[Greek] λείπω (leipō), [Latin] deficiente, [Latin] indigere, [German] fehlen: to lack, to need, to leave behind, to fall away, to be destitute, to be left behind, to fail, to leave, to be inferior, to be wanting, to be in need, to be forsaken; Tit.1:5, Tit.3:13, Jas.1:4,5, Jas.2:15, Lk.18:22
Solar Eclipse: the sun falls away behind the moon
Background Information:
New Testament: This term is used primarily in the sense of lacking, wanting and being left behind. However, these examples involve both literal and more nuanced contexts. In one example, one is left physically behind in a location. Paul leaves Titus behind in order appoint presbyters in every town. Other examples make mention of those who lack food and clothing. One who is lacking in nothing is self-sufficient. One who lacks in wisdom asks God for this gift. One who lacks for nothing focuses less on material possessions. One is instructed by Jesus to sell what he has and give it to the poor.
Scripture:
“For this reason I left you (Titus) in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you.” Tit.1:5
Paul leaves Titus behind in Crete for purposes of ministry. Being left behind is not a punishment, but continues this unfinished work in Crete.
“And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.” Jas. 1:4-5
Hopefully, this testing of faith will lead to a more perfect perseverance. Like a cleansing fire, this perseverance will “burn” off impurities and obstacles in your walk of faith.
“When Jesus heard this He said to him, ‘There is still one thing left for you: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.’” Lk.18:22
Jesus call us to be mindful of the poor who lack food and clothing. Jesus also calls us to remove our attachment to material possessions. By following Him one may hope to find lasting spiritual treasures.
Ellipsis: This … is a common literary device used to intentionally omit a word, series of words, or sentences. Such words, being unnecessary or obvious, are left out or left behind. Removal of these words do not alter its intended meaning. An ellipsis is illustrated by a series of three dots in place of these missing words. An ellipse can be used to indicate an intentional pause, hesitation, an unfinished thought or ending in silence. An ellipsis is often used in texting.
Conclusion:
Eclipse, ecliptic, ellipsis, ellipse, fail, deficient, indigent
Apologies to all those of you who already know this. But for those of you who are still really “in the dark” about what exactly an eclipse is, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves in between the earth and the sun. The sun is obscured by the moon. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon. The sun is obscured by the earth. An eclipse is essentially a falling away or waning. A person, who overshadows or diminishes (minimizes) someone else’s accomplishments, often may eclipse that person.
An ellipse, a geometry term, is a curve in a plane. An ecliptic is the apparent path of the sun on the celestial sphere. So…I was surprised by the nuanced uses of this term in scripture. I would have never figured that this could be mean being destitute or being in need.
Update: As you know, we just recently experienced a solar eclipse. We stood in wonder of God’s handiwork in the heavens! At least for a short period of time, our nation came together. This event briefly overshadowed the current issues and events that our nation is dealing with.