May 20 2009
There are many things that you should know before you start studying the Bible. The first one is this; it is a mystery. It's meanings and purposes are numerous, and very deep! The words you read on the pages of the book were translated from many different languages by many different people. In many cases the translations weren't made from an original document or manuscript. If reading or studying the Bible makes you feel closer to God and motivates you to make the world a better place for everyone then by all means read and study away. If on the other hand it makes you narrow minded, judgmental and legalistic then there is a very good chance that isn't from God.
The narrow minded, judgmental and legalistic attitude is what the religious leaders had two thousand years when they took an innocent man to be crucified. Why were they so afraid of him? Because they knew that He was a threat to their control over the minds and hearts of the people. He opened up fresh new ideas about God and religion that had/has the potential to change the world. Generally speaking, those in power aren't too anxious to have it taken away!
The word "study" appears in the KJV Bible 3 times. When you look it up with a software program this is what you see on the surface. In the New American Bible version it also appears in the Book of EZRA who authored several books of the Old Testament including chronicles. study (3)
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Eccles 12:12 |
And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. |
H3854 |
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1 Thess 4:11 |
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; |
G5389 |
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2 Tim 2:15 |
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. |
G4704 |
3854 לַהַג [lahag /lah·hag/] n m. From an unused root meaning to be eager; TWOT 1078a; GK 4261; AV translates as "study" once. 1 study, studying, devotion to study.
[1]
5389 φιλοτιμέομαι [philotimeomai /fil·ot·im·eh·om·ahee/] v. Middle voice from a compound of 5384 and 5092; GK 5818; Three occurrences; AV translates as "strive" once, "labour" once, and "study" once. 1 to be fond of honour. 1a to be actuated by love of honour. 1b from a love of honour to strive to bring something to pass. 2 to be ambitious. 2a to strive earnestly, make it one's aim.
[2]
4704 σπουδάζω [spoudazo /spoo·dad·zo/] v. From 4710; TDNT 7:559; TDNTA 1069; GK 5079; 11 occurrences; AV translates as "endeavour" three times, "do diligence" twice, "be diligent" twice, "give diligence" once, "be forward" once, "labour" once, and "study" once. 1 to hasten, make haste. 2 to exert one's self, endeavour, give diligence.
n n: noun
m m: masculine
TWOT Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger
AV Authorized Version
[1]Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Test of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. H3854
v v: verb
GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger
AV Authorized Version
[2]Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Test of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. G5389
v v: verb
TDNT Theological Dictionary of the New Testament
TDNTA Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume
GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger
AV Authorized Version
If you were to continue to follow the words that are under the words they go on for a long, long way. Is that what He meant when He said Deep calls out to unto Deep?. That's a story for another day...
There will be many little articles
here about the Bible along with insights as to its true origin
and purposes. If through reading and studying the Bible it
inspires you to help people I think that will make God very
happy... He can also use more helpers! If you are studying the
Bible to find out what God wants from you, or wants you to do
with your life why not ask Him? In the stillness of your heart He
will let you know...
Author: Bible New - 639 Aph
