Replacing Non-Scriptural Idioms with Biblical Language in Communication
Replacing Non-Scriptural Idioms with Biblical Language in Communication
The practice of replacing non-scriptural idioms with biblical language in communication is rooted in the biblical emphasis on the importance of speech and language in conveying spiritual truths. In 1 Corinthians 14:6, Paul writes, "But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?" [1]. This passage highlights the need for clear and intelligible communication in the church.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in speech. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus says, "But let your communication be Yea, yea: Nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil" [2]. This instruction encourages believers to use straightforward and honest language, avoiding unnecessary complexity or deceit.
The use of biblical language in communication is not limited to direct quotation or explicit reference. Rather, it involves shaping one's speech and expression in accordance with scriptural principles and idioms. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:13, "which also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual [things] by spiritual [means]" [3]. This passage suggests that believers should strive to communicate in a way that is guided by the Spirit and informed by scripture.
Various Christian traditions have interpreted these biblical teachings in different ways. For example, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, a commentary tradition, notes that the "word of God" is the medium of spiritual new birth, and that believers should exercise brotherly love in accordance with this spiritual relationship [4]. Similarly, John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, observes that Paul's use of tongues was not merely a gift, but a means of communicating with others in a way that was intelligible to them [5].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, interprets Paul's discussion of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14 as emphasizing the importance of intelligible communication in the church. According to Clarke, the gift of tongues was not intended for the benefit of believers, but rather as a sign to unbelievers [6]. This interpretation highlights the need for believers to communicate in a way that is clear and meaningful to their audience.
In addition to these interpretive perspectives, the biblical text itself provides guidance on the use of language in communication. For example, in Hosea 14:2, the prophet exhorts the people to "take with you words" and to offer "calves of our lips" instead of sacrifices [7]. This passage suggests that believers should prioritize the use of language that is sincere and heartfelt, rather than relying on empty or ritualistic expressions.
The historical development of Christian thought on this topic is also relevant. The early church fathers and reformers emphasized the importance of simplicity and clarity in speech, as well as the need to communicate in a way that is guided by scripture. As the church developed, different traditions emerged, each with their own understanding of how to apply these biblical principles in practice.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? -- 1 Corinthians 14:6”
- Matthew “Matthew 5:37 (Geneva1599) — But let your communication be Yea, yea: Nay, nay. For whatsoeuer is more then these, commeth of euill.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 2:13 (Darby) — which also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual [things] by spiritual [means].”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:23: Christian brotherhood flows from our new birth of an imperishable seed, the abiding word of God. This is the consideration urged here to lead us to exercise brotherly love. As natural relationship gives rise to natural affection, so spiritual relationship gives rise to spiritual, and therefore abiding love, even as the seed from which it springs is abiding, not transitory as earthly things. of . . . of . . . by--"The word of God" is not the material of the spiritual new birth, but its mean or medium. By means of the word the man receives the incorru”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 14:18: I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all. This the apostle says, to observe to them that he did not despise speaking with tongues: nor did he endeavour to beat them off, and dissuade them from desiring them, or envied their having them, because he was destitute of them himself; for he had this gift in a very eminent manner, and oftentimes made use of it, and was frequently under a necessity of so doing; he could speak with more tongues than any of those that had them, and spoke them oftener than they did; having occasion for them through his trav”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign - The miraculous gift of tongues was never designed for the benefit of those who have already believed, but for the instruction of unbelievers, that they might see from such a miracle that this is the work of God; and so embrace the Gospel. But as, in the times of the prophet, the strange Babylonish tongues came in the way of punishment, and not in the way of mercy; take heed that it be not the case now: that, by dwelling on the gift, ye forget the Giver; and what was designed for you as a blessing, may prove to you to be a c”
- Hosea (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hosea 14:2: Take with you words--instead of sacrifices, namely, the words of penitence here put in your mouths by God. "Words," in Hebrew, mean "realities," there being the same term for "words" and "things"; so God implies, He will not accept empty professions (Psa 78:36; Isa 29:13). He does not ask costly sacrifices, but words of heartfelt penitence. receive us graciously--literally "(for) good." calves of our lips--that is, instead of sacrifices of calves, which we cannot offer to Thee in exile, we present the praises of our lips. Thus the exile, wherein the”