KJV uses “ghost” in two senses, for the human life force and for God’s Holy Spirit. KJV never uses “ghost” for the disembodied spirits of the dead. All 11 OT references involves the phrases “give up the ghost” (e.g., Gen 25:8; 35:29), which means to cease breathing or simply to die. This phrase occurs eight times in the NT (Matt 27:50; Acts 5:5; 12:23). The predominant NT use is for the Holy Spirit.
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DEFINITION OF THE DAY (GOVERNMENT “THE NATURE AND CALLING OF MAN”)
The fundamental truth about government in the Bible’s worldview and metanarrative is that the one triune God revealed in the Scriptures of the OT and NT is the sovereign ruler from which all authority flows. Whatever man and human governments are, they are not to be confused with god(s)-though some may make claims to that effect. On the other hand, they are not mere usurpers upon the creation. Man is the pinnacle of God’s creation. The psalmist, echoed by the writer of Hebrews in the NT, marveled poetically that God was “mindful” of man at all (Ps 8:4-6 NIV; Heb 2:6-8 KJV); but Scripture affirms human dominion over the earth (Gen 1:28-30; Psa 8:6-8; 115:16).
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Inland lake at the end of the Jordan Valley on the southeastern border of Canaan with no outlets for water it receives; known as Salt Sea, Sea of the Plain, and Eastern Sea. Its current English name was applied to it through writings after A.D. 100. It is about 50 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. The surface of the sea is 1,292 feet below the level of the Mediterranean Sea. At its deepest point the lake is 1,300 feet deep. At its most shallow, it is only 10 to 15 feet deep.
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Personal name of uncertain meaning, perhaps “island of palms,” or “where is Tamar,” or shortened form of “father of Tamar (palms).” Fourth son of Aaron the priest (Exod 6:23). After the death of Nadab and Abihu, Ithamar and his surviving brother Eleazar rose to prominence. During the wilderness years Ithamar apparently was in charge of all the Levites (Exod 38:21).
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Enigmatic or puzzling statement, often based on the clever use of the ambiguities of language. The classic biblical example of a riddle is that posed by Samson to the Philistines. This riddle is in poetic form (judg 14:12-12), and the question, “What is it?” is implied. The Philistines’ reply is in the form of another riddle (v 18a) whose original answer was probably “love.” Samson’s retort may reflect yet another commonly known, and rather risque’ riddle (v 18b).
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General term for the edible seed of cultivated grasses. Common grains in the biblical world included wheat (Gen 30:14), spelt or emmer (REB vetches) (Exod 9:32), barley (Exod 9:31), and millet (Ezek 4:9). The KJV normally renders grain as corn, which does not mean “maize” (as in American usage), but any grain.
DEFINITION OF THE DAY (HELPMEET)
KJV term for woman as a helper precisely adapted to man (Gen 2:18). Modern translations supply various equivalents: help suitable for him (NASB, NIV); help as his partner (NRSV); a suitable companion for him (TEV). The noun translated “help” or “partner” does not suggest subordination. Elsewhere the term is used of God as Help (1 Chorn 12:18; Psa 30:10; 54:4; 121:1)
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The NT distinguishes between demonic possession and physical disease. Matthew 4:24 states that Jesus healed “all those who were afflicted, those suffering form various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics” (HCSB). Thus the theory that demonic possession should be equated with epilepsy or any other neurotic ailment is weak. Some of the demons made assertions of Christ’s divinity when the disciples did not show such recognition. Mental or physical illness would not impart this type of knowledge (Mark 5:13; Luke 4:33-35; 8:29-33).
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The front of the person’s head. In the Bible several words are translated as “face.” In the OT panim is the most common and has the actual meaning of “face.” Aph (nose) and ayin (eyes, aspect) are also at times translated as face. In the NT the words used are opsis and prosopon.
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Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been many attempts to communicate coherently what the Bible teaches about the identity of God. Inevitably, some of these attempts have been woefully inadequate, erring in ways that result in a mony to His triune identity.
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