The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 1

The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 1
Brad Reiches
Nov 20 2006 11:03PM

I originally published this series December 8-13, 2005.  Because it was published prior to our transition to InJesus.com, it has not previously been available in our archives.  Since December of last year God has added to our numbers dramatically and it is my desire (and I believe "leading of the Holy Spirit") to now make it available to the thousands of our new subscribers, as well as a permanent online resource for the body of Christ at large.  Since the original publication, I've received meaningful testimonies from many pastors and Bible study leaders that the influence of this study has been widespread and significant, even to the extent of influencing the choice of Bible translations.  May our Lord continue to "cause the voice of My authority to be heard," and "Watch over My word to perform it." 

Pastor Brad

---

---

         

Tuesday, November 21,  2006

GodThoughts Wired! 

 

"The Single Most Significant Word

in the Entire Old Testament!"

PART 1

In Matthew 9:13, and again in chapter 12, verse 7, Jesus instructs His listeners to "go and learn" Hosea 6:6.  For us, this is easier said than done.  Why?  Well, track with me here:  Jesus spoke in Aramaic.  His words in Matthew 9:13; 12:7 are thusly quoting the Hebrew language of Hosea 6:6, Aramaicly speaking.  In other words, Matthew was translating  into the Greek language (primary dialect of the New Testament), the Aramaic words of Jesus, who was quoting from the Hebrew language of Hosea 6:6.

So, Jesus says,

"Go and learn what this means,

'I desire compassion (elios), and not sacrifice..."

Matthew 9:13; 12:7 (italics mine)

I don't know the Aramaic term that Jesus originally used, but modern English translators are TECHNICALLY correctly when they translate the Greek word, "elios" to mean "compassion."  "Elios," can also mean, "pity, mercy, or kindheartedness" depending on the context being used.  However, to fully understand what Jesus was teaching and specifically referring to, we must go back to Hosea 6:6 and "unwrap" the Hebrew language that Jesus was quoting from.  In doing so, we will come to find "The Single Most Significant Word in the Entire Old Testament."

To be continued.