[Greek] σφάλλω (sphallō), [Latin] fallere: to slip, to stumble, to fall, to bring to a downfall; Mt.15:14
“Hola, Amigo! I’ve fallen into a cenote and I can’t get out! (Cenote in Valladolid Mexico)
Background information:
Old Testament: This term is used quite frequently in the Old Testament, occurring over 400 times. This term, used in both active and passive senses, takes on various meanings. This means to fall, to lie, to die, to let drop, and to cause to fall. The more nuanced meanings include to fall prostrate, to fall short, to be inferior, to overthrow, and to fall into the hands of. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam (Gen.2:21). And he died in the presence of of all his brethren (Gen.25:18). And Joshua fell on his face to the earth (Jos.5:14). And there fell of Benjamin 18,000 men, all these were mean of valor (Jdg.20:44). But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Phillistines (1Sam.18:25). She fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help. O king (2Sam.14:4).
New Testament: This term means to fall or to stumble. Jesus mentioned that what comes out of the mouth is what defiles oneself. The Pharisees took offense at this statement. The Law focused on purification rituals concerning what enters the body. Jesus calls His disciples not to be led by morally ‘blind’ Pharisees. Following the Pharisees is likened to falling into a pit. From the heart (inside) comes evil thoughts, ideas, and impulses. This is what defiles a person.
Scripture:
“Let them alone’ they are blind guides of the blind. If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.” Mt. 15:14
The Pharisees were morally blind concerning what defiles. Jesus focus on one’s internal impulses and intentions which causes one to defile oneself.
Etymology: This Greek word eventually becomes Latinized. Originally, the Greek verb sphallo means to deceive, to conceal, to dissemble, to make stagger, and to stumble into erring. Through putting forth, dissembling, and concealing, an obstruction appears in one’s way. With this obstruction, one does not know what he is dealing with. Therefore, one must “fall for” what is presented to him. When something else is presented, he falls down (he fell for it). Bringing to a fall comes from the result of dissembling and concealing. This dissembling and concealing now results in the false. In an active sense, the Roman imperium (command), in their attempts to oversee, dominate, or conquer other nations and opponents, were bringing their adversaries to a fall. This involves subterfuge, deceit, treachery, and deception (falsity).
Conclusion:
Fall, befall, fallen, false
It is interesting to note that the original meaning of this term means to obstruct, to conceal, and to dissemble. It is a result of this deception that causes one to fall. Essentially, one must ‘fall’ for what is presented to oneself. The Latin influence presents this term in an active sense. The Roman Empire (imperium) sought to overcome and dominate other nations, often through deceit and treachery. It is also interesting how this term is related to the word ‘false’. This deception and dissembling leads to what is false.
In the Old Testament, I was surprised by the very many references in scripture. The more nuanced meanings, like being prostrate or submissive, are noteworthy.
In the New Testament, the Pharisees are both blind and false, regarding purification rituals. Jesus contrasts this by speaking the truth that evil impulses come from within. The related Greek word episphales, occurring in Acts. 27:9, interestingly means dangerous or prone to falling. Falling into a pit certainly applies in this context.
Update: Coronavirus pandemic: Now is not the time to constantly focus on criticizing (for political purposes) the government (federal, state, and local levels) in how they are responding to this crisis. (Don’t fall for this notion of scoring political points during this crisis. It is just not a good look!) Yes, there can be valid criticism if it can be used in helping us all to better respond to this pandemic. We are all in this together. Instead, more importantly, let’s offer our support to these govt. and medical officials. Most importantly, let’s offer our prayers to all the medical officials and support staff who are on the front lines in helping to bring this unseen virus (enemy) to a downfall.
I thought that this was just a term about simply falling down. I was wrong. Yes, the Greek term sphallo sounds very much like the word ‘fall’. However, I had “fallen” for this “false” and mistaken assumption. Quite humbling!
This post is dedicated to all those medical people who are putting themselves out there in this battle.