John 3:8 and Galatians 2:20

[CWJ]

'The wind (to pnuema) bloweth where it listeth,
and thou hearest the sound thereof,
but canst not tell
whence it cometh,
and whither it goeth:
so is every one
that is born of the Spirit (to pnuema).'
(John 3:8)

Hi there,

This verse is an example of a figure of speech called 'epanadiplosis' or 'encircling', and, according to a book I have on 'Figures of Speech used in the Bible', by Dr Bullinger: it means 'a doubling upon again'; where the same word is repeated both at the beginning and at the end of a sentence. This is an exciting figure of speech, for the statement or truth contained within the compass of the two words are complete in itself. It is intended to draw our attention and make us aware that something important has been said. The one in John 3:8 (above), is hidden from us, by the translation, 'the wind', for the words actually used, which are the same as those at the close of the verse are, 'the Spirit.' (Gr. 'to pneuma'): 'The Spirit bloweth ... '

* Another wonderful example of this, which is also hidden by translation, is in Galations 2:20:-

'I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live;
yet not I,
but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave Himself for me.'

* Wonderful truth again: which in the original Greek language shows itself to be a complete and wonderful truth, hedged about and contained within the words. 'Christ': for in the original language it would be like this:-

"CHRIST, I have been crucified-together-with, yet I live:
and yet it is no longer I that live, but, in me, CHRIST."

* The Holy Spirit uses these figures of speech to arrest our attention and to bring these truths to our notice, which I find to be so wonderful.

Praise God!

Thank you for listening

In Christ Jesus
our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.

Chris

 

[CWJ]

Hello again,

Another is found in Philippians 4:4, and not hidden this time by translation:-

"Rejoice in the Lord alway:
and again I say Rejoice.'

Remembering the threat that the Philippian believers lived under at that time, and the difficulties they encountered (Phil 1:27-30): yet Paul tells them to rejoice - ALWAY - regardless of circumstance. Knowing this, we cannot cast these words aside as being without relevance to us, for regardless of the quality of our lives, the pain we may be suffering or the sorrow felt, the words still resound:- 'rejoice alway.'

When our spirit is determinedly rejoicing, regardless of the way we feel, then negative thoughts give way to positive, and joy comes in place of sorrow, joy in our Lord and the promises that are ours in Him, by God's grace.

Praise His Name!