Word usage in Modern Scripture

[Webster]

Can anyone think of words found in our modern scripture (i.e., triple combination) which do not follow established usage?

I can think of a few examples: D&C 97:21 says that Zion is the Pure in Heart (traditional usage would say it's the name of a place or an ideal). D&C 64:23-25 uses the word Today to describe the period of time until the second coming (but it seems clear that the Lord is intentionally redefining it). There's also the idea of Light which seems to be describing a spiritual phenomena or power, rather than the usual physical illumination meaning, although spiritual Light certainly is related to the idea of spiritual illumination and may have some properties that are similar to physical light.

My examples above seem to be where the Lord has used an existing word that's similar to what He's trying to describe, then tweaking it to fit His particular meaning. Do you have any other examples of redefinitions from the scriptures? Are there any words that the Lord has used in a completely new manner without redefining them?

I'd be interested to hear others' ideas on this.

[Webster]

More info on the word Light: I looked up the word Light in the 1828 Dictionary to see if our usage was truly unique. It said that Light can refer to God (1 John 1 - God is light) or Chirst (1 John - paraphrase: Christ is the light that lighteth every man that enters the world). Our D&C 93 is also information that comes from John and that's were we get some very interesting "Mormon" material about the meaning of Light. The word Light may not be a completely new usage by our church, since it appears briefly in the New Testament, and our revelations have basically taken that idea and expanded on it. (Light of Christ)

[Vanhin]

Telestial

This word pretty much only used in Mormonism. The revelations of Joseph Smith introduced this word to the world.

Regards,
Vanhin

[Webster]

That's a good example of a new word. I was thinking more along the lines of existing words that were given new or expanded meanings.

I think I read something once that said that the Greek word 'telos' means 'end', and I think the JST in 1 Cor. 15 says something about, "then cometh the end" in reference to the last resurrection (which would be those who are telestial) so there may me a connection there.

Any other examples?

[lydlou]

i cant think of any examples off the top of my head, but it seems like everytime i open the BOM thers a word being used funny.

[ConnieM]

This is interesting. I'm German and I cannot contribute something now... But I love to read more about it!

[Webster]

Here's something just for ConnieM:

In the German translation of the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Moses, the word "agency" was translated as "entscheidungsfreiheit" (freedom of choice) in one place and "selbständigkeit" (independence) in four other places. But in the English dictionary the definition for the word Agency has nothing to do with independence or freedom or choice/choose.

[ozzy]

I was once told in a zone conference by Dallin H Oaks that the Korean language has no word for 'brother'. It must be either older or younger brother. As such, we can determine whether the brother of jared was older or younger than jared.

Just a fun thought.

[ConnieM]

Originally Posted by Webster

Here's something just for ConnieM:

In the German translation of the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Moses, the word "agency" was translated as "entscheidungsfreiheit" (freedom of choice) in one place and "selbständigkeit" (independence) in four other places. But in the English dictionary the definition for the word Agency has nothing to do with independence or freedom or choice/choose.

You're right. It gives me only German words that would not have anything to do with free agency as mentioned in the scriptures.

When I looked up "Agency" in a dictionary this is the result:

1. (noun) agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office, authority
an administrative unit of government

2. (noun) agency
a business that serves other businesses

3. (noun) agency
the state of being in action or exerting power

4. (noun) representation, delegacy, agency
the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent

5. (noun) means, agency, way
how a result is obtained or an end is achieved

This shows that agency covers at least these 5 meanings and in the German language these different meanings have their own words. 1=Behörde, 2=Agentur, 3=? no equivalent, 4=Vertretung, 5=Wirkung oder Hilfe.

Do you think that one of these definitions helps to understand the word agency in relation with the gospel? Or would you say that the use of the word agency found somewhat a new definition in the church?

Because most of the translations in the German dictionary list words meantioned above but not one that can be truly meant in Doctrine and Covenants.

And... the word agency developed from the latin word agere, agentis meaning to act. Well... Selbständigkeit (synonyms would be for example: Unabhängigkeit = independence, and Selbstverwaltung=self-government) literally means that someone is able to stand by himself = selbst stehen. And developed into a meaning that refers to someone who can do something by himself and does not need help.
Entscheidungsfreiheit can be translated into English as freedom of decision-making. In many German dictionaries you cannot find it! In German we often put some nouns together to describe something if we lack a word for it. So in this case it could be that there was no true equivalent to agency and that's why they came up with this...

[HiJolly]

D&C 19:
4 And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.
5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.

6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment.

7 Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory.


8 Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles.

9 I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.

10 For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore—

11 Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.

12 Endless punishment is God’s punishment.

So. Eternal, and Endless as words for God Himself.


HiJolly