What is it that makes studying the original text, the authentic words so marvelous? Can studying them offer more insight and understanding into scripture? Does it offer a context that we cannot understand in only reading translations?
Then, I began to think about the times I've heard pastors pull out a Latin, Greek, or Hebrew word during a sermon. I recalled two instances.
First, I remember learning about the four types of love words in the Greek; agape, philia, eros, and storge. Only two of which are actually used in the bible.
Agape is the selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. The highest of the four types of love in the Bible. This is a Greek word that perfectly describes the kind of love Jesus Christ has for his Father and for his followers.
Philia is the close friendship or brotherly love because we are called to love one another deeply. "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10 ESV)
Eros is the physical, sensual love between a husband and wife. Although this word does not appear in the bible, we can read about this kind of love in The Song of Solomon chapter of the bible.
-Here is where we can really start to see how the different words for love can really make a difference.... #awkward
Storge is the family love. The bond among mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. This Greek word also does not appear in the bible, but it is the natural love and affection a parent has for a child and vice versa (also a Latin term).
Another instance where I heard a pastor use Greek, Hebrew, or Latin terms is when we were studying The Five Solas. These are five Latin phrases that emerged from the Protestant Reformation to summarize basic theology in contrast to certain teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.
Sola is a Latin word meaning alone or only.
The phrases are:
- Sola Fide (faith alone)
- Sola Scriptura (scriputre alone)
- Sola Christus (through Christ alone)
- Sola Gratia (grace alone)
- Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone)
I'm sure you can find more information on those if they interest you. Today, I want to focus on Deus lux Mae, God is my light. Jesus told the crowd at The Mount of Olives, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is life." (John 8:12)
Walking in the light was not a new concept for those who knew the Old Testament:
2 Samuel 22:29 For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness. (understanding)
Psalm 119:130 The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (direction)
And later in the New Testament it is very clear why we receive light:
Luke 1:78-79 Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us]. (Jesus Christ) And give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace. (holiness)
From those verses we conclude that light is understanding, discernment, comprehension, direction, Jesus Christ, and holiness. In other words, don't be troubled. Trust me, and in trusting me, trust God.