[Greek] σκάπτω (skaptō), [Latin] fodere, [Latin] fossilis (dug up): to dig, to till, to cultivate; Lk.6:48, Lk.13:8, Lk.16:3
Scapular of the Immaculate Heart of Mary worn over the shoulder bones (scapulae).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to dig, to go too far, to cultivate, to delve into, to dig about, and to excavate. Euripides’ Heracles 566 states “I, meanwhile, since here is work for my hand, will first go raze this upstart tyrant’s halls.” Aristophanes’ Plutus 525 states “You will have to toil, to dig and submit yourself to all kinds of hard labor, so that your life would be more wretched even than it is now.” Plato’s Cratylus 413a states “But when, after hearing this, I nevertheless ask them quietly, ‘What then, if this is true, is justice? They think I am asking to many questions and am leaping over the trench.” Lucian’s Gallus 6 states “Dreams are winged, so they say, and their flight circumscribed by sleep; this one seems to have broken bounds, and taken up its abode in wakeful eyes.”
New Testament: This term means to dig or to cultivate. One, who listens and acts on His words, is like the wise man who builds his house on a strong foundation (rock). His house remains secure after the flood. In the parable of the barren fig tree, the wise man will cultivate the ground and fertilize it. This parable pertains to the patience of God toward those who haven’t repented. In the parable of the dishonest steward, the steward was not strong enough to dig and was too ashamed to beg. The steward prudently reduces the debtors’ promissory notes. The steward essentially forgoes his own usurious commission.
Scripture:
“That one is like a person building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against the house but could not shake it because it had been well built.” Lk.6:48
This person is one who listens and acts upon Jesus’s words.
“He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it.’” Lk.13:8
This parable represents God’s continuing patience towards others.
“The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.’”Lk.16:3
The dishonest steward acted prudently to reduce the debtors’ obligation to him.
Shoulder: The Old English shull means shovel. The shoulder is also called the shull-bone (shovel bone). In some parts of England, the shoulder is also called a blade. Therefore, this bone is also called the shoulder blade.
Scapula: The shoulder blade is a large triangular flat bone. The shoulder resembles the shape of a shovel (spade).
Scapular: The scapular is a Roman Catholic sacramental garment suspended from the shoulders. There are two types of scapular, the monastic and devotional scapular, which serve to remind the wearers of their commitment to live a Christian life. In the 1917 apparitions at Fatima, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared with a rosary and scapular. The more commonly known scapular contains two bands (swatches) of cloth joined together by a cord, placed on each shoulder.
Fossil: This is anything which is dug up. The Latin fossilis is the past participle of the verb fodere. This word first becomes a slang word for an old person in 1859. This first recorded use of fossil fuel begins in 1833.
Conclusion:
Scapula, scapular, fossil
In the Greek Hellenistic era, I was surprised to discover that this term was used in more nuanced and metaphorical ways. Leaping over the trench was an expression meaning becoming too nosey or making excessive demands. In other words, this means going beyond what is proper or permitted. In a sense one “digs around” in areas where one shouldn’t go into. In Lucian’s Gallo 6, dreams take flight from the subconscious world into the real world.
In the New Testament, this term is used in a literal sense. However, if one “digs deeper”–[sorry, I couldn’t resist]– into the scriptures, these parables convey larger theological truths. Such examples include God’s patience, following Jesus, and justice.
It was quite interesting to see how shoulders, shovels, scapulars, and fossils are all tied together. I can dig that!