The Trinity

Greek Grammar Rule Explained ​ 　​  

Where does it say that God is triune? We are all taught that God is made up of three persons in one (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) but where does it say this in the Scriptures? We are not to simply believe what our pastors teach us or what we read in books. We need to search it out for ourselves in the Scriptures.  If you were asked where in the Scriptures it says this, would you be able to answer? We read on occasions where different persons are present at the same time such as when the Father’s voice from heaven, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and Jesus himself were all present at Jesus’ baptism. We naturally see them as three separate persons independent from each other; however, they are in fact different revelations of a triune God. There is a Greek rule which says that when the word “the” (ho) is placed before two substantives and each is separated by the verb “is” (esti), it means that the two substantives are absolutely equivalent in every aspect.  In John 17:17 we see this pattern when it says “the Word IS the Truth”; therefore, “the Word” is absolutely identical to “the Truth” and are in fact one and the same.  In 1 John 5:6 we see the same pattern which says “the Spirit IS the Truth”. Again “the Spirit” is identical to “the Truth”. Putting the two verses together we see that: The Truth = The Word = The SpiritThe next verse, 1 John 5:7 then tells us that the three witnesses in heaven are “the Father”, “the Word”, and “the Holy spirit” and that these three are One.  Of these, which person is represented in each? We are told in John 1:1-5 that “The Word” was with God and the Word was God and the Word was the Light of men (Jesus Christ: John 8:12).  The triune nature of God is therefore: The Truth  =  The Word  =  The Spirit (The Father) = (Jesus Christ) = (Holy Spirit)It is difficult for us to comprehend this as we see them as three distinct persons and yet that they are one and the same.  Even the apostles had trouble understanding this concept as Philip asked Christ to show them the Father and Jesus replied: “… Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:9-10 We may not understand this very difficult concept but know that when we accept Jesus Christ and are also “in Him”, as He is in the Father, and we are part of His Kingdom and as such we must always present ourselves spotless and never intentionally disobey and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Always remember that we are commanded to study His Word (2 Timothy 2:15). “The Pure Word” is an invaluable study tool which shows the original depth of meaning of each verse as written by the apostles and understood by the early Church.  Watch the official video now and see exactly how The Pure Word is an invaluable resource that should be used by every Christian, pastor, and Bible study group. Watch the official video now and see exactly how The Pure Word is an invaluable resource that should be used by every Christian, pastor, and Bible study group. Watch the official video now and see exactly how The Pure Word is an invaluable resource that should be used by every Christian, pastor, and Bible study group.WATCH VIDEO

Click “Watch Video” Above For An Understanding Of The Pure Word (I have a copy / Gift from my daughter / I heartily recommend it) In Christ, Pastor Steve <><

Greek Word Study, Part XV

182)chrisma- endowment of the Holy Spirit, unction, anointing/ The word’s meaning has deteriorated through time.  The English word “charisma” now means the magnitude of the multitude.  It can denote both positive and negative elements.  i.e. Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy had charisma, but so did Adolf Hitler.  The ability to appeal to and attract the majority of people.

183)chronos- season, time period/ Our word chronology comes from this root word and denotes a consecutive order of time or time periods.

184)pseudadelphos- false brethren/ The prefix pseudo means false.  Delphos denotes brotherly.  PhilaDELPHia is the city of brotherly love.

185)pseudapostolos- spurious apostle, pretended preacher, false teacher/ Literally, false apostle.  Many claim apostleship in our day, yet have never walked with Jesus Christ nor have they experienced the risen Lord or wrote books of the Bible.  False apostles are the very height of foolish human presumption and folly.

186)pseudes- false, liar, deceitful, untrue, erroneous, wicked/ This is the root word of anything false such as pseudonym, meaning other or false name.

187)pseudodidaskalos- false teacher, propagator of erroneous Christian doctrine/ The Greek word didache from which we get the word didactic comes from “didaskalos,” pertaining to teacher.

188)pseudologos- speaking lies, especially of Christian doctrine/ Pseudo means false.  Logos means the truth, especially the written Word (Bible) and the living Word (Jesus).

189)pseudonumos- untruly named, false name, so called/ We get the word pseudonym from this word, and it carries the same, exact meaning.  False name or other name.

190)o- note of exclamation, oh/  Our corresponding exclamation “Oh!” comes from this Greek counterpart.

191)ode- chant, ode, religious song/ Folk singers often sing such songs.  Another synonym would be ballad.  A brief song or poem with spiritual impetus.

192)hora- day, hour, instant, season, time/ The word “hour” plainly came from the Greek root hora.  Our hour is precisely sixty minutes.

193)hosanna- exclamation of adoration/ Applied most appropriately to Jesus Christ, suggesting honor, worship, praise in the highest, power and glory!

194)agonizomai- laboring fervently/ In Colossians 4:12 we read that Epaphras labored fervently, praying for the church at Colossae with great zeal.  The English word agonize has nearly the same meaning, yet more so infers mental anguish and consternation over a matter.

195)ekenosen- It means to make empty, to divest, to make void that which was formerly owned/ Jesus “made himself of no reputation.”  Philippians 2:7  “…he took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”  This is an excellent Greek word to share with those who do not understand Christ’s deity, and why Jesus walked the planet earth without the full powers of His Godhead.

196)kaphar- This is actually a HEBREW word for the pitch that covered Noah’s ark (Genesis 6:14)/  It is used for “atonement” in other places in the Old Testament.  The blood of Christ makes an atonement (covering) for our soul.  (Leviticus 17:11)  The Old Testament pitch and animal blood pointed to the blood of Christ, the perfect atonement of our soul.

197)shofar- HEBREW for the trumpet, as used in Israel/  It was made of a ram’s horn and used on many important occasions.  It is the trumpet of God.  It is used often today to announce the beginning of a prophecy conference.  More importantly, the trumpet announces Christ’s soon return.  I Thessalonians 4:16  “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven…with the trump of God.”

198)skene- the Greek word for tabernacle/  The HEBREW word “shakan” meant to dwell, and both words became related to the Shekinah glory cloud that filled the ancient tabernacle  (Exodus 40:34).  Jesus later tabernacled  about in the flesh (John 1:14), and finally the Holy Spirit will one day descend out of heaven and the “tabernacle of God” will forever be with men.  (Revelation 21:3)

199)kathairo- cleaned up/  The branches that do produce are purged and cleaned up for further use.  (Matthew 13:18-23).  Can you not see where we get the medical term catheterization?

200)gehenna- the ultimate hell/  Those in the present hell (Greek hades) will eventually be “cast into the lake of fire.”  (Revelation 20:15)  Both are fearsome places of real fire.

Greek Word Study, Part XIV

166)tauros- bull, ox/ The Greek word for bull is nearly the same as our version of it.  The Taurus Ford sedan comes from this Greek word.  It is also the zodiac sign for the bull.

167)tetartos- four, fourth/ Tetra, tetr means four, having four.

168)trauma- wound/ Nearly the same meaning in the English.  Wounded people are taken to the head trauma unit in a hospital.

169)hubris- harm, hurt, reproach/ The English counterpart has changed to mean arrogant, proud or boastful.

170)hyperbole- exceeding, beyond measure/ In the English, it means an extravagant exaggeration.

171)hus- hog, sow/ Today, a hussy is a lewd and brazen woman.  It is a mischievous and saucy lady.  Could word etymology evolve from hus to hussy, and a lewd woman derive from a sow?

172)Philadelphia- love for the brethren/ The Greek root is phileo, meaning the same.  Philadelphia, of course, is the city of brotherly love.

173)philandros- fond of man, love their husbands/ On the other hand, a philanderer is quite the opposite.  It is one who trifles with love, and pursues love as a bee pursues honey from one flower after another.

174)philanthropia- love towards man/ The word comes from the derivation of phileo (love) and anthropos (man).  A philanthropist is one who performs kind and beneficial deeds for mankind.

175)philia- fondness, friendship/ One can easily observe the same root and meaning as 171-173.

176)philosophos- philosopher/ Literally, one who loves wisdom.  Philosophers were Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

177)phobos- be afraid, terror/ There are a plethora of phobias that plague mankind today.  Everything from the fear of crowds, heights, animals, reptiles, people, and the list goes on and on.

178)phone- noise, sound, voice/ The words telephone and phonics derive from this Greek transliteration.

179)chara- joy/ The English word charisma comes from this Greek word.  Charisma, however, means that one has a magnitude for the multitude, and somehow attracts others through their personality and attributes.

180)paralogizomai- alongside of reason/ One who beguiles others with words and desires to capture their reason.

181)pithanologia- it couples reason with persuation/ It is the foundation for our English word analogy, transferring a known idea to something else.  It is deception accomplished by transferring truth onto an untruth.

More to follow…

Greek Word Study, Part XIII

150)paroinois- given to wine/ The root of paroinois is oinos which means wine.  Please refer to Greek Word Study, Part II, numbers 21-23.

151)pater- father/ We have English words which are derived from this root.  For instance- “paternal,” meaning pertaining to the father.  A child’s paternal grandmother would be the grandmother on the child’s father’s side.

152)pentakis- five times/ Our military installation near Washington, D.C. is called the Pentagon since it has five sides.  Satanic rituals are performed within the five sided pentagram.

153)petra- rock/ The famous city founded by the ancient Nabateans in Jordan is called Petra and was carved out of solid rock.  Our word “petrified,” refers to objects that eventually become as hard as rocks.

154)plasma- thing formed or anything formed/ There are four fundamental states of matter.  Solids, liquids and gases are the premier three states.  Anything not under these three categories may be termed as plasma.

155)porne- a harlot or a whore/ We obviously derive the word pornography from this root word porne.  Pornography involves the visual observation and the reading of material that endorse ungodly sexual practices.

156)pornos- fornicator or whoremonger/ One who engages in sexual practices that are forbidden by God and His Word, the Bible.

157)metamorphoo- transformed/ A tadpole turning into a frog or a caterpillar turning into a butterfly goes through an amazing metamorphosis.  When a person is born again (John 3:3), they encounter the greatest metamorphosis there is, as they become a new creation in Christ Jesus.

158)prin- sooner, before/ This word reminds us of “pre,” the prefix that holds the same meaning.

159)proteros- prior, previous, former/ The English word protégé can be traced to the Greek word proteros.  My protégé would be the person before me, who I model myself after. I follow the example of my protégé.  Another synonym with a similar meaning is prototype. 

160)proton- first, of the beginning/ Science calls protons, neutrons and electrons subatomic particles, or the building blocks of what everything is made of.

161)skandalon- thing that offends, stumbling block/ The offence of the cross is called a scandalos (scandal) in the New Testament.  Of course, a modern day scandal involves people performing nefarious deeds in order to attain power or other types of illicit gain.

162)stadios- measure of a distance, furlong, race/ The modern English word stadium usually refers to a sports arena where athletic competition is held.

163)strenos- strength/ The words strong, strength and strain are all derived from this Greek root word.

164)schizo- break, divide/ Modern psychology labels a person with multiple personalities (two or more) as a schizophrenic person.

165)philosophia- fond of wisdom/ This word is the root for the English word philosophy which means exactly the same thing.  Unfortunately, in the Biblical context, more often than not, it refers to the wisdom of the world.  Please read Colossians 2:8.

 

 

Greek Word Study, Part XII

135)ho anomos- lawless one, Antichrist/ It literally means without the law or outside of the law.  Against the law.

136)epiphaneia- appearing, Christ’s first coming/ The advent wreath and candles of Christmas are associated with the epiphany.  An epiphany  announces the coming of Christ.  It can also mean a sudden revelation of understanding that one receives.

137)soter hemon theos- God our Savior/ This is a simple linear translation.  Soter means salvation or Savior.  Theos means God (theology is the study of God).

138)Kurios Sabaoth- Lord of the Sabaoth/ Lord of the Sabbath.

139)phosphoros- Christ the morning star, light bearer/ Can you see the word phosphorous here?  Phosphorous is light that glows in the dark, certainly reminding one of Christ the morning light and light bearer.

140)gnosis- knowledge/ This is not necessarily a complimentary term in all instances.  The Biblical Gnostics were a cult who did not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ.  Their heresy is refuted in the book of Colossians.

141)parakletos- advocate, along side of/ This term generally refers to the Holy Spirit.  When one is saved, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside the believer.

142)ekklesia- church/ Ecclesiastic pertains to the church.  Ecclesia is the English term for the church.

143)hades- sheol/ The underworld.  The term is not as graphic as the word hell.  It refers to the people whose lives are over, and they are awaiting judgment.

144)diabolos- Satan, slanderer, adversary/ We receive the word diabolic from this Greek transliteration.  Diabolic means wicked, evil, sinister, slanderer or adversary.

145)Niger- black/ Africa hosts the nation of Nigeria and the Niger river.  This nation is the home of black (Negro) people.

146)nike- means of success, victory/ Did the athletic shoe company pick the correct name?

147)horion- boundary-line, border, coast/ Our word horizon (the end of sight where earth meets the sky) is derived from this Greek word.

148)pathos- passion, inordinate affection/ The English word pathetic likewise has a negative connotation.  Pathology is the study of disease.

149)paradoxos- contrary to expectation, extraordinary, strange/ The Greek meaning of this word is identical to the English counterpart paradox.

Greek Word Study, Part XI

123)parabole- parable/  This is a story with a strong spiritual meaning and truth behind it.  Jesus is the Author of the Biblical stories that were understood by believers, and often confused unbelievers such as the Pharisees.

124)doxazo- glorify/  doxa- glory.  The doxology in the worship service brings glory to God.

125)prognosis- foreknowledge/  A straight one to one translation gives us the same word in English with the same exact meaning.  It is commonly used in the medical field, referring to the expected outcome in a given situation.   What is his prognosis for recovery?

126)Christianos- one who belongs to Christ/  The believers were first called Christians (named after Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior) in Antioch of Syria, mentioned in the book of Acts.

127)musterion- mystery/  A situation filled with intrigue and the unknown.

128)metamorphoo- transform/  A caterpillar goes through a metamorphosis as it turns into a butterfly, as does a tadpole when it changes into a frog.  This beautiful word can describe the transformation of a born again Christian as well.  II Corinthians 5:17  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:  old things are past away; behold, all things are become new.”  (KJV)

129)sarx- flesh/  One can see this Greek transliteration as the root of the word sarcophagus, which is an ornate casket covering for the deceased.

130)kainos anthropos- new man/  If any man is in Christ, he is a new man.  (see #128 above and II Corinthians 5:17).  Anthropos refers to man as an upright creature.  Man is examined throughout history in the study known as anthropology.

131)morphe theou- form of God/  This word combination could refer to the different forms of God.  i.e. the Spirit or Holy Spirit; and God Incarnate, Immanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ.

132)prototokos- firstborn/  A parallel English word is prototype, which refers to the example, model or original standard upon which others are compared or built.

133)parousia- presence, second coming/  This word is often used to describe the rapture or “catching up” of the church.  The Lord will come for His own when the church age ends.  It literally means the coming of a person, hence in the Christian sense, it could refer to Christ’s coming in the rapture, or when He later comes in judgment.

134)epistole- written letter/  The apostles wrote epistles or letters.  Many of the letters (but not all) were inspired by God and ended up in our Bibles.  Paul wrote thirteen epistles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Greek Word Study, Part X

111)agora- market place/ This is also the Latin word for market place.  The agora was generally a store or shop.  It can also refer to a group of shops together such as a shopping center or a shopping mall.

112)rabbi- teacher/ Jesus was often referred to as a rabbi.  Jewish teachers are called rabbi to this day.

113)euangelion- gospel, good news/  An evangelist is one who proclaims the good news of salvation.  Billy Graham is an evangelist.

114)soter- Savior/  Hence the study of salvation is called soteriology.  Jesus is our Kurios (Lord) and  Soter (Savior).

115)exodus- decease, the way out/  Moses led the Israelites on the exodus (the way out) from Egypt.  The story about this is told in the second book of the Bible bearing the same name.

116)hupokrites- hypocrites, one who acts a part/  The Greek root for actor is hypocrite, since the actor or actress plays a role other than themselves.  We call a hypocrite one who does not practice what they preach!  A hypocrite is one who is guilty of duplicity.

117)mammon- wealth, money, property/  Jesus said that “No man can serve both God and mammon; he will love one and hate the other.”

118)skandalizo- offend, stumbling block/  We get the word “scandal” from this Greek word.  In the scripture referring to “the offence of the cross,” the word offence comes from skandalizo.  In other words, the cross was a scandal.

119)paradeisos- where the righteous dead go/  A place of happiness.  We obviously have received the word paradise from this Greek word.  Paradise is utopia and eternal bliss.  Heaven is paradise that lasts forever.

120)ho monogenes huios- only begotten Son/  A title that is tailor made for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

121)typos- examples or types/ I Corinthians 10:11  “Now all these things happened unto them for EXAMPLES: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”  In other words, many experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament were “types” of Christ, and later fulfilled by Him.

122)kanon- measuring line, ruler, standard/ We get the word canon from the Greek.  We refer to Bible books as canon, because they reveal absolute truth and validity, as the genuine and authentic Word of God.  Our sixty six books in the Bible are canon, because they pass the test of inspiration through God (Holy Spirit).  Divine inspiration is the standard for Bible books that are canon.  It is the measuring line that separates God’s Word from false writings.

………many more to follow

Greek Word Study, Part IX

99)magos- magician, sorcerer, wise man/ The carry over into the English is obvious.  We have the words magic and magician, and they plainly come from magos.  The idea in our culture of magician, however, is often different from the ancient Bible times.  The ancients’ idea relates to sorcery and witchcraft.  Today, many magicians use the slight of hand and trickery to fool people without actual magic.

100)Magog- foreign nation, antichristian party/ This term is often affiliated with the nation of Russia and their attack on Israel at the outset of the battle of Armageddon.  For information on Gog and Magog see Ezekiel 38-39.

101)malakia- disease/ Malaria is the word we have received from the original, and it refers to a specific disease.

102)mania- mad/ This is the suffix added to all words that describe a person with a severe problem.  A kleptomaniac is one who is compelled to pilfer.  A kleptomaniac breaks the eighth commandment:  “Thou shalt not steal.”

103)manna- edible gum/ The Old Testament manna has been called angel bread, Providentially provided by God in the wilderness.

104)membrana- sheepskin, parchment/ We get the scientific word “membrane” from membrana.  A membrane is a thin flexible texture in plants or animals.

105)morphosis- appearance, form/ A caterpillar or tadpole goes through a metamorphosis when they change into a butterfly and frog respectively.  That is, they have a change in form.

106)Iesous- Jesus/  Yet another name for Jesus.  This is the Greek name.

107)keraia- tittle, smallest written stroke/  This refers to more than dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s; it refers to the periods, commas and colons.

108)Christos- Messiah/  The Savior or the Anointed One.

109)petros- stone, a piece of rock, Peter/  The apostle Peter had this name.  Also the famous archaeological site of Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world in Jordan, was a city carved into solid rock and derives its’ name from this Greek word.

110)metanonia- repentance, a change of mind/  One cannot be saved or born again without repentance!  Please refer to Luke 13:3,5.

……………many more to follow

Greek Word Study, Part VIII

82)hex- six/ If one places a “hex” on you, we would interpret that as a curse.  It is the casting of a spell.  How interesting that it is identified with the number six, which is symbolic of the number of incomplete man and of Satan (666).

83)hepta- seven/ The number seven is representative of God’s perfection and completion.

84)eulogia- fine speaking, elegance/ We obviously get the word eulogy directly from the Greek, with little, if any change in meaning.  Today a eulogy are usually words at a funeral or memorial service that build up the one who just passed on into eternity.  From a Christian perspective, however, this can cloud the message of the Gospel, which people at such services need to hear so much more.

85)theatron- place for a public show/ The Greeks and Romans have left many theatres behind and they can be seen in Europe and the Middle East.  Their famed outdoor theatres were made in such a way that thousands of people could easily hear all of the speaking because the acoustics were impeccable.

86)theos- God/ Hence theology is the formal study of God.

87)theophilos- friend of God/ Abraham was a friend of God (and still is).

88)therme`- warmth, heat/ The words thermometer and temperature are derived from therme`.

89)hilaros- cheerful/ Hilarious!  The animal called the laughing hyena is likewise derived from hilaros.

90)  charisma- gift/ A charismatic person is one whose speech and/or personality exhibits a magnitude for the multitude.  The word has a different meaning today, however, when referring to charismatic churches.  (Refer to category “Charismatic Chaos”).

91)nomos- law/ In a Christian, Jewish or Biblical perspective, this word refers to God’s law.

92)antinomian- against the law/ These are professing believers who abuse the doctrine of grace, and in actuality they supersede the law of God.  Jude 4: They turn God’s grace into lasciviousness or a license to sin without punishment.  Paul said:  “Should we sin that grace may abound?  Heaven forbid!”

93)deuteronomy- second law/ The book of Deuteronomy was the second time the law was given to the Israelites.  After the original Israelites all died in the wilderness after rebelling against the Lord, the law had to be given once again to all of those who finally entered into the promised land.

94)iota- ninth letter of the Greek alphabet, very small part of anything, jot/ This word is used in the English in the same way today.  It means very little of anything.

95)kleptes- stealer, thief/ One who pilfers.

96)klepto- to filch, steal/ We have the word kleptomaniac which refers to one who often takes things that do not belong to them.

97)legeon- Roman remnant/ It is a Roman military division between 3,000 and 6,000 men.  It can refer to any military unit.  In the Bible it refers to a large group of demons.

98)logikos- reasonable, of the word/ One can easily observe the root word logos in logikos.  We get the word logical from logikos.  This is something that makes sense, given the facts.

………………..many more to follow

Greek Word Study, Part VII

72)diagnosis- examination/Another one to one translation that is identical to the original Greek.  We learned in school that Latin was a base for the English language.  …..and obviously so is Greek.

73)diaspora- dispersion, scattering/This word is used in the Bible to explain the scattering of the people of Israel out of Jerusalem in the book of Acts.  The Jews were later scattered throughout the Roman Empire whereby they became “anchors” for Old Testament knowledge when Paul later came around and explained how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament.  God does His finest work on the heels of persecution!  The church needs to remember this.

74)didache- doctrine, hath been taught/We get the word “didactic” from didache.  It is a teaching style and also labeled as a type of sermon.

75)dogma- a law, doctrine or ordinance/ We still use the same word.  If one is dogmatic, they are usually entrenched in one specific teaching or school of thought.

76)ego- I, me/The word deals with the self and was adopted by Sigmund Freud.  If one is attached to the self in an unhealthy way, we say they are an egotist or even an egomaniac.

77)ethnos- a race, tribe or nation/We obviously have received the word “ethnic” from this Greek word, and it means the same exact thing.

78)ekklesia- a calling out, special meeting, the church/We are called out by God and special in His sight when we become saved.  Ecclesiastic has a broader meaning and can refer to a priest, clergyman, of or belonging to the church, as well as the theological doctrine relating to the churches.

79)hektos- sixth/Not often used in English.  A related term is the Greek word “hex” which will be examined later.

80)energes- active, operative/We have the English word “energy” from energes.  It is the ability to perform a task at hand with enough strength.  It can be applicable to both man and machine.

81)entrope- confusion, shame/The second  law of thermodynamics is “the law of increasing entropy,” which states that our universe is gradually breaking down into a state of randomness, and it is NOT evolving into something better.  Is it not amazing how scientists totally circumvent this scientific law in favor of evolution?

………….many more to follow