ "not working, idle" and is the source of the name for the chemical element
"Argon" as a "
lazy gas".
13. Curious as to a workaround to work
The modern Greek word
"περίεργα" (peh-REE-ehr-ga) ≈ "curious" means, literally, "
working around" or "
going around work" is if to avoid other work.
Paul uses this word as "
busybodies" in 1 Timothy 5:13 as well as the word for "
idle" or "
not working" twice.
1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. [kjv]
14. Ezra 4:24 Cease work
Ezra 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. [kjv]
τοτε ηργησεν το εργον οικου του θεου του εν ιερουσαλημ και ην αργουν εως δευτερου ετους της βασιλειας δαρειου του βασιλεως περσων [lxx]
… intermissum … opus … [v]
Note the past tense «
ηργησεν» for
"ceased" as in
"not working"
The Latin word
"intermissum" ≈ "ceased" from which we get the English word
"intermission". The Latin word
"opus" ≈ "work" as in an
"opus" (as a work of music).
At West Point, the command "
cease work" would be given for everyone taking a written exam, called a "
writ", to immediately stop working.
[lethargic]
15. Ezra 4:24
KJV: Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Hebrew: באדין בטלת עבידת בית אלהא די בירושלם והות בטלא עד שנת תרתין למלכות דריוש מלך פרס׃
Greek: τοτε ηργησεν το εργον οικου του θεου του εν ιερουσαλημ και ην αργουν εως δευτερου ετους της βασιλειας δαρειου του βασιλεως περσων
Brenton: Then ceased the work of the house of God in Jerusalem, and it was at a stand until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.
Latin: tunc intermissum est opus domus Dei in Hierusalem et non fiebat usque ad annum secundum regni Darii regis Persarum
Wycliffe: Thanne the werk of Goddis hows in Jerusalem was left, and it was not maad til to the secounde yeer of Darius, king of Persis.
Luther: Da hörete auf das Werk am Hause Gottes zu Jerusalem und blieb nach bis ins andere Jahr Darii, des Königs in Persien.
16. Back to being idle at school
Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. [kjv]
ως δε τινες εσκληρυνοντο και ηπειθουν κακολογουντες την οδον ενωπιον του πληθους αποστας απ αυτων αφωρισεν τους μαθητας καθ ημεραν διαλεγομενος εν τη σχολη τυραννου [lxx]
Proverbs 28:19 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that follows idleness shall have plenty of poverty. [bs3]
Ancient Greek had a word for being "
idle" as in "
leisure time" and that word is the source of the English word
"school".
Today, the English word "
school" means a place of instruction. It used to mean a "
group" as in a "
school" of fish.
Today, students who do not really understand work, such as on a farm, think of school as work and not idle time or leisure time.
The ancient Greek word
"σχολή" ≈ "leisure, free time, rest" and refers to idle or leisure time that was often spent in academic or philosophical discussions. In the
LXX (Septuagint) taking time away from laying bricks in Egypt uses this word.
17. Narrow the meaning
Meaningless words are not good - they can be used to distract attention and use up time.
Omitted words are not good - they can be used to deceive.
Let us try to narrow down the idea of an "
idle word". It is assumed that the plural "
idle words" is more of the same.
A fool-proof method for sculpting an elephant: first, get a huge block of marble; then you chip away everything that doesn't look like an elephant. David Gries (Computer scientist)
18. Empty words
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [kjv]
μηδεις υμας απατατω κενοις λογοις δια ταυτα γαρ ερχεται η οργη του θεου επι τους υιους της απειθειας [gnt]
… seducat inanibus verbis … [v]
An empty word (or words) has no grammatical function and, if removed, does not change the meaning of the sentence. Phrases may be referred to as
LIC (Low Information Content) expressions or phrases. Saying:
Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.
Paul in Ephesians 5:6 warns of "
empty words" used to "
deceive". The
LXX in Job 6:6 talks of "
empty words" which, in the Hebrew and
KJV (King James Version), is "
white of an egg".
Since "
empty words" have no additional meaning, "
idle words" would appear to need some specific meaning and are not "
empty words".
19. Filler words
The computer scientist Donald Knuth says that, when writing very technical and dense details, one should use "
filler words" to help the material flow more and give the reader's mind a short break.
Knuth, D. (1993).
Literate Programming. Stanford, CA: CSLI. ISBN: 978-0937073803.
20. Weasel words
A "
weasel word" is a word that is intentionally ambiguous or misleading. Marketing is known for using a lot of "
weasel words".
Teddy Roosevelt (26th President of the United States) popularized the term in 1916. The original come from a short story of Stewart Chaplin in 1900. Weasel words were "
words that suck the life out of the words next to them, just as a weasel sucks the egg and leaves the shell".
See, for example,
Watson's Dictionary of Weasel Words, Contemporary Cliches, Cant and Management Jargon. 2004. ISBN 978-1740513210.
21. Idle words
Often, "
idle words" are described as viscous, negative, bad, not true, disparaging, dirty, etc. That is, they are not good words to say.
Let us investigate what the
GNT (Greek New Testament) might say.
22. Words and meanings
23. Matthew 12:26-29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man
The pretext is verses 24 to 29 when the religious authorities accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan ending with the "
strong man" verse.
Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [kjv]
η πως δυναται τις εισελθειν εις την οικιαν του ισχυρου και τα σκευη αυτου σαι αρπασαι εαν μη πρωτον δηση τον ισχυρον και τοτε την οικιαν αυτου διαρπασει [gnt]
The
GNT word for
"spoil" is the ancient Greek word
"ἁρπάζω" ≈ "snatch away, carry off" and may be related to the ancient Greek word
"ἅρπη" ≈ "bird of prey" as a hawk or falcon and which
may be related to the
PIE root for "
reap", "
harvest", "
sickle". This word for
"snatch" is sometimes translated
"rapture" or
"ravenous" as in "
wolves".
The ancient Greek word
"σκευή" ≈ "vessel" as something that is made but can refer to
"people" as in a
"chosen vessel".
[Last Supper, 1 & 2 Thessalonians]
24. Stair analogy
A
stair analogy can be used to help understand
top-down design and
bottom-up implementation.
The goal is the top of the stairs.
The start is the bottom of the stairs.
Identifying the
goal is most important! You do not want to climb the wrong stairs to get to the wrong goal.
Implementation:
Do it: 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 (same either way)
Design: When it works,
top-down tends to be
better.
Think bottom-up: 1 then 2 then 3 then 4 then 5 (start forward to goal)
Think top-down: 5 if 4 if 3 if 2 if 1 (goal backward to start)
Gospels:
Bottom-up: Matthew, Mark, Luke (goal not clear, a lot of extra material)
Top-down: John (goal clear, no extra material)
25. Take the stairs
In case of fire take the stairs!
26. Verse organization
This discourse by Jesus appears to be in a
top-down backward-chaining sequence from the goal in verse 30 to the starting point in verse 37. Reading the verses in order in a
bottom-up forward-chaining way makes the meaning (for most people) hard to discern.
Bottom-up forward-chaining: 30 then 31 then 32 ... (how most people understand)
Top-down backward-chaining: 30 if 31 if 32 ... (as spoken and written)
Studying the verses in reverse order provides a way to better understand the meaning in a bottom-up forward-chaining manner that is more familiar to most people.
The setup verse in a top-down backward-chaining view is that of the last verse.
27. Matthew 12:37 Setup
Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. [kjv]
εκ γαρ των λογων σου δικαιωθηση και εκ των λογων σου καταδικασθηση [gnt]
ex verbis enim tuis iustificaberis et ex verbis tuis condemnaberis [v]
The ancient Greek word
"λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation" but is often translated as "
word" in the
KJV. The Greek word used here is that of a
"logical explanation" and
not a
"spoken word". Logical explanations come in various forms.
Valid logic.
Invalid logic which can be from ignorance, deliberate deception, etc. (strife)
Aristotle discuses both valid and invalid logic at length.
28. Matthew Condemned and judged
29. Matthew 7:1
KJV: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Greek: μη κρινετε ινα μη κριθητε
30. Matthew 12:37
KJV: For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Greek: εκ γαρ των λογων σου δικαιωθηση και εκ των λογων σου καταδικασθηση
Latin: ex verbis enim tuis iustificaberis et ex verbis tuis condemnaberis
Wessex: Soðlice of þinen worden þu byst rihtwised. & of þinum worden þu byst ge-niþored.
Wycliffe: for of thi wordis thou schalt be iustified, and of thi wordis thou shalt be dampned.
Tyndale: For by thy wordes thou shalt be iustifyed: and by thy wordes thou shalt be condemned.
Luther: Aus deinen Worten wirst du gerechtfertiget werden und aus deinen Worten wirst du verdammt werden.
Slavonic: от словес бо своих оправдишися и от словес своих осудишися.
Russian: ибо от слов своих оправдаешься, и от слов своих осудишься.
Spanish: Porque por tus palabras serás justificado, y por tus palabras serás condenado.
Portuguese: Porque pelas tuas palavras serás justificado e pelas tuas palavras serás condenado. »
31. Accountability
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως [gnt]
… ydel word … agyldeð … domes daige. [wes]
… idel word… resoun … dai of doom… [wy]
Those
"spoken words" may "
fly" but, according to Jesus, some of those words may need to be accounted for in the day of judgment.
The
KJV translates as
"word" the ancient Greek word
"ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" and which is the source of the English word
"rhetoric". These are not
utterances, swear words, empty words, weasel words, etc.
The
KJV translates as
"account" the ancient Greek word
"λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation" used in words ending in
"ology" such as "
geology".
The word
"judgment" in Old English is
"doom", so "
judgment day" is "
doomsday".
Note that both Greek words for "
word" are used in this verse. The first often (but not always) refers to spoken words. The second often (but not always) refers to written words and is here translated by the
KJV as "
account" as in having a "
purpose" that needs to be determined.
32. Matthew 12:36 Day of judgment
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως [gnt]
… ydel word … agyldeð … domes daige. [wes]
… idel word… resoun … dai of doom… [wy]
The "
day of judgment" is in Middle English "
day of doom" and in Old English "
dooms day". This day may be part of the parable of the sheep and goats.
The use of more
prepositions in Middle English led to
"day" of
"doom" rather than the Old English
"dooms" "day".
33. Matthew 12:36
KJV: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Greek: λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο εαν λαλησωσιν λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως
Wessex: Soðlice ich segge eow. þt aelc ydel word þe man sprecað. hyo agyldeð Note: MS. agylded. scad be þam on domes daige.
Wycliffe: And Y seie to you, that of euery idel word, that men speken, thei schulen yelde resoun therof in the dai of doom;
34. Revelation 10:10 Eating words
Revelation 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. [kjv]
και ελαβον το βιβλαριδιον εκ της χειρος του αγγελου και κατεφαγον αυτο και ην εν τω στοματι μου ως μελι γλυκυ και οτε εφαγον αυτο επικρανθη η κοιλια μου [gnt]
An English idiom is that one may have to "
eat one's words". That is, admit that they were wrong about something in the past. In Revelation 10:10 John has to "
eat words" in the form of a "
little bock".
Perhaps those words relate to false teaching. Would "
idle words" need some seasoning? How about the season of the day of judgment.
Might that be related to the way that my "
salad jokes" need addressing? Let us (lettuce) leave that as a future topic.
35. Revelation 10:10
KJV: And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Greek: και ελαβον το βιβλαριδιον εκ της χειρος του αγγελου και κατεφαγον αυτο και ην εν τω στοματι μου ως μελι γλυκυ και οτε εφαγον αυτο επικρανθη η κοιλια μου
36. Idioms using word
There are many English idioms using "
word".
One gives "their word" as in a "word of honor".
A man of "few words", a "kind word".
A "buzzword", "wordplay".
A "word to the wise",to "eat your words".
To "exchange words", to "have a word with"
To "get the word out", by "word of mouth".
To "get a word in edgewise", to "have the last word".
A "picture is worth a thousand words".
37. Something to say about words
There are (at least) two ancient Greek words for "
word".
The ancient Greek word "ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" as in a saying. In grammar it referred to a "verb" and is the source of the English word "rhetoric".
The ancient Greek word "λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation" but is translated as "word" in John 1:1, in the beginning was the "word". It is the source of the English word "logic".
In general, one word means a spoken word and one means a written word but this distinction is not always followed.
There are many verses in the
LXX and
GNT that use both words. Such verses may help understand both the similarities and the differences between the two words.
38. Matthew 12:36 Accounting
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως [gnt]
In simple terms, the business field of "
accounting" has to do with keeping track of all debits and credits and making sure that they match exactly.
In this verse, one appears to need to keep track of "
idle words" such that they match, say, "
for Christ" or "
against Christ" with some way to keep track of any "
idle words" in the middle.
These "
idle words" have meaning and are not just "
utterances" that may have limited meaning.
39. Managerial accounting
Aside: In "
managerial accounting" one just needs to get close as it may take a lot more work to get everything exact than the difference in the debits and credits.
This is, in part, the difference between logic (all or nothing, true or false) and reality (prudent trade-offs are needed).
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Details are left as a future topic.
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40. Accounting
In a business programming course there were some business accounting majors in the class.
I made the claim that "
accounting is easy".
One of them got upset and blurted out, "
What do you mean easy! Have you ever taken an accounting course?".
I then coolly replied, "
accounting is easy". Just go "
a-one", "
a-two", "
a-three". That is how you "
a-count". They were not amused at the humor. Let us move on.
Might it be that jokes fall under the rubric of "
idle words" for which an "
accounting" is needed? Let us account for the jokes, "
a-one", "
a-two", "
a-three". Not funny! That joke was just used.
41. Utterances as diphthongs
The ancient Greek word
"φθόγγος" ≈ "sound, utterance" and is the source of the English word "
diphthong" (two sounds together).
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [kjv]
και επλησθησαν παντες πνευματος αγιου και ηρξαντο λαλειν ετεραις γλωσσαις καθως το πνευμα εδιδου αποφθεγγεσθαι αυτοις [gnt]
Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. [kjv]
αλλα λεγω μη ουκ ηκουσαν μενουνγε εις πασαν την γην εξηλθεν ο φθογγος αυτων και εις τα περατα της οικουμενης τα ρηματα αυτων [gnt]
Some milk cow jokes could be uttered here, but that might be utter (udder) disaster.
42. Narrowing the meaning
When Jesus speaks, he often uses code words where nouns or nouns with their adjectives are used to represent other ideas. Often the coded form has a meaning somewhat like the decoded form, but not always.
Here "
idle words" may be a code word that represents something else in addition to the literal meaning.
Let us first look at the literal meaning of "
idle words".
43. Tree in a forest
If a tree falls in a forest, and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
George Berkeley (Irish philosopher) asked this question as "
Can something exist without being perceived by consciousness?" as in "
Is sound only sound if a person hears it?".
Discuss: If someone commits a "
crime", but there is no law against it, is it a "
crime"?
Discuss: If a programmer makes a "
mistake", creating a software fault, is it a failure in the software?
44. Idle trees
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
If a tree falls in a forest, and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
Without defining "
idle word", the following question is asked.
If an idle word is spoken, and there is no one else there to hear it, does it require one to account for it in the day of judgment?
Any such "
idle word" spoken comes from the heart and is already present in the heart. Only words that impact others and the decisions they make from those words
appear to be relevant.
What about "
idle words" that are
not spoken?
45. Anglican Church: Confession of sin
Being silent is an option taken by many. The Anglican Church has a Confession of Sin that starts as follows.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
Are we responsible for what we did not do? How about what we could have done?
As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence. Benjamin Franklin (American scientist, inventor, philosopher, statesman)
46. Confession of sin
The concluding part of the Confession of Sin finishes as follows.
Almighty God have mercy on you,
forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen you in all goodness
and by the power of the Holy Spirit
keep you in eternal life. Amen.
47. Lies and deception
Might omitted words used to deceive be "
idle words"? Lies and deception can be very subtle.
Half a truth is often a great lie. Benjamin Franklin (American scientist, inventor, philosopher, statesman)
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. Winston Churchill (British statesman)
So how does one determine what is true and what is not true?
48. What is not said
Religious leaders will always avail themselves of public ignorance for their own purpose. Thomas Jefferson (American statesman, diplomat, scientist and 3rd President of the United States from 1801-1809) .
What is not said can be as important as what is said. Which of the following is worse?
One can waste time if one says things that are meaningless in a given context (e.g., a sermon).
One can be deceptive if one omits important parts of a message (e.g., the Bible).
One can be deceptive by taking advantage of the ignorance of the listeners. Salespeople often do this.
49. Decidable words
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι παν ρημα αργον ο λαλησουσιν οι ανθρωποι αποδωσουσιν περι αυτου λογον εν ημερα κρισεως [gnt]
A "
decision procedure" in computer science is a method or algorithm that, given some input, makes a decision that can be though of as "
yes" or "
no".
Is a word an
"idle" "word" if that word is
clearly "
for Christ"? Does one need to account for such a word in the day of judgment?
Is a word an
"idle" "word" if that word is
clearly "
against Christ"? Does one need to account for such a word in the day of judgment?
Such words are here called "
decidable words" or "
decidable silences". There is no question as to whether "
decidable words" or "
decidable silences" are "
for Christ" or "
against Christ". Some "
false Christs" deceive by omitting words.
50. Decision procedure
A "
decision procedure" in computer science is a method or algorithm that, given some input, makes a decision that can be though of as "
yes" or "
no".
A "
decision tree" rotates the tree and has more nodes to make decisions, things to happen, etc.
If the accounting for "
idle words" does not resolve the issue, a
decision procedure is needed to break the deadlock on the decision (i.e., a tie-breaker rule).
51. Decision procedure
It would appear that an "
idle word" is
not decidable in the above sense and only words heard by and impacting others are relevant. Such words need to be accounted for in the day of judgment.
If the accounting resolves the issue of whether the words were "
for Christ" or "
against Christ" the matter is (logically) resolved - for good or bad result for that individual.
Might this accounting need to account for words not said? That is, omitted words used to deceive.
52. Communication sequence
1 Say
2 Deceive
3 Misinterpret
A "
false Christ" is not just someone who says "
I am Christ. Do this.". Someone who says "
Christ says to do this" is functionally equivalent to someone who says "
I am Christ. Do this.". The Greek word translated as "
glory" has a meaning of "
opinion". Giving "
glory" to God means deferring one's own opinion to the opinion of God. Taking glory from God means substituting one's own opinion for God's opinion. One way to do this is to change the Bible to fit one's own opinion.
53. Counter-factual logic
Counter-factual logic has to do with reasoning about what might have happened.
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident)
Should the penalty be the same or worse for deceiving by
omission than deceiving by delaying or avoiding the issue?
54. Comparisons
Should the penalty be the same or worse for deceiving by omission than deceiving by delaying or avoiding the issue?
Asking which is greater is a logical question to ask. Jesus often uses comparisons. Jesus used such a comparison both earlier in the chapter 12 and twice later in chapter 12 using another Greek word for "
greater".
55. Repeated question
Let us repeat the question. Which of the following is worse?
☐ One can waste time if one says things that are
meaningless in a given context (e.g., a sermon).
☐ One can be deceptive if one
omits important parts of a message (e.g., the Bible).
☐ One can be deceptive if one
changes important parts of a message (e.g., the Bible).
Should the penalty by the same or worse for deceiving by omission than deceiving by delaying or avoiding the issue?
Jesus (and others) on many occasions makes use of comparisons as to one entity being greater or less than another entity. One can be "
weighed in the balance".
56. Judgment
The "
judgment" is the separation process such as the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 22 or the "
judge that ye be not judged" in Matthew 7..
57. Matthew Treasure and heart
Matthew 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [kjv]
ο αγαθος ανθρωπος εκ του αγαθου θησαυρου εκβαλλει αγαθα και ο πονηρος ανθρωπος εκ του πονηρου θησαυρου εκβαλλει πονηρα [gnt]
The words "
of the heart" are not in some Greek manuscripts. It appears, that
"treasure" can be
"good" or
"evil" as
"oppression". Might treasure be in the eye of the beholder?
A "good" "man" and "good" "treasure" appear to be connected.
An "evil" "man" and "evil" "treasure" appear to be connected.
6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [kjv]
58. Matthew 12:35
KJV: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Greek: ο αγαθος ανθρωπος εκ του αγαθου θησαυρου της καρδιας εκβαλλει τα αγαθα και ο πονηρος ανθρωπος εκ του πονηρου θησαυρου εκβαλλει πονηρα
Latin: bonus homo de bono thesauro profert bona et malus homo de malo thesauro profert mala
Spanish: El hombre bueno, del buen tesoro del corazón saca buenas cosas; y el hombre malo, del mal tesoro saca malas cosas.
Portuguese: O homem bom, do seu bom tesouro, tira coisas boas; e o homem mau, do seu mau tesouro, tira coisas más.
59. Good and bad things
The separation here is into good and bad things based on the individual.
Is there any middle? Any middle part would be the deceptive part. That is, the part that is not clearly good and not clearly bad.
In the above verse, Jesus addresses individual people.
Those with "good" treasure of the heart bring forth "good" things.
Those with "evil" treasure of the heart bring forth "evil" things.
There may be a translation issue here.
60. Matthew 19:16-17 Only one is good
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [kjv]
και ιδου εις προσελθων αυτω ειπεν διδασκαλε τι αγαθον ποιησω ινα σχω ζωην αιωνιον [gnt]
19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [kjv]
ο δε ειπεν αυτω τι με ερωτας περι του αγαθου εις εστιν ο αγαθος ει δε θελεις εις την ζωην εισελθειν τηρει τας εντολας [gnt]
Jesus says that no one is
"good" but God. If Jesus is God, then if no one is good but God, then is Jesus good? Is the inference of a reflexive relationship appropriate here? Jesus uses the Greek word for "
bad" for those who are "
fallen" and need the "
good news" or "
Gospel".
61. Burdensome evils
62. Pornography
63. Strongs - evil
- *G4190 *76 πονηρός (pon-ay-ros') : from a derivative of G4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:--bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness). See also G4191.
- πονηρα *15
- Matthew 9:4 ... Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
- Matthew 12:35 ... and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
- Matthew 12:39 ... and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation ...
- Matthew 12:45 ... also unto this wicked generation.
- Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; ...
- Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and ...
- Luke 11:29 ... This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; ...
- John 3:19 ... their deeds were evil.
- John 7:7 ... the works thereof are evil.
- Acts 19:12 ... from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
- Acts 19:13 ... over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord ...
- Ephesians 6:13 ... ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done ...
- Hebrews 3:12 ... any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in ...
- James 4:16 ... such rejoicing is evil.
- 1 John 3:12 ... who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his ...
- πονηρον *12
- Matthew 5:11 ... you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, ...
- Luke 6:22 ... your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
- Luke 6:45 ... that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his ...
- Acts 18:14 ... a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, ...
- Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus ...
- Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped ...
- Acts 28:21 ... or spake any harm of thee.
- Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
- 1 Corinthians 5:13 ... from among yourselves that wicked person.
- 1 John 2:13 ... young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, ...
- 1 John 2:14 ... in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
- Revelation 16:2 ... there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men ...
- πονηρου *12
- Matthew 5:37 ... these cometh of evil.
- Matthew 6:13 ... deliver us from evil: For thine is ...
- Matthew 12:35 ... and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
- Matthew 13:38 ... the tares are the children of the wicked one;
- Luke 6:45 ... that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his ...
- John 17:15 ... thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
- Galatians 1:4 ... from this present evil world, according to the will ...
- Ephesians 6:16 ... all the fiery darts of the wicked.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ... and keep you from evil.
- 2 Timothy 4:18 ... me from every evil work, and will preserve ...
- 1 John 3:12 ... who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his ...
- πονηρος *8
- Matthew 6:23 ... thine eye be evil, thy whole body ...
- Matthew 12:35 ... and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
- Matthew 13:19 ... understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown ...
- Matthew 20:15 ... Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
- Mark 7:22 ... deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
- Luke 6:45 ... that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his ...
- Luke 11:34 ... but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
- 1 John 5:18 ... himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
- πονηρους *7
- Matthew 5:45 ... sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and ...
- Matthew 7:17 ... a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
- Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt ...
- Matthew 13:49 ... shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
- Matthew 22:10 ... as many as they found, both bad and good: and ...
- Luke 6:35 ... unto the unthankful and to the evil.
- Acts 17:5 ... moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and ...
- πονηροι *5
- Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good ...
- Matthew 12:34 ... how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for ...
- Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, ...
- Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good ...
- 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax ...
- πονηρων *5
- Luke 3:19 ... and for all the evils which Herod had done,
- Luke 7:21 ... and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many ...
- Luke 8:2 ... had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, ...
- 2 Thessalonians 3:2 ... from unreasonable and wicked men: for all ...
- James 2:4 ... and are become judges of evil thoughts?
- πονηρε *3
- Matthew 18:32 ... said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee ...
- Matthew 25:26 ... answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, ...
- Luke 19:22 ... mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that ...
- πονηροις *3
- Colossians 1:21 ... in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
- 2 John 1:11 ... is partaker of his evil deeds.
- 3 John 1:10 ... prating against us with malicious words: and not ...
- πονηρω *2
- Matthew 5:39 ... unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite ...
- 1 John 5:19 ... world lieth in wickedness.
- πονηραι *2
- Ephesians 5:16 ... because the days are evil.
- 1 Timothy 6:4 ... envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
- πονηραν
- Acts 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none ...
- πονηρας
- Hebrews 10:22 ... sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies ...
64. Usage - evil
*G4190 *76 πονηρός (pon-ay-ros') : from a derivative of G4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from G4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:--bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness).
There appears to be a translation issue here.
The ancient Greek lexicons provide the meaning translated as "
evil" as "
oppressed by toils" which fits the context of what Jesus is here (and elsewhere) saying.
The Strongs concordance and theologians have translated "
evil" from the Greek (changing a consonant pair) as "
hurtful", "
evil".
65. Word slide
The Latin word
"malus" ≈ "unpleasant, evil".
It appears that there is a "
word slide" here in that the Latin word had more than one meaning and that other meaning was adapted in many places as the meaning of the original word.
Would such a "
semantic slide" be to the advantage or disadvantage of the church? Explain.
66. Comparison
Let us try a comparison of both meanings.
An evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
A burdensome man out of the burdensome treasure bringeth forth burdensome things.
A burdened man out of the burdened treasure bringeth forth burdened things.
How does this change the meaning of the verse? Which meaning fits better in the context of these verses?
67. Comparison
One can think of the "
evil" resulting from being "
burdened" with other requirements.
Burdensome things can weigh down someone such that they do not get the required work (fruit) done.
Omitted things can get lost in the burdensome work that deception is easier.
68. Dilbert
Burdensome things can distract one from the goal.
A common Scott Adams Dilbert cartoon theme is the following. The project gets behind schedule so the manager starts requiring more status reports, each of which take burdensome and toilsome work to complete as the project gets more behind schedule.
69. Matthew 12:34 Vipers
Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [kjv]
γεννηματα εχιδνων πως δυνασθε αγαθα λαλειν πονηροι οντες εκ γαρ του περισσευματος της καρδιας το στομα λαλει [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἔχιδνα" ≈ "snake, treacherous person" and comes from
"ἔχις" ≈ "snake, adder, viper".
A usual Greek word for a generic "
snake" or "
serpent" is
not used here. The Greek word used refers to a dangerous snake that could be a poisonous snake or a constricting snake. The same word is used for the snake that latches onto Paul in Acts 28 on the shore after the ship wrecks.
Which better describes the religious establishment of that day? Would it be a poisonous snake or a constricting snake (or both)? What about today?
70. Matthew 12:34
KJV: O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Greek: γεννηματα εχιδνων πως δυνασθε αγαθα λαλειν πονηροι οντες εκ γαρ του περισσευματος της καρδιας το στομα λαλει
Latin: progenies viperarum quomodo potestis bona loqui cum sitis mali ex abundantia enim cordis os loquitur
71. Matthew 12:34 Generation of vipers
Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [kjv]
γεννηματα εχιδνων πως δυνασθε αγαθα λαλειν πονηροι οντες εκ γαρ του περισσευματος της καρδιας το στομα λαλει [gnt]
If the religious establishment openly and clearly spoke
"evil" things, this verse would not apply.
If the religious establishment openly and clearly spoke
"good" things, this verse would not apply.
If the religious establishment spoke what appeared to be
"good" things but were really
"evil" things, as in
deceptions, this verse begins to make more sense.
72. Branches
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]
εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν [gnt]
People bear fruit but are usually not referred to as a tree in the Bible. Instead, they are "
branches".
Jesus is the "
vine" and we are the "
branches" (of the vine, not the tree).
73. John 15:5
KJV: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Greek: εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν
74. Trees
In the Bible,a tree usually represents a human hierarchy and not an individual persons. Usually, the ruler, such as Nebuchadnezzar, is the root of the tree. The common person or worker is a leaf of the tree.
75. Discuss
Discuss: Jesus in this chapter is addressing the religious establishment and shortcomings of that establishment. Does this verse refer primarily to trees as religious hierarchical establishments (including the church) or to trees as human individuals (or both)?
76. Matthew 12:33 Good and bad trees
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [kjv]
η ποιησατε το δενδρον καλον και τον καρπον αυτου καλον η ποιησατε το δενδρον σαπρον και τον καρπον αυτου σαπρον εκ γαρ του καρπου το δενδρον γινωσκεται [gnt]
Notice that the Latin uses the same word for the Greek
"rotten" "fruit" in verse 33 and for "
evil" man in verse 35. It is reasonable to assume that if Jesus intended these two be the same, Matthew would have used the same Greek word in each verse.
A mountain represents an empire. A
tree represents the human infrastructure of an empire. The root of the tree represents the human leader. In computer science, a single person would be a (degenerate)
tree structure. That is, a tree with no branches and one leaf - the root of the (degenerate) tree.
77. Matthew 12:33
KJV: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Greek: η ποιησατε το δενδρον καλον και τον καρπον αυτου καλον η ποιησατε το δενδρον σαπρον και τον καρπον αυτου σαπρον εκ γαρ του καρπου το δενδρον γινωσκεται
Latin: aut facite arborem bonam et fructum eius bonum aut facite arborem malam et fructum eius malum siquidem ex fructu arbor agnoscitur
Wessex: Oððe wircað god treow & his waestme godne oððe wyrcað yfel treow & his waestme yfelne. Witodlice be þam waestme byð þaet treow on-cnawen.
Luther: Setzet entweder einen guten Baum, so wird die Frucht gut; oder setzet einen faulen Baum, so wird die Frucht faul; denn an der Frucht erkennet man den Baum.
78. Matthew 12:33 Good and rotten fruit
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [kjv]
η ποιησατε το δενδρον καλον και τον καρπον αυτου καλον η ποιησατε το δενδρον σαπρον και τον καρπον αυτου σαπρον εκ γαρ του καρπου το δενδρον γινωσκεται [gnt]
Assume that the
"tree" represents a human hierarchy as in a religious establishment such as the one Jesus is addressing. Here are the choices provided.
Make the "tree" good and the fruit good.
Make the "tree" rotten and the fruit rotten.
This verse would not need to be said unless something else were happening.
It appears that the
"rotten" "tree" was trying to make the fruit appear as
"good" fruit. Why would a
"good" "tree" try to make the fruit appear as
"rotten"? Might any "
idle words" used to make the fruit
appear "good" need an "
accounting"?
Jesus is the "
vine" and we are the "
branches" (of the vine, not the tree).
79. Matthew 12:33 Good and rotten fruit
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [kjv]
η ποιησατε το δενδρον καλον και τον καρπον αυτου καλον η ποιησατε το δενδρον σαπρον και τον καρπον αυτου σαπρον εκ γαρ του καρπου το δενδρον γινωσκεται [gnt]
The statement "
The tree is known by its fruit." is an "
ambiguous statement" based on the viewpoint of who "
knows" or "
infers" what.
God "knows" (sees) both the "inside" and the "outside" of the "fruit".
Man "knows" (sees) only the "outside" of the "fruit".
From computability theory, it may not be possible to always determine if the inside is
"good" or
"rotten". An "
accounting" may be necessary for "
idle words".
The Greek word for "
fruit" is masculine and takes the
grammatical gender of "
his".
80. Organizational charts
|
|
Jesus - rock
|
man - sand
|
The organizational chart of Jesus has one level, the leaves.
How might a large human organization that has "
evil" or "
burdensome" parts change?
Ross Perot in 1992 referring to organizations:
Quality starts at the top. When I heard that in 1992, I added what I think Perot was implying:
Lack of quality starts at the top..
81. Mikhail Gorbachev
The amazing thing about Mikhail Gorbachev (Михаил Горбачёв), the final leader of the Soviet Union, in the 1990's was that he had to hold his tongue and play the party game from bottom to top and only when he got to the top did he open up and start to make changes.
82. Military
Another example would be a military organization - pick almost any one throughout history. The military (usually) only promotes from within. The only way to make needed changes is from the top. The only ones promoted to the top (except during war after some extended time of disasters) is to agree with the status quo.
83. Churches
Discuss:
In the Middle Ages, how well did the Catholic Church adapt to needed changes? Was it for good or for bad, Biblically speaking?
In recent centuries, how well has the Protestant Church adapted to needed changes? Has it been for good or for bad, Biblically speaking?
84. Matthew 12:32 Unpardonable sin
Matthew 12:32 And who soever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but who soever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. [kjv]
και ος εαν ειπη λογον κατα του υιου του ανθρωπου αφεθησεται αυτω ος δ αν ειπη κατα του πνευματος του αγιου ουκ αφεθησεται αυτω ουτε εν τουτω τω αιωνι ουτε εν τω μελλοντι [gnt]
A sin against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven.
What is a
"word" or sin
"against" the Holy Spirit? Perhaps it is based on what has been discussed in the above verses. The word translated
"against" can mean
"into" as might be the case with
"idle" "words" as a deception as a "
false Christ".
The only "
idle words" that appear to be relevant are those during the "
seek" stage of the "
ask", "
seek" and "
knock" sequence.
A talk was given by a volunteer to a country in eastern Europe about his experiences handing out Bibles. He told how he had converted someone having told him that he could be forgiven of any sin no matter what. One reason for the above verses would be so that people do not go around saying such things. One must be more careful.
The English word
"pardon" is interesting in that it comes through French from Latin but came into Latin from a Germanic language.
85. Matthew 12:31 Unpardonable sin
Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν πασα αμαρτια και βλασφημια αφεθησεται τοις ανθρωποις η δε του πνευματος βλασφημια ουκ αφεθησεται [gnt]
The same idea is repeated in verse 31 such that it provides a definition of
"blasphemy" as defined by Jesus and
not by the religious hierarchy. The
"against" is inferred as it would be redundant.
Using the previous verses, might the
"blasphemy" against the Holy Spirit be "
idle words" used to
deceive and make a "
bad tree" and "
rotten fruit"
appear as good in such a way as to "
oppress" and mislead followers trying to do the right thing?
86. Matthew 12:32
KJV: And who soever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but who soever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Greek: και ος αν εαν ειπη λογον κατα του υιου του ανθρωπου αφεθησεται αυτω ος δ αν ειπη κατα του πνευματος του αγιου ουκ αφεθησεται αυτω ουτε εν τουτω τω αιωνι ουτε εν τω μελλοντι
Latin: et quicumque dixerit verbum contra Filium hominis remittetur ei qui autem dixerit contra Spiritum Sanctum non remittetur ei neque in hoc saeculo neque in futuro
Wessex: & swa hlyc swa cweð word on-gen mannes sunu him byð forgefen. Se þe soðlice cweð on-gen haligne gast. ne byð hit him for-gefen. ne on þissere werolde. ne on þare to-wearden.
Wycliffe: And who euere seith a word ayens mannus sone, it shal be foryouun to him; but who that seieth a word ayens the Hooli Goost, it shal not be foryouun to hym, nether in this world, ne in`the tothir.
Spanish: Y a cualquiera que dijere palabra contra el Hijo del Hombre, le será perdonado; pero a cualquiera que hablare contra el Espíritu Santo, no le será perdonado, ni en este mundo, ni en el venidero.
Portuguese: E, se alguém disser alguma palavra contra o Filho do Homem, há-de ser-lhe perdoado; mas, se falar contra o Espírito Santo, não lhe será perdoado, nem neste mundo nem no futuro. »
87. Matthew 12:31
KJV: Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Greek: δια τουτο λεγω υμιν πασα αμαρτια και βλασφημια αφεθησεται τοις ανθρωποις η δε του πνευματος βλασφημια ουκ αφεθησεται τοις ανθρωποις
88. Forgiveness and blasphemy
Blasphemy is speaking evil of something in a way that may not be appropriate.
If one clearly blasphemes Christ, everyone knows what is happening. If one deceptively omits details and emphasizes other details and, in some cases, changes details, the resulting blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is not obvious to those listening.
That same person lambasted worshipers in the Eastern Orthodox church there as idol worshipers as they had icons displayed - in many instances to remind them of parts of the Bible.
Such a witness is of dubious value in many respects. One can and should do better. It would be very useful to learn about the language, culture and churches in that area before doing such activities.
89. Model
One model of "
idle words" that appears to fit this passage is that "
idle words" are deceptive words or omitted words (to help the deception) that serve to allow the person saying the "
idle words" to impersonate Christ as in a
MITM (Man in the Middle) attack.
It appears that these are the "
idle words" that need to be accounted for in the day of judgment as either "
for Christ" or "
against Christ". If it cannot be determined as to the intent and/or meaning of those "
idle words", a decision
procedure is needed to determine on which side the "
idle words" fall.
90. Accounting
That is the purpose of the Greek word for "
judge" used here - a separation process. Jesus provides a decision procedure, or tie-breaker, in the next verse.
Fruit is either good or rotten.
One is either with Christ entirely or not with Him.
Words, at stated at the start of this verse sequence, are important.
Discuss: Can omitted words serve the same purpose or end as spoken words?
91. Matthew 12:30 Tie-breaker rule
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]
ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει [gnt]
If the "
idle words" cannot be accounted for as to whether they are "
for Christ" or "
against Christ", the tie-breaker is that "
he that is not with me is against me". The word for
"scatter" in Greek is the verb form of the noun
"scorpion". The Greek for
"gathereth" is the word for
"synagogue" or
"bringing together"
Do "
idle" words (non-working words or omitted words) have the result of "
scattering" against what Jesus represents?
In a manner similar to Hebrew poetry that can rhyme by repeated meaning, "
he that gathereth not with me scatterth abroad".
An analogy can be made to computational science.
92. Matthew 12:30
KJV: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Greek: ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει
Latin: qui non est mecum contra me est et qui non congregat mecum spargit
Wessex: Se þe nys mid me he is on-geanes me. & se þe ne gadereð Note: MS. gadered. mid me he to-wyrð.
Wycliffe: He that is not with me, is ayens me; and he that gaderith not togidere with me, scaterith abrood.
Luther: Wer nicht mit mir ist, der ist wider mich, und wer nicht mit mir sammelt, der zerstreuet.
Slavonic: Иже несть со Мною, на Мя есть: и иже не собирает со Мною, расточает.
Russian: Кто не со Мною, тот против Меня; и кто не собирает со Мною, тот расточает.
Spanish: El que no es conmigo, contra mí es; y el que conmigo no recoge, desparrama.
Portuguese: Quem não está comigo, é contra mim; e quem não junta comigo, desperdiça.
93. Related ideas
The following ideas of logical truth are related.
Russell logical paradox as in "This statement is false.".
Mathematical incompleteness (Formal predicate logic systems, Gödel, 1924, 1931).
Computational decidability (Turing Machine and the Halting Problem, Turing, 1936)
Randomness determination (Algorithmic Information Theory, Kolmogorov, Chaitin)
Connections can be made of logical truth to reality truth and human truth.
Here we look to make an analogy with computational decidability in terms of the Halting Problem.
94. Alan Turing: halting problem
Alan Turing (1912-1954) developed the ideas that proved the limits of computing before the first programmable digital computer was built.
Claude Shannon (1939) showed that one could built such a computer.
The
halting problem (Turing, Turing machine, 1936) result: It is impossible to write a computer program that looks at another computer program (and its data) and determines whether that other computer program eventually halts.
The possible answers for a computation of an undecidable problem are yes (true), no (false), or maybe (wait forever). One may be able to go "
outside the system" to determine a better answer.
An abstract (or physical) computer can be called a
Turing Machine. A
Turing complete programming language can compute any computable function.
[waiting for a program to stop, secure form submission, virus detection]
95. Halting problem observations
Foundations of computation: Program cannot look at another program (and data) and (fully) determine what it will do.
Goal/assumption of modern psychology: Person can look at another person and determine what that person will do.
A person is more complex than a computer (machine).
The analogy of the "
idle word" problem to the "
halting problem" is as follows.
96. Idle word problem
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [kjv]
ο μη ων μετ εμου κατ εμου εστιν και ο μη συναγων μετ εμου σκορπιζει [gnt]
Some "idle words" are "decidable" as "for Christ" or "against Christ".
Some "idle words" are "undecidable" as whether they are "for Christ" or "against Christ".
The determination of "
undecidable idle words" may need some "
accounting" outside of the system due to casual or intentional deception, etc.
Some "
undecidable idle words" may still be undecidable and some
tie-breaker rule is needed for decision purposes. This verse appears to provide that tie-breaker rule.
97. Matthew 12:29 Context
(bottom-up, forward-chaining)
(top-down backward-chaining)
The next verse (in reverse order) is the "
strong man" verse.
Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [kjv]
Jesus will bind the strong man and snatch (rapture) his goods (vessels as believers) - those with a good heart and good fruit and, if needed, have accounted for any "
idle words".
98. Saying
What is not said is often as important as what was said?
A husband related how he got in trouble with his wife.
It was not what I said.
It was not what I didn't say.
It was the way I didn't say it.
99. Silence is golden
There is an English saying that "
Speech is silver. Silence is golden". This saying started in one form and gradually changed into the more common forms.
100. Silence is golden
A shortened form is that "
Silence is golden".
Similar sayings in English are:
Still waters run deep.
Empty vessels make the most sound.
101. Silence is golden
Some might prefer "
Duct tape is silver".
102. Silence is golden
1 Speech is silver
2 Silence is golden
3 Duct tape is silver
|
The idea of "silence is golden" may be appropriate at times but can be used to keep others quiet when they should be speaking up.
Has this happened in the change of the meaning of "idle words" from the GNT to today?
Has the church ever redefined "idle words" to keep people silent when they should be speaking up?
Words not said can be as important as words said.
|
103. First they came
After the silence of many in the Nazi rise to power and the resulting World War II,
Martin Niemöller (German theologian and Lutheran pastor who opposed the Nazi rule) wrote a saying in 1946 that has been repeated in various forms since.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.
104. Playing both sides
Many pastors, teachers, etc., will intentionally be vague as not to offend anyone or, in some cases, to deceive others. Some will try to "play both sides" of the table. Accountability is important.
One reason for speaking up is to make someone trying to be vague or to deceive "show their cards" which is an idiom from card games where someone might "bluff" to make others think they have a good hand (of cards).
Another idiom for this is to "force the issue".
105. Have times changed
In Matthew 12, Jesus is speaking to the religious establishment. They have constrained the people from being able to do good with rules, regulations, etc., and a lot of meaningless talk or "idle talk".
It is interesting that today the same thing appears to have happened.
The religious leadership uses a lot of "idle talk" in sermons, etc., to distract the people from the real truth and ignore parts of the Bible they prefer not to present.
The meaning of "idle talk" (of distracting from the truth by the leadership) has been shifted to the people and the idea redefined to by any talk that is "sinful" in some way. And those same pastors may try to define sin as they see it.
If so, has this constrained the people in a manner similar to that of the religious establishment in the days of Jesus?
106. Discussion
Discuss the following.
When a pastor says "idle" words in a sermon, using up time, distracting from real issues, etc., does that fall under the above description of the unpardonable sin? What if the pastor is doing it on purpose?
When a pastor says "idle" words by omitting important words from scripture, does that fall under the above description of the unpardonable sin? What if the pastor is doing it on purpose?
When a pastor says "idle" words by changing important words from scripture, does that fall under the above description of the unpardonable sin? What if the pastor is doing it on purpose?
If people follow a false teacher, will they suffer the same fate as the false teacher?
107. Little ones
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]
In the
GNT, "
little ones" can refer to "
children" but in addition, usually refers to "
believers".
108. Discuss
You may be thinking that focusing on the pastor or leadership is not appropriate. Keep in mind that the entire context of Matthew 12 is that of Jesus speaking to the religious establishment who has accused him of doing miracles by the power of Satan.
Discuss:
Is it satisfactory to generalize what Jesus is saying to the religious establishment to everyone in general?
Is it satisfactory to change the meaning of what is said from "idle word" as meaningless word to "idle word" as something bad as in a lie, swear word, word said in anger, etc.?
109. Review
110. Rock and sand
Build your house on the granite
rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.
Church of believers built on the rock of Christ .
Church of believers built on the sand of man .
The higher one goes up the human
sand hierarchy or
sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the
rock and to start to "
influence" or "
manipulate" others as "
leaders" for one's own purposes.
To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.
Some
birds will make "
stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "
bread". That is, give "
bad" "
gifts" or "
houses" to their "
children".
111. Summary table of sheep and goats
Here is the summarized table of conditions for the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 using a one-letter abbreviation for each. How many groupings?
h |
hungry |
gave me food |
t |
thirsty |
gave me drink |
s |
stranger/guest |
took me in |
n |
naked |
clothed me |
w |
sick/weak |
examined me |
p |
prison/confined |
come/go to me |
|
For each condition, the meaning can be one (or all) of the following.
☐ Literal meaning
☐ Figurative meaning (as in Jesus using "sleeping" for "has died" in describing the condition of Lazarus)
☐ Something else
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Do churches ever "
misinterpret" what Jesus is saying? Some who thought they were doing the right thing were "
surprised". Some who did not do those things were "
surprised" that they had done the right thing.
112. Matthew 13:33 Fourth kingdom parable: measures three
Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. [kjv]
αλλην παραβολην ελαλησεν αυτοις ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων ζυμη ην λαβουσα γυνη ενεκρυψεν εις αλευρου σατα τρια εως ου εζυμωθη ολον [gnt]
The third kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is very short - just
one verse. There appears to be a play-on-words used by Jesus from the Greek language point of view.
The ancient Greek word
"ἄλευρον " ≈ "ground grain" which was often wheat. Jesus uses this idea to represent true doctrine or teaching.
The ancient Greek word
"ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough" and is used by Jesus to represent false doctrine or teaching.
113. End of page