Hasten, not Study, to Show yourself Approved

[presidente]

'Study' comes from an old French word that has to do with applying diligence or being zealous.

Paul actually told Timothy to hasten to show himself approved. When people read this in the KJV, they reinterpret 'study' from 1611 English to mean what it means in Late Modern English, to read and engage in academic learning. But if you look it up, there is a Greek word there that means hurry up or hasten.

This is a pretty good example of how misunderstanding Early Modern English has led to an inaccurate understanding of a passage.

Is there any other good passage that encourages either church ministers or Christians to study the Bible that you would like to share.

 

[John146]

'Study' comes from an old French word that has to do with applying diligence or being zealous.

Paul actually told Timothy to hasten to show himself approved. When people read this in the KJV, they reinterpret 'study' from 1611 English to mean what it means in Late Modern English, to read and engage in academic learning. But if you look it up, there is a Greek word there that means hurry up or hasten.

This is a pretty good example of how misunderstanding Early Modern English has led to an inaccurate understanding of a passage.

Is there any other good passage that encourages either church ministers or Christians to study the Bible that you would like to share.

The first mention of the word "study" gives us the meaning that stays true throughout the KJV.

Ecclesisastes 12:
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

 

[Aaron56]

'Study' comes from an old French word that has to do with applying diligence or being zealous.

Paul actually told Timothy to hasten to show himself approved. When people read this in the KJV, they reinterpret 'study' from 1611 English to mean what it means in Late Modern English, to read and engage in academic learning. But if you look it up, there is a Greek word there that means hurry up or hasten.

This is a pretty good example of how misunderstanding Early Modern English has led to an inaccurate understanding of a passage.

Is there any other good passage that encourages either church ministers or Christians to study the Bible that you would like to share.

I actually touched on this in an early post.

"Study" should be understood as "He was a study in patience" not as "He studied the book until he memorized it".
Paul is telling Timothy to be the reality of the message he preaches. This is how Tim showed others he was authentic.

As an aside, if you really want to win a debate, quote this scripture with the KJV version of the word "show". "Study to shew thyself approved!" Anyone who disagreed with you will immediately apologize and retract their dissenting statements. 60% of the time, it works all the time.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Paul actually told Timothy to hasten to show himself approved. When people read this in the KJV, they reinterpret 'study' from 1611 English to mean what it means in Late Modern English, to read and engage in academic learning. But if you look it up, there is a Greek word there that means hurry up or hasten.

That Greek word is spoudazo. Actually it is perfectly logical and fitting to understand "study" as study. What is the purpose? "Rightly dividing the Word of Truth". You cannot rightly interpret Scripture without serious and diligent study. That's where the "workman" part comes in. It is by hard and diligent labor that the Bible should be studied. The KJV translates Strong's G4704 [spoudazo] in the following manner: endeavour (3x), do diligence (2x), be diligent (2x), give diligence (1x), be forward (1x), labour (1x), study (1x). And of course "hasten" is applicable in that one needs to make Bible study a top imperative. In fact the lexicons include both meanings (hasten and exert oneself).

 

[presidente]

That Greek word is spoudazo. Actually it is perfectly logical and fitting to understand "study" as study. What is the purpose? "Rightly dividing the Word of Truth". You cannot rightly interpret Scripture without serious and diligent study. That's where the "workman" part comes in. It is by hard and diligent labor that the Bible should be studied. The KJV translates Strong's G4704 [spoudazo] in the following manner: endeavour (3x), do diligence (2x), be diligent (2x), give diligence (1x), be forward (1x), labour (1x), study (1x). And of course "hasten" is applicable in that one needs to make Bible study a top imperative. In fact the lexicons include both meanings (hasten and exert oneself).

Are you trying to argue based on KJV infallibility.

Even if one holds to that silly theory, 'study' in KJV English did not mean the same thing as 'study' in Late Modern English, which we speak.

I suppose studying in the modern sense could be a way of hastening to show himself approved. One might apply that to reading scripture, but that is not what the word in the verse means.

 

[presidente]

I actually touched on this in an early post.

"Study" should be understood as "He was a study in patience" not as "He studied the book until he memorized it".
Paul is telling Timothy to be the reality of the message he preaches. This is how Tim showed others he was authentic.

As an aside, if you really want to win a debate, quote this scripture with the KJV version of the word "show". "Study to shew thyself approved!" Anyone who disagreed with you will immediately apologize and retract their dissenting statements. 60% of the time, it works all the time.

You mean with KJV-onlyists, apologizing for saying 'show' instead of 'shew'?

 

[Aaron56]

Are you trying to argue based on KJV infallibility.

Even if one holds to that silly theory, 'study' in KJV English did not mean the same thing as 'study' in Late Modern English, which we speak.

I suppose studying in the modern sense could be a way of hastening to show himself approved. One might apply that to reading scripture, but that is not what the word in the verse means.

I'm not a KJV -onlyist.

Just supporting what you had written. The verse you quoted does NOT mean "Study the Bible to show that God likes you" which is how it is often presented.

Yeah, they love that verse, and use it as their bullwhip. Also, The "Word of Truth" would have also included what the Lord was speaking to them in the moment, not just what was written.

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

The first mention of the word "study" gives us the meaning that stays true throughout the KJV.

Ecclesisastes 12:
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

from the Hebrew, which came first:

12 And more than they, my son, beware; making many books has no end, and studying much is a weariness of the flesh.
יבוְיֹתֵ֥ר מֵהֵ֖מָּה בְּנִ֣י הִזָּהֵ֑ר עֲשׂ֨וֹת סְפָרִ֤ים הַרְבֵּה֙ אֵ֣ין קֵ֔ץ וְלַ֥הַג הַרְבֵּ֖ה יְגִעַ֥ת בָּשָֽׂר:

 

[selahsays]

Um, how can one know God’s Word without studying it?

 

[Cameron143]

Um, how can one know God’s Word without studying it?

Reading some recent posts, one way seems to be to just make things up.

 

[Aaron56]

Um, how can one know God’s Word without studying it?

That's not really the point of the OP. He's not advocating not studying the Bible.

Another question might be: How can people study the word so much and still not know God?

As an aside, Isn't it interesting that faith comes by hearing the word and not reading it?

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This is the type of hearing that requires a spiritual exchange. Many have heard the gospel, few have followed.

 

[maxwel]

That Greek word is spoudazo. Actually it is perfectly logical and fitting to understand "study" as study. What is the purpose? "Rightly dividing the Word of Truth". You cannot rightly interpret Scripture without serious and diligent study. That's where the "workman" part comes in. It is by hard and diligent labor that the Bible should be studied. The KJV translates Strong's G4704 [spoudazo] in the following manner: endeavour (3x), do diligence (2x), be diligent (2x), give diligence (1x), be forward (1x), labour (1x), study (1x). And of course "hasten" is applicable in that one needs to make Bible study a top imperative. In fact the lexicons include both meanings (hasten and exert oneself).

I would agree with Nehemiah that the concept of studying does seem to be implied in the passage.
It seems to be implied in the later portion of the verse, regardless of our interpretation of spoudazo.

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[maxwel]

Is there any other good passage that encourages either church ministers or Christians to study the Bible that you would like to share.

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

I think most pastors would view this verse as showing that study of scripture is both a calling and commitment of those in Church leadership.

Even though study isn't mentioned explicitly, it seems to be implied, because study is generally understood as a necessary and ongoing antecedent to the ministry of the word.

(You could also parse it a different way. You say "ministry of the word" would automatically contain any sub-categories required to do ministry. And since study is a necessary sub-category, it would automatically be included.)


Anyway, most would think study is implied in this verse.





Have a great weekend everyone.


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[Dino246]

The first mention of the word "study" gives us the meaning that stays true throughout the KJV.

The ‘doctrine of first mention’ is not a sound hermeneutical method. It’s promoted mainly within KJV-only circles.

 

[John146]

The ‘doctrine of first mention’ is not a sound hermeneutical method. It’s promoted mainly within KJV-only circles.

Yet, it is true whether you believe it or not. God knew what he was doing as he brought his preserved word to completion.

 

[BeeBlessed]

This passage alone is enough for me to want to study—although there are many more. Here, Paul is speaking to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:15-17
… from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Also, knowing God’s promises fill me with hope and comfort in everyday life.

 

[BeeBlessed]

Just seems to me that if we’re in love with Jesus, we would want to hear His story, which is woven throughout the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

'Study' comes from an old French word that has to do with applying diligence or being zealous.

Paul actually told Timothy to hasten to show himself approved. When people read this in the KJV, they reinterpret 'study' from 1611 English to mean what it means in Late Modern English, to read and engage in academic learning. But if you look it up, there is a Greek word there that means hurry up or hasten.

This is a pretty good example of how misunderstanding Early Modern English has led to an inaccurate understanding of a passage.

Is there any other good passage that encourages either church ministers or Christians to study the Bible that you would like to share.

your post sounds a bit like this mind of a disciple of Jesus

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:8-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Nehemiah6]

Are you trying to argue based on KJV infallibility.

No I am trying to explain to you that study fits perfectly with rightly dividing the Word of Truth. How could you correctly interpret Scripture without diligent study? And one should not discount the fact that God was leading and guiding the KJB translators to produce an excellent translation, which would surpass all the English translators which had been made earlier. . People need to dig deeper into the character and scholarship of those men.

 

[presidente]

This passage alone is enough for me to want to study—although there are many more. Here, Paul is speaking to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:15-17
… from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Also, knowing God’s promises fill me with hope and comfort in everyday life.

The word translated 'study' there still does not mean 'study', neither does 'study' in KJV English.