Finally, brethren, whatever is true (αληθη), whatever is honorable (σεμνα), whatever is right (δικαια),
whatever is pure (αγνα), whatever is lovely (προσφιλη),
whatever is of good repute(ευφημα), if there is any excellence (αρετη)
and if anything worthy of praise (επαινος), dwell on these things.
In this post I wanted to conclude with some reflections on overall themes.
|
English Word
|
Greek Word
(transliteration) |
Definition
|
Themes/other definitions
|
|
True
|
ἀληθής (alēthḗs)
|
Without a lie
|
Honest, not
concealing, integrity, upright
|
|
Honorable
|
σεμνός (semnós)
|
Dignified
|
Faithful, honorable, clear conscience, sound
|
|
Right
|
δίκαιος (díkaios)
|
Right/Just
|
Upright, innocent, holy, righteous
|
|
Pure
|
ἁγνός (hagnós)
|
Free of impurity
|
Blameless, innocent, clean
|
|
Lovely
|
προσφιλής
(prosphilḗs)
|
Friendship/love
|
Beloved, acceptable, pleasing, companion, one who does what is good, kind,
dear
|
|
Good Repute
|
εὔφημος (eúphēmos)
|
Good reputation
|
Praiseworthy, laudable, well-spoken of, respected, "good rumor"
|
|
Excellent
|
ἀρετή (aretḗ)
|
Human virtue
|
"Highest good," morality, ethical, merit, honor
|
|
Worthy of Praise
|
ἔπαινος
(épainos)
|
Commendation
|
Worthy of praise, object of
praise/fame
|
Paul in this one verse, not one, two or three times but eight times calls Christians to think good thoughts, thoughts that are upright, blameless, good, noble and worthy of our time and praise. This could be thought of as almost Christian pop-psychology, long before the existence of pop-psychology. But it is not that, it is so much more. Ever since I was in Middle School I have reflected on this verse a lot. I did not realize the Greek definitions in middle school but I had a general understanding that I should dwell on thoughts that good and pure. Instead of focusing hours of time on video games, I wanted to serve at church and I wanted to study the Bible. Even today, this verse guides me in my daily action. Every day I can fill this brain of mine with pleasing, pure, positive, blameless, upright, righteous, God-given dreams, purposes and understandings or I can just choose to fill my brain with the troubles and understandings of this world. It is a choice I have to make. We are to evaluate all of our actions and thoughts according to the themes of this verse...."Am I thinking pure thoughts before I go to bed?" "When I am near that person I cannot stand to be around, do I think excellent and praise-worthy thoughts then?" "I told my friend/wife/whoever about my day, did I tell that person the honest truth? Was I thinking it?"
Okay, (so how could I resist?) to get the full meaning across for the word 'dwell,' let's look at the Greek word:
The Greek word for 'dwell' is λογίζομαι (logízomai). The word means to 'reason,' 'reckon' or 'account' for something. Honestly, this surprised me. I was guessing the word would meaning to ponder, reflect or contemplate but Paul goes a step further than just 'consider closely' or 'to ponder' (which would be κατανοέω). Instead Paul says to 'put this as reason' or 'put this together!' Or to 'let this occupy your brain!' Another way of saying this is 'count this as important because you will be held accountable to this!' (Zodhiates, 2000). These are some strong words, it is not a happy-go-lucky journal or reflection but a lifestyle that must be lived out. Now go and dwell on these types of things.
Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
