Wrested Biblical Words
On this page, I will be listing some biblical words that have under gone some definition changes - they have been wrested, or even have been used in place of others. Why is this important? Good Question - it is important, because when you change the meaning or use of a word, the meaning of what is being said also changes. We are instructed in Scripture to keep sound doctrine, to guard it and defend it. Why? Because there are those who wish to change it, to fit their ideology, this is known as eisegesis- something Satan and his false teachers deal in, not proper biblical exegesis. I will be adding to this list of wrested words as they are brought to my attention. Words used in Scripture have their meanings defined with in the text, their meanings are not to be tampered with, they are set in stone, if you will. The word 'wrest' in English is really German in origin and means to forcible twist, wrench, pull, or detach something. The Greek word behind it is 'strebloo', and means to twist, turn awry, to torture, or put to the rack. It is also a metaphor meaning to pervert, of one who wrests or tortures language in a false sense.
For example: Zachar [H2142]means: to make mention; to remember, as in: speak, or act on behalf of someone, or something, and also to retain something in ones mind as being important. Zachar doesn't mean: a recall of forgotten information. This Hebrew [O.T.] word has a Greek [N.T.] counterpart - mnēmoneuō[G3421]. If the definition of this word was changed to mean: a recall of forgotten information, then it would make God a "forgetful', or even a "clueless" God, which he is not, as in the case of Gen. 8:1 -"And God remembered Noah..." When we use the correct biblical definition, this passage makes sense, but if we use the modern meaning as "forgetfulness", then we have an uncaring, and easily distracted God who is really too busy to take notice of us, which is not true at all.
Another example is when false teachers use the word "love" to be synonymous with, or the same as, salvation. God loved us, even while we were yet sinners, so he gave us his Son, that whosoever believes in him[meaning you follow him], will have everlasting life. Love is the cause that effected our salvation, they are not one in the same. This is why the false teaching of Once Saved Always Saved came about and still remains, because false teachers insist God's love for us and his salvation are synonymous. Romans 8:38-39 teaches that nothing can separate us from God's LOVE, not that nothing can separate us from God's salvation - as they are two different things.
An alphabetical list of words will be displayed with their Biblical meanings, and I will also include the word or words that have been used to replace the "wholesome" word(s) in Scripture, which causes envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of corrupt minds[who don't agree with sound doctrine (1 Cor.11:16)], who have been robbed of the truth, and who think that godliness is a means of financial gain [1 Tim. 6: 4-5].
For example: Zachar [H2142]means: to make mention; to remember, as in: speak, or act on behalf of someone, or something, and also to retain something in ones mind as being important. Zachar doesn't mean: a recall of forgotten information. This Hebrew [O.T.] word has a Greek [N.T.] counterpart - mnēmoneuō[G3421]. If the definition of this word was changed to mean: a recall of forgotten information, then it would make God a "forgetful', or even a "clueless" God, which he is not, as in the case of Gen. 8:1 -"And God remembered Noah..." When we use the correct biblical definition, this passage makes sense, but if we use the modern meaning as "forgetfulness", then we have an uncaring, and easily distracted God who is really too busy to take notice of us, which is not true at all.
Another example is when false teachers use the word "love" to be synonymous with, or the same as, salvation. God loved us, even while we were yet sinners, so he gave us his Son, that whosoever believes in him[meaning you follow him], will have everlasting life. Love is the cause that effected our salvation, they are not one in the same. This is why the false teaching of Once Saved Always Saved came about and still remains, because false teachers insist God's love for us and his salvation are synonymous. Romans 8:38-39 teaches that nothing can separate us from God's LOVE, not that nothing can separate us from God's salvation - as they are two different things.
An alphabetical list of words will be displayed with their Biblical meanings, and I will also include the word or words that have been used to replace the "wholesome" word(s) in Scripture, which causes envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of corrupt minds[who don't agree with sound doctrine (1 Cor.11:16)], who have been robbed of the truth, and who think that godliness is a means of financial gain [1 Tim. 6: 4-5].
Fellowship Vs. Relationship
Fellowship -
(v.)to couple with, to join together, communion, communicate with,
(n.)be a partaker of, partner, or companion of.
Hebrew words: tĕsuwmeth, chabar
Greek Words: koinōnia, koinōnos, metochē, and, sygkoinōneō
Fellowship has been replaced by the word:relationship-which means:
relationship (v.)the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected.
relationship (n.) the state of being connected, and the state of being connected by blood or marriage.
The word "relationship" is not mentioned in Scripture, and there is no word for it in Hebrew, or Greek to be found in the Lexicon. So - why do modern pastors use the word "relationship" to be synonymous with, or replace the word fellowship altogether? What is so wrong with the biblical word "fellowship" that pastors feel the need to change it to "relationship?" Nothing. You see, the hireling pastors holding pulpits hostage nowadays, were hippies saved during the "Jesus Movement" in the 70's, and are the ones who have done this terrible thing. So, in light of this fact, that this word came from their culture, what "relationship" really means is that it's a casual connection between two or more people with no strings attached - a.k.a. "a one night stand." If this word, "relationship" were to be used properly, then my relationship to God is that I am his child, and he is my Father and Savior. My relationship to other believers is that I am their sister in Christ, in whom I have fellowship with. Do you see the difference? This is only one of many reasons why we have "one night stand" Christians who won't, or can't commit to Jesus and their fellow Christians, and are not able to endure the rigors of discipleship through fellowship, instead they act like flaky hippies.
Ironically, we have seen this word correctly portrayed in many worldly movies - such as the New Age Sci.Fi. saga-Star Wars, and the mythological fairy tale of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. These two secular epics are very good examples of what true fellowship is. In these movies, we see people who don't know each other very well, who are brought together for a common purpose, and go through difficult trials, great personal peril, and even joyous victories. Through this process of fellowship, they quickly bond together, which causes deep love and care to grow for one another. This is exactly what Scripture teaches! That is what our life as Christians is supposed to be like. So should we loose ourselves in these Satanically inspired fantasies, or should we simply live how the Bible tells us to- in fellowship? If I want a close loving bond with God and my fellow Christians, then I must fellowship with them, not have a "relationship" with them. Leave the "hippie" jargon where it belongs - in the 1970's, because it is not in the Bible - Jesus taught and displayed fellowship, not "relationship!" So please, let us keep and use this sound doctrinal word and its proper definition, as God intended.
(n.)be a partaker of, partner, or companion of.
Hebrew words: tĕsuwmeth, chabar
Greek Words: koinōnia, koinōnos, metochē, and, sygkoinōneō
Fellowship has been replaced by the word:relationship-which means:
relationship (v.)the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected.
relationship (n.) the state of being connected, and the state of being connected by blood or marriage.
The word "relationship" is not mentioned in Scripture, and there is no word for it in Hebrew, or Greek to be found in the Lexicon. So - why do modern pastors use the word "relationship" to be synonymous with, or replace the word fellowship altogether? What is so wrong with the biblical word "fellowship" that pastors feel the need to change it to "relationship?" Nothing. You see, the hireling pastors holding pulpits hostage nowadays, were hippies saved during the "Jesus Movement" in the 70's, and are the ones who have done this terrible thing. So, in light of this fact, that this word came from their culture, what "relationship" really means is that it's a casual connection between two or more people with no strings attached - a.k.a. "a one night stand." If this word, "relationship" were to be used properly, then my relationship to God is that I am his child, and he is my Father and Savior. My relationship to other believers is that I am their sister in Christ, in whom I have fellowship with. Do you see the difference? This is only one of many reasons why we have "one night stand" Christians who won't, or can't commit to Jesus and their fellow Christians, and are not able to endure the rigors of discipleship through fellowship, instead they act like flaky hippies.
Ironically, we have seen this word correctly portrayed in many worldly movies - such as the New Age Sci.Fi. saga-Star Wars, and the mythological fairy tale of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. These two secular epics are very good examples of what true fellowship is. In these movies, we see people who don't know each other very well, who are brought together for a common purpose, and go through difficult trials, great personal peril, and even joyous victories. Through this process of fellowship, they quickly bond together, which causes deep love and care to grow for one another. This is exactly what Scripture teaches! That is what our life as Christians is supposed to be like. So should we loose ourselves in these Satanically inspired fantasies, or should we simply live how the Bible tells us to- in fellowship? If I want a close loving bond with God and my fellow Christians, then I must fellowship with them, not have a "relationship" with them. Leave the "hippie" jargon where it belongs - in the 1970's, because it is not in the Bible - Jesus taught and displayed fellowship, not "relationship!" So please, let us keep and use this sound doctrinal word and its proper definition, as God intended.
Hypocrite Vs. Legalistic
First some back story is needed in order to fully grasp the concept I'm about to share. Back in the Bible days, actors wore masks, which included mechanisms for amplifying the actor's voice. I have also discovered that it was believed by the people, that the actors' masks were also physically inhabited by spirits, that aided the actor in his craft of playacting. And so, it was also believe that the more masks the actor acquired, the more spirits the actor allowed to control him, or project through him. Even today's actors will tell you that they allow themselves to be "set aside", so the "spirits" they channel, can take over their body in order to bring their character to life. For most actors, this is understandably a scary thing, and many are reluctant to do this. Therefore, the most honored actors in "Tinsel Town," and thus the most versatile on today's Big Screen scene, are those who are the most fearless and uninhibited in this matter, and therefore the most willing to be possessed by spirits. There are currently two actors that exemplify this fearlessness toward being possessed, and they are Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Hypocrite-
Hupokrites n. -(hoop-ok-ree-tace) Strong's G5273.
And so, getting back to our subject, in the Scriptural Greek sense, the word "hypocrite" describes one who is playacting, reading a script, or one who puts on an act, by wearing a mask. The hypocrite conceals his true motives under a cloak, or mask of make believe, or pretense. This is one of Jesus' favorite words he used to describe the Scribes and Pharisees. The Scribes and Pharisees were play-actors in the realm of holiness and the Law. They pretended to be followers of Moses' law, but in reality, they regularly broke it by searching for, creating, and exploiting supposed loopholes, all for their gain. They loved the admiration of the people. They disguised their tomfoolery with long and public prayers, regular fasting, and by acquiring the best seats in the synagogues. They wore large fringes on their robes, and large phylacteries [black cubes representing the god Saturn] on their foreheads. Jesus called them out, because he knew what they really were - hypocrites. He was the most harsh on them, because they were the worst sinner, which is, a dishonest sinner. Jesus was more gentle to the honest sinner, which were the tax collectors, harlots, adulterers, etc. I don't know anyone who likes being exposed as a hypocrite, including yours truly, however that is what I once was as a Word of Faith minion. I am so grateful to God for taking the time to discipline me, and show me the error and deep darkness I was in, darkness that I mistook for light, and so he saved me from my worst enemy, myself!
However, there are those who like being a hypocrite. They like the sin they are in, and don't want it to be exposed, so they have come up with an ingenious way of hiding their sin and hypocrisy. They have come up with, and use a word to incriminate anyone who tries to expose them. They have made sure that their word has replaced the Scriptural word "hypocrite", and that word is "legalistic." They have wrested this word to mean someone who is overly zealous in keeping the ten commandments, and makes others follow them as well, but what this word reality means is:
Legalistic - adj. 1843 , from legalist (1640's) legal + ist +ic = of or pertaining to the law + adherence to a certain doctrine or custom +having to do with, having the nature of, being, made of, caused by, similar to law [in this case].
This word "legalistic," is not in Scripture because it was used in 1843, and the word of God was written and closed long before that time. This word is used deceptively, because as you can see, the word means someone who abides by the law, and that is a good thing, according to Scripture. Jesus hates lawlessness, and the two great commandments which he taught are that we are to first and foremost love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength, and secondly we are to love our neighbor as our self. "Legalistic" should not be confused with "works based salvation" where you work your way to heaven with good deeds, without faith in Jesus' redeeming work. The word "legalistic" is employed by those who are not law abiding, or are not interested in living a holy life. Therefore they have wrested and used this word on the righteous who do follow Jesus' two great commandments, as a way of turning the tables on them, and it works! There are many times I have been called "legalistic" or "religious" after exposing someone's hypocrisy, and their love for unsound doctrine that came from demons, or their unrighteous ways! Before I researched this topic I would immediately back down! Well not any more, dear reader.
These people often site Galatians in their defense for using this word. However, the Galatians were under the spell, or witchcraft of "Judaism" [Gal. 1:11-14; 4:17], which is the false religion of the Pharisees, and not the law of Moses. Judaism is based in Babylonian mystery religion; not in the word of God. So in order to cloak it's evil face, Judaism wears a mask that claims Abraham as its father, and Moses as being its law giver, but this is false, because Jesus said so. If the Pharisees did in fact follow the faith of Abraham [pre-law] and Moses' law, then they would have embraced Jesus, but they didn't. Judaism teaches salvation via the law, but the law teaches salvation is not obtainable through it, only death. Jesus said as much, and that is why he called the Pharisees blind guides and hypocrites. Jesus and Paul taught the law of Moses was holy and good, but was not meant to bring salvation, but meant to show the sinner they needed a Savior. Jesus didn't leave us lawless, he gave us his two great commandments and he expects us to obey them, because we are to be lawful, not lawless!
The word "hypocrite' is a wholesome Scriptural word, and not to be substituted for the non-biblical word "legalistic" as it is deceptive and gives shelter to, or defense to real lawless evil doers. Basically, it calls good "evil" and evil "good"[Isa. 5:20], so we must avoid using it, and expose it for what it is - a lie.
And so, getting back to our subject, in the Scriptural Greek sense, the word "hypocrite" describes one who is playacting, reading a script, or one who puts on an act, by wearing a mask. The hypocrite conceals his true motives under a cloak, or mask of make believe, or pretense. This is one of Jesus' favorite words he used to describe the Scribes and Pharisees. The Scribes and Pharisees were play-actors in the realm of holiness and the Law. They pretended to be followers of Moses' law, but in reality, they regularly broke it by searching for, creating, and exploiting supposed loopholes, all for their gain. They loved the admiration of the people. They disguised their tomfoolery with long and public prayers, regular fasting, and by acquiring the best seats in the synagogues. They wore large fringes on their robes, and large phylacteries [black cubes representing the god Saturn] on their foreheads. Jesus called them out, because he knew what they really were - hypocrites. He was the most harsh on them, because they were the worst sinner, which is, a dishonest sinner. Jesus was more gentle to the honest sinner, which were the tax collectors, harlots, adulterers, etc. I don't know anyone who likes being exposed as a hypocrite, including yours truly, however that is what I once was as a Word of Faith minion. I am so grateful to God for taking the time to discipline me, and show me the error and deep darkness I was in, darkness that I mistook for light, and so he saved me from my worst enemy, myself!
However, there are those who like being a hypocrite. They like the sin they are in, and don't want it to be exposed, so they have come up with an ingenious way of hiding their sin and hypocrisy. They have come up with, and use a word to incriminate anyone who tries to expose them. They have made sure that their word has replaced the Scriptural word "hypocrite", and that word is "legalistic." They have wrested this word to mean someone who is overly zealous in keeping the ten commandments, and makes others follow them as well, but what this word reality means is:
Legalistic - adj. 1843 , from legalist (1640's) legal + ist +ic = of or pertaining to the law + adherence to a certain doctrine or custom +having to do with, having the nature of, being, made of, caused by, similar to law [in this case].
This word "legalistic," is not in Scripture because it was used in 1843, and the word of God was written and closed long before that time. This word is used deceptively, because as you can see, the word means someone who abides by the law, and that is a good thing, according to Scripture. Jesus hates lawlessness, and the two great commandments which he taught are that we are to first and foremost love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength, and secondly we are to love our neighbor as our self. "Legalistic" should not be confused with "works based salvation" where you work your way to heaven with good deeds, without faith in Jesus' redeeming work. The word "legalistic" is employed by those who are not law abiding, or are not interested in living a holy life. Therefore they have wrested and used this word on the righteous who do follow Jesus' two great commandments, as a way of turning the tables on them, and it works! There are many times I have been called "legalistic" or "religious" after exposing someone's hypocrisy, and their love for unsound doctrine that came from demons, or their unrighteous ways! Before I researched this topic I would immediately back down! Well not any more, dear reader.
These people often site Galatians in their defense for using this word. However, the Galatians were under the spell, or witchcraft of "Judaism" [Gal. 1:11-14; 4:17], which is the false religion of the Pharisees, and not the law of Moses. Judaism is based in Babylonian mystery religion; not in the word of God. So in order to cloak it's evil face, Judaism wears a mask that claims Abraham as its father, and Moses as being its law giver, but this is false, because Jesus said so. If the Pharisees did in fact follow the faith of Abraham [pre-law] and Moses' law, then they would have embraced Jesus, but they didn't. Judaism teaches salvation via the law, but the law teaches salvation is not obtainable through it, only death. Jesus said as much, and that is why he called the Pharisees blind guides and hypocrites. Jesus and Paul taught the law of Moses was holy and good, but was not meant to bring salvation, but meant to show the sinner they needed a Savior. Jesus didn't leave us lawless, he gave us his two great commandments and he expects us to obey them, because we are to be lawful, not lawless!
The word "hypocrite' is a wholesome Scriptural word, and not to be substituted for the non-biblical word "legalistic" as it is deceptive and gives shelter to, or defense to real lawless evil doers. Basically, it calls good "evil" and evil "good"[Isa. 5:20], so we must avoid using it, and expose it for what it is - a lie.
Comments? Click the button and it will take you to my Guest Book, please don't forget to reference the article you are commenting on. Thanks!