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Saturday, June 02, 2007

WLBA 3: KJV

Wilba; the Woman's Literal Bible Assessment. I don't know why I accidently scored the King James Version as a 3 out of 4. It is definitely a 4 and is the only other Bible besides the TNIV to score 4 out of 4 on the Wilba. I knew that in my subconscious and once declared that if I had a Bible version of my own, it would be called the "Queen Jamie". But that is open to misinterpretation. Scratch that.

Rom. 16:1 servant KJV
Rom. 16:2 succourer
Rom. 16:7 of note among the apostles
1 Cor. 11:10 have power on the head
1 Tim. 2:12 usurp authority

To succour is "to assist or aid a person in danger or distress." "Succourer" translates the Greek word prostatis. I don't know what lexicon this is but, by following the Strong's numbers, something I don't do very often, at the NET Bible site I found prostatis defined as:
    1) a woman set over others
    2) a female guardian, protectress, patroness, caring for the affairs of others and aiding them with her resources

This word is derived from proistemi which the NET Bible translates in the following way -"manage 2, leadership 1, managers 1, engage 1". It can also mean "to stand before in rank."

Just as it is difficult to interpret "have authority over" as "be under authority" so I find it difficult to intepret, "leading and caring for others" as "being in a subordinate role."

I think there is something rather lovely about the word "succourer" instead of "benefactor" or "patron". Did Paul need financial assistance and someone to believe in him, or did he need to be rescued from danger, and fed, and cared for and protected?

This is reminiscent of Psalm 46:1

    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

"Help" here is ezer, the same word which is used for Eve. So woman is supposed to provide strength and refuge. From Eve to Phoebe. This does not suggest an authoritarian hierarchy. Wife or sister, woman is not a subordinate assistant but an ally.

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4 Comments:

At Mon Jun 04, 04:32:00 AM, Blogger Peter Kirk said...

For the Queen Jamie Bible, see here.

A sample, from Mary chapter 1:

1: The book of the generation of Jessica Christ, the daughter of Davida, the daughter of Abigail.
2: Abigail begat Isabel; and Isabel begat Jacqueline; and Jacqueline begat Judas and her brethren;
...
18: Now the birth of Jessica Christ was on this wise: When as her father Mark was espoused to Josephine, before they came together, he was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19: Then Josephine his wife, being a just woman, and not willing to make him a publick example, was minded to put his away privily.
20: But while she thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lady appeared unto her in a dream, saying, Josephine, thou daughter of Davida, fear not to take unto thee Mark thy husband: for that which is conceived in his is of the Holy Ghost.
21: And he shall bring forth a daughter, and thou shalt call her name JESSICA: for she shall save her people from their sins.
22: Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lady by the prophet, saying,
23: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a daughter, and they shall call her name Emma, which being interpreted is, Goddess with us.
24: Then Josephine being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lady had bidden her, and took unto her her husband:
25: And knew his not till he had brought forth his firstborn daughter: and she called her name JESSICA.

This is not an endorsement!

 
At Mon Jun 04, 01:14:00 PM, Blogger Glennsp said...

Not funny - in fact it's blasphemous

 
At Mon Jun 04, 01:19:00 PM, Blogger Suzanne McCarthy said...

I must have heard of that before and then completely forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me.

 
At Mon Jun 04, 01:21:00 PM, Blogger Suzanne McCarthy said...

Glenn,

I'll get back to your very good question about context in my next post. I think it is right on.

I can't write much right now, but um, yeah, I knew there was some good reason why I scratched out Queen Jamie - maybe that was it.

 

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