The explanation of Hebrews 11:5 began in Part VI. In order to understand the message, it is necessary to study the meaning of the words translate, translated and translation. Those who believe that the Greek word translated means immorality use Genesis 5:24 for the proof. Genesis 5:24 doesn’t give the meaning of God took him and the use of Hebrews 11:5 destroys the contextual meaning of the verse and those that follow. The first word whose meaning must be determined is metatithemi -- pronounced: met-at-ith'-ay-mee -- causing a change from one place to another (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries)-Strong #3346 to transfer and Thayer #3346 to change [as from one place or location to another DEC].

Before continuing with the explanation of verse 5 and 6, it is necessary to examine other verses where two words, metatithemi and methistemi -- pronounced: meth-is'-tay-me are used. They are similar and have essentially the same meanings with contextual variations, but which do not change the basic meaning of the words.

First, Luke used a form of metatithemi in Acts7:16 when he described what happened to Jacob and the fathers. Verse 15 sets the scene: So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, Note that they died. Then verse 16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. Carried over is the translation of  metatithemi and means causing a change from one place to another transfer, bring to, transplant (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries). The verb is passive which indicates that someone carried them to the sepulchre (grave) and buried them. Also, Luke used methistemi translated removed in Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. The meaning of methistemi is causing a change in someone's official position remove, dismiss, [to] discharge (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries).

Second, Paul used the word metatithemi in Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed (metatithemi) from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: The use in the verse means-changing one's loyalty as a follower turn from, desert, become apostate (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries). Third, Paul used a different word in I Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove (methistemi) mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. The word means [to] literally remove from one place to another, transfer (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries). The RSV, American Standard Version, Weymouth New Testament and Young’s Literal Bible translate methistemi with English word remove. 

Last, in Colossians 1:13 Paul wrote of God’s work in Christ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: The English word translated used here translates methistemi and means remove (Bibloi, Greek Dictionaries). God removed those who obeyed the gospel from darkness into the kingdom (reign) of Jesus Christ.

In each of the uses of the two words metatithemi and methistemi, there isn’t any verse that identifies, suggests, hints, infers or implies that the two words have any connection to the idea of immortality. It is imperative to allow scripture to interpret scripture. The writers of the New Testament used Greek words that corresponded in meaning to the Hebrew language and with that understanding, the meaning of Genesis 5:24 can be conclusively determined. Part VIII will begin with explanation of Hebrews 11:5 and 6.

© 12-08-2012 DEC