Words and Phrases

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Prov 30:5-6

“Paul sharply criticized some ignorant persons who came into the church indulging in strife’s of words, and we frequently find misunderstandings and divisions caused solely by a lack of knowledge of the meaning of important words and phrases. In fact there are various sects in the Christian world to-day, as we all know, who are cut off and separated from other parts of the body simply by a difference of opinion as to the exact meaning of perhaps a single word. The Psalmist said: “He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see?” (Psa 94:9) Surely we can also say: He that made the tongue, and who gave us his law clothed in human language did he not know what words to select? It is evident that the Holy Spirit inspired–not simply the broad ideas–but, in many cases at least, the exact phraseology.” (R52)

“Let us say at the outset, that in interpreting difficult passages of Scripture, we know of no sure method of finding their meaning except to give attention to the exact words and phrases employed, and then to collate these with the same expressions in other parts of Scripture; and so, by “comparing scripture with scripture,” to find out the teaching of God.”

“Those who hold loose views of inspiration, say that the thought is the main thing; and that this phrase is equivalent to that phrase, provided it contains the same general idea. We do not hold to this. We believe that the Bible is written “not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches;” and that the Spirit is infinitely accurate in the use of language. Holding this in view, the interpreter can move forward with confidence; to him the words of Holy Scripture are “nails fastened by the master of assemblies,” and he can hang his expositions upon them without fear of their giving away.” (R639)

In this segment we will be examining various words and phrases used in the book of Revelation to determine their true meaning, that is whether they are to be taken literally or symbolically, and if symbolically (which the majority of our “key words” are) what specifically they imply.

Heaven

The word “heaven” as found in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is defined as follows:

“Heaven” in the Hebrew is Strong’s # 8064 shamayim from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move the firmament, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve, the stars, space): air, X astrologer, heaven(s).

“Heaven” in the Greek is Strong’s # 3772 ouranos the sky; by extension heaven (as the abode of God); by implication happiness, power, eternity; specially the Gospel (Christianity): — air, heaven(ly), sky.

Keep these definitions in mind as we proceed.

Throughout the scriptures reference is made to the heaven(s). The scriptures speak of different types of heavens, those which are LITERAL, and those which are SYMBOLIC.

The Three Literal Heavens

The First Literal Heavens mentioned, is that which our Strong’s definition (3772) designates as the “sky”, or “air”, this in regards to the “firmament” [Hebrew, “raqiya”] properly, an expanse, i.e. the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky: — firmament (Strong’s # 7549). The Lord himself designates this so,

“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters, which were under the firmament from the waters, which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.” (Gen 1:6-8)

“And God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven (the visible arch in which the clouds move, the sky).” Gen 1:20

This word “firmament” also stands related to the starry “heavens” of the universe, i.e. the expanse of space, The Second Literal Heavens See Gen 1:14-18; Psa 19:1-3; Isa 40:22

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years, and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on earth, and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens (the universe or space) to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and morning were the fourth day.” (Gen 1:14-19 also see Deut 4:19: Psa 19:1-3 and Isa 40:22)

The Third Literal Heavens mentioned in the scriptures is in reference to the physical heavens, the dwelling place of the Most High, Jehovah God, the place of his throne or (supreme ruler-ship), the abode of all the holy hosts. See Revelation Chapters 4 and 5, although this is a symbolic picture the implication is clear that this is in regards to the physical heavens where Gods throne is.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

“But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne …” (Matt 5:34)

“Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matt 23:9)

“The heaven, even the heavens are the LORD’s, but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” (Psa 115:16)

“In my Father’s house (his residence, abode, home, Strong’s # 3614) are many mansions (planes of existence): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2, 3)

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive (contain) until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:20, 21)

Continued with next post.