Phrase-Shifting

Many modern Christians are guilty of what I call ‘phrase-shifting’—a kind of exegetical cloaking device. Like a Romulan warbird out of phase, a memorable snippet snatched from a verse takes on whatever sloppy meaning comes to the lazy Christian’s mind, invisible to sound interpretation, and out of phase with the Bible.

One example is the “eye for an eye” thing. People assume that is a command to exact vengeance. (hence Mahatma Gandhi's high sounding but totally misplaced saying "an eye for an eye and soon the whole world is blind"). But in context, it was a command to LIMIT vengeance to within the original offense. You can't blind both eyes of someone who only took only one of yours. Nearby, the Scripture establishes mechanisms for formalizing forgiveness in cases where people choose not to exact vengeance at all.

Another is the phrase about the sycamores are cut down but we will replace them with cedars. It is often quoted in the light of resilience, perseverance, faith, courage and hope. But in reality, it is a declaration of radical autonomy and pride...defiantly rebuilding over the consequences of God’s discipline. The beginning of the passage should have been a clue: “The Lord has sent a word AGAINST Jacob...”

Resist the devil and he will flee from you is not true. It says “submit yourselves to God,” resist the devil... Otherwise, we’ll get the demonic response: “Jesus we know and Paul we know, but who the heck are you?”

And confusing the word don't bury your ‘talent’ (Greek τάλαντον - “talanton” - a large sum of money) with musical talent is just childish. Had the verse about not burying things referenced the Hebrew word for a large sum of money ( כִּכָּר "kikkar”) would these sloppy Christians warn us not to murder players who score field goals?

When Scripture is pulled out of phase, its light still shines — but on the wrong target. The foundation of the prophets and apostles is not moral, spiritual, and linguistic laziness. The meat of the Word is not emotional soothing. That’s why Jesus’ promise that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free is conditional: “IF” you abide in My Word and My Word abides in you.