Clinton's 11:11 Definition of This Versus That
The English words "this" and "that" appear frequently in biblical texts, serving as demonstrative pronouns or adjectives, and their precise meaning often depends on context. In the Hebrew Bible, the word כִּי (ki) is often translated as "that" [3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. This Hebrew term can function as a conjunction introducing a clause, similar to how "that" is used in English.
In the New Testament, "this" and "that" similarly function to point to specific ideas, people, or events. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 11:17, the King James Version reads, "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not," where "this" refers to the subsequent declaration [2]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary clarifies that "in this" refers to what follows, and "that" functions as "inasmuch as" or "in that you" [10]. The American Standard Version renders the same verse as, "But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse" [1].
The demonstrative "this" can refer to a preceding statement or concept. For example, in Matthew 19:11, "This statement refers to the disciples’ comment" [11]. Similarly, in Titus 3:10-11, "people like that" refers to "incorrigibly quarrelsome and divisive people" mentioned earlier [12]. In Romans 13:11, "And that" is interpreted as "And this [do]," urging action based on the preceding context [13].
Sometimes, the choice between "this" and "that" can reflect textual variations or nuances in translation. In Hebrews 3:10, while some manuscripts read "that generation," older manuscripts read "this," which implies a closer, more immediate reference [15]. The term "that day" in 1 Thessalonians 5:4 refers to "the day of the Lord," contrasting with "darkness" [9].
The use of "this" can also indicate a question or an indefinite reference. Rashi, commenting on Exodus 13:14, explains "מה זאת" (mah zot), meaning "What is this?", as the question of a "dull child" who lacks the understanding for a more profound inquiry [14]. In contrast, "על כן" (al ken) in Deuteronomy 15:11 is interpreted by Rashi as "because of this" [8].
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 11:17 (ASV) — But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 11:17 — Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.”
- STEPBible TAHOT “2Sa.19.7(19.8)#11=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): כִּי\־ [ki-] "that"”
- STEPBible TAHOT “Jos.22.34#11=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): כִּ֥י [ki] "that"”
- STEPBible TAHOT “2Sa.12.18#11=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): כִּי\־ [ki-] "that"”
- STEPBible TAHOT “Ecc.11.8#01=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): כִּ֣י [ki] "that"”
- STEPBible TAHOT “2Ch.21.17#18=L — Hebrew tagged text (TAHOT): כִּ֥י [ki] "that"”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Deuteronomy 15:11: על כן means מפני כן BECAUSE OF THIS.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:4: not in darkness--not in darkness of understanding (that is, spiritual ignorance) or of the moral nature (that is, a state of sin), Eph 4:18. that--Greek, "in order that"; with God results are all purposed. that day--Greek, "THE day"; the day of the Lord (Heb 10:25, "the day"), in contrast to "darkness." overtake--unexpectedly (compare Joh 12:35). as a thief--The two oldest manuscripts read, "as (the daylight overtakes) thieves" (Job 24:17). Old manuscripts and Vulgate read as English Version.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 11:17: in this--which follows. I declare--rather, "I enjoin"; as the Greek is always so used. The oldest manuscripts read literally "This I enjoin (you) not praising (you)." that--inasmuch as; in that you, &c. Here he qualifies his praise (Co1 11:2). "I said that I praised you for keeping the ordinances delivered to you; but I must now give injunction in the name of the Lord, on a matter in which I praise you not; namely, as to the Lord's Supper (Co1 11:23; Co1 14:37). not for the better--not so as to progress to what is better. for the worse-”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 19:11: 19:11 This statement refers to the disciples’ comment (19:10).”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:10: 3:10-11 have nothing more to do with . . . people like that: This refers to incorrigibly quarrelsome and divisive people (see 1:11, 13).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 13:11: And that--rather, "And this [do]" knowing the time, that now it is high time--literally, "the hour has already come." to awake out of sleep--of stupid, fatal indifference to eternal things. for now is our salvation--rather, "the salvation," or simply "salvation." nearer than when we--first believed--This is in the line of all our Lord's teaching, which represents the decisive day of Christ's second appearing as at hand, to keep believers ever in the attitude of wakeful expectancy, but without reference to the chronological nearness or distan”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Exodus 13:14: מה זאת WHAT IS THIS? — This is the question of a dull child who has not sufficient understanding to question very profoundly and who therefore asks in an indefinite fashion, “What is this?” In another passage (Deuteronomy 6:20) it states, “[When thy son asketh thee…], What mean the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments … [which the Lord our God hath commanded you?]” This, however, is the question of a wise son. The Torah in mentioning four different explanations of the Passover sacrifice-rite to be given by a father to his children, is s”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 3:10: grieved--displeased. Compare "walk contrary," Lev 26:24, Lev 26:28. that generation--"that" implies alienation and estrangement. But the oldest manuscripts read, "this." said--"grieved," or "displeased," at their first offense. Subsequently when they hardened their heart in unbelief still more, He sware in His wrath (Heb 3:11); an ascending gradation (compare Heb 3:17-18). and they have not known--Greek, "But these very persons," &c. They perceived I was displeased with them, yet they, the same persons, did not a whit the more wish to know my wa”