“Digging” Too Deep

It’s easy to latch onto a compelling interpretation of a biblical word, especially when it paints a vivid picture. Take ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs) in 1 Corinthians 4:1. Some claim it means “under-rower,” evoking an image of apostles toiling in the belly of a Roman ship. It sounds profound, but it’s not exactly how the word is used in the New Testament.

BDAG notes that ὑπηρέτης refers to “one who functions as a helper, frequently in a subordinate capacity, helper, assistant.” While the word originally derived from ἐρέτης (“rower”), by the time of the New Testament, it had a broader meaning, including assistants to officials, servants, or ministers. Paul isn’t describing himself as an oarsman but as a minister of Christ and a steward of God’s mysteries. The “under-rower” interpretation clings to an outdated etymology while ignoring the word’s actual usage in Scripture.

The same issue arises with the Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh). Some argue it always means “soul” in an immaterial sense, yet HALOT shows נֶפֶשׁ often refers to “life,” “person,” or “being,” depending on the context. In Psalm 42:2, “My nephesh thirsts for God,” the word does not indicate a disembodied soul but rather the whole person yearning for God. Forcing an overly narrow meaning distorts the text.

This is a reminder that not every word study leads to sound exegesis. A compelling metaphor doesn’t always align with biblical context. Before embracing an interpretation, we should ask:

• Is this how the word is actually used in Scripture?
• Does this fit the context?
• Am I prioritizing accuracy over emotional appeal?

Not every deep-sounding take is good theology.

~PW 🌮🛶

References

• Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). In A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Botterweck, G. J., Ringgren, H., & Fabry, H.-J. (Eds.). (1974–2006). Theological dictionary of the Old Testament (J. T. Willis, G. W. Bromiley, & D. E. Green, Trans.). Eerdmans.
• Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). In Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Clarendon Press.
• Koehler, L., Baumgartner, W., Richardson, M. E. J., & Stamm, J. J. (1994–2000). In The Hebrew and Aramaic lexicon of the Old Testament (electronic ed.). E.J. Brill.
• Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Broadman Press.