Tag: Greek

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Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective

Sherlock Holmes is looking through a magnifying glass at a Bible (Grok)

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. 

Summary: Once again, we find ourselves stepping into the role of Word Detective as we work to make sure we have a clear understanding of Paul’s meaning.   

Maybe it is just me, but it seems weird that in the prior verse Paul says that he doesn’t desire gifts from the Philippians and then in this verse he starts talking about having received “full payment.” 

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Philippians 4:10 – Decoding Paul

Jigsaw puzzle (Pixabay)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 

Summary: It is helpful to remember that not everyone reads words the same way. Sometimes, who we are influences how we understand certain phrases.   

When you read Philippians 4:10 in modern English, the words tumble together like a kind of Rorschach test. Who you are and how you were raised have a big impact on how you understand Paul’s words. 

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Philippians 4:8f – Language Matters

A frozen bush with red berries on it (Pixabay)

…whatever is admirable …think about such things. 

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “admirable” can be taken several ways. By looking at the original Greek and meditating on the context, we can better understand his meaning. 

English is not Greek. 

That sounds obvious, of course, perhaps even “stupid,” but it is important. The reason it is important is that it is very easy to read an English translation of the New Testament and forget about the Greek. 

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Philippians 3:21b – Getting Ahead

Illustration of Jesus at the Transfiguration (Mark 9) - Pixabay

[Jesus Christ] … will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Summary: This passage offers us insight into our spiritual nature and hope for a glorious future with Jesus.   

Who are “you?”

The reason I ask is that it matters who or what you think you are. 

There is an old joke about a new boy in town who wanted to join the local “gang.”* The rule was that to join the gang, you had to pass a test. The test was simple: Run across the freeway without getting hit. 

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Philippians 2:1c – Koinōnia

Picture of man praying with a dove representing the Holy Spirit (Pixabay / AI)

[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit,

Summary: In this portion of Paul’s passage about our relationship with Christ, Paul points us to our relationship with God’s Holy Spirit.    

As we continue exploring Paul’s pre-flight checklist of spiritual connection to Christ, we come to this passage: “[Therefore] … if [you have] any common sharing in the Spirit…” (NIV).

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Philippians 1:5 – Good News

A picture with the word "GOSPEL" floating in the center and the following acronyms scattered around the word "GOSPEL" -- CPU, CFO,ROI, MBA, SAT, DNA, MRI, ASAP, DIY, PIN (Grok)

… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

Summary: Words matter, and the Bible’s words matter the most. Helping people understand the gospel is often a matter of making sure we are using words correctly. 

What does it mean to have a partnership in the gospel? 

The word “partnership” seems straightforward. Paul acknowledges the support he has received from the Philippians. The word “gospel” is a little different. 

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Colossians 3:1b – Things Above

… set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Summary: Bridging the language barrier between our world and Paul’s is not always easy or straightforward. Sometimes, we have to think hard about what he is saying. 

It is interesting how my mind plays tricks on me. 

You can play tricks on your mind, too. The funny thing is that the mind is pretty good at tricks. Take, for example, the ltetres in teshe wdors. Did you nitoce that they are all mxied up? Even though the letters are mixed up, most of you reading this will still be able to sort out what the words are.

The same thing happens with word order in a sentence. Our sees mind the words and somehow straightens out them. 

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