Understanding What Was Said in II Corinthians
The Same Thing in Different Words
In many languages, and in English in particular, we like a variation in our words. We might repeat an idea, but we change the words slightly so we don’t sound like a broken record. In addition, every word has a basic meaning but it often includes subtle shades of additional meaning. By selecting which set of similar words we use in a discussion, we fine-tune exactly what we mean to get across.
We also should be aware of when the antonyms of our keywords are being used. I suggest marking those with a red circle and slash around the icon for that keyword.
Greek, like English, makes use of pronouns to refer back to who is being discussed. We need to identify the pronouns so we can better understand who is being talked about.
Class Discussion
- What words serve as pronouns? (I, he, she, they, us, them, those, it, who, this, these, you, your, our, my, mine, his, her)
- Using the first chapter of II Corinthians, identify the pronouns.
- Using the first chapter and your list of keywords, what synonyms and antonyms can you identify?
Marking Synonyms and Antonyms in II Corinthians
- Read through the entire book of II Corinthians a third time and this time mark the synonyms keywords as you run across them.
- Also, mark the antonyms by using the same symbol with a red slash through it.
- When you find a pronoun, try to determine who is being referred to and mark the pronouns with the color for that person.
- If you run into problems, jot down the reference and bring them to class.
