Category Archives: JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “cumbered” mean?

What does “cumbered” mean?

WHAT DOES “CUMBERED” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me” (Luke 10:40). The expression “cumbered” here should remind us of another—yet more familiar—English word. “Cumbersome” means “difficult to use, slow, complicated.” The general idea is a hindrance or burden, and it carries the same meaning in Luke 10:40.

Read the verse and term in context: “[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he [the Lord Jesus Christ] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Martha is “careful” (verse 41) as in “full of care” or “worried;” the Lord also described her here as “troubled about many things.” To be “cumbered” means “obstructed, hindered, burdened.” Instead of being like her sister Mary and listening to Jesus teach, Martha was preoccupied or distracted with serving food. Similar to most of her nation, Martha was so concerned with worldly or carnal/fleshly affairs that she overlooked more important spiritual matters (God’s words). She was prevented from thinking like a woman of God is designed to think. In Greek, “cumbered” is “perispao,” literally meaning “to drag all around.” That is, “fretting about this and that and this and that and this and that!” Here is an apt depiction of Martha (an immature believer) and apostate Israel (unbelievers).

“Cumbersome” can also be defined as “slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.” That would be Israel spiritually during Christ’s three-year earthly ministry! See Luke chapter 13: “[6] He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. [7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” This word “cumbereth” in verse 7 is the Greek “katargeo,” as in “to be idle or inactive.” Israel’s religion is a barren fig tree—having produced no faith or good works, only self-righteous lost people who refuse to recognize their need for the Saviour. Consequently, they cannot function as God’s earthly people to reach the Gentiles. The nation Israel was given a one-year extension of mercy to believe the Gospel of the Kingdom, and that was during the first seven chapters of the Book of Acts. Of course, unbelief continued to prevail amongst the Jewish people; thus, through Israel’s fall, the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ saved and commissioned the Apostle Paul and turned to the Gentiles through his ministry (Romans 11:11-14).

Also see:
» What is the “one needful thing” in Luke 10:42?
» Why did Jesus curse the “poor” fig tree?
» Is Israel “cast away,” or not? Has Israel “fallen,” or not?
» Is God finished with the nation Israel?
» “All Israel shall be saved?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “cracknels?”

What are “cracknels?”

WHAT ARE “CRACKNELS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child” (1 Kings 14:3). Just what in the world are “cracknels?”

As you know, our King James Bible is belittled for its “archaic language.” Modern Bible translators and publishers, greatly endeavoring to recommend and $ell their product, remind us that our “old” King James is “irrelevant,” “obsolete,” and “hard-to-understand.” If we really want to learn what God has to say, they claim we need an “updated” Bible. If we want a “richer” Word of God, we must appeal to them with their “advanced” scholarship and “new” manuscript readings. The rank-and-file Bible reader (consumer) repeats these “scholarly words of wisdom,” and discourages other Christians from using the “old-fashioned” King James Bible. Yes, Christians launch an attack against the Bible!!!

The English language is a very rich pool of words, but, unfortunately, our vocabulary has become very limited in recent decades. There are countless words today that we English speakers no longer use. Elegant speech and majestic writing is largely “archaic.” People want to “dumb down” the Bible, having it speak the “language of the street.” Such mentality popularizes and $ells “contemporary Bible paraphrases.”

What does “cracknels” mean? We do not need a Hebrew dictionary or Bible commentary, which would probably contain the anti-KJV comment, “‘Cracknels’ is a poor translation!” Firstly, we can use some context clues. “Cracknels” is used in conjunction with “ten loaves [of bread]” and “a cruse of honey.” Perhaps “cracknels” are a grain-related food item? Secondly, we can find a decent English dictionary—for example, The Oxford English Dictionary or Webster’s 1828 English Dictionary—and… horror of horrors!!!!… learn a new word. “Cracknel” is “a light, crisp, savory biscuit.” It can also be “small pieces of crackling.” Incidentally, here in southern Louisiana, we Cajuns are known for “cracklins,” or fried pork skins.

When teaching the King James Bible, one does not need to remove the “archaic” words (that generates doubt concerning the Bible text). He should leave the archaic words in the text and then define the word for his students. Fellow Bible teachers, that is how we expand our vocabulary and generate faith in the Bible!

Also see:
» What is a “cruse?”
» What are “dregs?”
» What are “old cast clouts?”
» What is a “bolster?”
» What are “phylacteries?”
» What are “swaddling clothes?”
» What is a “charger?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “cruse?”

What is a “cruse?”

WHAT IS A “CRUSE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

This word is found nine times in a King James Bible:

  • 1 Samuel chapter 26: “[11] The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. [12] So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them…. [16] This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.”
  • 1 Kings 14:3: “And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels* [*see our study linked at the end of this article], and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.”
  • 1 Kings chapter 17: “[12] And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die…. [14] For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth…. [16] And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.”
  • 1 Kings 19:6: “And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.”
  • 2 Kings 2:20: “And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.”

A “cruse” is basically an earthenware pot, jug, or jar used to hold water, olive oil, honey, or even salt (as in the passages cited above). Apparently, the English is from the German “krause,” as in “pot with lid.”

Also see:
» What are “cracknels?”
» What are “dregs?”
» What are “old cast clouts?”
» What is a “bolster?”
» What are “phylacteries?”
» What are “swaddling clothes?”
» What is a “charger?”

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is an “earnest” in Scripture?

What is an “earnest” in Scripture?

WHAT IS AN “EARNEST” IN SCRIPTURE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

On three occasions in the Authorized Version, we find the term “earnest.” God the Holy Spirit appears in all those passages. Before we expound the verses, we will read them.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; [22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:1-5: “[1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: [3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. [4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. [5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”
  • Ephesians 1:12-14: “[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Having read the pertinent passages, we can now proceed to learn one of the most important roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives as Christians.

One effectual way Satan’s policy of evil vexes Christians is to cause them to doubt they are truly saved and bound for Heaven. It is thus frequently stated, “But I do not feel saved!” (Emotions deceive.) Entire denominational systems teach their members, “‘Once saved, always saved’ is a lie!” (Traditions of men deceive.) People even twist Bible verses to challenge the security of the member of the Church the Body of Christ. (Non-dispensational Bible study deceives.) As always, Satan and sinful man go to great lengths to defy whatever the God of Scripture says and does.

Paul the Apostle wrote 1 Corinthians to provide carnal believers with Divine insight, that these fleshly or worldly saints reform their thoughts and behaviors to fit grace doctrine. Spiritual conditions were so deplorable in Corinth, to the point where Paul intended to visit them in person again to reprove them. Yet, he decided not to go. Instead, he would let them resolve their problems by using his written communication. Read 2 Corinthians 1:15-24 for his explanation. Since Paul had a change of plans—saying he would come but did not—the Corinthians wondered if he had been dishonest concerning Jesus Christ. The Apostle reassured them: his preaching of the Lord was reliable, worthy of their faith or trust.

Let us return to 2 Corinthians chapter 1: “[20] For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. [21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; [22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” Firstly, Father God “stablisheth” (stabilizes) us in Christ. Secondly, He has “anointed” us, appointed us to the office of functioning as His children. Thirdly, He has “sealed” (preserved) us, marked us as His own. Lastly, He has “given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” We use other verses to amplify this latter concept.

Moving to the final verses of chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians, and reading into chapter 5: “[4:16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [4:17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [4:18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

“[5:1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [5:2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: [5:3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. [5:4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. [5:5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”

Friend, do you have the same strength and energy you had when you were younger? In case you have not noticed, your physical body is wearing down with age. You can no longer do what you used to do. Also, you do not feel as good as you once did. The aging process is not pleasant, for the body daily grows frailer and more susceptible to disease, injury, and limitation. Finally, death occurs. How depressing! Thankfully, the good news is we are not perpetually bound to this “earthly house of this tabernacle.” In Christ, we are guaranteed new glorified bodies. At the resurrection, we will receive bodies immune to all sickness and debility. Yea, we have “the earnest of the Spirit” to prove it!

Read this excerpt from Ephesians chapter 1, which is really one colossal sentence in Greek (!): “[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: [4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

“[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: [11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

“[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Again, the Holy Spirit has “sealed” us, permanently making us—and marking us as—God’s own. We have a destiny in the Heavenly Places, sure to arrive at that inheritance because of “the earnest of the Spirit.”

In business terms, “earnest money” is a percentage of the purchase price the buyer pays the seller, as a gesture that the buyer will eventually pay the full amount to complete the transaction. Even more succinctly, it is “part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest.” This deposit or pledge can also be seen as a down-payment that the entire amount will be subsequently paid.

The Greek word is “arrabon,” transliterated from the Old Testament Hebrew “`arabown.” Greeks and Romans evidently borrowed the term from the Phoenicians, the inventors of traffic or trade. In the Greek New Testament, the word is found thrice—the very three passages now familiar to us here. Before we deal with the “earnest of the Spirit” any further, we turn to the Old Testament for the equivalent idea. While a rather distasteful context, a deal between Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar amplifies Paul’s usage of the term.

In Genesis chapter 38, Judah (one of Jacob’s 12 sons) had three children with a Canaanite woman. The first boy (Er) was evil, so God killed him and left his wife (Tamar) childless. Judah married Tamar to his second son (Onan), but Onan too was wicked so God slew him. Tamar is still childless. Judah’s last son (Shelah) is too young for marriage, but Judah promises Tamar she can have Shelah when he has matured. Unfortunately, as the years pass, Judah fails to give Shelah to Tamar, so she connives to bear a child with Judah’s bloodline directly. Disguised as a harlot, she renders “services” to unwitting Judah, producing twins Zerah and Pharez. (Pharez was Jesus’ ancestor through both Mary [Luke 3:23,33] and Joseph [Matthew 1:3,16].) Judah ultimately paid his daughter-in-law in the form of a lamb, but he used his signet (seal ring), his bracelets, and his staff as a “pledge” until he paid in full with the sheep (Genesis 38:17,18,20).

Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” God does not justify us based on our good works. However, He wants to do good works in and through us. We are His “workmanship”—His “poiema” (Greek), poem, creature. He has wrought such a mighty deed in rescuing us from the penalty of sin (Hell and the Lake of Fire).

Walking by faith in our position in Christ—we are dead to sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11)—we are delivered from the power of sin. Daily victorious Christian living is Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;….” Now, there is one more type of salvation, which we await. It is deliverance from the presence of sin (leaving this sin-cursed world to enter Heaven).

Romans chapter 8 speaks of this future bodily, or physical, redemption: “[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the indwelling Holy Ghost, the third Member of the Godhead. Remember 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: “God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” Ephesians chapter 2 closes: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Also, Romans 5:5: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” First Corinthians 3:16: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Now, chapter 6, verse 19: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” Finally, 2 Timothy 1:14: “That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

We thrice read about the Holy Spirit being the “earnest”—2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:5, and Ephesians 1:13,14. Recall the Ephesians reference: “Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Father God gave us the indwelling Holy Spirit to show us He will one day finish His transaction in securing us from sin. We have been redeemed soul and spirit—Christ’s blood bought us out of sin’s slave market (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). Yet, we are waiting to receive a physical redemption; this is the bodily resurrection in Romans 8:18-25, Ephesians 1:14, and Ephesians 4:30 (“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”). Just as “earnest money” in the business world anticipates the full purchase, so the Holy Spirit is our “earnest” in expectation of our whole redemption.

CONCLUSION

Although Father God has wrought a mighty work in us believers in Christ, we are actually a “work in progress.” Indeed, our souls and spirits have been redeemed, purchased out of sin’s slave market with Christ’s shed blood.

Romans chapter 3: “[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

However, we are not yet redeemed physically: we are still in these mortal bodies of flesh and blood. Since God is still operating the Dispensation of Grace, He has left the Church the Body of Christ on Earth. To delay His wrath another day—so more people trust His Son and escape the coming judgment this present evil world deserves—He keeps us here. The Apostle Peter learned this from the Apostle Paul: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

We have been justified (made right in God’s sight). We are being sanctified (daily set apart unto His plan and purpose). We will be glorified (brought into the heavenly places). The indwelling Holy Spirit is our “earnest”—or “taste” (“arrabon” in Hebrews 6:5)—that what mighty work God started in us He will also finish. The eternal life we are promised in Heaven can be ours now… and the indwelling Spirit of God guarantees it!

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

Also see:
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?
» Is grace “a license to sin?”
» Does “walking in the Spirit” mean the same thing as “living in the Spirit?”
» What are some tips for faster spiritual growth?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “bolster?”

What is a “bolster?”

WHAT IS A “BOLSTER?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Our Authorized Version uses this word on six occasions (interestingly, either with reference to King Saul or David).

  • 1 Samuel chapter 19: “[13] And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth…. [16] And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster.”
  • 1 Samuel chapter 26: “[7] So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him…. [11] The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. [12] So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them…. [16] This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD’S anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.”

In a non-literal sense, we speak of someone “bolstering” their claim when they present evidence to support their position. If you can understand that, then you can see how Bible uses the term in a physical or literal sense in the above passages. In other words, think of a pillow or other support for the head (see 1 Samuel 19:13,16 where it is defined as such). Michal—David’s wife—put a “bolster” with an idol resting on it so as to impersonate David lying down in bed, thereby tricking his potential murderers. As per the verses concerning King Saul, he was sleeping with a spear and a “cruse” (container) of water near his “bolster” (pillow, or head). David took these items, but he did not take Saul’s life (although it was in his power to do so, since Saul was poorly guarded).

Also see:
» What does “subvert” mean?
» What does “discomfit” mean?
» What does “pernicious” mean?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “dregs?”

What are “dregs?”

WHAT ARE “DREGS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Dregs” is found three times in the King James Bible:

  • Psalm 75:8: “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.”
  • Isaiah 51:17: “Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.”
  • Isaiah 51:22: “Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:….”

As implied in these verses, “dregs” are something in a cup. Of course, this is figurative, but that does not detract from the fact a literal truth is being communicated. “Dregs” are the grounds at the bottom of the glass: they are the leftovers of the substance that has given the beverage its flavor, plus the last few remnants of the liquid itself. In Scripture, God’s righteous wrath against sin is likened unto a cup that sinners drink—and, as the LORD God promises, sinners will drink every last drop!

Also see:
» What are “victuals?”
» What does, “bray a fool,” mean?
» What does “gainsaying” mean?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “albeit” mean?

What does “albeit” mean?

WHAT DOES “ALBEIT” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Albeit” is employed only twice in the Authorized Version:

  • Ezekiel 13:7: “Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?”
  • Philemon 19: “I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.”

You may be surprised to learn “albeit” is actually a shortened form of a familiar phrase—“although it may be that.” The false prophets in Ezekiel’s day are bold in preaching their lies, going so far as to claim the LORD is speaking through them. God asks them a rhetorical question (paraphrased, with the plugged-in definition): “You say ‘The LORD saith it,’ although it may be that I have not spoken?” In Philemon, the Apostle Paul is urging Philemon to accept Philemon’s runaway, now-turned-Christian, slave by the name of Onesimus. If Philemon were to argue Onesimus took from him, Paul reminded Philemon that Philemon owed him (Paul), so Philemon should receive Onesimus who took less (paraphrased, with the plugged-in definition): “although it may be that I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.”

Also see:
» What does “gainsaying” mean?
» What does “trow” mean?
» What does “had in abomination” mean?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “amiss” mean?

What does “amiss” mean?

WHAT DOES “AMISS” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The word “amiss” is seen four times in the King James Bible, whose references we now read:

  • 2 Chronicles 6:37: “Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;….”
  • Daniel 3:29: “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”
  • Luke 23:41: “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”
  • James 4:3: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Using these passages, we can begin by surmising “amiss” is a negative word. Chronicles equates it with sin or wickedness. In Daniel, it is presented with the term “against” (as in malicious words used to slander someone). Luke records the repentant crucified thief faulting the unbelieving crucified thief: whereas they are both suffering the Roman death penalty for their crimes, innocent Jesus, who has done nothing “amiss,” has been placed on a cross between them. Although James is rather vague as to its meaning (he is addressing unanswered—yea, rather “amiss”—prayer), enough information has been supplied in the earlier passages to give us a general idea of the definition.

Luke’s Greek word is “atopos,” literally meaning “out of place,” whereas James employs “kakos” or “evil.” Moving into English, “amiss” is from the Middle English “amis,” composed of “a–” for “any [as in a single item]” and “mis” for “wrong.” Therefore, “amiss” is another way of saying “improper,” “wrong,” “incorrect,” “astray,” or “faulty.”

Also see:
» What does “churlish” mean?
» What does “noisome” mean?
» What does “ado” mean?
» What does “subvert” mean?

Can you explain “of late” in John 11:8?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “of late” in John 11:8?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “OF LATE” IN JOHN 11:8?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible relates to us in John 11:8: “His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” Of course, we do know what “late” means, so that helps us some. In this case though, it forms part of an English idiom that goes back to the early 1400s, and functions as a noun (thing) instead of an adjective (description).

Back in chapter 10, just a few months earlier, the apostate Jews in Jerusalem tried to murder Jesus Christ because of His claim of being the JEHOVAH God of their Old Testament Scriptures: “[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. [30] I and my Father are one. [31] Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. [32] Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? [33] The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” Finally, verse 39: “Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,….” Jesus Christ left the area of Jerusalem.

In chapter 11, when Jesus’ friend Lazarus is sick near Jerusalem, messengers are sent to ask Jesus to come back to Judaea to help him. His disciples react most adversely: “His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” (John 11:8). The Jews “of late” are those who “lately” or “recently” sought to murder Jesus in chapter 10. Christ’s followers could not comprehend why He would desire to return to Judaea where, just a few months earlier, He was close to death.

Also see:
» Why did Jesus call men “gods?”
» What does “under colour” mean in Acts 27:30?
» Can you explain how Jesus “set his face” in Luke 9:51?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “chide” mean?

What does “chide” mean?

WHAT DOES “CHIDE” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

What does “chide” mean? Using context clues, we can guess the definition of this term that appears four times in the King James text:

  • “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?” (Exodus 17:2).
  • “And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply” (Judges 8:1).
  • “He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever” (Psalm 103:9).

“Chide” has a negative connotation, and is related to unhappiness and displeasure. In Exodus, millions of thirsty Israelites complain to Moses that they have no potable, or drinkable, water in the wilderness. Concerning Judges, the men of Ephraim are irritated that Gideon did not involve them when he battled the Midianites. In Psalms, the LORD is angered that Israel has habitually broken the Law of Moses by worshipping and serving idols.

We can also mention the two past tense occurrences, which help us better understand the definition:

  • “And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?” (Genesis 31:36).
  • “And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!” (Numbers 20:3).

Our English words “chide” and “chode” (etymological origin unknown) are the opposite of “praise.” All five passages have in common the idea of arguing or faultfinding, one party upset with another.

Also see:
» What does “churlish” mean?
» What does “implacable” mean?
» What does “choler” mean?
» What does “untoward” mean?
» What does “gainsaying” mean?