1ANGRK505Romans Word Study
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
505
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by KidHeat16144
Liberty University: PhD in Bible Exposition
Greek Word Study:
Romans 3:25
A Paper
Submitted to Dr. Sorin Sabou
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
NGRK 505
By
F. Scott Kearse
L23504997
26 November 2023
OTCL 511
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NUMBER
Table of Contents
1
Passage
1
Introduction
2
Significant Word
2
Original Greek Word Derivation
2
Original Greek Word Usage
2
Synonyms and Variations of Meaning
3
Contextual Settings Influence on Word Choice
3
Conclusion
4
Passage
R
OMANS
3:25 (NASB20)
whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to
demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the
sins previously committed go unpunished
1
OTCL 511
Introduction
Select Only the Most Important Word(s) for Study
In this case, the significant word for study was selected for me. The word requiring
investigation is propitiation. This word is significant in this verse because it appears to hold
foundational theological implications in the much broader context of Christianity as a whole,
while also addressing the specific act by Jesus which Paul wishes to express to Roman believers.
The Cambridge dictionary defines propitiation as
“
the act of pleasing and making calm a god or person who is annoyed with you.”
Determine the Greek Word from Which the English Word Was Derived
English word used in NASB
Strong’s #
Greek word
Transliteration
Propitiation
2435
ιλαστηριον
hilasterion
The editors of BDAG assert that,
ιλαστηριον
,
hialsterion
, is a neuter noun from a
derivative of,
ιλασκομαι,
hilaskomai,
a middle voice verb meaning be merciful or make
reconciliation. The Blue Letter Bible (BLB) states that
hialsterion
is an accusative, singular,
neuter noun occurring twice in the New Testament.
Determine the Usage of the Greek Word
Strong’s Strongest Exhaustive Concordance defines
ιλαστηριον
[
hialsterion
] as an
atoning sacrifice; atonement cover, the place where sins are forgiven, traditionally propitiation or
mercy seat. Also finding the usage of the word twice in the New Testament, Strong’s identifies
one usage of each definition, propitiation and mercy seat. In Romans 3:25, Paul uses the term in
relation to Jesus in explanation of how God used Him according to God’s own righteousness. In
using
ιλαστηριον
as mercy seat, the word is used in reference to the atoning cover of the Ark of
2
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
OTCL 511
the covenant where sin is forgiven. Paul’s use of the word in this instance in reference to Jesus
shows the close relation between the two and the permanent substitution of Jesus’ act for the act
of offering sacrifice for atonement.
List All the English Words for the One Greek Word
Propitiation
Mercy Seat
Atonement
Atonement Cover
Appeasement
Expiation
Placating/expiating force
Remover of sin
Instrument for regaining the goodwill of a deity or person [especially deity]
Atoning sacrifice
The place where sin is forgiven
*In The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, the word is used but the meaning is uncertain according to the
editors of BDAG.
Consider How the Contextual Settings Influenced Each of the English Word Choices
BDAG, Strong’s, and BLB concur on two uses of the word in the New Testament. It
occurs once in Hebrews 9:5, where it is used as atonement cover [mercy seat] referring
specifically to the Ark of the Covenant. Further, reference is made in LXX to the word employed
twenty-three times in the Old Testament, where BLB contends twenty-one times it is used the
same as in Hebrews 9:5, referring to the atoning cover of the Ark. It is used this way thirteen
times in Exodus, seven times in Deuteronomy, and once in Numbers. It is applied once in
Ezekiel as atonement. Finally, BLB finds it used indirectly one time in Amos, referring to the
atoning cover. In each of these contexts, the discussion is directed toward the mercy seat of the
3
OTCL 511
Ark with Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers specifically talking about the construction of the
cover, and Hebrews referring to the final form of the Ark.
In contrast, Paul uses the word in a very different context, speaking directly to the
theology of redemption through Jesus. Yet within this context Paul makes a clear connection
between Jesus and the mercy seat through God’s act of providing each for His people in
forgiveness of their sins through His righteous forbearance. Paul indirectly draws the inference
between the two, but clearly does not speak to the atonement cover or the Ark, rather clearly
speaking of Jesus and His act of redeeming His people with His own blood. As noted above,
ιλαστηριον
[
hialsterion
] is closely related to
ιλασκομαι
[
hilaskomai
],
which Strong’s
Strongest asserts is a verb meaning to make atonement for, with a focus on the means for
accomplishing forgiveness. Thus, the parallels Paul draws can be seen in Jesus’ act as the
fulfillment of use of the mercy seat for redemptive sacrifice “by His blood” (Romans 3:25).
Further, Paul shows the greater theological implication through the juxtaposition of these words
of fulfillment to those of Jesus in Matthew 5:17. Jesus has not abolished atoning sacrifice, He has
fulfilled it… for once and all.
Conclusion
Interestingly, in 1 Peter 1:19, Peter compares the blood of Christ in 1:19a metaphorically
with a “lamb without blemish or spot” in 1:19b. Through this comparison Peter is clearly
invoking the Old Testament imagery of the sacrifice and the unblemished animals to please the
Lord. In Nave’s Topical Bible Reference System the word blood can be found divided into
topical usage. In the topical section “Of Jesus” 1Peter 1:19 is found categorized with the
meaning of “redeeming.” Peter thus equates the sacrifice of Jesus for the redeeming (ransom) of
sinners.
As discussed above, Paul closely follows Peter’s same reasoning in Roman’s 3:25
4
OTCL 511
creating the mirror image of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for sinners’ redemption, fulfilling the
law and prophets through His blood. Jesus is the propitiation, yet Jesus is also God incarnate.
Thus, this word,
ιλαστηριον
[
hialsterion
] is confirmed significant through the
overarching theological implications. Further, this verse proves fascinating in authenticating the
one true God, who delineates Himself from all other Gods by sacrificing Himself, even in His
righteousness, to restore His people to Himself. Thereby, Paul shows the significance of
propitiation (while yet indicating that this perhaps does not truly do justice in describing the act).
Of further interest, is the fact that all the different meanings of this word work in this context, to
a certain degree, yet none quite fully encompass all that is implied by the description.
Nevertheless, propitiation comes closest and is the most complete rendering within the context of
the verse and is a unique use of the word as all other noted uses within the biblical context refer
to atoning cover or mercy seat.
5
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help