Hasten, not Study, to Show yourself Approved

'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.

'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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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.

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

'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.

Are you trying to argue based on KJV infallibility.

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.