Category Archives: JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

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

What is a “battlement?”

WHAT IS A “BATTLEMENT?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

We find the word only twice in our King James Old Testament, each with a slightly different meaning.

Here is the first verse, Deuteronomy 22:8: “When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.” Also called a parapet, a “battlement” in this sense is just a railing, a low retaining wall used to prevent people from falling from the rooftop. In Hebrew, it is “ma’aqe,” meaning “hold back.” The LORD God did not want innocent blood to be shed in His land!

Now, the second instance, Jeremiah 5:10: “Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD’S.” Here, this second sense, “battlements” are for protection (specifically, for the city of Jerusalem; cf. verse 1). They are small barriers atop castle rooftops or city walls, used to defend the structure by way of regularly-spaced gaps through which weapons and projectiles could be fired (see Figure 1 below). As the Prophet Jeremiah sees it, the Babylonians are coming to attack idolatrous Jerusalem!

Figure 1

Also see:
» What is a “buckler?”
» What does “fetch a compass” mean?
» “Made his arrows bright…consulted with images…looked in the liver?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are God’s “testimonies?”

What are God’s “testimonies?”

WHAT ARE GOD’S “TESTIMONIES?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Authorized Version refers to God’s “testimonies” three dozen times, the vast majority of the verses being in Psalm 119 (we will quote the passages later). A “testimony” in this sense is a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. It is a solemn or serious declaration, something not to be taken lightly. Our English term “testimony” is from the Latin word “testimonium,” from “testis,” meaning “witness.” In other words, these laws are a witness to the LORD’S righteousness, proof of His holiness, and also evidence that the sinner is unable to measure up to those standards (see 2 Kings 17:15 and Nehemiah 9:34 below). God must work in the Jewish saint who believes and loves His words, for that saint to act in accordance with those declarations.

  • Deuteronomy 4:45: “These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt.”
  • Deuteronomy 6:17: “Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.”
  • Deuteronomy 6:20: “And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?”
  • 1 Kings 2:3: “And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:….”
  • 2 Kings 17:15: “And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.”
  • 2 Kings 23:3: “And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.”
  • 1 Chronicles 29:19: “And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.”
  • 2 Chronicles 34:31: “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.”
  • Nehemiah 9:34: “Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.”
  • Psalm 25:10: “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.”
  • Psalm 78:56: “Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:….”
  • Psalm 93:5: “Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.”
  • Psalm 99:7: “He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.”
  • Psalm 119:2: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
  • Psalm 119:14: “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”
  • Psalm 119:22: “Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:24: “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.”
  • Psalm 119:31: “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.”
  • Psalm 119:36: “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.”
  • Psalm 119:46: “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”
  • Psalm 119:59: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:79: “Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:95: “The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:99: “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.”
  • Psalm 119:111: “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”
  • Psalm 119:119: “Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:125: “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:129: “Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.”
  • Psalm 119:138: “Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.”
  • Psalm 119:144: “The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.”
  • Psalm 119:146: “I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:152: “Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.”
  • Psalm 119:157: “Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.”
  • Psalm 119:167: “My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.”
  • Psalm 119:168: “I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.”
  • Jeremiah 44:23: “Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.”

Also see:
» How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?
» Has God’s Word failed?
» Why is Jesus Christ called “The Word of God?”
» Did not Jesus speak words not recorded in Scripture?

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

What are “chapmen?”

WHAT ARE “CHAPMEN?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Our King James Bible uses this word only once, and it is quite easy to guess its meaning: “Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold; Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon” (2 Chronicles 9:13-14).

“Chapmen” are connected to “merchants,” the former title derived from an Old English word (“ceap”) defined as “bargaining, trading.” In fact, “chapman” is actually composed of “cheap” and “man,” the former being related to the Latin “caupo” (“small trader”).

Also see:
» What is a “daysman?”
» What is a “fuller?”
» Who or what are the “Chemarims?”
» Who are the “Cherethites” and “Pelethites?”

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

What does “trow” mean?

WHAT DOES “TROW” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The term in question appears a solitary time in the text of the Authorized Version, Luke 17:9. We read it in its context: “[3] Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. [4] And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. [5] And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. [6] And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. [7] But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? [8] And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? [9] Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. [10] So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

Christ is addressing forgiveness in the Little Flock, Israel’s believing remnant. Whereas the Jewish rabbis (religious teachers) of the day taught someone was to be forgiven only three times, the Lord Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive someone as much as seven times in a day. Since the Apostles recognize this as a high standard being established, they seek more spiritual light so they can practice it in their own lives (verse 5). Therefore, the Lord issues The Parable of the Unprofitable Servants (verses 7-10). Basically, in this account, the servant is not permitted to eat and drink until he has first served his master with food and drink. The master “by and by” (immediately) commanded the servant to prepare food for him (the master) instead of for himself (the servant). Christ asks a rhetorical question: “Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not” (verse 9).

“Trow” (long /o/, rhymes with “go”) means “think, believe, trust.” In modern speech, we would say, “I do not think so.” To paraphrase verse 9, “I do not believe the master will thank the servant, for the servant was merely performing his duty!” Likewise, Jesus was directing Messianic Jews to forgive each other, for He as the Master had just commanded them and they were to obey. They were doing nothing special or extraordinary, just following their Lord’s orders, doing their bare minimum. For more information about forgiveness, especially as it sits in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God, see our related study “true forgiveness” linked at the end of this study.

By the way, “trow” is an old English word—going back at least 1,100 years. It is related an Old Norse word “trua,” the German “trauen,” and the Gothic “trauan,” all meaning “to trust, believe.” The Greek word (“dokeo”) has also been rendered “think” 33 times and “suppose” seven times, among other translations and contexts in the King James Bible. For example, “it seemed good” in Acts 15:25,28; “supposed” in Mark 6:49 and Luke 24:37; “seemeth” (Acts 25:27); “thinkest” in Matthew 17:25 and Matthew 22:17; “seemed” in Galatians 2:6,9; and “thought” in John 11:13 and John 13:29.

Also see:
» What is true forgiveness?
» Why forgive “seventy times seven?”
» What is the difference between “remission” and “forgiveness?”

Can you explain “Standing against the blood of thy neighbour?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain, “Standing against the blood of thy neighbour?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN, “STANDING AGAINST THE BLOOD OF THY NEIGHBOUR?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

This is in reference to the second part of Leviticus 19:16: “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” In order to ascertain the second half, we simply look to the first half.


A “talebearer” is a gossiper—one who bears (carries, as in a courier) tales or stories meant to harm someone’s reputation. Personal information, secrets, and even outright fabrications (lies) may be involved. Throughout the Book of Proverbs, the LORD repeatedly spoke of talebearing or gossiping in a negative light:

  • Proverbs 11:13: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
  • Proverbs 18:8: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
  • Proverbs 20:19: “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
  • Proverbs 26:20: “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
  • Proverbs 26:22: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

If God were to enforce the first part of Leviticus 19:16 today, hardly any newspapers, social-media accounts, and television networks would be operational! Actually, if the second part of Leviticus 19:16 were followed today, a great many courtrooms around the world would be permanently shuttered too!

An insightful cross-reference to Leviticus 19:16 is Exodus 20:16, the Ninth Commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (cf. Deuteronomy 5:20). While this can be broadly interpreted as “do not lie,” a more specific application is “do not lie during court proceedings.” One example of this sin is how two false witnesses—whom idolatrous Queen Jezebel conscripted—lied about Naboth for the express purpose of condemning him to death so King Ahab could take possession of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-29). The most famous case, however, involved two false witnesses fabricating testimony during Jesus’ trial to put Him to death (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; cf. Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-32).

Let us go back to Leviticus 19:16: “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” The “blood” of the neighbor being shed is certainly literal, but we can also see a figurative aspect too. Recall “character assassination” is not the actual taking of a physical life, but rather the destruction of one’s reputation. Likewise, false testimony in court may not lead to the death of the defendant, but he or she may lose his societal status because of gossip. If someone was guilty, any witnesses to the crime were to come into the courtroom to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. However, if all the witnesses had to contribute to the case was hearsay, gossip, rumors; they were to keep their mouths shut and their bodies out of the court proceedings! Otherwise, the Law of Moses would be broken—and, in the case of capital punishment, an innocent life lost. Here, guiltless blood would literally be shed. At the very least, someone’s good name would be tarnished.

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1). Furthermore, in Deuteronomy 19:15-21, the LORD gave the following instructions as to how the deal with any false witnesses: “[15] One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. [16] If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; [17] Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; [18] And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; [19] Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you. [20] And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you. [21] And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Again, if these passages were obeyed today, it would be (literally) quite difficult to find a perjurer!

Also see:
» Is Matthew 26:59-61 contradictory?
» “Thou shalt not kill” or “Thou shalt not murder?”
» Are denominationalists deliberately lying?
» What is Paul’s “lie” in Romans 3:7?

Can you define “paramours?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you define “paramours?”

CAN YOU DEFINE “PARAMOURS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The word appears only once in the King James Bible: “For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses” (Ezekiel 23:20). If we start at the beginning, the concept will become clearer. In this context, the LORD rebukes idolatrous Samaria (Northern Kingdom, Israel) and idolatrous Jerusalem (Southern Kingdom, Judah).

Read the opening seven verses of the chapter: “[1] The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: [3] And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity. [4] And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah. [5] And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours, [6] Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses. [7] Thus she committed her whoredoms with them, with all them that were the chosen men of Assyria, and with all on whom she doted: with all their idols she defiled herself.”

“Aholah”—Samaria, Israel’s northern 10 tribes—became more and more involved with heathen Assyrian religion. These pagan gods distracted her from the JEHOVAH God of her patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: her behavior was just like a wife cheating on her husband (cf. Exodus 20:1-3; Exodus 34:10-17; Jeremiah 31:32; Hosea 1:1-2; et cetera). Verse 5 above describes this in the following terms: “And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours,….” These Assyrian deities and common citizens are her illicit lovers, after whom she lusts most intensely!

“Aholibah”—Jerusalem, capital of Judah’s southern two tribes—becomes the focus of verse 11 onward: “[11] And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms. [12] She doted upon the Assyrians her neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men…. [17] And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them. [18] So she discovered her whoredoms, and discovered her nakedness: then my mind was alienated from her, like as my mind was alienated from her sister. [19] Yet she multiplied her whoredoms, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. [20] For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses….

“[22] Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side; [23] The Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses. [24] And they shall come against thee with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, which shall set against thee buckler and shield and helmet round about: and I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge thee according to their judgments…. [29] And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms. [30] I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols.”

As Samaria had lovers upon whom she doted, so Jerusalem had lovers whom she adored—the “paramours” of Ezekiel 23:20. Both had intimate relations with the very idols of the Gentiles! Our English word “paramour” is borrowed from Old French (literally, “by or through love”). “For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.” God likens these idolaters to donkeys and horses, an insult most terrible! As history reports, He took their Gentile “lovers” and turned them into their oppressors.

Also see:
» What are “teraphim?”
» “Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?”
» What are “groves?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is “dropsy” in Luke 14:2?

What is “dropsy” in Luke 14:2?

WHAT IS “DROPSY” IN LUKE 14:2?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Read in Luke 14:1-6, as found in the King James Bible: “[1] And it came to pass, as he [Jesus Christ] went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. [2] And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. [3] And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? [4] And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; [5] And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? [6] And they could not answer him again to these things.”

Present in this passage is a man suffering from “dropsy.” What exactly is this? The term is a shortening of “hydropsy” (Greek, “hudropikos,” “watery looking”). Better known as edema today, this is swelling due to excess fluid in the body. It can be a symptom of cancer or diseases of the kidney, liver, or heart. Either the body overproduces fluid or cannot drain it, leading to unsightly, bloated limbs whose movements are limited and awkward. In the ancient world, untreated dropsy was, eventually, always fatal. The dropsical man represents lumbering Israel with all her ugly religious excesses, enjoying a counterfeit life (abundant “water” that cripples her!) but not moving “gracefully” (because she prefers her works instead of God’s grace). Sin and false teaching have disabled her, rendered her spiritually ill. Yet, the Lord deliberately heals the dropsical man on the Sabbath Day, so as to show Israel He can take care of her sin problem and bring her into a right relationship with Him (New Covenant blessings and Kingdom glory). See our “Sabbath Day” study linked below.

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:
» Why did Jesus Christ heal on the Sabbath day?
» What is “palsy?”
» What is “the bloody flux?”
» What is “the burning ague?”
» What is “scurvy?”
» What is a “wen?”
» What is “the botch of Egypt?”

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “Anathema Maranatha” mean in 1 Corinthians 16:22?

What does “Anathema Maranatha” mean in 1 Corinthians 16:22?

WHAT DOES “ANATHEMA MARANATHA” MEAN IN 1 CORINTHIANS 16:22?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Apostle Paul, near the conclusion of this epistle, wrote, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22). What does “Anathema Maranatha” mean?

Firstly, “Anathema” is Greek; “Maranatha” is Aramaic (Hebrew with some Gentile/Babylonian influence). These were two of the many languages the Apostle Paul spoke. Secondly, by searching the Epistle of 1 Corinthians, we can gather clues to stitch together a Scriptural definition of “Anathema Maranatha.”

“ANATHEMA”

This Greek word appears six times in the Textus Receptus (the basis for our King James New Testament). Once it was rendered, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse” (Acts 23:14, Paul’s enemies vehemently determined to take his life). Four times, it was translated “accursed” (Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Galatians 1:8-9). Once, in 1 Corinthians 16:22, it was left untranslated—“anathema” (the verse now under discussion).

Galatians 1:8-9 is helpful here: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed [anathema]. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed [anathema].” The language is strong here, but it is warranted because false teachers have slipped into the Galatian churches under the guise of “Christianity.” God the Holy Spirit thunders here in this Epistle, “Let those false teachers be excommunicated, excluded, removed!” The Galatian Christians were to have nothing further to do with these denominationalists, for these religious traditionalists were using the Law of Moses to corrupt the Grace of God. Thousands of church leaders are guilty of this same practice, and we would do well to apply Galatians 1:8-9 to them too! See also Romans 16:17-20, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Titus 3:9-11.

When we come to 1 Corinthians 16:22, which is actually just before Galatians chapter 1, it should not be difficult to discern what “Anathema” means. The idea is “banned, removed, expelled.” Considering the mentality and lifestyles of the Corinthian Christians, we can easily surmise false teachers have corrupted them too. Read 1 and 2 Corinthians to behold the worst bunch of Christians you will ever see in Scripture! Greek philosophers, legalists (just as in Galatia), and other proponents of bad doctrine have defiled the saints at Corinth. Paul’s two epistles to Corinth are designed to bring these saints back to the truth, to mature them in the faith, that they be no more fleshly or worldly. One of Paul’s closing remarks in 1 Corinthians is found in 16:22: “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema….” Those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ—especially those who do not love His doctrine communicated through Paul—are to be isolated or detached from the Corinthian assembly. Any heretics, any apostates, any unbelievers, or even any Christians acting like unbelievers, are to be expelled—lest the assembly become even more depraved and further ensnared in Satan’s policy of evil. Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, with special emphasis on verse 2 and verses 7-13. “Therefore put away [divorce, separate] from among yourselves that wicked person.”

“MARANATHA”

Some have contended the Aramaic (and transliterated into Greek) phrase “Maran atha” means (and can only mean), “The Lord has come.” They thus have Paul referring to Jesus’ earthly ministry in 1 Corinthians 16:22 (the present perfect, an action already completed). Others claim the intended tense is simple future: “The Lord will come.” Here, Paul would be speaking of Jesus’ return (something imminent). When writing “Maranatha,” is Paul speaking of a previous coming of Christ or a future one?

Personally, again, this author would view 1 Corinthians 16:22 in light of what has already come before in the Epistle. Read chapter 1, verses 7-8: “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Would this be Christ’s earthly ministry, something that has already happened? Of course not! Paul is writing to the Corinthians a few decades after Calvary; Christ’s earthly ministry is long over. They are awaiting Jesus’ return, the Rapture, “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and… our gathering together unto him” (2 Thessalonians 2:1). Based on 1 Corinthians 1:7-8, we would take “Maranatha” to mean a future coming of Christ not a past coming.

CONCLUSION

“Anathema Maranatha” simply means, “withdraw or separate from all who love not the Lord Jesus Christ, for that same Lord Jesus Christ is coming.” These saints would certainly not want to be fellowshipping with “questionable characters” when their Saviour came back, would they? “Let your moderation [self-control, reasonableness] be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). In other words, live like the Lord is returning in the next few seconds! The nation Israel was given basically the same instructions in light of Christ’s Second Coming to end Daniel’s 70th Week (see Matthew 24:42-51; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 12:35-48). Whether the prophetic program (Israel) or the mystery program (us, the Church the Body of Christ), all saints should be conducting themselves according to God’s words to them, ready to meet their Saviour whenever He appears, doing what He left them to do, when He does return! (And, remember, “Maranatha!,” the Lord is coming back!)

SUPPLEMENTAL: WHY LEAVE IT UNTRANSLATED?

The King James scholars are not here for us to ask them why they left these words untranslated, but it may be a case of euphony. “Anathema Maranatha” is a memorable word combination that sounds pleasant to the ears, is it not? Once you understand its meaning, you never forget it. May we thus be careful to remember to keep our distance from those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ (especially His words to us, the Dispensation of Grace, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon), for that same Lord Jesus Christ is coming again and we want Him to find us pure in doctrine and lifestyle!

Also see:
» What does “Lord of Sabaoth” mean?
» What does God mean, “I am Alpha and Omega?”
» Why does Daniel 5:25 say “Upharsin” but Daniel 5:28 say “Peres?”

Can you define “carriage” in the King James Bible?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you define “carriage” in the King James Bible?

CAN YOU DEFINE “CARRIAGE” IN THE KING JAMES BIBLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In the Authorized Version, the word “carriage” is found five times:

  • Judges 18:21: “So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.”
  • 1 Samuel 17:22: “And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.”
  • Isaiah 10:28: “He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:….”
  • Isaiah 46:1: “Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.”
  • Acts 21:15: “And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.”

When we see this word in the Holy Scriptures, we should think beyond something like a wagon, buggy, cart, or coach. The idea is not a vehicle carrying people, but rather people carrying goods. “Carriage” in the King James Bible is that which is carried—luggage, baggage, suitcases, trunks, and/or their contents (treasures, weapons, clothes, and other supplies). We must remember the Authorized Version King James Bible was produced in England, as clearly reflected here. According to The Oxford English Dictionary, “carriage” in British English means, “the conveying of items or merchandise from one place to another.” (Which is basically what we have just used Bible verses to teach.)

Also see:
» Is “corn” a mistake in the King James Bible?
» Why does the King James Bible say “nephews” instead of “grandchildren” in 1 Timothy 5:4?
» Is the King James word “borrow” a “mistranslation” in Exodus 3:22?
» Is “rooms” a King James Bible mistake in Matthew 23:6?
» What does “under colour” mean in Acts 27:30?

Can you explain Habakkuk 2:2?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain Habakkuk 2:2?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HABAKKUK 2:2?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Let us consider Habakkuk chapter 2: “[2] And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. [3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Can you explain, “make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it?” Yes!

The LORD God directs the Prophet Habakkuk to write on “tables”—that is, stone tablets or plaques—what he sees in a vision. His words are to be “plain,” distinctly engraved and therefore easy to understand. We want to focus, however, on the rest of verse 2, that which seems less clear. Why is the reader said to “run?”

Here are three common explanations:

  1. The message is so clear anyone running by the “tables” could easily read and understand it.
  2. The message is so simple the reader can run and proclaim to others what he has learned from the “tables.”
  3. The message is so clear the reader can “run his eye” over the “tables” with ease.

Frankly, none of these views does the verse justice. A better way to expound the passage is this: “Habakkuk should write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that the reader be able to understand and quickly (speedily—‘run’ as in rapid movement) adjust his thinking and behavior accordingly.” In other words, God’s words motivate whoever reads them to conform to that Divine revelation. “I will run the way of thy [the LORD’S] commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart” (Psalm 119:32). See also verse 59: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy [the LORD’S] testimonies.” Unless the language of the Scriptures is clear enough to introduce spiritual light, God’s Word will profit no one, so Habakkuk was commanded to be plain in his message. It was urgent that his audience reform their minds and ways!

Also see:
» Should ministers study Scripture to prepare for teaching?
» Must we follow along in the Bible?
» I have trusted Christ, so why do I see things in Scripture I have never noticed before?
» Is it normal for me to be “too busy” for daily Bible reading?