New Testament study of the word “Life”

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by Stella Paterson

Jesus said to Nicodemus, that unless a person is “born again” he cannot “see” the “kingdom of God,” as the “authorized” KJV translates it.  But Young’s Literal Translation more accurately gives this rendering of John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Verily, verily, I say to thee, If any one may not be born from above, he is not able to see the reign of God;’”  The word “see” also means “know.”  So, unless we are born from above we cannot know the reign of God.

To be “born from above” is to have the Life of Jesus come to dwell in us by His Holy Spirit, and to do a continuing work of “regeneration” in us.  In this study we show all verses in the New Testament in which are found the Greek words translated “life.”  The one is “psuchē” and the other is “zōē.”  The difference in the two will become evident as the reader follows through and reads all passages where they occur.  Included are the related Greek words, as can be seen in the study.

The versions quoted here are the Revised Version (RV), the English Majority Text Version (EMTV) and Young’s Literal Translation (YLT).  Unless otherwise noted, the quotes are from the RV.  As always, the references are from Strong’s Concordance and Greek dictionary, which are keyed to the “authorized” KJV and its translation of each Greek word.

One striking discovery can be seen in the YLT version of Hebrews 4:12: “for the reckoning of God is living, and working, and sharp above every two-edged sword, and piercing unto the dividing asunder both of soul and spirit, of joints also and marrow, and a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart;”  Notice the absence of the “the word” of God.  The popular use of the phrase “the word of God” has led to a legalistic stance by some who elevate the “word of God” above the God of the printed word.  The printed word has no power to do that which only the “reckoning” of God can do in an individual soul.

Let’s get on with the study, and learn what our awesome God has to say about “life.”  First, there is a list of definitions, followed by all the translated words for each.

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New Testament study of the word “Coming” as in “Christ’s Coming”

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by Stella Paterson (Revised 2/18/2012)

Since initially posting this study I learned of a very dangerous, erroneous teaching.  This “teaching” suggests that Christ has come “in us” and that He is not coming back to earth again, as the bible has so clearly lain out for us.  Such teaching goes so far as to deny the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  This “coming” study shows the passages of scripture that tell us how Christ comes to dwell in us, as well as those passages that refer directly to His Second Coming, which is very soon, as we see from the signs all around us.

There are countless teachings being spread around that are thoroughly “antichrist.”  Jesus, John and Paul all warned of this.  And there has never been a time when we need to seek the Lord Jesus Christ with all humility, submitting our lives into His care and keeping.  His Holy Spirit will keep us from deception, as long as we are submitted to His crucifying power that will remove all that is of self and flesh in our lives, so that we can clearly hear His voice…..and not the voice of “another.”

The original study follows:

We are looking closely at the word “coming” as it occurs in reference to Christ’s coming.  Two particular Greek words, which appear to be used when speaking of the “return” of our Lord, reveal a significant difference in meaning.  Without knowing the definition of the Greek words used, most people would assume that the word “coming” in all verses actually means “coming,” as found in the English dictionary.

We will discover in this study that there is error in the traditional and very popular belief as to what Paul was saying in 2 Thessalonians regarding Christ’s coming.  The word definitions and their roots confirm wonderful truths of which Jesus and Paul spoke so often.

The first Greek word we look at is parousia, and is used less than 25 times.  Its primary definition is “a being near,” according to Strong’s dictionary, while Thayer shows it as “presence.”  As we read through each verse which contains the translated “parousia” let us stop and consider the verse as having “presence” in place of the word “coming.”  This may shake up some beliefs held dear by many.  But for those who understand that the Kingdom of God is within us, the usual “second coming” passages will take on a glorious new light.  At the same time, deep sadness will grip them as they begin to grasp who the “man of sin” is.

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New Testament study of the words “Brimstone” and “Divine”

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by Stella Paterson (Revised 2/17/2012)

When we see the close resemblance in the Greek words for brimstone and divine, it gives cause for pondering this passage which tells us God is a consuming fire: “Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well–pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire.  Let love of the brethren continue.  Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”  (Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-2)  Unfortunately the chapter break interrupts the message which continues on into the first verses of chapter 13, where once again we see the word “love”.

According to Webster’s dictionary, brimstone is sulfur; it burns with a blue flame and its stifling odor stings the nostrils.  For those being subjected to brimstone, their existence will be unbearable but there will be no relief.

The point of this study is not to have any conclusions drawn, but to simply present the word meanings and the passages in which they occur.  Let us read them and consider them, asking the Lord to reveal His will for each of us as individuals.  Only the Spirit of truth is able to reveal the will of the Father.

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 1. Greek #2303

theion (thi’-on)

Definition: “Probably neuter of G2304 (in its original sense of flashing); sulphur”

Translated: “brimstone”

 2. Greek #2304

theios (thi’-os)

Definition: “godlike (neuter as noun, divinity)”

Translated: “divine, godhead”

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Old Testament study of the word “Truth”

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by Stella Paterson (Revised 2/17/2012)

Aside from the Name of Jesus there is probably not a more important word in the whole Bible than the word “truth.”  When Jesus went to the Father after His resurrection, He gave us His Spirit – the Spirit of Truth – to lead us into all truth, as He promised.  In 2 Thessalonians, Paul said that God would send strong delusion to those who received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. 

How do we receive the love of the truth?  We must submit to the Spirit of Truth our lying, sinful, antichrist self, and allow self to be mortified by His presence.  The more familiar term for that is the new birth.  To truly be born anew and live a life by the Spirit who dwells within, is much more than a little simple prayer for forgiveness of sins, as is popular today; it is complete submission to the regeneration by the Holy Spirit.  It is the work of that same Spirit who transforms us into the image of Christ.  We must whole-heartedly embrace the love of the truth.  It takes willingness on our part to let every vestige of self be crucified – no matter what may be required for us to reach that place.

Are we willing to give up self in exchange for a new life in Christ?  Are we really?  Or will that “self-preservation,” with which we are born, fight against the transforming power of a Holy God?

In this study we have three Hebrew words from which the word “truth” was translated.  Two are closely related, as can be seen in the following definitions.  I urge you to read through all the passages quoted to see how the Lord our God views truth.  You will find it refreshing and exciting, as did I as I worked on the study.  You will see how the lie, inherent in fleshly self, must be exchanged for the truth that is inherent in the Spirit of truth.

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New Testament study of the word “Liar”

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by Stella Paterson (Revised 2/16/2012)

After the completion of the New Testament study of the word “truth” it became apparent that a study must also be done on the word “liar.” 

At the fall of the first Adam [man], he was ‘fathered’ by Satan the father of lies.  Self became enthroned in every person to be born after that first fallen man.  As can be seen in many of the passages in this study, self’s opposition to God was common throughout the Old Testament as well as the New.  Read the passages carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the wonders of our great and powerful God, as fleshly man is exposed for the liar he is, and his need for the Spirit of Truth to regenerate him and make His dwelling place within.

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1. Greek #5574

pseudomai (psyoo’-dom-ahee)

Definition: “to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood”

Translated: “falsely, lie”

2. Greek #5579

pseudos (psyoo’-dos)

Definition: “From G5574; a falsehood”

Translated: “lie, lying”

3. Greek #5582

pseusma (psyoos’-mah)

Definition: “From G5574; a fabrication, that is, falsehood”

Translated: “lie”

4. Greek #5583

pseustēs (psyoos-tace’)

Definition: “From G5574; a falsifier”

Translated: “liar”

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