Matthew 10:42 And whoever shall give to drink

Spoken to: 

Apostles

Sending of Apostles, rewards

KJV: 

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

NIV : 

Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward

3RD (NLT, if not otherwise identified): 

Matthew 10:42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.

LISTENERS HEARD: 

Also, whoever pours one of these young here a single cup of coldness, in a name of a student, Ameni I tell you, never does he lose that reward of his.

MY TAKE: 

We are rewarded for giving children the little that they need.

GREEK (Each Word Explained Bottom of Page): 

LOST IN TRANSLATION: 

This verse is full of wordplay in Greek an may say or suggest something almost the opposite from the KJV and other biblical translations.

The word translated as "cold" is the key. It doesn't mean physically cold, which is the familiar word, kryo, but a different Greek word meaning emotionally "cold," "indifferent," "ineffectual," "vain," and related ideas such as "lifeless" and "silly." It is a form of the word usually translated as "soul," psyche, and translated as "life" three verses ago in Matthew 10:39. but not a positive one. Most Bibles add the noun "water" after "cold" to make sense of the "cold cup," but that word isn't there. This verse also has a lot in it that is missing from the version in Mark 9:41. Jesus uses the word "cup" as a symbol for burdens and suffering, see Mark 14:36 or Matthew 20:22. This  "cup of indifference" or "a cup of coldness" is not a positive thing.  The other adjective, "only a cold cup" magnifies this offer into a slight.

If we interpret this as a "only cup of coldness," then this verse is not a promise of a positive reward, but a sarcastic offer of "not losing what is coming to him." Notice how the phrasing is negative, "not lose" as opposed ot the previous verse, Matthew 10:41, where the "receive" is positive. While the idea of "giving" a cup seems positive, the actual verb is more neuter, "watering." In other words, it is a humorous threat. This is very much in keeping with the ton of the rest of the Sending of the Apostles, which has been mostly warnings about others.

The word translated as "little ones" (KJV, NIV)  and "least" (NLT) means both things. The phrase is "one of the least here" but the word meaning "least" is usually used by Jesus to refer to children (see this article). In a sense, Jesus is calling the least of his students a child. Of course, some of them could have been children.

This verse also has the unusual phrase "in a name of" instead of the common "in the name of." We saw and discussed this structure in the previous verse, Matthew 10:41See this article for a discussion of this and related phrases. The phrase here and in the previous verse use the rarer form of the phrase, that has the sense of "for a name."

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

9
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "when" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "shall" does not mean the future tense but a form of possibility.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "give a drink" does not have the word "give" or "drink" in it.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "of" doesn't exist in the source.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "water" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "the" should be something more like "a."
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "shall" does not mean the future tense but a form of possibility.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.

# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

12
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "gives" should be something more like "water."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "even" should be something more like "alone."
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "of" doesn't exist in the source.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "water" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "who is my" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "into" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "name" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "that person" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "will" should be something more like "should."
  • WN  - Wrong Number- The word "their" is translated as plural but it is singular, "his."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.

# 3RD TRANSLATION ISSUES: 

21
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "you" should be something more like "that."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "give" should be something more like "water."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "even" should be something more like "alone."
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "of" doesn't exist in the source.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "water" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IP - Inserted phrase-- The phrase "of my" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "into" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "name" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "follower" does reference the Greek word "follow."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "verily" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "tell" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "you" is not shown in the English translation.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "you" doesn't exist in the source.
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "will" should be something more like "should."
  • WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "surely" should be something more like "should."
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "be" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "lose" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WF - Wrong Form -  The "rewarded" is not a verb but a noun, "reward."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "his" is not shown in the English translation.

EACH WORD of KJV : 

And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

whosoever -- The word translated as "whoever" is a demonstrative pronoun("this," "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.

missing "when"-- (MW) The untranslated word meaning "when" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is often how we use the word "when."

shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.

give to drink -- (CW) This is a word that means "to water," "to moisten," and metaphorically "to saturate one's mind. It is a word that he uses only six times. It does not contain either the Greek words for "give" or "drink." Though Jesus uses this word to refer to giving water the thirsty, it is . the word used for "watering" animals, that is, taking them out to "water" them (Luke 13:1). This may mean that Jesus is using it for its humorous or metaphorical meaning. It is also not in the future tense, but in a form that indicates something that might happen at some time, past, present, or future.

unto -- There is nothing that can be translated as "unto" in the Greek source, but the form of the English verb used requires an indirect object while the Greek verb takes a direct object as our "water" does.

one -- The Greek word translated as "one thing" means "one" (as opposed to other numbers), "single," and "one and the same."As in English, it can be used as a pronoun, meaning a single person.  The form is a direct ob

of -- This word "of"  comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

these  -- "These" is a demonstrative pronoun that means "this," "here," "the nearer," and "the familiar." It comes after the noun so "here."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

little ones -- "Little ones" is from an adjective that means "small" or "little." It is also used to mean "the least" of a group.

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

cup -- The word for "cup" means "a drinking-cup," "a wine-cup," "a jar," and "a receptacle" for offerings in the temple. The cup is used by Jesus as a symbol for sharing burdens.

of -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "of" in the Greek source.

cold -- The word translated as "cold," has a number of negative meanings: "ineffectual," "vain," "cold-hearted," "heartless," and "silly." However, it is an uncommon word that Christ uses to play on a word he uses commonly that he uses to mean "mind" and "soul."

water -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "water" in the Greek source.

only -- "Only" is an adjective modifying "cup" that means "alone," "solitary," "only," "single," "unique," "made in one piece," "without [someone]," "only [something]," "unique," "one above all others," and "on one condition only."

in " -- The word translated as "in" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.

the -- (WW) There is no Greek article "the" here in the source,  but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

name -- The Greek phrase translated as "name" is much more complicated than it might at first appear. It can simply mean a "name" as in English, this can be many things. It doesn't mean the thing itself, but what people call it. For example, it can mean a "false name," or "a pretense" as we say "this is a marriage in name only." It can also mean representing another person's authority, as we say, "he is acting in the name of the boss."

of -- This word "of"  comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession,

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

disciple, -- "Disciple" is from the Greek meaning "learner," "pupil," "student," and "apprentice." "Disciple" is a religious spin on this concept, but the word doesn't have the sense.

verily -- The word translated as "verily" is from the Hebrew word that means "truly" or "certainly," but it sounds like the Greek word with the same meaning. In Greek, the word also means "to reap." See this article discussing this "amen phrase."

I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the following verb.

say -- The word translated as "say" is the most common word that means "to say," and "to speak," but it also means "to teach," which seems to be the way Christ uses it more frequently. It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." Christ usually uses this word to refer to his own speaking or teaching.

unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.

you,  -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.

he -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.

shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.

in no wise -- "In no wise" here is both of the Greek negatives used together. Greek has two negatives, one objective, one subjective. The use of both together is more extreme, like saying "you cannot really think." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.

lose -- The word translated as "he shall lose" means to destroy or demolish but Jesus uses it, somewhat uncommonly, to mean "lose." It is not the future tense, but in a form indicating something that happens at some time past, present, or future.

his -- The word translated as "his" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.  The word means "the same" when used as an adjective. In the adverbial form, it  means "just here" or "exactly there." This pronoun follows the noun so "of his."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

reward. -- The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "compensation," what you receive for doing work. In Christ's teaching, there is spiritual compensation and worldly compensation.

EACH WORD of NIV : 

And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

if --   This word means "if might" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is often how we use the word "when."

anyone -- The word translated as "whoever" is a demonstrative pronoun("this," "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.

gives -- (WW) This is a word that means "to water," "to moisten," and metaphorically "to saturate one's mind. It is a word that he uses only six times. It does not contain either the Greek words for "give" or "drink." Though Jesus uses this word to refer to giving water the thirsty, it is . the word used for "watering" animals, that is, taking them out to "water" them (Luke 13:1). This may mean that Jesus is using it for its humorous or metaphorical meaning. It is also not in the future tense, but in a form that indicates something that might happen at some time, past, present, or future.

even -- (WW) "Even" is an adjective modifying "cup" that means "alone," "solitary," "only," "single," "unique," "made in one piece," "without [someone]," "only [something]," "unique," "one above all others," and "on one condition only."

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

cup -- The word for "cup" means "a drinking-cup," "a wine-cup," "a jar," and "a receptacle" for offerings in the temple. The cup is used by Jesus as a symbol for sharing burdens.

of -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "of" in the Greek source.

cold -- The word translated as "cold," has a number of negative meanings: "ineffectual," "vain," "cold-hearted," "heartless," and "silly." However, it is an uncommon word that Christ uses to play on a word he uses commonly that he uses to mean "mind" and "soul."

water -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "water" in the Greek source.

to -- There is nothing that can be translated as "unto" in the Greek source, but the form of the English verb used requires an indirect object while the Greek verb takes a direct object as our "water" does.

one -- The Greek word translated as "one thing" means "one" (as opposed to other numbers), "single," and "one and the same."As in English, it can be used as a pronoun, meaning a single person.  The form is a direct ob

of -- This word "of"  comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

these  -- "These" is a demonstrative pronoun that means "this," "here," "the nearer," and "the familiar." It comes after the noun so "here."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

little ones -- "Little ones" is from an adjective that means "small" or "little." It is also used to mean "the least" of a group.

who is my -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "who is my" in the Greek source.

missing "into"-- (MW) The untranslated word "into" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.

missing "name"-- (MW) The untranslated word "name" is much more complicated than it might at first appear. It can simply mean a "name" as in English, this can be many things. It doesn't mean the thing itself, but what people call it. For example, it can mean a "false name," or "a pretense" as we say "this is a marriage in name only." It can also mean representing another person's authority, as we say, "he is acting in the name of the boss."

disciple, -- "Disciple" is from the Greek meaning "learner," "pupil," "student," and "apprentice." "Disciple" is a religious spin on this concept, but the word doesn't have the sense.

verily -- The word translated as "verily" is from the Hebrew word that means "truly" or "certainly," but it sounds like the Greek word with the same meaning. In Greek, the word also means "to reap." See this article discussing this "amen phrase."

I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the following verb.

tell-- The word translated as "tell" is the most common word that means "to say," and "to speak," but it also means "to teach," which seems to be the way Christ uses it more frequently. It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." Christ usually uses this word to refer to his own speaking or teaching.

you,  -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.

that person -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "that person" in the Greek source

will -- (WW) This helping verb "will" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.

certainly not-- "Certainly not" here is both of the Greek negatives used together. Greek has two negatives, one objective, one subjective. The use of both together is more extreme, like saying "you cannot really think." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.

lose -- The word translated as "he shall lose" means to destroy or demolish but Jesus uses it, somewhat uncommonly, to mean "lose." It is not the future tense, but in a form indicating something that happens at some time past, present, or future.

their -- (WN) The word translated as "their" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.  The word means "the same" when used as an adjective. In the adverbial form, it  means "just here" or "exactly there." This pronoun follows the noun so "of his."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

reward. -- The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "compensation," what you receive for doing work. In Christ's teaching, there is spiritual compensation and worldly compensation.

EACH WORD 3RD (NLT or as noted): 

And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."

if --   This word means "if might" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. This is often how we use the word "when."

you -- (WW) The word translated as "you" is a demonstrative pronoun ("this," "that"), but it often acts as a pronoun, especially a connective pronoun introducing a dependent clause.

give -- (WW) This is a word that means "to water," "to moisten," and metaphorically "to saturate one's mind. It is a word that he uses only six times. It does not contain either the Greek words for "give" or "drink." Though Jesus uses this word to refer to giving water the thirsty, it is . the word used for "watering" animals, that is, taking them out to "water" them (Luke 13:1). This may mean that Jesus is using it for its humorous or metaphorical meaning. It is also not in the future tense, but in a form that indicates something that might happen at some time, past, present, or future.

even -- (WW) "Even" is an adjective modifying "cup" that means "alone," "solitary," "only," "single," "unique," "made in one piece," "without [someone]," "only [something]," "unique," "one above all others," and "on one condition only."

a -- There is no indefinite article in Greek, but when a word doesn't have a definite article, the indefinite article can be added in English translation.

cup -- The word for "cup" means "a drinking-cup," "a wine-cup," "a jar," and "a receptacle" for offerings in the temple. The cup is used by Jesus as a symbol for sharing burdens.

of -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "of" in the Greek source.

cold -- The word translated as "cold," has a number of negative meanings: "ineffectual," "vain," "cold-hearted," "heartless," and "silly." However, it is an uncommon word that Christ uses to play on a word he uses commonly that he uses to mean "mind" and "soul."

water -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "water" in the Greek source.

to -- There is nothing that can be translated as "unto" in the Greek source, but the form of the English verb used requires an indirect object while the Greek verb takes a direct object as our "water" does.

one -- The Greek word translated as "one thing" means "one" (as opposed to other numbers), "single," and "one and the same."As in English, it can be used as a pronoun, meaning a single person.  The form is a direct ob

of -- This word "of"  comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English.  The most common is the "of" of possession.

these  -- "These" is a demonstrative pronoun that means "this," "here," "the nearer," and "the familiar." It comes after the noun so "here."

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

least  -- "Least" is from an adjective that means "small" or "little." It is also used to mean "the least" of a group.

of my -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "of my " in the Greek source.

missing "into"-- (MW) The untranslated word "into" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.

missing "name"-- (MW) The untranslated word "name" is much more complicated than it might at first appear. It can simply mean a "name" as in English, this can be many things. It doesn't mean the thing itself, but what people call it. For example, it can mean a "false name," or "a pretense" as we say "this is a marriage in name only." It can also mean representing another person's authority, as we say, "he is acting in the name of the boss."

followers, -- (CW) "Followers" is from the Greek meaning "learner," "pupil," "student," and "apprentice." "Disciple" is a religious spin on this concept, but the word doesn't have the sense. This is not the Greek word for "follower" or "follow."

missing "truly"-- (MW) The untranslated word "truly" is from the Hebrew word that means "truly" or "certainly," but it sounds like the Greek word with the same meaning. In Greek, the word also means "to reap." See this article discussing this "amen phrase."

missing "tell"-- (MW) The untranslated word "tell" is the most common word that means "to say," and "to speak," but it also means "to teach," which seems to be the way Christ uses it more frequently. It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." Christ usually uses this word to refer to his own speaking or teaching.

missing "you"-- (MW) The untranslated word "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.

you -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "you" in the Greek source.

will -- (WW) This helping verb "will" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.

surely -- (WW) "Surely" here is both of the Greek negatives used together. Greek has two negatives, one objective, one subjective. The use of both together is more extreme, like saying "you cannot really think." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words.

be -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "be" in the Greek source.

missing "lose"  -- (MW) The untranslated word "lose" means to destroy or demolish but Jesus uses it, somewhat uncommonly, to mean "lose." It is not the future tense, but in a form indicating something that happens at some time past, present, or future.

missing "the"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more. 

rewarded. -- (WF) The Greek word translated as "reward" really means "compensation," what you receive for doing work. In Christ's teaching, there is spiritual compensation and worldly compensation. It is not a verb, but a noun.

missing "of his"  -- (MW) The untranslated word "his" is the Greek word commonly translated as third-person pronouns in English.  The word means "the same" when used as an adjective. In the adverbial form, it  means "just here" or "exactly there." This pronoun follows the noun so "of his."

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV : 

καὶ (conj) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

ὃς (pron sg masc nom) "Whoever" is from hos, which means "this," "that," "he," "she," "which," "what," "who," "whosoever," "where," "for which reason," and many similar meanings.

ἂν (particle) "Untranslated is ean, which is a conditional particle (derived from ei (if)and an (might)) which makes reference to a time and experience in the future that introduces but does not determine an event.

ποτίσῃ [6 verses](3rd sg aor subj act) "Shall give to drink" is potizo which means "to give a drink," "to water," "to moisten," and metaphorically "to saturate one's mind."

ἕνα (noun sg masc acc) "One" is from heis, which means "one" (as opposed to other numbers), "single," and "one and the same." As in English, it can be used as a pronoun, meaning a single person.

τῶν (article pl masc gen )  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --

μικρῶν (adj pl masc gen ) "Of little ones" is from mikros, which means "small," "little," and "young." It is one of several words Christ uses to refer to children.

τούτων (adj pl masc gen) "These" is from toutos, which is a demonstrative pronoun that means "this," "here," "the nearer," and "the familiar."

ποτήριον (noun sg neut acc) "Cup" is poterion, which means "a drinking-cup," "a wine-cup," "a jar," and "a receptacle" for offerings in the temple.

ψυχροῦ (adj sg neut gen) "Cold" is psychros, which means "cold," "ineffectual," "vain," "cold-hearted," "heartless," "indifferent," "flat," "lifeless," "insipid," "feeble," and "silly."

μόνον (adj sg neut acc) "Only" is from monos, which means "alone," "solitary," "only," "single," "unique," "made in one piece," "without [someone]," "only [something]," "unique," "one above all others," and "on one condition only."

εἰς (prep) "In" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."

ὄνομα (noun sg neut acc) "Name" is from onoma, which means "name." It means both the reputation of "fame," and "a name and nothing else," as opposed to a real person. Acting in someone's name means to act on their behalf, as their representative.

μαθητοῦ, (noun sg masc gen ) "Disciples" is from mathetes which means "learner," "pupil," "apprentice," and "student."

ἀμὴν (exclaim) "Verily" is from amen, which is from the Hebrew, meaning "truly," "of a truth," and "so be it." It has no history in Greek before the NT.

λέγω (1st sg pres ind act) "I tell" is from lego, which means "to recount," "to tell over," "to say," "to speak," "to teach," "to mean," "boast of," "tell of," "recite," nominate," and "command." It has a secondary meaning "pick out," "choose for oneself," "pick up," "gather," "count," and "recount." A less common word that is spelt the same means "to lay," "to lay asleep" and "to lull asleep."

ὑμῖν, (pron 2nd pl dat) "You" is from humas the plural form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you."

οὐ μὴ (partic) "In no wise" is from ou me, the two forms of Greek negative used together. Ou is the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences. Mê (me) is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." As οὐ (ou) negates fact and statement; μή rejects, οὐ denies; μή is relative, οὐ absolute; μή subjective, οὐ objective.

ἀπολέσῃ (3rd sg aor subj act) "He shall...lose" is from apollymi, which means "to demolish," "to lay waste," "to lose," "to perish," "to die," "to cease to exist," and "to be undone."

τὸν (article sg masc acc )  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." --

μισθὸν (noun sg masc acc ) "Reward" is from misthos, which means "wages" in the sense of compensation for work done, "pay," "hire," "fee," "recompense," and "reward."

αὐτοῦ. (adj sg masc gen) "His" is from autos, which means "the same," and the reflexive pronouns, "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," or the oblique case of the pronouns, "him," "her," and "it." It also means "one's true self," that is, "the soul" as opposed to the body and "of one's own accord."

Wordplay: 

 The word translated as "give water" metaphorically means "saturate the mind." The word translated as "cold' is a negative adjective that is very close to the word Christ uses for "mind" and "soul." 

Related Verses: 

Unimportant Opinions and Imaginings: 

“But most of us are just children,” said Brother James. “Not really men, at all, law-abiding or not.”
Most of the students complained. They were all men according to Judean law, even if young.
“If they see as as children,” responded Bar Simon, “they are likely to give us only a serving of indifference.”
“Indifference is better than hostility,” noted Netter.
“Will people be rewarded if they are indifferent to us because most of us are young?” asked the young Johnny Boy.
“Also, when anyone offers one of the smallest here only a cup of coldness, for a name of a student?” responded the Master. “Honestly, I’m telling you all...”
Everyone laughed at the familiar catch phrase.
“Never ever doe he lose that reward of his!” finished the Master cheerfully.
The answer was again ambiguous, but everyone laughed and applauded because of the jovial way he said it.  And the meeting ended there on a positive note.

Front Page Date: 

Sep 25 2020