- *G4762 *22 στρέφω (stref'-o) : strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).
- στραφεις *11
- Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, ...
- Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind ...
- Luke 7:9 ... he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed ...
- Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, ...
- Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, ...
- Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: ...
- Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, ...
- Luke 14:25 ... with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
- Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And ...
- Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, ...
- John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them ...
- εστρεψεν *2
- Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that ...
- Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them ...
- στρεψον
- Matthew 5:39 ... thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- στραφεντες
- Matthew 7:6 ... their feet, and turn again and rend you.
- στραφητε
- Matthew 18:3 ... I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as ...
- στραφωσιν
- John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their ...
- εστραφη
- John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw ...
- στραφεισα
- John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; ...
- εστραφησαν
- Acts 7:39 ... in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
- στρεφομεθα
- Acts 13:46 ... of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
- στρεφειν
- Revelation 11:6 ... power over waters to turn them to blood, ...
6. Staphylococcus
A group of bacteria is called
staphylococcus of which there are more than 30 types. The word
staphylococcus was coined by Scottish surgeon and bacteriologist Alexander Ogston (1844-1929) in 1880, following the pattern of
streptococcus, and comes from two
ancient Greek words.
"σταφυλή" ≈ "bunch of grapes"
"κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed"
This could be a
"grain" or
"seed" of the "
mustard plant".
7. Christ and sigma
Unlike the upper case sigma "
Σ", the lower case sigma is written differently if it is at the end of a word, as "
ς" or not at the end of a word as "
σ".
ΧΡΙΣΤΌΣ = χριστός
Hebrew has a number of such letters where a different shape is used at the end of a word. Greek has only one, the
sigma.
8. Coptic cross
Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦: Jesus
Ⲡⲭ︦ⲥ︦: Christ
Ⲡ̀ϣⲏⲣⲓ: Son
Ⲙ̀̀ⲫϯ: of God
The words with bars above them are abbreviations.
| Greek |
Coptic |
Abbreviation |
meaning |
| ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ |
ⲬⲢⲒⲤⲦⲞⲤ |
Ⲭ︦Ⲥ︦ |
Christ |
| Ο ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ |
ⲠⲒⲬⲢⲒⲤⲦⲞⲤ |
Ⲡ︦Ⲭ︦Ⲥ︦ |
(the) Christ |
| ΙΗΣΟΥΣ |
Ⲓⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ |
Ⲓⲏ︦ⲥ︦ |
Jesus |
| Σ |
Ⲥ |
|
S |
9. Matthew 26:28 Red letter Bible
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [kjv]
τουτο γαρ εστιν το αιμα μου της διαθηκης το περι πολλων εκχυννομενον εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων [gnt]
The first red letter New Testament was published in 1898. A red letter Bible followed a few years later - based on selected theological ideas (i.e., appearances of Jesus in the Old Testament). The inspiration for the red letter Bible comes from Luke 22:20.
10. Matthew 24:48-49 Hit me with your best shot
Matthew 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; [kjv]
24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; [kjv]
και αρξηται τυπτειν τους συνδουλους αυτου εσθιη δε και πινη μετα των μεθυοντων [gnt]
Here is one way to take these verses
figuratively in a sense of
"type" as used by Paul, Barnabas, etc.
The "evil" or "bad" "servant" is a "bird" or false leader.
A "type" is a metaphor of something of more significance.
The "bird" will "type" the followers with bad example after bad example to deceive the followers.
If you do not like this figurative meaning of "
type" as "
smite", at least I tried to "
hit" you with my best "
shot", to "
clobber" you with "
logic", but you took it as a "
slap" in the "
face", and were not "
smitten" by the analogy.
11. Matthew 21:12-14 House of prayer
Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [kjv]
και εισηλθεν ιησους εις το ιερον και εξεβαλεν παντας τους πωλουντας και αγοραζοντας εν τω ιερω και τας τραπεζας των κολλυβιστων κατεστρεψεν και τας καθεδρας των πωλουντων τας περιστερας [gnt]
21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτοις γεγραπται ο οικος μου οικος προσευχης κληθησεται υμεις δε αυτον ποιειτε σπηλαιον ληστων [gnt]
21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. [kjv]
In the
GNT, Jesus uses both words for
"thieves" and words for
"robbers".
The Greek word translated as
"thieves" (using
deception) is that of
"robbers" (using
force).
[Luke, Mark, Isaiah, guesses as to why Jesus was mad]
12. Matthew 21:13 Den of thieves
Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτοις γεγραπται ο οικος μου οικος προσευχης κληθησεται υμεις δε αυτον ποιειτε σπηλαιον ληστων [gnt]
Jesus said, "
My house shall be called the house of prayer, but you have made it ..." (check all that apply.)
☐ A den (cave) of
thieves.
☐ A den (cave) of
robbers.
☐ A coffee shop and bookstore.
☐ A basketball and volleyball court.
☐ A platform for social and political change.
☐ A place for "
cultural diversity" (even if it goes against God's laws).
☐ A yoke of compulsion (e.g., church as a tax collector)
☐ ... (add your own ideas here) ...
Discuss: Are these valid comparisons?
13. Abstract ideas to concrete measures
One cannot easily measure what is abstract. Thus, converting abstract ideas to concrete measures helps insure compliance with ideas and determine who it is who is "
great" or "
greater".
"ἑτερόδοξος" ≈ "heterodox" from "ἕτερος" ≈ "other - different" and "δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
"ὀρθόδοξος" ≈ "orthodox" from "ὀρθός" ≈ "straight, upright, erect" and "δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
"glory" from the Latin word "gloria" ≈ "renown, fame, honor" and used to translate "δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
"δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation" as an abstract inward idea.
"ἔπαινος" ≈ "approval, praise" as a concrete outward expression.
What does it mean for a pastor to preach that "
God will not share his glory with anyone"?
What does it mean for the music leader to say, before a worship song, "
Let's all get up and give our glory to God."?
14. Psalms 91:5 Fear of fear
15. Psalms 91:5
KJV: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Hebrew: לא תירא מפחד לילה מחץ יעוף יומם׃
Greek: ου φοβηθηση απο φοβου νυκτερινου απο βελους πετομενου ημερας
16. Bats
Leviticus 11:19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. [kjv]
και γλαυκα και ερωδιον και χαραδριον και τα ομοια αυτω και εποπα και νυκτεριδα [lxx]
Deuteronomy 14:18 And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. [kjv]
και πελεκανα και χαραδριον και τα ομοια αυτω και πορφυριωνα και νυκτεριδα [lxx]
The "
bat" (small flying mammal) is mentioned
two times in the
LXX (Septuagint).
The
LXX lists several types of flying creatures whereas the
KJV (King James Version), based on the Hebrew, has different bird names.
The ancient Greek word
"χαραδριός" ≈ "bird", probably a crane (or heron). Folk etymology connects this bird with
"χαράδρα" ≈ "dry bed of a river".
The ancient Greek word
"κρίζω" ≈ "creak, screech" and is onomatopoeic.
17. Glaucoma
Leviticus 11:16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, [kjv]
και στρουθον και γλαυκα και λαρον και τα ομοια αυτω και ιερακα και τα ομοια αυτω [lxx]
Deuteronomy 14:15 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, [kjv]
και στρουθον και γλαυκα και λαρον [lxx]
The ancient Greek word
"γλαῦξ" ≈ "owl", appearing on some ancient Greek coins. The word is sometimes translated as "
stork" in the
KJV. The
modern Greek word
"γλαύκα" (GHLAV-ka) ≈ "owl". The last part of Deuteronomy 14:15 is
not in the
LXX.
A related word may be the English word
"glaucoma" which comes from the ancient Greek word
"γλαύκωμα" ≈ "cataract (in the eye)" and comes from
"γλαυκός" ≈ "gleaming, bright, blue-green or blue-gray, eye color".
18. Leviticus 11:16
KJV: And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Hebrew: ואת בת היענה ואת התחמס ואת השחף ואת הנץ למינהו׃
Greek: και στρουθον και γλαυκα και λαρον και τα ομοια αυτω και ιερακα και τα ομοια αυτω
19. Deuteronomy 14:15
KJV: And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Hebrew: ואת בת היענה ואת התחמס ואת השחף ואת הנץ למינהו׃
Greek: και στρουθον και γλαυκα και λαρον
20. Leviticus 11:19
KJV: And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
Hebrew: ואת החסידה האנפה למינה ואת הדוכיפת ואת העטלף׃
Greek: και γλαυκα και ερωδιον και χαραδριον και τα ομοια αυτω και εποπα και νυκτεριδα
21. Deuteronomy 14:18
KJV: And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
Hebrew: והחסידה והאנפה למינה והדוכיפת והעטלף׃
Greek: και πελεκανα και χαραδριον και τα ομοια αυτω και πορφυριωνα και νυκτεριδα
22. Isaiah 2:20
Isaiah 2:20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; [kjv]
τη γαρ ημερα εκεινη εκβαλει ανθρωπος τα βδελυγματα αυτου τα αργυρα και τα χρυσα α εποιησαν προσκυνειν τοις ματαιοις και ταις νυκτερισιν [lxx]
For in that day a man shall cast forth his silver and gold abominations, which they made in order to worship vanities and bats; [bs3]
The second "
idols" is
not in the
LXX.
Rather than "
moles", the
LXX uses
"ματαιοις" ≈ "vain, futile, empty, worthless".
23. Isaiah 2:20
KJV: In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
Hebrew: ביום ההוא ישליך האדם את אלילי כספו ואת אלילי זהבו אשר עשו לו להשתחות לחפר פרות ולעטלפים׃
Greek: τη γαρ ημερα εκεινη εκβαλει ανθρωπος τα βδελυγματα αυτου τα αργυρα και τα χρυσα α εποιησαν προσκυνειν τοις ματαιοις και ταις νυκτερισιν
Brenton: For in that day a man shall cast forth his silver and gold abominations, which they made in order to worship vanities and bats;
24. Matthew 13:28 Nightmare
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [kjv]
ο δε εφη αυτοις εχθρος ανθρωπος τουτο εποιησεν οι δε αυτω λεγουσιν θελεις ουν απελθοντες συλλεξωμεν αυτα [gnt]
"ἔφη" ≈ "he said" (affirming or denying something).
"αὐτοῖς" ≈ "to them".
"ἐφιάλτης" ≈ "nightmare"
The ancient Greek word
"ἐφιάλτης" ≈ "nightmare", not in the
GNT or
LXX, relates to a
"throttling demon".
The ancient Greek word
"συλλέγω" ≈ "(together) gather, collect" and, literally,
"arrange together". This word is used only by Jesus in the
GNT and is not used in a good sense (for those involved).
25. Similar phrasing
This same phrase appears in three other places as
connecting commentary.
Matthew 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. [kjv]
και αποκριθεντες τω ιησου ειπαν ουκ οιδαμεν εφη αυτοις και αυτος ουδε εγω λεγω υμιν εν ποια εξουσια ταυτα ποιω [gnt]
Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. [kjv]
ο δε εφη αυτοις ηλιας μεν ελθων πρωτον αποκατιστανει παντα και πως γεγραπται επι τον υιον του ανθρωπου ινα πολλα παθη και εξουδενηθη [gnt]
12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? [kjv]
εφη αυτοις ο ιησους ου δια τουτο πλανασθε μη ειδοτες τας γραφας μηδε την δυναμιν του θεου [gnt]
26. James 2:15 Newspaper
27. James 2:15 Essential attributes
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [kjv]
εαν αδελφος η αδελφη γυμνοι υπαρχωσιν και λειπομενοι της εφημερου τροφης [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ὑπάρχωσιν" ≈ "begin, take initiative, come into being" (third person plural present active subjunctive) of
"ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take initiative, come into being".
The
KJV translates this word as "
is".
The noun form is that of "
essential attributes". Most translations translate this word as "
goods" or "
possessions" and one is to "
sell" these and give (something) to the "
beggars" (for the Good News) or, "
poor".
28. Matthew 19:18-21 Existence of essential attributes
The ancient Greek word
"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" is an inflection of
"ὑπάρχων" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" which comes from
"ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" and comes from two Greek words.
"υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-".
"ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".
As a
noun (participle), Aristotle uses this word many times. The usual translations is that of an
"essential attribute". This
abstract idea might be expressed in English as
"have the goods" on someone. In
context, it can be a
concrete entity.
The
GNT appears to translate this word as a
concrete "goods" and not as a more
abstract idea of
"essential attributes", which can have a
physical manifestation.
29. Matthew 13:53 Probable parable
Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. [kjv]
και εγενετο οτε ετελεσεν ο ιησους τας παραβολας ταυτας μετηρεν εκειθεν [gnt]
The
modern Greek word
"παραβολή" (pa-ra-vo-LEE) ≈ "parable, parabola (math)" as influenced by theologians interpretation of what Jesus said.
Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, the path to the Kingdom of Heaven lies at y=x2+4x+2".
Do you get the point Jesus is equating? This probable parabola parable did not make it into the Bible. Jesus would not be a line to you. Jesus was in love with the shape of U.
What do you feed a baby parabola?
Quadratic formula. When older, to come full circle, it can have humble pi (for a transcendental experience).
30. Pastor Appreciation Mug
 |
Pastor Appreciation Gift Pastor Gifts Funny Pastor Mug Worst Pastor Ever Best Pastor Ever Pastor Present Pastor Gift Gifts For Pastor
$4 on Amazon.com (as of 2025-09-06)
A proper context can be important!
|
Why did this mug appear in my search results?
I was searching for a pastor of the church from many years ago. I used the search phrase Menno Good Pastor. I got a lot of Mennonite pastors. The Good Pastor related (via adwords, etc.) to a mug for a Good Pastor.
31. Combinatorics: Pigeonhole principle
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν [gnt]
The field of
combinatorics has to do with arranging objects -
combination,
permutations, etc.
Pigeonhole principle: Pigeons are to be placed in pigeonholes. If there are more pigeons than there are pigeonholes, then at least one pigeonhole will have more than one pigeon.
By the
pigeonhole principle, if there are more than half of those who claim to follow
"Christ" who are a
false "Christs", then at least one person needs to be
self-deceived. As the number grows to all those in the domain, the number of self-deceived approaches everyone in the domain (structural induction). That would be
"many". Does Jesus ever talk of people being
"deceived" or
self "deceived" about what he says?
Note that a "
dove" (from a Germanic word) and a "
pigeon" (from a Latin word) are two names the same "
bird".
32. Matthew 24:21 Great peer pressure
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [kjv]
εσται γαρ τοτε θλιψις μεγαλη οια ου γεγονεν απ αρχης κοσμου εως του νυν ουδ ου μη γενηται [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"θλῖψις" ≈ "pressure" and,
figuratively,
"oppression",
"affliction", etc.
By the
pigeonhole principle, there is a lot of
self-deception. Might this include
peer pressure?
Paraphrase:
For then shall by great pressure (peer pressure) that has not been (come into being) since the beginning of the world (people in the world) until now, neither has ever been (come into being).
[broken cross, true vs. false]
33. Into the fire
"και" ≈ "and" and "εις" ≈ "into".
"καίεις" ≈ "(you) burn" (second person singular indicative).
Usage:
| Greek |
και εις |
και εις πυρ |
| English |
and into |
and into fire |
| LXX |
309 |
0 |
| GNT |
72 |
4 |
The
three usages of "
into the fire" it the
GNT are as follows. There are none in the
LXX.
Man: Mark 9:11 - man describing son thrown into the fire
Jesus: Matthew 3:10 - trees not causing good fruit thrown into the fire
Jesus: Matthew 7:19 - trees not causing good fruit thrown into the fire
34. John 15:6 Into the fire
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]
εαν μη τις μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται [gnt]
John uses a more conventional word order in describing being thrown into the
"fire" using
"and" "into" "the" "fire".
The
TR (Textus Receptus) omits "το" ≈ "the" (neuter definitive article) in order to match the phrasing used in Matthew.
35. John 15:6
KJV: If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Greek: εαν μη τις μεινη μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται
36. House
To what might the word
"house" refer when used by Jesus?
☐ Individual
☐ Group of people
Is the one "
building" (literal) or "
edifying" (figurative) that
"house" that is being built? Explain.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about the "
foolish" man and the "
prudent" man. Each "
builds" or "
edifies" a
"house". One on "
sand". One on "
rock".
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
37. Constraint logic
| Method |
Cherry pick |
Constraint logic |
| Logic |
Abductive/Opinion |
Inductive/Deductive |
| Context |
ignored |
required |
| One refutation: |
destroys argument |
argument not destroyed |
| Scope of attack |
less limited |
more limited |
Some constraint logic features:
Assumes consistent code word meanings.
Uses most general unifiers.
Backtracking to find additional solutions.
Model can be gradually tightened as more constraints resolved.
38. The Greek language - then and now
Here is an
incomplete custom-generated chart from 2015. Almost half of the words in a modern Greek translation of the Bible are the same as in the original.
Width of bar corresponds to book length. Genesis at left. Revelation at right.
Words are considered the same if a Bible Greek word is in a modern Greek dictionary.
Proper nouns are often the same but not accounted for here.
39. Matthew 5:15 Grip on a lightly taken opinion
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]
ουδε καιουσιν λυχνον και τιθεασιν αυτον υπο τον μοδιον αλλ επι την λυχνιαν και λαμπει πασιν τοις εν τη οικια [gnt]
"λάμπει" ≈ "to shine, be bright, give light" (as used).
"λάβη" ≈ "handle, grip, hold" (play on words) from the verb for "take" or "seize".
Since ancient times, the Greek "
β" sound has changed from a "
b" sound to a "
v" sound. To obtain the "
b" sound, for words from other languages, Greek uses "
mp" as in "
μπ". The modern Greek word
"μπύρα" (BEE-ra) ≈ "beer". Thus, in ancient times, the "
mp" sound would approximate a "
b" sound as a play on words.
Might the
"opinion" held up provide
false "light" and act as a
"handle" or
"grip" on all those in the
"house"?
40. Matthew 23:35 Abel to Zacharias
Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. [kjv]
Interesting: Abel starts at #1 (TC 1: no coveting). until Zechariah at #7 (TC 6: no killing) between #4, the temple (TC 4: no adultery), and #9, the altar (TC 2: no idols). [arms/hands as pigs, play on words with Barachias]
|
| Greek numbering |
| 1 |
Α |
α |
A |
Abel |
| 2 |
Β |
β |
B |
|
| 3 |
Γ |
γ |
C |
|
| 4 |
Δ |
δ |
D |
(temple)(no adultery) |
| 5 |
Ε |
ε |
E |
|
| 6 |
* |
* |
F |
(digamma) |
| 7 |
Ζ |
ζ |
Z |
Zachariah (no killing) |
| 8 |
Η |
η |
|
|
| 9 |
Θ |
θ |
|
(altar)(no idols) |
| 10 |
Ι |
ι |
|
|
|
41. Zachariah
Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. [kjv]
2 Chronicles 24:20 And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. [kjv]
Some associate "
Zacharias" in Matthew 23:36 with the "
Zechariah" in 2 Chronicles 24:20-21. Jesus and Matthew quote from the
LXX and, in the
LXX, "
Zachariah" in Greek starts with an "
A" and not a "
Z". This breaks the TenWordPin model correspondence. Does it break other opinions on the source of the "
Zachariah" to which Jesus is referring?
42. Logical inference groups
| The following are all equivalent. |
| A implies B |
modens ponens |
| B if A |
(top down) |
| (not B) or A |
|
| (not B) implies (not A) |
modens tollens |
| A or (not B) |
|
|
 |
The two tables are
symmetric. Which one is
true? The other one is then
false.
If the above are
true, then the following are
not true or
false.
| The following are all equivalent. |
| B implies A |
converse error |
| A if B |
(top down) |
| (not A) or B |
|
| (not A) implies (not B) |
fact check fallacy |
| B or (not A) |
|
|
 |
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. Winston Churchill.
Note that if the bottom table is
true, then the top table is
not true or
false. To see this requires algebraic substitution of names for other names (as in a code). This is part of the programming process in computer science, software engineering, etc.
43. Matthew 24:22 Variable operands and operators
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]
και ει μη εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ δια δε τους εκλεκτους κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι [gnt]
| Variable operands for the verse |
| X |
εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι |
those days be shortened |
| X |
κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι |
those days be shortened |
| Y |
εσωθη πασα σαρξ |
saved all flesh |
| E |
δια (τους) εκλεκτους |
by the elect |
| Connective operators for the verse |
| if not |
ει μη |
if not |
| if not |
ουκ αν |
if not |
| but by |
δια δε |
through but |
To support the idea of a
good "elect". the Greek for
"by" or
"through" needs to be changed to
"for".
44. Matthew 24:22 Abstracted logic
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]
Let
X be "
those days/parts be shortened or cut off",
Y be "
flesh saved",
E be
"elect".
1. if not X then not Y but by E is X. (as stated, modus ponens)
2. if Y then X but by E is X. (modens tollens)
E is self-deceived (surrounding verses) and decides that Y needs to be achieved (equivocation on "flesh" and "saved") by doing X (converse fallacy).
3. if X then Y but (since) by E is X. (converse fallacy by E)
E (deceived) decides that X needs to be done to get Y and convinces others "in this way/manner" (surrounding verses).
4. if not Y then not X but (since) by E is X. (restated as fact check fallacy)
In three verses, Jesus will remind us that he had told us this before.
45. Matthew 24:22 Paraphrase
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]
και ει μη εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ δια δε τους εκλεκτους κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι [gnt]
Paraphrase using the above logic:
And if those days [parts there yes] were not cut off (horns/rules removed) no flesh would be saved, but though the (deceived) elect's (false) ideas, those days [parts there yes] will be cut off (horns/rules removed) in order to (invalid logic) save all flesh.
Jesus wants to "cut off" certain unnecessary horns/rules/parts (yoke of compulsion) in order to "save" "all" "flesh" in a "heavenly" manner.
The (deceived) "elect" want to "cut off" all horns/rules/parts in the (false) idea that this will "save" "all" "flesh" in a "worldly" manner.
Discuss: Has it ever happened that
false teachers want to "
cut off"
all horns/rules/parts in order that
all "
flesh" might be "
saved"? Does it help fill the pews (or their own salary)?
46. Nature and law and justice
In his
On Sophistic Refutations, Aristotle says that from ancient times, nature (truth) and law (opinion) are opposites and that justice goes with the law (opinion) but not with nature (truth).
English: Nature and Law are opposites, and justice is a good thing according to the law but not according to nature. Loeb #400, p. 73.
Greek: ἐναντία γὰρ εἶναι φύσιν καὶ νόμον, καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην κατὰ νόμον μὲν εἶναι καλόν, κατὰ φύσιν δ´ οὐ καλόν Sophistic Refutations [173b]
"φύση" ≈ "nature, reality" (reality truth) as in "physics".
"νόμος" ≈ "custom, law" (opinion truth) as in "Deuteronomy" as in "second law". The Greek for "iniquity" is "against the law".
"δικαιοσύνη" ≈ "righteousness, justice".
Whenever Jesus, Paul, etc., use the word for
"righteousness" one must determine from context what is meant. There may be double meanings.
☐ God's
"righteousness" (opinion, glory, etc.).
☐ man's
"righteousness" (opinion, glory, etc.).
47. Truth and opinion
48. Matthew 23:24 Put it together
Matthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. [kjv]
οδηγοι τυφλοι διυλιζοντες τον κωνωπα την δε καμηλον καταπινοντες [gnt]
English: strain the gnat the of/which the camel swallow
Greek: διυλιζοντες τον κωνωπα την δε κάμηλον καταπινοντες (as written)
Greek: δια λιζοντες τον κωνο πετεινα και μυλόν καταπινοντες (play on words)
English: through the matter/play the cone/hemlock/poison birds and apple swallow
The flexible Greek word order is sometimes used to create a play on words that adds the imagery and meaning to the actual words.
Had the religious establishment in Judea attempted to "
swallow" the "
poison" and/or "
blood" of the (Roman) "
birds" and "
apple"? There are other ways that the play on words could create mental imagery.
The Greek for "
gnat" is the source of the English word
"canopy".
49. Fact checking fallacy
The fact checking logic fallacy goes as follows. FYI: I made up the name for this pattern. It may already have a name.
Take the facts that someone has presented for their argument.
Find at least one fact that can be shown to not be true in some manner.
Claim that everything in their argument is not true.
Claim (or imply) that this makes your arguments true.
Note that this combines a number of other logic fallacies.
50. Checking the fact checking
A follow-on logic fallacy is to claim you are fact checking the fact checking.
This might be called meta-fact-checking but works in basically the same way.
A campaign against "
misinformation" appears to be very similar that of "
fact checking".
51. Fact check fallacy: bad logic and conclusions
One may make the claim that
A implies B. Most people think (incorrectly) that showing a
fact in
A to be
incorrect makes
B not true. This is the
fact check fallacy.
| argument: |
A implies B |
fact check:
(fallacy) |
not A implies not B
(not true in general) |
As Aristotle points out, using bad or invalid logic does not mean that the conclusion is false. One needs to do more analysis to determine that.
Deceptive leaders or teachers, called by Jesus as
"birds" know about the
fact check fallacy and will attempt to point out real or deceptive facts that are incorrect in ideas with which they do not agree while, at the some time, preening their feathers so they cannot be
fact checked.
That many people believe the
fact check fallacy means that, in practice, one should include no more in an argument than is absolutely necessary - to avoid true or deceptive
fact checking.
52. False dilemma fallacy: excluded middle
A "
false dilemma" is a logical fallacy whereby only a few of all possible choices are presented as being "
collectively exhaustive". In some cases, the choices presented are not "
mutually exclusive".
This fallacy is sometimes called the fallacy of "
excluded middle". Another name is that of "
false dichotomy" though the fallacy can involve more than two choices as in the trilemma: liar, lunatic or Lord.
53. Option buttons and check boxes
In user interface design,
option or
radio buttons allow one choice from a set of selections whereas
check boxes allow each selection to be either checked or not checked.
54. John 15:5 Favorite Bible verse
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]
εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν [gnt]
This verse goes with the
next verse.
Some people cite John 15:5 as their favorite Bible verse. How nice. The "
abide" or "
remain" appears, in context, to be related to the Meno Paradox.
English changes the double negative for emphasis to a single negative. The "
can do" is, in the Greek, "
potentially do". The next verse completes the thought.
55. John 15:6 Paired verses
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]
εαν μη τις μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται [gnt]
This verse goes with the
previous verse.
The first
"cast" is a play on words with "
into oblivion/forgetfulness". Many churches who might use the previous verse would not want to talk about the
"fire" and being "
burned". The ancient Greek word
"καίω" ≈ "light, kindle, burn".
56. John 15:5-6 Conditional logic
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]
15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]
The pattern used here by John is that of conditional logic.
At one church, someone on the staff claimed John 15:5 as their favorite verse. That church would prefer to omit any mention of John 15:6.
57. Methods of Satan
... more to be added ...
58. Proverbs 21:12
59. Proverbs 21:12
KJV: The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Hebrew: משכיל צדיק לבית רשע מסלף רשעים לרע׃
Greek: συνιει δικαιος καρδιας ασεβων και φαυλιζει ασεβεις εν κακοις
Brenton: A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness.
60. Hosea 2:6
Hosea 2:6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. [kjv]
δια τουτο ιδου εγω φρασσω την οδον αυτης εν σκολοψιν και ανοικοδομησω τας οδους αυτης και την τριβον αυτης ου μη ευρη [lxx]
The Hebrew parallelism associates "
hedge" with "
wall" as in a "
dam".
61. Hosea 2:6
KJV: Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.
Hebrew: לכן הנני שך את דרכך בסירים וגדרתי את גדרה ונתיבותיה לא תמצא׃
Greek: δια τουτο ιδου εγω φρασσω την οδον αυτης εν σκολοψιν και ανοικοδομησω τας οδους αυτης και την τριβον αυτης ου μη ευρη
62. Proverbs 21:13
63. Strong and weak
The ancient Greek word
"σθένος" ≈ "strength, might, power". Prefixing the
negating alpha results in
"ἀσθενής" ≈ "without strength, feeble, sickly, insignificant".
Job 4:10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. [kjv]
σθενος λεοντος φωνη δε λεαινης γαυριαμα δε δρακοντων εσβεσθη [lxx]
The strength of the lion, and the voice of the lioness, and the exulting cry of serpents are quenched. [bs3]
Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [kjv]
ποτε δε σε ειδομεν ασθενουντα η εν φυλακη και ηλθομεν προς σε [gnt]
The
LXX has
"strength" for "
roaring". The
LXX has
"dragons" which is not in the
KJV or the
HOT.
64. Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. [kjv]
ος φρασσει τα ωτα του μη επακουσαι ασθενους και αυτος επικαλεσεται και ουκ εσται ο εισακουων [lxx]
The idea appears to be that of "
crying" "
wolf" in a
reverse sense.
This verse is used by many to claim that if one does not help the
destitute poor, God will
not hear your prayers.
Does God hear all prayers or wishes (same Greek word)?
Does God answer all prayers or wishes (same Greek word)?
Is the answer always what is desired?
65. Proverbs 21:13
KJV: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Hebrew: אטם אזנו מזעקת דל גם הוא יקרא ולא יענה׃
Greek: ος φρασσει τα ωτα του μη επακουσαι ασθενους και αυτος επικαλεσεται και ουκ εσται ο εισακουων
Brenton: He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear him.
66. Matthew 5:40 I am what reality/being
Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. [kjv]
και τω θελοντι σοι κριθηναι και τον χιτωνα σου λαβειν αφες αυτω και το ιματιον [gnt]
The Greek word for
"garment" can be a play on words with "
I am what reality/being?". This can be done with slower pronunciation of the words and appropriate hand movements while speaking.
The ancient Greek word
"ἱμάτιον" ≈ "garment" and is from
"εἷμᾰ" ≈ "garment".
"εἶμαι" ≈ "I am".
"τι" ≈ "what".
"ὄν" ≈ "reality, being".
67. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations
English: We have now dealt with the sources of questions and how they ought to be asked in competitive arguments. We must next treat of answering and how solutions are brought about, and what are their subjects, and for what purpose such arguments are useful. (Loeb#100. p 87)
Greek: Ἐξ ὧν μὲν οὖν αἱ ἐρωτήσεις καὶ πῶς ἐρωτητέον ἐν ταῖς ἀγωνιστικαῖς διατριβαῖς, εἴρηται. ΄ Περὶ δὲ ἀποκρίσεως καὶ πῶς χρὴ λύειν καὶ τί, καὶ πρὸς τίνα χρῆσιν οἱ τοιοῦτοι τῶν λόγων ὠφέλιμοι, μετὰ ταῦτα λεκτέον. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations [175a]
Aristotle covers how to handle "
questions" and "
answers" in "
competitive" "
arguments" (literally, "
through friction") and "
reasoning" (both translated as "
arguments").
The Greek word translated as "
solve" is often translated in the
GNT as "
destroy" or "
dissolve". The word means to "
loosen" and is often in the context of "
solving" a "
problem".
68. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations
English: They are useful for philosophy for two reasons. In the first place, as the generally turn on language, they put us in a better position to appreciate the various meanings which a term can have and what similarities and differences attach to things and their names. (Loeb#100, p. 87)
Greek: Χρήσιμοι μὲν οὖν εἰσι πρὸς μὲν φιλοσοφίαν διὰ δύο. Πρῶτον μὲν γὰρ ὡς ἐπὶ τὸ πολὺ γινόμενοι παρὰ τὴν λέξιν ἄμεινον ἔχειν ποιοῦσι πρὸς τὸ ποσαχῶς ἕκαστον λέγεται καὶ ποῖα ὁμοίως καὶ ποῖα ἑτέρως ἐπί τε τῶν πραγμάτων συμβαίνει καὶ ἐπὶ τῶν ὀνομάτων. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations [175o]
Abstraction involves "
similarities" and "
differences". The two Greek words are often translated in English as "
other" without distinguishing "
similar" or "
different".
As Aristotle explains, "
names" are attached to "
things". An
equivocation attempts to confuse the "
meaning" of "
things" by attaching similar "
names".
69. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations
English: Secondly, they are useful for the questions which arise in one's own mind; for he who is easily led astray by another person into false reasoning and does not notice his error, might also often fall into this error in his own mind. (Loeb#100), p. 97
Greek: Δεύτερον δὲ πρὸς τὰς καθ´ αὑτὸν ζητήσεις· ὁ γὰρ ὑφ´ ἑτέρου ῥᾳδίως παραλογιζόμενος καὶ τοῦτο μὴ διαισθανόμενος κἂν αὐτὸς ὑφ´ αὑτοῦ τοῦτο πάθοι πολλάκις. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations [175b]
70. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations
English: The third and last reason is that they establish our reputation, by giving us the credit of having received a universal training and of having left nothing untried. (Loeb#100, p. 87)
Greek: Τρίτον δὲ καὶ τὸ λοιπὸν ἔτι πρὸς δόξαν, τὸ περὶ πάντα γεγυμνάσθαι δοκεῖν καὶ μηδενὸς ἀπείρως ἔχειν· Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations [175b]
Aristotle had said there were "
two" reasons, but here he provides another "
third" reason. But wait, there's more.
The ancient Greek name
"Εὐριπίδης" ≈ "Euripedes", a Greek author (480-406 BC), said the following in his work
Heraclidae (about 428 BC):
Leave no stone unturned.
The story goes back to a general, Mardonius, one of the generals of Xerxes, who is said to have buried treasure near his tent before being defeated (battle of Plataea about 477 BC). The Oracle at Delphi advised those asking to "
move every stone". The modern English terminology is from the 1500's.
71. Baptism embarrassment
On page 140, the following is stated under
Embarrassment.
... one such event in the life of Jesus was his baptism by John. John summoned Israel to repent and be baptized. In what sense did Jesus need to repent? According to Christian theology, Jesus was sinless, so he did not need to repent. Hence, the story of Jesus baptism is potentially awkward or embarrassing. Surely the early church would not invent a story like this if it had no basis in historical fact. Therefore, even the most server critics concede that the story of Jesus' baptism is authentic.
The questionable logic is that since this story was included, and potentially embarrassing, it proves the authentic nature of what was written. This questionable logic assumes the modern English meaning of
repent. Greek had two words that are translated as
repent.
Think about what is being said (used by John, including the baptism of Jesus)
Change what you are doing which is used when in context and action is meant.
IIf the author understood the underlying Greek meanings and implications, the
embarrassment issue disappears. Why then is this not pointed out?
72. Inferred attitude and observed behavior
The ancient Greek word
"μετάνοια" ≈ "afterthought" where the
"repent" comes from the
GNT (from the Latin).
This word has to do with
unobserved attitude and
not observed behavior.
The ancient Greek word
"μεταμέλεια" ≈ "change of purpose, regret, repentance" which is the modern idea of the Latin-based
"repent".
This word has to do with
observed behavior and
not inferred attitude.
Both words are used by Jesus in Matthew. If Jesus had intended to use modern meaning from Latin-based word
"repent", there was a Greek word to express that idea and it was
not used.
73. Red flags for detecting deceptions in subtle sermons
Here is a start at some
red flags in sermons that require further investigation. There is a saying, "
where there is smoke there is fire". There is not always a fire, but when smoke is observed, better check if there is a fire. Some sermons will be blowing smoke. Better check those out.
Why is a theologian quoted? Why not use a verse from the Bible that expresses the same view?
Why is a modern definition provided for a word in a Bible verse? The definition needed is the one when the original word was used, not the definition that probably has changed over time.
A skipped verse is a red flag. Check the skipped verses. Better yet, at least check the verses before and after the verse used. This is called checking the context of the verse.
A selection of verses throughout the Bible is a red flag for cherry-picking. That is, selecting verses out of context to weave the desired view that may not be in line with the Bible.
Some pastors will tell a quick joke or make some humorous comment so that the audience laughs. This allows the pastor to move on without covering part of the verse that may not be in line with the pastor's political or social views.
74. Book: Philosophical Foundations for a Christian world view
Philosophical Foundations for a Christian world view
J. P. Moreland, William Lane Craig
Publisher : IVP Academic; Second Edition, Revised, Second (October 10, 2017)
Language : English
Hardcover : 708 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0830851874
[opinion vs. belief]
75. Mediators
In causal theory, a mediator is something that appears as the cause from A to effect B.
... more to be added ...
76. Ladder of causation
The
ladder of
causation has three rungs.
3. top: counterfactual (think - why) [imagining, counter-factual reasoning]
2. middle: intervention (do - how)
1. bottom: association (see - what) [observe]
In developing models and languages for causation, Judea Pearl makes the point (reference needed) that in order to solve a problem (as computer scientists do), one needs both a model of the (general or specific) problem being solved and a language in which to talk about the problem and model. If there is no suitable language, one needs to create such a language. This is what Judea does in addressing issues in causation.
[mediators]
77. Human computer adaptations
User interfaces: At one time, computers were expensive (and limited in power) and people were (relatively) inexpensive.
1. Adapt the person to the computer. Example: command line interface. A command line interface can be easily automated (e.g., batch languages).
As time went on, computers were inexpensive (and had a lot more power) and people were (relatively) much more expensive. Visuals can be deceptive, not easily automated.
2. Adapt the computer to the person. Example: GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Bible analogy: Which is better? Explain.
1. Should people adapt to the Bible translation? That is, always translate "into" as "into" and let the person adapt to what "into" means in, say, Greek.
2. Should the Bible translation adapt to the person? That is, translators should decide on what they think the meaning of a word is and use an English word that means what they think the text means.
[useful psychology, Matthew 18 and into, John 1 and towards]
78. Terrible cruise
It has been raining a lot recently (June 2025).
Terrible cruise, rained the whole time. Forty days and forty nights.
They did have a great buffet. I had two of everything.
It was a reign of terror. I'm not lying to you.
79. June 2025
80. May 2025
81. Archived ideas
Ideas that appeared at one time in "
Idea Shorts" appear here.
82. End of page
Psalms 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; [kjv]
ου φοβηθηση απο φοβου νυκτερινου απο βελους πετομενου ημερας [lxx]
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [kjv]
εαν αδελφος η αδελφη γυμνοι υπαρχωσιν και λειπομενοι της εφημερου τροφης [gnt]
Aristotle continues about "nature" as "truth" and "law" as "opinion".
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. [kjv]
συνιει δικαιος καρδιας ασεβων και φαυλιζει ασεβεις εν κακοις [lxx]
A righteous man understands the hearts of the ungodly: and despises the ungodly for their wickedness. [bs3]
Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. [kjv]
ος φρασσει τα ωτα του μη επακουσαι ασθενους και αυτος επικαλεσεται και ουκ εσται ο εισακουων [lxx]
