Until recently, I hadn't heard that substance could have a legal meaning in this verse._______________
First a side note: I'm concerned that there is a growing movement among christians to shy away from the original texts of Greek and Hebrew. I've heard many say that it's uninviting or scares new people. I'll be honest, part of me finds that a bit shallow...but I truly desire to point out that a follower of Jesus Christ will not be "scared away" by big words, Greek or otherwise. However, my bigger point is that unless God changes the heart...everything in the Bible will be "foolishness" to them anyway.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18
I just want to encourage believers to open their minds...and be brave. Maybe step out of your comfort zone a little. There comes a time to feed upon meat and not just milk. (1 Cor. 3) So, yeah...I'm preparing you for Greek words ahead...turn back now if they scare you!
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The Greek word for substance is hupostasis and refers to the underlying (hupo) state (stasis) of a thing. Similarly break down the English word “substance” and we find: sub (under) and stance (stand).
Substance is that which stands under a thing.
In Greek, the word hupostasis had a legal meaning which signified a foundational document, such as a title-deed. That is why Greek scholars Moulton and Milligan give this translation:
“Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.”
If I have the title-deed to my car or house...I don't need to see them to know that they are mine... I have the title-deed that tells me so. SO, written another way we can say that faith is the title-deed of things we are expecting. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God...and faith believes all God's promises!
In a funny sense, you have the title-deed to a place in heaven!
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10 comments:
Beautiful photo and lovely verse! I like your thoughts.
Happy WFW!
I never knew that. That sheds a whole new light on it.
I agree about the Greek and Hebrew. Learning about the original text sometimes opens up the meaning so well, and sources to look up the Greek and Hebrew are so accessible these days, no one needs to be intimidated by them.
I love that verse! Great thoughts - thank you for sharing! :)
Brilliant! Loved this! I love knowing the meaning of the Greek and Hebrew. I must say that I didn't know of the underlying legal meaning of this word. e-Dad has a legal mind. I must pass this post along. Thanks for studying!
Now I must look up "hupo-tasso" again (to sub-mit).
A couple of summers ago I took a crash course in Hebrew. What a rich language. Maybe it's time for Greek too...
Blessings!
Loved this...thanks for explaining everything!
Wise words spoken here sweetie.
Thanks Bobbi,
This was awesome!! There is so much lost in our translations. The word is so RICH and full of meaning.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. It makes me understand and appreciate this passage even more.
Blessings my friend~
A unique photo and great verse ~ I love the King James Version of the Bible and will use it. Wish I could read your words in the dark brown. I guess my age is showing.
I love seeing the underlying basis of many good English translations. Great to see you studying.
My husband uses the Key Word Hebrew Greek Bible (I know that's not the precise name, but you get the idea). He doesn't use it all the time, but he uses it for the Romans Precepts class, a special early Sunday morning class he has once a month, etc.
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