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NASB | Matthew 16:18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 16:18 "And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. [Eph 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col 1:18] |
Bible Question: A friend asked this question and I have no idea, I figured someone here would know. What is it in Biblical Greek, the words used for "Peter" and "rock"? I'll bet they are quite similar, if not the same word. This is a discussion about Peter being the rock on which Jesus built His Church. I say the rock is the revelation of Jesus as Lord, not that He is establishing a head for the church, Jesus is the Head. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Norrie! The word for Peter is 'Petros'. The word for rock is 'petra'. Here is part of what the Bible Knowledge Commentary says about this verse: ********************** But his declaration about Messiah’s person led to a declaration of Messiah’s program. Peter (Petros, masc.) was strong like a rock, but Jesus added that on this rock (petra, fem.) He would build His church. Because of this change in Greek words, many conservative scholars believe that Jesus is now building His church on Himself. Others hold that the church is built on Peter and the other apostles as the building’s foundation stones (Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14). Still other scholars say that the church is built on Peter’s testimony. It seems best to understand that Jesus was praising Peter for his accurate statement about Him, and was introducing His work of building the church on Himself (1 Cor. 3:11). *********************** I would definitely say that Peter is not the 'rock' upon which the church is too be built. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |