Posts
Wednesday, May 16
“And we know that all
things work together for good
to those who love
God, to those who are the called
according to His
purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NKJV)
I’m at it again! Dissecting Scripture and digging into the
meanings of the words.
If you read my post on Hebrews 11:1, Now Faith Is..., there is a word used there that is used in the
verse above also. In the Hebrews passage, it is translated now, and in the Romans passage, it is translated and.
If you didn’t read that post, I’ll reiterate (you can click here to read it). The Greek word for now
and and is a conjunction or
connecting word between two thoughts. It also means but, moreover, moreover
also, also, and also, or but rather. It would be more appropriate to say,
“Moreover we know…” or “Also we know...”
The Greek word used in this verse for know actually means to see, the implied meaning is to know. It also
means to perceive, notice, discern, discover, pay attention, observe, inspect,
examine, look at or behold, experience, and suggests a full knowing.
The Greek word for working
with is sunergeo, which, in part,
means to labor together as partners, co-operate, co-worker or fellow-worker, help
(work) with, work, or to put forth power together with and thereby to assist.
It comes from the word sunergos,
which is the basis for our English word synergy.
It means a combined action of two or more agents, when combined, have a total effect
that is greater than the sum of the individual effects. Or as one definition
for synergy says: to be more successful or productive as a result of a merger.
The first definition of synergism
listed in The Random House Dictionary of
the English Language, published
in 1966, says “the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost
in the work of regeneration.” Thank you, Random House! There’s the total effect
of a merger!
Good means
excelling in any respect, distinguished, useful, to advantage, suited to
something, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, benefit, etc.
Called means
invited, appointed, a saint, saints by calling, or an appointment to
apostleship.
The Greek word for purpose
is interesting. It means a proposal as an intention, setting forth of a thing,
placing of it in view as show-bread is exposed before God.
Don’t you know love those definitions?
Before we put it all together, what is before this verse?
What is it moreover or also? Romans 8:27 starts out with that moreover/also/now/and word again, “Now
He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He
makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (NKJV)
Now, what would Lynn’s
Version say? More than knowing that the Spirit intercedes for the saints,
pleading on our behalf...also we fully know that all things are synergistic,
being more successful as the result of merging with the Holy Spirit, and working
together for good, for benefit, for advantage, for those who love God, for
those who are invited to be saints according to His intentions set before Him.
If we are in sin or worry and fret about a situation, we
impede the Lord’s hand to work for good, because we are not working in
accordance with His purpose. But when we take our attitudes and our hands off,
leaving it in His hands, it all works together for our good and for our
benefit.
God takes all our negative circumstances, our stormy trials,
our griefs and heartaches, our failings, our weaknesses, our needs, and mixes
them in with His love, guidance, comfort, peace, supply, and power, stirring
them all together, molding them, and turns them around to display His creation
of good.
Then, we can say with the psalmist, “This is the Lord’s
doing, and it is marvelous to see!” (Ps. 118:23 TLB)
...and we fully know!
Hooking up today with...
It's so interesting when you look at the Greek transliterations of words and the meanings. I'm impressed by your study of this and wish I had more time to do so, but so glad you shared. Thank you!
I love the definitions here! Our circumstances are not an obstacle for God; He comes in and takes the sorrow and trouble in our lives and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love. :)
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
I love posts like this: lessons and inspirational at the same time. Great words of wisdom, Lynn
Theresa, thank you so much! I l-o-v-e to dig into the definitions. So much more beneath the surface of the words on the page. Blessings to you!
Amen, Denise! Aren't the definitions great? Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment. Blessings to you!
Thank you, Jean! You are so generous. You've made my heart happy! Bless you!
Hi Lynn:
I love to dig into the Scriptures and I really like your "version" of this passage. Just this week, as I was driving to work, I was listening to the local Christian radio station. Someone prayed about being able to lay down our requests at the foot of the cross and not take them back. This so as not to hinder God's work.
Great post!
Blessings,
Joan
Thank you for linking up this week.
Joan, we do that so often, don't we? Lay our troubles and prayer requests at the foot of the cross and then take them back, thinking we'll help God out! Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate it. Bless you!
I'm a dissector, too,Lynn (even if I can't spell the word). Even if we miss something in the dissecting, the scripture is richer and our faith deeper by the effort. Thanks for this.
“This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see!” (Ps. 118:23 TLB) That is a great verse for me to read today!!! Only through God has my life taken the paths that have gotten me where I am today...SO BLESSED! This is my first time visiting your blog (from Grace Cafe'). I really love your header and name(and verse). I am following your blog, now!! So blessed!!
In His Lo♥e, Ann
Ann, I am so happy to have you visit and for following. Thank you so much! I deeply appreciate your kind words. Blessings to you!
I love how you do all the work of finding the subtle meanings of words throughout Scripture. It enriches the text as well as our hearts. Another great post, Lynn!
Oh, Ceci, your words so bless me! Thank you, dear one! Bless you!