A colonoscopy of an annoying and disturbing difficulty

Some words in the GNT (Greek New Testament) are not translated according to what they appear to have meant at the time. One annoying and disturbing difficulty is that a Greek word, used in just a few important places, and that meant annoyed or disturbed, is translated as difficult. The effect of that assumption appears to have altered the later meaning of that Greek word. Let us investigate.

Warning: For the prefix «κολο» and related words I have found variations of what these various words and roots mean, including the etymologies, even in the same sources, so a general idea is what is desired at this point. There appears to be a common thread between the meanings.

Suppose your gut or intestine was making you feel really bad. Can you imagine that?

Suppose that that feeling went away. How would you feel then?

Sometimes it is just the stomach and a little wine might help, as Paul advises Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus.
Let us look at some intestinal feelings from a Biblical and Greek word point of view.

The English word "colon", as a marker in a sentence, comes from the Latin word "colon" ≈ "member of a verse or poem" which comes from the ancient Greek word "κῶλον" ≈ "part of something, body, building, sentence, verse, etc.".

The English word "colon", as part of the intestinal tract, comes from a related ancient Greek word "κόλον" ≈ "intestine, food, fodder" that is "part of" something larger.

A related word is the ancient Greek word "κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed".

Greek words containing «κολο» in the GNT and LXX (Septuagint) have some interesting aspects.

Paul's letter to the church at Colossae, called Colossians, is not related to the name of the Colossus of Rhodes, about the height of the Statue of Liberty (not including the base) and one of the seven wonders of the ancient (Greek-centered) world.

There are many ideas of the origin of the city name of "Κολοσσαί" ≈ "Colossae".

The ancient Greek word "ὁ Κολοσσὸς Ῥόδιος" ≈ "Colossus of Rhodes". The large statue there became the basis of the English word "colossal" through the ancient Greek word "κολοσσός" ≈ "large statue". The origin of this name is not known.
It is not clear if the Greek name "Colossus" is related to "κόλον" ≈ "intestine, food, fodder" or "κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed".

More: City: Colossae

The Greeks had an idea that a sense of reality and/or feelings were located in one's guts. In English, the idiom is a "gut feeling".

It appears that some type of feeling could be located in a particular part of the "gut" such as the "spleen", "intestine", etc.
Note: To continue, you will need some "intestinal" fortitude because there is some "ex-spleening" to do - if you can "stomach" it.

Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [kjv]

ης επερισσευσεν εις ημας εν παση σοφια και φρονησει [gnt]

Here is a comparison.

logical head knowledge: "σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" as in "wisdom".
intuitive gut feeling: "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" as in "gut feeling".

The ancient Greek word "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" and comes from the ancient Greek word "φρήν" ≈ "midriff, stomach". A "sensible" approach requires that trade-offs be made.

In relating to his Greek audience, Paul will use the Greek word for "wise" in the sense that they would know it. Jesus, however, does not use the Greek word for "wise" in a good sense. Instead, Jesus uses the word for "prudent" in a positive manner.

More: A prudent approach to a wise understanding

More: A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent

Many English translations slide the meaning. Why? Here is one example.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [kjv]

25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]

πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

Logical head knowledge: "σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" as in "wisdom".

English: wise (head knowledge) vs. foolish (stupid)

Intuitive gut feeling: "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" as in "gut feeling".

Greek: sensible/prudent vs. foolish (not sensible/prudent)

The Greek for "foolish" is that of being "childish".

More: A wise opportunity to be prudent

Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. [kjv]

μαρτυς γαρ μου ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου [gnt]

testis … visceribus … [v]

Jesus	church

prudent	wise
gut feeling	head knowledge
active	passive

The Greek for passive "record" is that of being an active "witness".

The Greek word for "bowels" has to do with an active "gut feeling"or being "prudent" with "street smarts" rather than passive "wisdom" that is "head knowledge".

More: Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi

Philippians 1:8

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KJV: For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Greek: μαρτυς γαρ μου εστιν ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου

Latin: testis enim mihi est Deus quomodo cupiam omnes vos in visceribus Christi Iesu

The ancient Greek word "σπλάγχνον" ≈ "bowels, guts" comes from the ancient Greek word "σπλήν" ≈ "spleen" and is the source of the English word "spleen". The word "milt" is the Germanic word for "spleen".
Try saying the corresponding modern Greek word "σπλάγχνο" (SPLAGHKH-no) ≈ "bowels, guts".

In ancient Greek times, the "bowels" or "guts" were the "seat of feelings" or "gut feeling" as today we would call the "heart".

The Greek word for "bowels" has to do with an active "gut feeling" rather than "head knowledge" or, in Greek terms "wisdom".

More: Philippians 2:5-8 form of God and Aristotelian causes

A "colonoscopy" is an examination of the "colon" using a "colonoscope".

The ancient Greek word " κόλον" ≈ "intestine, food, fodder".
The ancient Greek word "σκοπέω" ≈ "look at, behold" and comes from the ancient Greek word "σκοπός" ≈ "watcher".

The word "bishop" comes from the ancient Greek word "ἐπίσκοπος" ≈ "watcher, overseer, visitor" as one who goes around like a sheep dog and watches, oversees and/or visits churches.

More: 1 Timothy 3:1 Desire to reach out to be a bishop

In Philippians, Paul puts his "scope" (a word used or alluded to many times) "on" the "bishops" (church leadership), and a word that means "on scope", for preaching not from the truth of Christ.

The use of the ancient Greek word "σκύβαλον" ≈ "excrement, dung" in Philippians 3:8 makes one wonder, tongue-in-cheek, if Paul is performing a colonoscopy on some in the church at Philippi. In context, the use of the word may refer to the past being "behind" him. The play on words as in "thrown to the dogs" may refer to "dogs" such as "wolf dogs" and/or to a group called the "cynics" whose name comes from the "dog porch" where they met.

More: Philippians

Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, [kjv]

αλλα μενουνγε και ηγουμαι παντα ζημιαν ειναι δια το υπερεχον της γνωσεως χριστου ιησου του κυριου μου δι ον τα παντα εζημιωθην και ηγουμαι σκυβαλα ινα χριστον κερδησω [gnt]

… stercora … [v]

… Dreck… [lu]

… drit, [wy]

The Latin word "stercus" ≈ "dung" and is related to the German word "der Dreck" ≈ "dirt, filth" and the Middle English word "drit" ≈ "excrement" which is the source of the English word "dirt".

Details are left as a future topic.

Philippians 3:8

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KJV: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Greek: αλλα μενουνγε και ηγουμαι παντα ζημιαν ειναι δια το υπερεχον της γνωσεως χριστου ιησου του κυριου μου δι ον τα παντα εζημιωθην και ηγουμαι σκυβαλα ειναι ινα χριστον κερδησω

Latin: verumtamen existimo omnia detrimentum esse propter eminentem scientiam Iesu Christi Domini mei propter quem omnia detrimentum feci et arbitror ut stercora ut Christum lucri faciam

Wycliffe: Netheles Y gesse alle thingis to be peirement for the cleer science of Jhesu Crist my Lord. For whom Y made alle thingis peyrement, and Y deme as drit,

Luther: Denn ich achte es alles für Schaden gegen die überschwengliche Erkenntnis Christi Jesu, meines Herrn, um welches willen ich alles habe für Schaden gerechnet und achte es für Dreck, auf daß ich Christum gewinne

*G4657 *1 σκύβαλον (skoo'-bal-on) : neuter of a presumed derivative of G1519 and G2965 and G906; what is thrown to the dogs, i.e. refuse (ordure):--dung.

Usage

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σκυβαλα

Philippians 3:8 ... all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Words: σκυβαλα

The use of the ancient Greek word "κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed" and is found as the beginning of a word in the LXX.

Leviticus 22:23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. [kjv]

και μοσχον η προβατον ωτοτμητον η κολοβοκερκον σφαγια ποιησεις αυτα σεαυτω εις δε ευχην σου ου δεχθησεται [lxx]

The word can refer to "stunted horns" or "docked tail" which are both parts that "stick out" from the body.

The use of the ancient Greek word "κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed" and is found as the beginning of a word in the LXX.

2 Samuel 4:12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, … [kjv]

και ενετειλατο δαυιδ τοις παιδαριοις αυτου και αποκτεννουσιν αυτους και κολοβουσιν τας χειρας αυτων και τους ποδας αυτων και εκρεμασαν αυτους επι της κρηνης εν χεβρων και την κεφαλην μεμφιβοσθε εθαψαν εν τω ταφω αβεννηρ υιου νηρ [lxx]

The word appears to refer to the "cutting off" or "removing" parts such as done with an "ox" or "cow". The ancient Greek word "βου" ≈ "ox, cow".

Leviticus 22:23

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KJV: Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Hebrew: ושור ושה שרוע וקלוט נדבה תעשה אתו ולנדר לא ירצה׃

Greek: και μοσχον η προβατον ωτοτμητον η κολοβοκερκον σφαγια ποιησεις αυτα σεαυτω εις δε ευχην σου ου δεχθησεται

2 Samuel 4:12

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KJV: And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, @CZ(t=[ and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish–bosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. ])

Hebrew: ויצו דוד את הנערים ויהרגום ויקצצו את ידיהם ואת רגליהם ויתלו על הברכה בחברון ואת ראש איש בשת לקחו ויקברו בקבר אבנר בחברון׃

Greek: και ενετειλατο δαυιδ τοις παιδαριοις αυτου και αποκτεννουσιν αυτους και κολοβουσιν τας χειρας αυτων και τους ποδας αυτων και εκρεμασαν αυτους επι της κρηνης εν χεβρων και την κεφαλην μεμφιβοσθε εθαψαν εν τω ταφω αβεννηρ υιου νηρ

The use of the ancient Greek word"κόλον" ≈ "intestine, food, fodder" or "κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed" is found four times in Jonah.
The ancient Greek word "κολοκύνθη" ≈ "gourd". The vine-like nature of the plant appears like an "intestine" or "part" that is "cut off" and from which the "gourd" is removed.

Jonah 4:7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. [kjv]

και προσεταξεν ο θεος σκωληκι εωθινη τη επαυριον και επαταξεν την κολοκυνθαν και απεξηρανθη [lxx]

Jonah 4:7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. [kjv]

και προσεταξεν ο θεος σκωληκι εωθινη τη επαυριον και επαταξεν την κολοκυνθαν και απεξηρανθη [lxx]

… vermem … percussit hederam … [v]

The Latin word "hedera" ≈ "ivy". The Latin word "percussit" ≈ "smote" and is the source of the English word "percussion".

The modern Greek word "κολοκυθιά" (ko-lo-kee-thee-A) ≈ "squash, pumpkin". Orange pumpkins came from the New World (Western Hemisphere).

More: October 31: Halloween

Jonah 4:7

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KJV: But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.

Hebrew: וימן האלהים תולעת בעלות השחר למחרת ותך את הקיקיון וייבש׃

Greek: και προσεταξεν ο θεος σκωληκι εωθινη τη επαυριον και επαταξεν την κολοκυνθαν και απεξηρανθη

Latin: et paravit Deus vermem ascensu diluculo in crastinum et percussit hederam et exaruit

In the GNT, Jesus uses a word that is often taken to be "days cut off" or "shortened".

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]

και ει μη εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ δια δε τους εκλεκτους κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι [gnt]

Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. [kjv]

και ει μη εκολοβωσεν κυριος τας ημερας ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ αλλα δια τους εκλεκτους ους εξελεξατο εκολοβωσεν τας ημερας [gnt]

In the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, when asked about the "end times" Jesus talks of "all of it" (pun on "Olivet").

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [kjv]

24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]

… breviati … breviabuntur … [v]

How could it be possible that no flesh would be saved?

For 2000 years, since the time of Jesus, no one could understand how "no flesh would be saved". Until 1945.

More: Matthew 24:21-24 Short day cutoff

More: Ezekiel 39:9-16 Weapons such that no flesh is saved

Matthaeus 24:22 … breviati … breviabuntur … [v]

Marcum 13:20 … breviasset … breviavit … [v]

The Latin word "breviatus" ≈ "shortened" and is the source of the English word "brief". To make it brief, or short, or to shorten it, the Greek has other words for making something less or shorter, etc., as opposed to more or greater.

More: Matthew 25:40,45 The least of these

Another Greek word that does not mean "short" or "shorter" is translated as such in the KJV (King James Version).

More: Luke 19:1-11 A short discussion on stature

Perhaps there are some additional meanings in the Greek word translated "shortened" in the KJV.

Greek has words for "shorten" by "making smaller" or "making fewer".

Making smaller using the Greek word for "micro".

Psalms 89:45 The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah. [kjv]

εσμικρυνας τας ημερας του χρονου αυτου κατεχεας αυτου αισχυνην διαψαλμα [lxx]

Making smaller using the Greek word for "fewer".

102:23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. [kjv]

απεκριθη αυτω εν οδω ισχυος αυτου την ολιγοτητα των ημερων μου αναγγειλον μοι [lxx]

More: Luke 19:1-11 A short discussion on stature

More: Nothing has been found more effective than this

More: More or less about adding or dropping letters

More: A hot time to harvest - now and later

Psalms 89:45

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KJV: The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.

Hebrew: הקצרת ימי עלומיו העטית עליו בושה סלה׃

Greek: εσμικρυνας τας ημερας του χρονου αυτου κατεχεας αυτου αισχυνην διαψαλμα

Psalms 102:23

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KJV: He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.

Hebrew: ענה בדרך כחו קצר ימי׃

Greek: απεκριθη αυτω εν οδω ισχυος αυτου την ολιγοτητα των ημερων μου αναγγειλον μοι

Aristotle wrote a book called On Sophistic Refutations in which he detailed the "false reasoning" used by Sophists (from the Greek word for "wisdom") who would use invalid logic to convince others of ideas to make money for themselves. In English, "sophistic" logic or "false reasoning" is "sophistry".
One of the many types of invalid logic detailed by Aristotle was "eristic" reasoning. Paul uses that word often but it is often translated, without the "bad logic" connection, as "strife"

More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention

More: Aristotle

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "κολοβός" ≈ "maimed, mutilated, stunted, undersized" and could be "broken" or "chipped" (as of a "cup"). The idea is that some parts are missing.

In certain cases (genitive case), the ancient Greek word "κολοβός" ≈ "maimed, mutilated, stunted, undersized" could mean removed "horns". In what Jesus says, the genitive case is not provided (as a "shortened" statement). Interestingly, the Greek for "horns" or "antenna" (of insects) is the word for "tittle" as in "jots" and "tittles".

More: Matthew 5:18 The true reality of jots and tittles

More: Matthew 13:7,22 A pointed discussion of thorny riches

Aristotle writes: (underlining and parentheses added) about arguments where the terms are used in the proper sense. He continues.

Greek: Ἃ δὲ συνυπονοοῦντες τίθεμεν, οἷον ὅσα μὴ σαφῶς ἀλλὰ κολοβῶς ἐρωτᾶται, παρὰ τοῦτο συμβαίνει ὁ ἔλεγχος, [178b]

English: It is when (our statement) implies our meaning (without expressing it) - for example, when a question is not asked clearly but in a shortened form. that refutation ensues. Loeb #400, p. 97.

Aristotle goes on with an example (omitted) where the "shortened" form has some missing parts that could be important. It is not just "shorter". The parts removed are important in that it enables deception (based on assumption of the missing parts) and false conclusions to be reached.

It takes time to make things more concise - whether it be computer programs or letters - and still convey the desired meanings.

Blaise Pascal (French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher and theologian) was the inventor of the calculator and other inventions, wrote the following (in French), from Wikipedia.
French: Je n'ai fait celle-ci plus longue que parce que je n'ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte.

Literal translation: I made this one [letter] longer only because I have not had the leisure to make it shorter.

This could be translated as follows. I would have written a shorter letter but I did not have time.

How might this idea expressed by Blaise Pascal relate to the writing style of John and the final verse of John?

More: John 21:24-25 Giving way to the gospel writing style of John

More: Blaise Pascal

The middle part of the word translated as "shortened" in the KJV appears it might be related to the word for "crying out" as if for "help".

The modern Greek word "βοήθεια" (vo-EE-thee-a) ≈ "help" is the same as the ancient Greek word "βοήθεια" ≈ "aid, help" which comes from the ancient Greek word "βοή" ≈ "shout, cry" as in a call to battle.

More: Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the unjust judge

Details are left as a future topic.

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]

Jesus often used double meanings in what he says - where all the meanings make sense in some way.

Will those days be "shortened"?
Will those days have "extra parts" removed?
Might those parts be "horns" as extra rules or laws?
Whose rules or laws might those be?
Might they be God's laws?
Might they be human laws as additions to God's laws that are removed?

Matthew 24:22

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KJV: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Greek: και ει μη εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ δια δε τους εκλεκτους κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι

Latin: et nisi breviati fuissent dies illi non fieret salva omnis caro sed propter electos breviabuntur dies illi

Mark 13:20

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KJV: And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Greek: και ει μη κυριος εκολοβωσεν κυριος τας ημερας ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ αλλα δια τους εκλεκτους ους εξελεξατο εκολοβωσεν τας ημερας

Latin: et nisi breviasset Dominus dies non fuisset salva omnis caro sed propter electos quos elegit breviavit dies

*G2849 *2 κολάζω (kol-ad'-zo) : from kolos (dwarf); properly, to curtail, i.e. (figuratively) to chastise (or reserve for infliction):--punish.

Usage

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κολασωνται

Acts 4:21 ... finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: ...

κολαζομενους

2 Peter 2:9 ... unto the day of judgment to be punished:

*G2856 *4 κολοβόω (kol-ob-o'-o) : from a derivative of the base of G2849 κολάζω; to dock, i.e. (figuratively) abridge:--shorten.

Usage

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εκολοβωσεν *2

Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

εκολοβωθησαν

Matthew 24:22 ... those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

κολοβωθησονται

Matthew 24:22 ... those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Words: εκολοβωθησαν εκολοβωσεν=2 κολαζομενους κολασωνται κολοβωθησονται

The ancient Greek word "κολάζω" ≈ "check, chastise, punish, beat" is from the ancient Greek word "κόλος" ≈ "docked, hornless" and appears to fit the idea of removing parts.

Acts 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. [kjv]

οι δε προσαπειλησαμενοι απελυσαν αυτους μηδεν ευρισκοντες το πως κολασωνται αυτους δια τον λαον οτι παντες εδοξαζον τον θεον επι τω γεγονοτι [gnt]

… punirent … [v]

The modern Greek word "κολάζω" (ko-LA-zo) ≈ "chasten, mince".

Acts 4:21

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KJV: So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Greek: οι δε προσαπειλησαμενοι απελυσαν αυτους μηδεν ευρισκοντες το πως κολασωνται αυτους δια τον λαον οτι παντες εδοξαζον τον θεον επι τω γεγονοτι

Latin: at illi comminantes dimiserunt eos non invenientes quomodo punirent eos propter populum quia omnes clarificabant Deum in eo quod acciderat

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [kjv]

οιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκ πειρασμου ρυεσθαι αδικους δε εις ημεραν κρισεως κολαζομενους τηρειν [gnt]

… temptatione … diem iudicii cruciandos … [v]

… temptacioun… dai of dom … turmentid… [wy]

In Greek, the "day of judgment" is the "day of separation" is in the parable of the sheep and goats.

From the Old English, the day is "doomsday".

2 Peter 2:9

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KJV: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Greek: οιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκ πειρασμου ρυεσθαι αδικους δε εις ημεραν κρισεως κολαζομενους τηρειν

Latin: novit Dominus pios de temptatione eripere iniquos vero in diem iudicii cruciandos reservare

Wycliffe: For the Lord kan delyuere piteuouse men fro temptacioun, and kepe wickid men `in to the dai of dom to be turmentid;

DISASTER = 9 points
QUICK = 20 points

The following ancient Greek words (and prefixes) are of interest.

"ευ" ≈ "good" as in "eulogy" (good words) or "Eucharist" (good favor, thank you)
"δυσ" ≈ "bad, hard, unfortunate" an it "dysentery"
"κόλον" ≈ "intestine, food, fodder".
"κόλος" ≈ "parts or extremities removed".

The prefixes and words can be combined to get the following ancient Greek words.

"δύσκολος" ≈ "annoyed, grumpy, bad-tempered" as in a "bad intestine".
"εύκολος" ≈ "good natured, easy going" as in a "good intestine".

Note that meanings often change from the words from which they are constructed, but the exact etymology of the words is not clear.

The English word "dysentery" comes from the Middle English word "dissenterie" ≈ "dysentery" which comes, through French, from the Latin word "dysenteria" ≈ "dysentery" which comes from the ancient Greek word "δυσεντερία" ≈ "dysentery".

"δυσ" ≈ "bad, hard, unfortunate".
"ἔντερον" ≈ "inside"

The modern Greek word "εύκολος" (EV-ko-los) ≈ "easy".

The modern Greek word "δύσκολος" (THEE-sko-los) ≈ "difficult" but this meaning appears to have developed from what theologians decided the word meant that Jesus used (below).

2 Samuel 15:3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. [kjv]

και ειπεν προς αυτον αβεσσαλωμ ιδου οι λογοι σου αγαθοι και ευκολοι και ακουων ουκ εστιν σοι παρα του βασιλεως [lxx]

And Abessalom said to him, See, your affairs are right and clear, yet you have no one appointed of the king to hear you. [bs3]

Might the "clear" in the Greek (Brenton Septuagint) or "right" in the KJV (from the Hebrew) be translated as "easy going" or of a "good nature" coming from the idea of a "good colon" or "good intestine"?

This word appears only once in the LXX and not in the GNT.

2 Samuel 15:3

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KJV: And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

Hebrew: ויאמר אליו אבשלום ראה דברך טובים ונכחים ושמע אין לך מאת המלך׃

Greek: και ειπεν προς αυτον αβεσσαλωμ ιδου οι λογοι σου αγαθοι και ευκολοι και ακουων ουκ εστιν σοι παρα του βασιλεως

Brenton: And Abessalom said to him, See, your affairs are right and clear, yet you have no one appointed of the king to hear you.

Although the Greek word for "easy" does not appear in the verse where the KJV translates "easy", the Greek word translated as "difficult" appears only seven times but has an interesting etymology. That word appears in a related verse previous to the verses about a camel and a rich man.

The ancient Greek word "δύσκολος" ≈ "annoyed, grumpy, bad-tempered" with one original meaning of "hard to satisfy with food" - perhaps due to a "bad intestine".

Matthew 19:23 … That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]

ο δε ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου αμην λεγω υμιν οτι πλουσιος δυσκολως εισελευσεται εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]

Mark 10:23 … How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]

και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται [gnt]

10:24 … how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]

οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν [gnt]

Luke 18:24 … How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]

ιδων δε αυτον ο ιησους ειπεν πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισπορευονται [gnt]

Jesus is speaking in all the verses.

The word translated as "hardly" in the KJV and "difficult" in many other translations is the ancient Greek word "δύσκολος" ≈ "annoyed, grumpy, bad-tempered" which means, literally, "bad colon" as in "bad intestine".

Consider the above verses and discuss the following.

How hard is it for the "rich" to enter the kingdom?
How hard is it for the "poor" to enter the kingdom?
How hard is it for those who are neither "rich" nor "poor" to enter the kingdom?

What is the difference between the following?

Something that is easy or hard (difficult).
Something that is possible or impossible.

Is there a middle ground for each?

Why might the "young man" be "annoyed", "grumpy" or "bad-tempered" at hearing the remarks of Jesus? Why might the disciples be upset too at what Jesus said.

Matthew 19:23 … That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]

What happens if the original meaning of the words are used?

Paraphrase: (if otherwise qualified) A man with many possessions enters the kingdom of heaven in a bad-tempered or grumpy manner (since all those possessions are left behind and now worthless). Whether one gets into the kingdom of heaven is dependent on other factors (e.g., how the possessions were obtained, how they were used, etc.).

More: Matthew 13:7,22 A pointed discussion of thorny riches

More: The rich and powerful words of the kingdom of the Goths

Contrast this paraphrase with the parable of the workers starting at different times of the day. The ones who started early are "grumpy" and "annoyed" that the ones starting later in the day get the same reward.

How might the workers feel who spend a lot of time gathering riches for themselves that they cannot take into the kingdom?

How does this differ from the parable about starting at different times?

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [kjv]

ριζα γαρ παντων των κακων εστιν η φιλαργυρια ης τινες ορεγομενοι απεπλανηθησαν απο της πιστεως και εαυτους περιεπειραν οδυναις πολλαις [gnt]

1 Timothy 6:10

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KJV: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Greek: ριζα γαρ παντων των κακων εστιν η φιλαργυρια ης τινες ορεγομενοι απεπλανηθησαν απο της πιστεως και εαυτους περιεπειραν οδυναις πολλαις

Wycliffe: For the rote of alle yuelis is coueytise, which summen coueitinge erriden fro the feith, and bisettiden hem with many sorewis.

Luther: Denn Geiz ist eine Wurzel alles Übels, welches hat etliche gelüstet, und sind vom Glauben irregegangen und machen sich selbst viel Schmerzen,

I never met a rich man who was happy, but I have only very occasionally met a poor man who did not want to become a rich man. Malcolm Muggeridge (British broadcaster)

More: Malcolm Muggeridge

Reply to people with who have ideas on how he can make a lot of money with his farm.
I can't afford to be that rich. Sam Snyder

More: Sam Snyder

Mark 10:24 … how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God ! [kjv]

The Greek in Mark for "that trust in" is not in some Greek manuscripts and not in Matthew or Luke or the other verse in Mark (right before this one). Might Mark have been the rich man who later changed his ways?

Details are left as a future topic.

Discuss:

Does how one obtains riches matter? What are ill-gotten gains?
How does Jesus actions with Zacchaeus fit with what Jesus said about the rich and the kingdom?
Does trust in riches or oneself (mammon) matter?
Is it a conflict of interest for the church to translate the verses so that one needs to give up riches (preferably to the church)?

More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon

More: The bottom line on riches

More: Matthew 13:7,22 A pointed discussion of thorny riches

More: The rich and powerful words of the kingdom of the Goths

Matthew 19:23

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KJV: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Greek: ο δε ιησους ειπεν τοις μαθηταις αυτου αμην λεγω υμιν οτι δυσκολως πλουσιος δυσκολως εισελευσεται εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων

Mark 10:23

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KJV: And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God !

Greek: και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται

Mark 10:24

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KJV: And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God !

Greek: οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν τους πεποιθοτας επι τοις χρημασιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν

Luke 18:24

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KJV: And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God !

Greek: ιδων δε αυτον ο ιησους περιλυπον γενομενον ειπεν πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εισελευσονται εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισπορευονται

Job 34:30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. [kjv]

βασιλευων ανθρωπον υποκριτην απο δυσκολιας λαου [lxx]

causing a hypocrite to be king, because of the waywardness of the people. [bs3]

The Greek for "hypocrite" meant acting or pretending. Do "actors" (kings, pastors, etc.) reign and cause the people to be ill-tempered or grumpy?

More: An actor as a hypocrite is not real

An older definition of "difficult" as "hard to satisfy with food" could be related to the Roman idea of keeping in power by making sure the people had "food and circuses".

Job 34:30

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KJV: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

Hebrew: ממלך אדם חנף ממקשי עם׃

Greek: βασιλευων ανθρωπον υποκριτην απο δυσκολιας λαου

Brenton: causing a hypocrite to be king, because of the waywardness of the people.

Jeremiah 49:8 Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. [kjv]

ηπατηθη ο τοπος αυτων βαθυνατε εις καθισιν οι κατοικουντες εν δαιδαν οτι δυσκολα εποιησεν ηγαγον επ αυτον εν χρονω ω επεσκεψαμην επ αυτον [lxx]

… perditionem … visitationis … [v]

Note that Esau lost his birthright, in part, due to being "hard to satisfy with food" in that he wanted "instant gratification". Was Esau "grumpy" or "ill-tempered" as a "calamity"?

The Greek word for "visit" is the word that later became the word for "bishop" - which could be as a "sheep dog" or as a "wolf dog".

More: Matthew 7:15 Sheep dogs and wolf dogs

More: Crying wolf for the search and seizure of the rapture

Jeremiah 49:8

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KJV: Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him.

Hebrew: נסו הפנו העמיקו לשבת ישבי דדן כי איד עשו הבאתי עליו עת פקדתיו׃

Greek: ηπατηθη ο τοπος αυτων βαθυνατε εις καθισιν οι κατοικουντες εν δαιδαν οτι δυσκολα εποιησεν ηγαγον επ αυτον εν χρονω ω επεσκεψαμην επ αυτον

Latin: fugite terga vertite descendite in voragine habitatores Dedan quoniam perditionem Esau adduxi super eum tempus visitationis eius

A prefix is added to the Greek word for "colon" or "intestine" to describe the mood or temperament of people.

The word "good colon" is an easy-going good-natured mood.
The word "bad colon" is a grumpy, annoyed or mad-tempered mood.

Going through Latin, the rich man, and the Kingdom of God, the meaning of the Greek word meaning "grumpy" or "bad-tempered" coming from, literally, a "bad colon" or "bad intestine", is changed to that of "difficult".

Why might that change have been inferred and/or made?