A few weeks ago, I had lunch at the Village Inn. Now regardless of when I go to Village Inn, I have breakfast. So, I ordered the 2-2-2, that’s two eggs, two strips of bacon and two pancakes with sugar-free syrup.
In just a few minutes my order arrived with the syrup, and it was labeled Smuckers sugar-free Breakfast Syrup. Making a little joke with the young waitress, I said, “This is Breakfast syrup, is it ok to have it with Lunch? “Well, looking at the bottle, then looking at me, and a bit confused she said, “I think so.” It would be interesting to hear her tell the story; “I had this old guy the other day that said ———,”
It is true syrup is syrup, and it doesn’t matter, it is the same breakfast, lunch or dinner, even though the label clearly said Breakfast.
So, what is the point? You would be right to think, it is not, a lesson on syrup. It is a lesson on the use of the word, Breakfast. Even though the word, “Breakfast” is used on the label, it is meant to include all meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even though each word means something different.
Of course, the word usage doesn’t matter in dealing with a meal, but that is not always the case. Note with me the subject of baptism, and some word usage, thoughts, and ideas.
Some religious groups pour water on a person as a method of baptism. If this were the method, Jesus had intended He would have used the Greek word, βάλλει, (the English spelling is ballei) and in the English language, the word means to pour. As in John 13:5, “He poured water into a basin.” This is not the word Jesus used when he spoke of baptism.
It is also true that some religious groups sprinkle water on a person as a method of baptism. Again, if this were the method Jesus had intended, in this case, He would have used the Greek ραντιζω, (the English spelling is rhantizo) and in the English language means to sprinkle. As noted in Hebrews 10:22, “having been sprinkled clean.” This too is not the word Jesus used when he spoke of baptism.
In regards to the words of Jesus, He states clearly in Mark 16:16, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” This Greek word is, βαφτιστεί, (the English spelling is Baptizo) but in this case, the word is not translated only given an English spelling. This is the same situation every time a form of this Greek word is used, it is not translated, just given an English spelling. You will hear that this word has been transliterated, meaning to give it an English spelling. Can you imagine if of all of the Greek words were only transliterated? The reader would not understand anything unless they know the Greek language of course.
From Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance you find the following definition. From a derivative of bapto; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. Fully wet); used only (in the New Testament).
Let me note a few places the word is used.
NASB Greek Word Strong’s Origin
Baptized MK.16:16 βαφτιστεί 907: to dip, sink baptó
Baptized Act 2:38 βαφτιστεί 907: to dip, sink baptó
Baptized Act 22:16 βαφτιστεί 907: to dip, sink baptó
Baptism Rom. 6:4 βάπτισμα 908: Dipping/sinking baptó
Now while it is true, because of the context, the Greek form of the word hasa different spelling, (ending) it is also obvious there is no mention of these Greek words meaning Sprinkling or Pouring. I think if translators, translated the Greek words rather than only giving them an English spelling there would be a better understanding by many.
So, it is not like Breakfast syrup good at any meal; the word is baptize means to fully immerse, submerge. Nothing less will do.
What’s in a word? In this case, God’s forgiveness.
Dick Brant