Words Unique in the Pauline Epistles:

Words can mean different things to different people so it’s important to understand individual words in Scripture. Before we move on from Romans to Corinthians, I’d like to point out 10 prominent words in the Pauline epistles with a view to define the meaning of the original Greek words translated variously to English. I’m not a student of Greek but have studied various Greek/English references and compared Scripture with Scripture in this endeavor. The King James Version (KJV) is used here so if the reader uses another version, he/she may find a different English word used to translate the Greek. (Please email me if you have identified other words unique to Paul.)

• Greek word “pis’tis” (G4002) normally translated “faith,” occurs 174 times in Paul’s epistles compared to a total of 70 in rest of the Testament (NT); there are 40 in Romans, the most in any NT book.

Bullinger’s Lexicon & Concordance to the English & Greek NT defines “pis’tis” as “faith, i.e., firm persuasion, the conviction which is based upon hearing, not upon sight, or knowledge; a firmly relying confidence in what we hear from God in His Word.”

The Holy Spirit defines faith in Hebrews 11:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• Greek word “hupakoe” translated “obedience, obedient, to make obedient, to obey and obeying” found 12 times in the Pauline epistles and three in 1st Peter.

Bullinger defines “Hupakoe” as “a hearing attentively, or listening; hence, obedience, as the result of attentive hearing;” Strong as “attentive harkening,” and Thayer “obedience, compliance, submission.”

“Hupakoe” first occurs in Romans 1:55 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

: “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name. “Hupakoe” is a form of the Greek “akoe,” which means “hearing” or “the sense of hearing” as in Romans 10:1717 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

: “So then faith cometh by hearing (akoe), and hearing by the word of God.”

See Faith Study Vol 5, No 2, https://www.faith-studies.com/article-volume-5-number-2, which examines at length the phrase “obedience of faith.”

• Greek “char’is” (G5385) translated “grace;” 110 in the Pauline epistles; 46 in the rest of the NT.

Bullinger defines “char’is” as “God’s grace and favor manifested towards mankind or to any individual, which as a free act is no more hindered by sin than it is conditional upon works. It is the grace of God, because it denotes the relation assumed and maintained by God towards sinful man. It is joined with Christ because it is manifested in and through Him.”

• Greek word “euanggel’ion” (G2098) translated “gospel,” found 61 times in the Pauline epistles out of the 77 total in the NT.

Bullinger and Strong define “euanggel’ion” as “a good message, etc.;” Thayer as “good tidings or a reward for good tidings.”

The Lord Jesus Christ entrusted Paul with the “Gospel (euanggel’ion) of Grace (char’is),” Acts 20:2424 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

, which had been God’s secret prior to when the Lord Jesus Christ revealed it to Paul for us to believe, Romans 16:25 - 2625 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

; 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 41 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

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• Greek “char’isma” (G5386) translated “gift;” 16 in Paul’s epistles and only once elsewhere in the NT. It is another form of the Greek word “char’is,” i.e., “grace.”

Bullinger defines “char’isma” as “a favor, kindness; that which is freely given, a gift of grace, gen. the effect of God’s gracious working, the positive blessing bestowed upon sinners; and also, in a special sense, a gift of grace imparted to an individual, etc.”

Believers rejoice that eternal life is by God’s favor, kindness, freely given through Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:2323 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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(There are other Greek words translated “gift” in the NT, for instance, “doron” (G1435) found 19 times in the NT, only 6 of which occur in Paul’s epistles. Bullinger defines “doron” as “a free gift, a present, an honorary gift.” This is the word used by Paul when he teaches that believers are saved by Grace, through faith and not of themselves, it is the gift (doron) of God, Ephesians 2:88 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

. Then there is “dorea” (G1531) found 11 times in the NT, 6 by Paul. Bullinger defines it as “a free gift, a present.” It is obviously a form of “doron,” and is found in Ephesians 3:77 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

& Ephesians 4:77 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

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• Greek word “epouran’ios” (G2032) translated “heavenly, celestial, in heaven and high,” used by Paul 18 out of 20 total in the NT.

According to Bullinger, “epouran’ios” means “upon, in, heavenly, what pertains to, or is in heaven;” Strong indicates it means “above the sky, celestial, (in) heaven (-ly), high;” Thayer indicates it means “existing in heaven, etc.” (There are other Greek words translated “heavenly” in the NT.)

“Epouran’ios” is most frequently found in 1 Corinthians at 5 times, and in Ephesians, also 5 times, five being the Biblical number for Grace. It appears in 1 Corinthians 15:4040 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

twice where it is translated “celestial” and 3 times in where it is translated “heavenly,” all of which describe the type of body believers during this age of Grace will have after being caught up (raptured) to heaven for eternity.

In Ephesians “epouran’ios” refers to the fact believers are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, Ephesians 1:33 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

; that Christ is now seated at the right hand of God in the heavenlies, Ephesians 1:2020 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

; that all believers are raised up and seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:66 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

; that it was by God’s Grace that Paul was given the mystery or secret by God to make known by the church (believers of this age) to the principalities and powers in heavenly places His manifold wisdom, Ephesians 3:6 - 106 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

and that believers today don’t wrestle with flesh and blood but against the rulers of darkness of this world, the spiritual wickedness in “high places” (“heavenlies” elsewhere) Ephesians 6:1212 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

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• Greek word “kle’sis” (G2821) translated “calling” 10 times & “vocation” once; 10 in Paul’s epistles and once in 2 Peter.

Bullinger defines it as “a call, a summons, invitation, a calling;” Strong as “an invitation (figuratively): - calling” and Thayer as “a calling, calling to, invitation, a call, invitation.”

Paul uses it once of his “high calling” of God in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:1414 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

and 9 times concerning God’s “calling to and of believers;” Romans 11:2929 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

; 1 Corinthians 1:22 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

626 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

; 1 Corinthians 7:2020 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

; Ephesians 1:1818 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

; Ephesians 4:11 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

“vocation;” Ephesians 4:44 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

; 2 Thessalonians 1:1111 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

; 2 Timothy 1:99 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

and Hebrews 3:11 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

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• Greek word “kletos” (G2822) translated “called;” 7 times in Paul’s epistles and 4 in the rest of the NT.

Bullinger defines “kletos” as “called, invited, welcome, chosen;” Strong as “invited, that is, appointed, or (specifically) a saint; - called,” Thayer as “called, invited (to a banquet), divinely selected and appointed, etc.” (Note, there are more than 1 Greek words translated “called” in the NT.)

Paul states: he was “called” an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, Romans 1:11 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

; 1 Corinthians 1:11 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

; the Romans (and believers today) are “the called” of Jesus Christ, Romans 1:66 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

and are “called saints,” Romans 1:77 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

; 1 Corinthians 1:2; that all things work together for good to them that love God, the “called” according to His purpose, Romans 8:2828 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

; and to “the called,” both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the Power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:2424 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

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• Greek word “proorid’zo” (G4209) translated “predestinate, determine before & ordain,” which occurs 5 times in Paul’s epistles out of the 6 total in the NT.

Strong defines “proorid’zo” “to limit in advance, that is (figuratively) predestinate; - determine before;” Thayer defines it “to predestinate, determine beforehand; God decreeing from eternity; to foreordain, appoint beforehand.” Bullinger “to set bounds before, determine, decree or ordain beforehand.”

Many times, the first occasion a word appears in the NT provides a clear definition thereof. The first and only occasion where “proorid’zo” occurs outside the Pauline epistles, it is translated “determined before” in the passage: “For of a truth against thy holy child (should be translated “servant”) Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” Acts 4:27 - 2827 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

. This is part of a prayer to God that begins in Acts 4:2424 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

offered by a large group of believing Jews assembled with Peter and John. Verses 27 & 28 point out that Herod, Pontius Pilate, along with both Gentiles and Jews had crucified Jesus Christ but God had “determined before” (predestinated) they would do this. Acts 4:25 - 2625 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

, which quotes Psalms 2:1 - 21 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

, which is the passage that proves God determined this before: “Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, (in Psalms 2:1 - 2) Why did the heathen (Gentiles) rage, and the people (Israel) imagine vain things? The kings (Herod & Pontius Pilate) of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.” Acts 4:25 - 26. (Note that these 2 verses in Acts prove that King David, as a prophet, wrote Psalms 2.)

• Greek word “muste’rion” (G3366) translated “mystery” found 20 times in the Pauline epistles out of 27 total in the NT.

Bullinger defines “muste’rion” as “a secret;” Strong indicates it is a derivative from another Greek word meaning “to shut the mouth; a secret or mystery;” Thayer defines it as “a hidden thing, secret, mystery.”

Again, the first occasion of “muste’rion” in the NT is a clue to its meaning: “And the disciples came, and said unto him (Jesus), Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries (secrets) of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” Matthew 13:10 - 1110 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

; repeated in Mark 4:10 - 1110 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

& Luke 8:9 - 109 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

. Jesus did not fully open the understanding of His disciples until after He accomplished His work on the cross and just before He ascended into heaven, Luke 24:44 - 4544 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

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