Word Studies in the BIBLE
By E. M. Zerr
[Page 7] |
PERMIT - SUFFER
The distinction in meaning between these words is as wide as their forms would indicate, yet strange to say they are often used interchangeably. The first comes from two Greek originals. One is EPITREPO which Strong defines thus: "To turn over (transfer), i.e., allow." In the King James Version it has been rendered by give leave, give liberty, give license, let, permit and suffer. The definition of Thayer follows: "To turn, to transfer, commit, intrust. To permit, allow, give leave." The other original is in noun form and is used in I Corinthians 7: 6. Strong defines this word "fellow knowledge, i.e. concession." Thayer defines it "Pardon, indulgence:" it is SUGGNOME.
The word is never used affirmatively in relation to anything that is wrong. It is used in a negative sense in I Corinthians 14: 34, because Paul regarded the performance wrong of which he was speaking. The four other passages where "permit" is used are Acts 26: 1, I Corinthians 16: 7, Hebrews 6: 3 and I Corinthians 7: 6. The last named passage is the one frequently discussed in connection with the subject of inspiration. Such is an unfortunate use of this passage since the authority of the apostle is not the question. We have seen that the word "permit" is never used affirmatively for something that is wrong. Since it is defined as meaning to give license to something, we are sure the Lord would not have given Paul the permission to write certain regulations to the brethren unless such directives had been right. Had nothing been said on the subject, here or elsewhere, then no teacher could truly insist upon such a regulation. But since the apostle was permitted to give the instructions, it must be regarded as correct, and by the same token it would be wrong to disregard his advice.
In a large number of places our second word is used with regard for the personal experiences of individuals. Especially does it concern those which affect the feelings or sensations, showing them to be unpleasant to the extent of severity. Under the plan of this article it should be evident to the reader that such a meaning is not to be considered. Instead it is the purpose to examine it as it is related to the first word of our heading. To state it in other words, the term will be considered as it pertains to the mutual interests and performances of two or more persons. Such an inclusion of thought was vital while examining the first heading word, and it should be thus with the second. Consequently such a setup of subject matter will necessarily bring us before situations where the conduct of one person will be modified by the attitude of another.
One of the Greek words for "suffer" is APHIEMI. Thayer gives the fuller definition hence I will rely on his information which is as follows: "To send away; to send forth, yield up, emit. To let go, let alone, let be, to disregard." He gives several more phrases, but they are similar in thought and hence it will not be necessary to take up more space here. Another original is TROPOPHOREO which Strong defines "to endure one's habits." Thayer's definition agrees with it which is as follows: "To bear one's manners, endure one's character." He also cites the passage in Deuteronomy 1: 31 of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament). There the writer refers to God's dealings with the children of Israel, where the connection shows how God "put up" with their waywardness in the wilderness. This is the word Paul uses in Acts 13: 18 on this subject, which indicates God's patience with his people.
In some places the second term of our heading comes from ANECHO. I shall first give Strong's definition as follows: "To hold one's self up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with." Thayer defines it thus:"To hold up, to hold one's self erect
[Page 8] |