Tag: born

Matthew 2:2 – Worship The True King

Posted on by Will

saying, "Where is He who was born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and came to worship Him."

Truth to Learn

On this Christmas Day, let’s truly worship the true King.

 

Behind the Words

“Was born” is translated from the verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth a child.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. In Greek, participles are among the trickiest verb forms to translate. Literally, the word here means “having been born.” However, it could also be translated as “was born” or “has been born.”

The word translated “King” is basileus, which is probably from basis, meaning “a base or foundation.” Therefore, basileus most likely refers to a “foundation of power.” It is most often translated as “king” or “monarch.”

“Star” is from the Greek word astera (from which we get our English word asteroid), which refers to any shining heavenly body.

The word “East” is translated from anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, meaning “to rise.” Therefore, anatolē refers to “the rising,” or the direction from which the sun rises.

“Worship” is translated from the Greek verb proskuneō. This is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kuneō, meaning “to adore” or “to kiss,” like a dog licking its master’s hand. This is different from the normal word for kiss, which is phileō. Thus, proskuneō carries the notion of kneeling or bowing down before someone as an act of homage, adoration, or worship.

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the magi had come to Jerusalem seeking the one who had been born King of the Jews. They had come, probably because of a prophecy that had been handed down from Daniel the Jewish prophet (who was raised in Babylon and had become the chief among the wise men of that time). They were also astrologers who studied the stars and based their belief of the new born king on the unusual character of the star they observed. It appears that they had come to the city of Jerusalem and started inquiring among the people there, expecting that all the people would have known about the birth of this king.

When Herod heard about these inquisitive magi and the questions they were asking, he gathered all the religious leaders together and asked them where the Christ (the Messiah) was prophesied to be born. Upon learning that Bethlehem was the location foretold by Micah, he secretly called the magi to him and asked them about when they first saw the star. Then Herod informed them of the place and asked them to come back and tell him so that he could go worship the baby also. In reality, however, Herod had no intention of worshipping the Christ-child. He only wanted to know where He was so that he could kill this newest rival of his.

One thing to notice in today’s verse is that the star did not appear in the eastern sky. Rather, the magi said that the star appeared to them while they were themselves in the East. The kingdom (or kingdoms) from which they had come was east of Jerusalem. One belief is that the star appeared to them in the western part of the sky and they followed it to the land of Judea.

The Constellations Virgo and Coma

This section of today’s study is long and complex. For those of you interested in delving deeper into the stars that were studied by the Magi, read on. For those of you who aren’t really interested in such detail, skip down to “Application.” Much of what follows is taken from a manuscript entitled “Is There a Gospel in the Stars?” by Dr. Barry Setterfield.

The constellation Virgo (the virgin) is made up of nine stars, which are referred to as “the alpha star, the beta star, the gamma star, the delta star, etc.” as a listing of the stars from the brightest one to the dimmest one. Note the names of some of these stars:

  • The alpha star is Spica (Roman name), but in Hebrew it is referred to as Zerah, meaning “seed.” This is the very word used to describe Messiah to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15.
  • The beta star (Beta Virginis in most modern astronomy books), in Hebrew is referred to as Tsebiyahweh. This is an interesting name, because Tsebi means “beautiful” and Yahweh is the Hebrew word for “LORD.” Thus, the name of this star is “Beautiful LORD.”
  • The gamma star (Gamma Virginis in most modern astronomy books) has the Roman name Porrima, the Roman goddess of childbirth. However, in some very ancient star maps, this star is named Al Tzemech. In Hebrew, Tzemech means “branch.” Tzemech is the word used to describe the Messiah in Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5,6 & 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 & 6:12.
  • The epsilon star (Epsilon Virginis) is commonly called Vindemiatrix, which means “grape gatherer.” However, ancient Arabic star maps called this star Al Muridin (The One Sent Forth.) In Chinese star maps, this star was called Tsze Tseang, meaning The Second General (believed to be a reference to the second person of the Trinity).

Thus, part of the story indicated by the constellation Virgo is that Messiah, the Beautiful Branch of the LORD, the Second Person, the Sent One, was to come as the Seed of the Virgin from the nation of Israel. That is the beginning of the Gospel story.

Many of the constellations we know today have lesser constellations associated with and very close to them. These constellations are called Decans. The first Decan of Virgo is called Coma. The original Hebrew name for this Decan was Kamah or Comah, meaning “the Desired One, or Longed for One.” In the Egyptian temple of Denderah there is a Zodiac depicted. It contains a figure of a woman and child representing Virgo and Coma. The Egyptian name for Coma was Shes-nu, meaning “the Desired Son.”

Albumazar (or Abu Masher, who lived from 787 AD to 885 AD), an Arabian astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, said:

There arises in the first Decan [of Virgo], as the Persians, Chaldeans, and Egyptians … teach, a young woman, whose Persian name denotes a pure virgin sitting on a throne, nourishing an infant boy (the boy, I say) having a Hebrew name, by some nations called IHESU, with the signification IEZA, which in Greek is called CHRISTOS.”

This is all the more interesting given that Albumazar was a Muslim.

Some scholars today believe that what the Magi saw while they were in the East is an event that took place in the constellation Coma, which they knew to be a representation of the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Although some of this is speculation, I still find it very interesting, indeed!

 

Application

As we approach yet another Christmas Day, may we be as focused on the King of Kings as the magi were. They probably travelled for months, through foreign countries, for a single opportunity to worship at the feet of Jesus. For most of us it’s just a ten minute drive on Sunday morning, and even then we often have “more important” things on our mind than to bow at the feet of our Savior. That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on by Will

And the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because there was born to you today a Savior (who is Christ the Lord) in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that he would grow up and die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Afraid” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

However, the first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people.” The reason that the angel told them not to be afraid is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

 

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:3 – Son of a King

Posted on by Will

concerning His Son, who was born of the seed of David according to flesh,

Truth to Learn

Jesus, the focus of the gospel message, the Christ, the Messiah, is descended from King David.

 

Behind the Words

The words “was born” come from the Greek, “tou genomenou” which means “the one who was brought into being” or “the one who became.”

The word translated “seed” is the Greek word, “spermatos’, which is both revealing and self explanatory.

“according to flesh” comes from the Greek, “kata sarka’, which means, “with respect to that which is flesh and bone.”

 

Meaning Explained

In verses one and two, Paul talked about the good news that God promised through His prophets. But even more important than who proclaimed this message in the past is who this good news is about. In today’s verse, He tells us who this gospel is about, “His (God’s) Son.” The importance of this verse cannot be overlooked. Paul is making it very clear from the start of this epistle who the central figure is.

He now goes on to declare the pedigree of the one he is talking about. Paul says that Jesus “was born of the seed of David;” that is, Jesus Christ took on human flesh as a descendent of King David (of the sperm of David).

The expression “according to flesh” is an interesting one in that it is used of no one in the Bible except Jesus. But why is this never used to describe anyone else? Saying that he came into being with respect to flesh and bone implies that there is another aspect (another nature) of His being that is not flesh and bone that already existed. This is only true of one who existed before He became flesh and blood and that is not true of any man except Jesus, who is eternally God. He has always had His divine nature and He took upon himself a human nature.

And why is it important for Paul to establish that Jesus was a direct descendent of King David? Because the Jews have been waiting for the One who was to come and rule eternally. This One was predicted numerous times in the Old Testament, most notably in David’s instruction to his son Solomon shortly before his (David’s) death which is recorded in 1 Kings 2:1-4. In order for Jesus to be declared the Christ, the Messiah of the Old Testament, He must be a descendent of King David.

According to the nineteenth century preacher Albert Barnes, “To a Jew there could be scarcely any honor so high as to be descended from the best of their kings; and it shows how little the Lord Jesus esteemed the honors of this world, that he could always evince his deep humility in circumstances where people are usually proud; and that when he spoke of the honors of this world, and told how little they were worth, he was not denouncing what was not within his reach.”

 

Application

And yet we, who have so much less to boast about in our own lineage, find it so hard to be as humble as He who had so much about which He could have boasted!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Matthew 2:2 – Worship The True King

Posted on by Will

saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and came to worship Him."

Truth to Learn

On this Christmas Day, let’s truly worship the true King.

 

Behind the Words

“has been born” is translated from the verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth a child.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. In Greek, participles are among the trickiest verb forms to translate. Literally, the word here means “having been born.” However, it could also be translated as “was born” or “has been born.”

The word translated “King” is basileus, which is probably from basis, meaning “a base or foundation.” Therefore, basileus most likely refers to a “foundation of power.” It is most often translated as “king” or “monarch.”

“Star” is from the Greek word astera (from which we get our English word asteroid), which refers to any shining heavenly body.

The word “East” is translated from anatolē, which is from the verb anatellō, meaning “to rise.” Therefore, anatolē refers to “the rising,” or the direction from which the sun rises.

“Worship” is translated from the Greek verb proskuneō. This is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kuneō, meaning “to adore” or “to kiss,” like a dog licking its master’s hand. This is different from the normal word for kiss, which is phileō. Thus, proskuneō carries the notion of kneeling or bowing down before someone as an act of homage, adoration, or worship.

 

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned in the previous verse, the magi had come to Jerusalem seeking the one who had been born King of the Jews. They had come, probably because of a prophecy that had been handed down from Daniel the Jewish prophet (who was raised in Babylon and had become the chief among the wise men of that time). They were also astrologers who studied the stars and based their belief of the new born king on the unusual character of the star they observed. It appears that they had come to the city of Jerusalem and started inquiring among the people there, expecting that all the people would have known about the birth of this king.

When Herod heard about these inquisitive magi and the questions they were asking, he gathered all the religious leaders together and asked them where the Christ (the Messiah) was prophesied to be born. Upon learning that Bethlehem was the location foretold by Micah, he secretly called the magi to him and asked them about when they first saw the star. Then Herod informed them of the place and asked them to come back and tell him so that he could go worship the baby also. In reality, however, Herod had no intention of worshipping the Christ-child. He only wanted to know where He was so that he could kill this newest rival of his.

One thing to notice in today’s verse is that the star did not appear in the eastern sky. Rather, the magi said that the star appeared to them while they were themselves in the East. The kingdom (or kingdoms) from which they had come was east of Jerusalem. One belief is that the star appeared to them in the western part of the sky and they followed it to the land of Judea.

The Constellations Virgo and Coma

This section of today’s study is long and complex. For those of you interested in delving deeper into the stars that were studied by the Magi, read on. For those of you who aren’t really interested in such detail, skip down to “Application.” Much of what follows is taken from a manuscript entitled “Is There a Gospel in the Stars?” by Dr. Barry Setterfield.

The constellation Virgo (the virgin) is made up of nine stars, which are referred to as “the alpha star, the beta star, the gamma star, the delta star, etc.” as a listing of the stars from the brightest one to the dimmest one. Note the names of some of these stars:

  • The alpha star is Spica (Roman name), but in Hebrew it is referred to as Zerah, meaning “seed.” This is the very word used to describe Messiah to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15.
  • The beta star (Beta Virginis in most modern astronomy books), in Hebrew is referred to as Tsebiyahweh. This is an interesting name, because Tsebi means “beautiful” and Yahweh is the Hebrew word for “LORD.” Thus, the name of this star is “Beautiful LORD.”
  • The gamma star (Gamma Virginis in most modern astronomy books) has the Roman name Porrima, the Roman goddess of childbirth. However, in some very ancient star maps, this star is named Al Tzemech. In Hebrew, Tzemech means “branch.” Tzemech is the word used to describe the Messiah in Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5,6 & 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 & 6:12.
  • The epsilon star (Epsilon Virginis) is commonly called Vindemiatrix, which means “grape gatherer.” However, ancient Arabic star maps called this star Al Muridin (The One Sent Forth.) In Chinese star maps, this star was called Tsze Tseang, meaning The Second General (believed to be a reference to the second person of the Trinity).

Thus, part of the story indicated by the constellation Virgo is that Messiah, the Beautiful Branch of the LORD, the Second Person, the Sent One, was to come as the Seed of the Virgin from the nation of Israel. That is the beginning of the Gospel story.

Many of the constellations we know today have lesser constellations associated with and very close to them. These constellations are called Decans. The first Decan of Virgo is called Coma. The original Hebrew name for this Decan was Kamah or Comah, meaning “the Desired One, or Longed for One.” In the Egyptian temple of Denderah there is a Zodiac depicted. It contains a figure of a woman and child representing Virgo and Coma. The Egyptian name for Coma was Shes-nu, meaning “the Desired Son.”

Albumazar (or Abu Masher, who lived from 787 AD to 885 AD), an Arabian astronomer to the Caliphs of Grenada, said:

There arises in the first Decan [of Virgo], as the Persians, Chaldeans, and Egyptians … teach, a young woman, whose Persian name denotes a pure virgin sitting on a throne, nourishing an infant boy (the boy, I say) having a Hebrew name, by some nations called IHESU, with the signification IEZA, which in Greek is called CHRISTOS.”

This is all the more interesting given that Albumazar was a Muslim.

Some scholars today believe that what the Magi saw while they were in the East is an event that took place in the constellation Coma, which they knew to be a representation of the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Although some of this is speculation, I still find it very interesting, indeed!

 

Application

As we approach yet another Christmas Day, may we be as focused on the King of Kings as the magi were. They probably travelled for months, through foreign countries, for a single opportunity to worship at the feet of Jesus. For most of us it’s just a ten minute drive on Sunday morning, and even then we often have “more important” things on our mind than to bow at the feet of our Savior. That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on by Will

And the angel said to them, Do not fear. Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that He could die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Fear” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

The first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all the people.” The reason that the angel told them not to fear is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

 

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 1:3 – Son of a King

Posted on by admin

Romans 1:3

concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Truth to Learn

Jesus, the focus of the gospel message, the Christ, the Messiah, is descended from King David.

Behind the Words

The words “was born” come from the Greek, “tou genomenou” which means “the one who was brought into being” or “the one who became.”

The word translated “seed” is the Greek word, “spermatos’, which is both revealing and self explanatory.

“according to the flesh” comes from the Greek, “kata sarka’, which means, “with respect to that which is flesh and bone.”

Meaning Explained

In verses one and two, Paul talked about the good news that God promised through His prophets. But even more important than who proclaimed this message in the past is who this good news is about. In today’s verse, He tells us who this gospel is about, “His (God’s) Son, Jesus Christ.” The importance of this verse cannot be overlooked. Paul is making it very clear from the start of this epistle who the central figure is.

He now goes on to declare the pedigree of the one he is talking about. Paul says that Jesus “was born of the seed of David;” that is, Jesus Christ took on human flesh as a descendent of King David (of the sperm of David).

The expression “according to the flesh” is an interesting one in that it is used of no one in the Bible except Jesus. But why is this never used to describe anyone else? Saying that he came into being with respect to flesh and bone implies that there is another aspect (another nature) of His being that is not flesh and bone that already existed. This is only true of one who existed before He became flesh and blood and that is not true of any man except Jesus, who is eternally God. He has always had His divine nature and He took upon himself a human nature.

And why is it important for Paul to establish that Jesus was a direct descendent of King David? Because the Jews have been waiting for the One who was to come and rule eternally. This One was predicted numerous times in the Old Testament, most notably in David’s instruction to his son Solomon shortly before his (David’s) death which is recorded in 1 Kings 2:1-4. In order for Jesus to be declared the Christ, the Messiah of the Old Testament, He must be a descendent of King David.

According to the nineteenth century preacher Albert Barnes, “To a Jew there could be scarcely any honor so high as to be descended from the best of their kings; and it shows how little the Lord Jesus esteemed the honors of this world, that he could always evince his deep humility in circumstances where people are usually proud; and that when he spoke of the honors of this world, and told how little they were worth, he was not denouncing what was not within his reach.”

Application

And yet we, who have so much less to boast about in our own lineage, find it so hard to be as humble as He who had so much about which He could have boasted!

That’s something to think about!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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