"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
(Rom. 16:17; KJV)
It is quite common to hear people say, "The Bible says that we are to
mark false teachers, and I'm going to mark him!" They are using the word
"mark" in the sense of "brand" or label." There is no doubt that the word
of the Lord teaches that proponents of error should be labeled as such,
but that is not the significance of the word "mark" in Romans 16:17.
"Mark" is the translation of the Greek verb skopeo. It is used 6 times
in the Greek N.T. It means to "pay attention to, look out for, notice."
(Bauer-Danker Greek-English Lexicon of the N.T., page 931 ) The
English Standard Version translates skopeo in the following ways:
Luke 11:35 "be careful;" Rom. 16:17 "watch out for;" 2 Cor. 4:18
"look;" Gal. 6:1 "keep watch;" Phil. 2:4 "look;" Phil. 3:17 "keep your
eyes on." It is apparent that skopeo does not have the sense of brand or
label in any of the texts where it is used. Most of the modern versions
reflect the proper use of skopeo. (Cf. RSV, NASB, NRSV, ESV,
NIV, TNIV)
Why have so many people used it in the sense of "brand?" The fact
that the KJV uses the word "mark" in Rom. 16:17 has led many people
to assume that such is the meaning. This shows how important it is not
to take anything for granted in Bible study. Check it out. It is never right
to misrepresent God's word. "Will you speak falsely for God, and speak
deceitfully for him?" (Job 13:7; ESV) Much misrepresentation and harm
could be avoided if people would do their research in order to be sure
they are "rightly explaining the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15; NRSV)
Though Rom. 16:17 does not teach us to identify and label heretics,
there are passages that do indicate that it is proper to do so. "As for a
person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice,
have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped
and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Tit. 3:10-11; ESV) Paul told Timothy
that "Phygelus and Hermogenes" had turned away from him. (2 Tim. 1:15)
He also named "Hymenaeus and Philetus" and said they are men who
"have swerved from the truth." (2 Tim. 2:17-18) He told the young evangelist
that "Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm...be on your
guard against him." (2 Tim. 4:14-15; TNIV)
The point the apostle is making in Rom. 16:17 is to "keep an eye on"
people who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine
you have been taught..." Or, as the old southern cliche says, "Watch them
like a hawk watching a chicken." Watch out for them and when you see
them, avoid them.
RD
Copyright 2011
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
(Rom. 16:17; KJV)
It is quite common to hear people say, "The Bible says that we are to
mark false teachers, and I'm going to mark him!" They are using the word
"mark" in the sense of "brand" or label." There is no doubt that the word
of the Lord teaches that proponents of error should be labeled as such,
but that is not the significance of the word "mark" in Romans 16:17.
"Mark" is the translation of the Greek verb skopeo. It is used 6 times
in the Greek N.T. It means to "pay attention to, look out for, notice."
(Bauer-Danker Greek-English Lexicon of the N.T., page 931 ) The
English Standard Version translates skopeo in the following ways:
Luke 11:35 "be careful;" Rom. 16:17 "watch out for;" 2 Cor. 4:18
"look;" Gal. 6:1 "keep watch;" Phil. 2:4 "look;" Phil. 3:17 "keep your
eyes on." It is apparent that skopeo does not have the sense of brand or
label in any of the texts where it is used. Most of the modern versions
reflect the proper use of skopeo. (Cf. RSV, NASB, NRSV, ESV,
NIV, TNIV)
Why have so many people used it in the sense of "brand?" The fact
that the KJV uses the word "mark" in Rom. 16:17 has led many people
to assume that such is the meaning. This shows how important it is not
to take anything for granted in Bible study. Check it out. It is never right
to misrepresent God's word. "Will you speak falsely for God, and speak
deceitfully for him?" (Job 13:7; ESV) Much misrepresentation and harm
could be avoided if people would do their research in order to be sure
they are "rightly explaining the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15; NRSV)
Though Rom. 16:17 does not teach us to identify and label heretics,
there are passages that do indicate that it is proper to do so. "As for a
person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice,
have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped
and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Tit. 3:10-11; ESV) Paul told Timothy
that "Phygelus and Hermogenes" had turned away from him. (2 Tim. 1:15)
He also named "Hymenaeus and Philetus" and said they are men who
"have swerved from the truth." (2 Tim. 2:17-18) He told the young evangelist
that "Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm...be on your
guard against him." (2 Tim. 4:14-15; TNIV)
The point the apostle is making in Rom. 16:17 is to "keep an eye on"
people who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine
you have been taught..." Or, as the old southern cliche says, "Watch them
like a hawk watching a chicken." Watch out for them and when you see
them, avoid them.
RD
Copyright 2011
enjoying your articles so much! So simple and plain are God's truths.
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