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NASB | Ephesians 4:9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had previously descended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth? |
Subject: Dr. B. What does aggelos mean? |
Bible Note: Dear Mark, Thanks for the point regarding the active voice of the verb "Anabaino" - to ascend. I can see where you're coming from, but I don't think that you are necessarily correct. In Matthew 17:27 Peter is told to use a line and hook to catch a fish. When he does so the fish "cometh up" [anabaino in the active voice] Now did the fish decide to come up of its own power and choice, or did it only come up because Peter caused it to come up? The fact that when Jesus ascended he did it in the active voice, merely means that he was the one doing the action of ascending. Similarly, taking a look at the active voice of "Katabaino" - to descend - does not indicate that Jesus descended under his own power. In Luke 9:54 the disciples James and John asked Jesus, "wilt thou that we command fire to come down [katabaino] from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" Katabaino is again in the active voice, yet it is hardly possible that the fire descended of its own power and volition - it would clearly be sent from God. Likewise with Acts 10:11 and Acts 11:5. The vessel Peter saw in a vision was sent by God - it didn't travel of its own power. And likewise James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down [katabaino - active] from the Father of lights" Again, this very clearly shows that something or someone that God causes to ascend or descend can be spoken of in the active voice. I hope that this helps. Yrs, Dr. B. |