original text of the Bible was not written in English. The various translations
make an attempt to provide meaningful translations into the meaning of the languages
use to write the Scriptures. Even after many years and translations many words
in the scripture are limited by connotation and denotations of the English words
(or of the languages) into which the scripture is translated.
these words that I have just accepted at face value is found in the passage of
2 Timothy 3:16. It is the word “Reproof.” I believed I understood the English connotation
of the word. For years I have been reproved by many people. I have honestly experienced
“reproof.” From this experience every time I read this passage I place my
experience on this word. But just the other day I was listening to my pastor
Chuck Lawrence preach and he used this passage and referenced this word. He
mentioned that scripture is given to prove to use who we really are.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16Chuck’s message I was running the video recording and live stream but the Lord
began to confirm in my spirit this concept. When I had the opportunity, I began
to research the Greek word uses in this passage. To my surprise the word did
not mean what I thought it meant. All the years I had seen this passage, memorized
and quoted this passage, I saw only correction. I always wondered why this
passage seemed to be redundant, by stating reproof and corrections. In my mind
they were the same thing, until I looked closer.
The Greek word used in this passage that is translated as “reproof”
is the word elegchos. This word is defined as a proof or a test. The original connotation
of this word was that of “inner conviction.” The English word “Proof” means
evidence or argument or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement.
When this word was translated from the Greek to the English in the King James
version of the Bible it is hard to determine what the motivation was for using
the word “reproof.” The word “reproof” in todays terms appears to have its
roots from the old French word “reprover” which means to shame or scorn. Although
these connotations exist it does not truly grasp the context of the Greek word used in this passage.
On the other hand, if someone looks at the Greek word elegchos
as an inner conviction, it would be easy to assume the passage is referring to
the ability of the Word of God to reaffirm this inner conviction. In essence to
re-prove to us who we really are in Christ.
