[Greek] κανών (kanōn), [Latin] regulae: canon, reed, standard, rod, rule, sphere, principle, measuring rod, limit; 2Cor.10:13,15-16, Gal.6:16, Php.3:16, Rev. 18:5
“See, I am laying a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel” Amos 7:8 (A plumb line represents a canon or standard of measurement)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term is used in a literal sense, metaphorical sense, and a figurative sense. In the architecture and construction industries, rods measured distance and plumb lines measured right angles and circles. Measuring rods and plumb lines eventually become standards defining morality, sciences, philosophy, and the arts. In the Greek world, the canon becomes associated to what is perfect, beautiful, balanced, harmonious, and ideal. Canonical standards (of perfection) developed in sculpture, music, and literature. The first step in philosophy is to find the canon, the rule of true knowledge from what is mere appearance.
Epictetus’ Discourse 2.11.13 states, “The beginning of philosophy is an inquiry into that which seems, whether it rightly seems, and the discovery of a certain rule…a plumb line for straight and wicked.” Aeschines’ Against Ctesiphon states, “For as in carpentry, when we wish to know what is straight and what is not, we apply the carpenter’s rule which serves our standard.” Demosthanes’ On the Crown 18, 286 states, “They measure their happiness by their belly and their baser parts; they have overthrown forever their freedom and independence which to the Greeks of an earlier age the very standard and canon of prosperity.”
Old Testament: This term, coming from a Semitic word, can refer to a reed (plant), measuring rod, scales, shaft, branches, and a joint. This term also can refer to unusual meanings such as bedposts, confusion (error), voice, and philosophy. Hellenism’s influence references a rule of philosophy in 4 Maccabees. The contemporary philosophers (and writers) Josephus and Philo also make references to rules, statues, laws, models and measures. She went to the bedpost near the head of Holofernes, and taking his sword from it (Jud 13:6). Now is the time of your confusion (Mic.7:4). What person who lives as a philosopher by the whole rule of philosophy, and trusts in God (4Macc.7:21). Who stretched out the measuring line for it? (Job 38:5). There were six branches going out of its sides (Exo.37:18). A bruised reed He will not break (Isa. 42:3). And the sweet cane came from a distant land (Jer.6:20). Then he measured the porch of the gate facing inward, one rod (Eze. 40:8).
New Testament: This term, only used by Paul, is primarily used in defining authentic Christian behavior and Paul’s authority (work) in Corinth. In Galatians Paul defines and sets the standard for true Christian behavior. For the Christian, there is only one canon to live by: the model of Christ. The Christian must give up the old concepts of the Law, circumcision, and Israel in order to accept the new reality of the freedom of Christ. Paul was defending his apostolic authority against those who were trying to oust him from leadership. Paul has a canon (standard) for his work and authority. The Church, constantly facing disputes and schism, was constantly forced to define norms for doctrine, scripture, worship, and morality.
Scripture:
“Peace and mercy be all to who follow this rule and to the Israel of God.” Gal.6:16
Paul defines what it means to be a true Christian.
“But we not boast beyond measure but will keep to the limits God has apportioned us, namely, to reach even to you.” 2Cor.10:13
Paul defends and defines his apostolic authority and work.
Early Christian Church: This term becomes defined as the standard (or norm) of what is considered authentic Christian teachings and practices. Something canonical was considered divine, sacred, infallible, or normative. The currently accepted canon of scripture had been determined by the following Church councils: Council of Hippo (393 AD), Council of Carthage (397 AD), Council of Carthage (419 AD). Church councils occurred when a Church dogma was challenged (disputed) or when a dogma was in need of further clarification.
St. Gregory of Nazianzus (392-390 AD): He was a 4th century theologian and Archbishop of Constantinople. He was highly regarded as defender of the Christian faith. He was a very accomplished orator. In one of his poems, he states, “And you who are so wicked, do you call yourself noble? Let the plumb-line show your rectitude (correct moral behavior), and then I will be persuaded…Those who are noble by birth but ignoble in soul I deem a corpse that makes even perfumed ointments stench.”
Conclusion:
Canon, canonical, regulation, regular
I thought it was interesting that the Greeks associated the canon with harmony, beauty, and perfection. A plumb line is a tool used in construction and architecture. The plumb line even defines appropriate moral behavior.
Even Hellenism makes its influence in the Old Testament culture in providing clarity of thought in philosophy. Philo and Josephus were influenced by Hellenism.
I was surprised that this term is rarely found in the New Testament. Only Paul mentions this term. This term takes on more importance in determining which books (scriptures) make up the bible. The early Church Councils, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had determined which scriptures make up the bible. These scriptures have always been universally accepted throughout history. It was only centuries later that Martin Luther himself decided to remove 7 books. The Protestant bible was first created in the 1500s.
Interestingly, in response to Martin Luther (and the Protestant Reformation), during 1545-1563 the Council of Trent restated and reaffirmed the canon of scripture as dogma. This is because dogma is usually not declared unless it is first challenged seriously. Dogma is essentially the core principles of belief. Church councils were generally convened in order to respond to challenges or confusion in regard to Church teachings. The next Church Council would later be the First Vatican Council in 1869.
When I look at a term, I try to ‘plumb’ the depths of it. However, I never expected that I would actually be talking about a plumb line. That’s just plumb crazy!