From: Stephen Williamson
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2014 4:04 PM
Subject: Angels (and Kings)

Hi all

Firstly, here is the word for "king" and "reigning" on top.

In Greek it's the word "Basileus", from which we probably derive the English word "basis" — the foundation(s) of power.

In Hebrew it's the three letters "MLK", normally pronounced malak, and from which we definitely derive the name "Molech", king (of fallen angels) in the case of the Ammonites (who lived back then in today's modern day Jordan).
1 Kings 11:7   Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh, the abomination (the filth) of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination (filth) of the children of Ammon.

But used in a good sense in the New Testament of course when referring to Jesus, the King, of the Kingdom of Heaven, the point that Matthew, who uses the word over 70 times, is keen to point out.

 

And now for angels (or messengers)

In Greek it's the word "aggelos" or "angelos", but in Hebrew it's very similar to the previous word, except it has four letters: "MLAK", indicating, it is thought, a heavy "aw" accent on the second syllable.

So, with that extra letter "A" (in Hebrew "aleph") pictured as a yoked ox, it adds both strength and submission to the word. It is the picture of Jesus, as many Bible teachers point out, in the book of Mark with its regular use of the word "Straightway", a Greek word used over 40 times, and yes, meaning straight, on a level path (from this point in time), forthwith or immediately. It means going forth without deviations, as a servant, hard working, and getting the job done. Also, in leading the way, the "Pres-bus", the "Lead ox", from which come the words presbyter (elder) and priest.

Ok, now, as to whether a spirit being or a human being is intended with the Greek word "aggelos" or the Hebrew word "mlak" which is what we were discussing on Wednesday morning,

the first time the word angel is used in scripture is in Genesis 16:7 with Hagar when the "MLAK JHVH" (Angel of Jehovah, Angel of the Lord) asks her where she is going, and then, when she can only tell where she's been, he tells her "go back and serve", submit to Sarah. Which she does, at least for a time

So, a ministering spirit or its opposite, an enemy spirit, is meant whenever words like "angel of God", "angel of the Lord", or the opposite, "a messenger of Satan" appear.

But, if it's just those words "a messenger", by themselves, or sometimes "an ambassador", or in the New Testament "the angel of the church", then yes, it indicates a human being.

Thanks Lord, yes, at this point, that appears the clearest picture

Blessings all Steve

 

Query received from a friend

Hi Stephen, Thanks for your work on words here ,very informative and inspirational work! One question on Angels..what is your understanding of scripture on all angel/spiritual messengers in the bible or is it always a human (angel)? Eg. Archangels etc

 

Thanks brother, ok, my understanding is that most English translations get the word "right" :-) , they've read the commentaries and generally acknowledged teachings, so when translators use that word "angel" in translating the Greek or Hebrew, they are spirit beings, multi-dimensional, definitely not flesh and blood.

Those letters to the seven churches, well, my current understanding is that John was being instructed to write to human messengers, overseers in those seven places, but Origen (who lived around 200 AD) taught that John was writing to the "guardian angels", if that's so, well thanks Lord, I imagine, like a lot of the book of Revelation, it will all become clear.

But thanks again for the encouragement.

Blessings Steve

Further thoughts on Greek Thursday July 27 2023 looking at "Melchizedek" in Scripture. King of Righteousness.

Messengers, Mysteries, The Will of Kings (Mellon μέλλον in Greek, "Future")

The related verb Mello that means "Fitting (fated)" and "Readying (Ride-preparing)" is from Melei that means "Caring", the Unseen, Cared-about Future being spoken or "willed" (mello) into action.

Similar words in the Greek New Testament Melos, Meli, Melas, Meros also Malta and Melchizedek (the Unseen King).

These words which are probably connected: melas means black or unseen (like angels), melon means treefruit (including apples), meli means sweet honey, melos means body parts (like fruits that have zero value when severed from the main body) and song parts (melody). Finally meros means portions or lots. Note that the phrase in Psalm 17:8 "keep me as the apple of your eye" (translating the word "pupil" in Latin) appears to be uniquely English in its origin, used in Wycliffe's Bible in 1382, but apparently originating with King Alfred the Great ca 890.

In the Old Testament, the Greek word "Mello" is translated as "Under Obligation" or "Should" (skulda in old Gothic) e.g. Joseph's brothers "should" eat there with the king, Moses hears that God is in his mouth, directing what he "should" say before Pharaoh.

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