Often, until we examine Scripture in the light of the original Hebrew, we miss the richness and full meaning of the text.
Even the non-religious are familiar with the Ten Commandments and can likely quote the above reference from Exodus by heart. Most of us have a general idea as to the meaning of the commandment. Many would say it refers to swearing or profanity using “God” or “Jesus” in the epithet. Others may postulate a deeper application—not even speaking of the Divine or handling written materials containing the sacred Name casually.
While these may ultimately be embodied in the commandment, the original Hebrew reveals a more sublime inference.
The Hebrew word translated as “take” in this portion of text is “nasa.” Strong’s Concordance H5375 primarily defines nasa to mean: to lift, bear up, carry, and finally take. However, the preponderance of usage of nasa shows it to be used primarily as “lift up,” and sometimes “carry,” and then to “bear.” Some examples follow below.
In this context, we find the commandment instructing us not to LIFT UP the name of the LORD in vain. What does “vain” mean? Strong’s H7723 reveals the Hebrew word for vain is “shav,” meaning: emptiness, vanity, falsehood, emptiness of speech, lying, worthlessness (of conduct).
Therefore, we now understand through the Hebrew that we are not to lift up or carry the Name of the LORD falsely, in improper manner, or with empty/lying speech. We who bear His Name, must be circumspect as we carry the sacred Name before all men—do we bring reproach or praise to Him?
TAKE Strong’s H5375 Hebrew: nasa' נשא
1) to lift, bear up, carry, take
Gen 21:18 Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand
Gen 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw
Gen 22:13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked
Gen 24:64 Then Rebekah lifted her eyes
Gen 29:11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept.
Gen 31:12 And He said, 'Lift your eyes now and see
Psa 10:12 Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Your hand!
Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.
Psa 119:48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Isa 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry [them] in His bosom, [And] gently lead those who are with young.
Isa 41:16 You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away
Isa 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place,
Isa 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs
Categories:
0 comments:
Post a Comment