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Each weekday in the month of August, we will pursue “prepositional truth” by zeroing in on a single Greek preposition in a single verse, noting the theological richness so often embedded in the humble words we so often overlook.
Many words have multiple meanings.
Some words take that to the extreme.
The English word “set,” for instance, is represented by a remarkable 430 definitions in the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. We set the table, set our minds to a worthy task, and play game, set, and match on a tennis court. The OED uses more than 60,000 words just to explain all the possible meanings.
“Run,” however, leaves “set” in the dust.
There are currently 645 definitions – and those are just for “run” as a verb. We run a marathon, run for elected office, and run to Dairy Queen for a cookie dough Blizzard. Even though it’s only three letters long, “run” is widely regarded as the most complex word in the English language.
English-speakers are fully accommodated to the phenomenon of multiple meanings. But for some of us, when it comes to Bible translation, all bets are off.
American evangelicals, in particular, prefer literal renderings of the original languages – no messing around with interpretive flights of fancy. “Literal,” in this context, often embraces an unfortunate assumption:
There is surely only one meaning to each Greek word. So just report that meaning and let the text speak for itself.
We would never make such an assumption with regard to an English text. Words can signify different things. Greek speakers, likewise, felt free to use single words to express diverse meanings.
Does that mean we have to abandon literal translations?
By no means. The literal meaning of “literal” is “according to the intent of the author.” If I tell you that someone is driving me up the wall, you will recognize that I’m not talking about Toyotas or the vertical paneled surfaces in my family room. It’s possible to understand my intent despite the fact my words seem to signify something else.
The upshot is that we need to do our homework when studying Scripture (which was written in different languages, in different periods of history, with different word pictures), and avoid the temptation to pursue rigid one-word-one-meaning translations.
Here’s a good example:
In the opening chapter of his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul has left us a spectacular six-verse exposition of Jesus’ identity. It includes this statement: “He is before (PRO) all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). There’s enough content in those 12 English words to launch a million sermons and doctoral dissertations.
But what does the preposition mean? PRO, in this context, could mean one of two things.
It could refer to time and therefore speak of Jesus’ preexistence. He was alive before everything else in creation.
It could also refer to sequence and therefore speak of Jesus’ preeminence. Line up everything in the cosmos according to status, and Jesus ranks before every rival.
So which of the two options was in Paul’s mind?
It’s hard to say. Perhaps both. We know from multiple other texts that both ideas are aligned with Scripture.
John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word [that is, Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus existed before the first day of creation. Colossians 1:18, Paul’s very next verse, declares that “in everything he has the supremacy.” No thing and no one will ever top Jesus.
Does the fact that a word might mean several different things end up making Bible study little more than a muddle?
Actually, it makes Bible study a whole lot more interesting.
Some people approach Scripture the way a lawyer reads a contract. Every word counts. Definitions matter. Make sure you understand the penalties. Don’t forget to read the small print.
That’s a miserable way to experience God’s Word.
Other people approach the Bible the way they would peruse a love letter. Every word counts. It may be, at first reading, that some sentences will be hard to understand. But you’re certain there is love and joy and hope behind every phrase.
So you read and reread every page, then read the whole thing again. And your heart grows a little bit bigger every time.
So, where does that leave us?
Study the words that make up God’s Word, and hang in there long enough to experience their true riches.
They’re better than a cookie dough Blizzard on a hot summer day.