Press-towards-the-mark

In a recent Bible study, the parable of the 10 virgins recently came up. Matthew 25:1-13 I had always assumed that the 10 virgins were brides awaiting the bridegroom to come at an unexpected time, but many in the bible study had always thought the 10 virgins were bridesmaids. What contributed to this difference? Quickly reviewing several translations revealed what had contributed to this difference.  We discovered modern translations and paraphrased translations were using the term "bridesmaids" over "virgins". So, which one is accurate?  Let's go back to the Greek! (This will be a common response from me on this blog.) The Greek word used in this verse is parthenois (Strongs G3933). Parthenois is accurately translated as a virgin but more specifically meaning one who is marriageable. The Greek word "parthenois" was never defined as bridesmaid.  This is a perfect example that no translation is error free.  Some translations ...

This is a blog for the purpose of recording and publishing my thoughts and notes on many biblical topics. I am in no means an expert.  I am just a student of the bible who continues to dig deep into the culture and history of the people, events, geography, language, and human migration recorded in the Biblical texts. This will sometimes fit perfectly into mainstream teaching of those topics but on several occasions my research will have me point out differing opinions and thoughts that conflict or contrast with mainstream teaching and opinions. This blog is not intended to be divisive.  I hold to the following motto... "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love." Problems usually arise over what we classify as an "essential". For the purpose of this blog I am defining as essential as a necessary "step/action" for salvation. An additional idea that I will also try to encourage in this blog is the idea of... ...