My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Psalm 119:139 NASB Because – ṣāmat – put an end to, cut off, destroy.[1] The opening verb in the verse. “The verb is a very strong word for destruction or for completely silencing someone.”[2] What has been cut off, completely destroyed? “Zeal– qinʾâ.” The Hebrew…
For the zeal of Your house has consumed me, the reproach of Your reproachers has fallen on me. Psalm 69:10 [Hebrew Bible] Robert Alter Consumed – Do you know what necrotizing fasciitis is? It’s flesh-eating disease. I am reminded of this terrible condition when I read the Hebrew term used here, ʾakal. This Hebrew word…
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB Be diligent – If you grew up with King James, you remember this verse as “Study to show yourself approved.” The Greek verb is spoudazo, in this…
I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4 NASB Every – One of the claims of some religious systems is that only those actions taken “in the Spirit” and only…
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB Be diligent – So what’s it to be? NASB tells us to “be diligent.” ESV, NRSV, NLT and NIV say, “Do your best.” KJV uses the time-honored…
