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[Greek] ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō), [Latin] revertere, [Latin] convertere: to revert, to turn, to turn around, to return, to convert, to turn about; 44 scriptural references

Le Toit paternal (Fatherly Roof): painting by Louis Janmot (1854) The weather had turned worse with storms and lightning. This family remains in their home while this storm passes.

Background information:

Fatherly Roof (painting by Louis Janmot): The family is at home during a thunderstorm, shown by the flashes of lightning at the window. Grandmother reads a psalm to calm the tense situation. The mother and another young woman sit and sew. The father (a self-portrait of Louis Janmot) looks on with concern. An older woman sits in the shadows near the window. (In some ways, each of us can perhaps identify with this family as we also sit in isolation in our homes during this pandemic. Like the father, many parents are concerned about providing for their families. Like many children, these kids are perhaps wondering when can they play with their friends.)

Greek Hellenism: This term means to turn back, to turn about, to turn round, to put an enemy to flight, to put about, to recur, to pay attention to, to bring into action, to convert, to correct, to return, to go back and forth, to turn against, to wheel about, and to repent. Herodotus’ Histories 2.103.2 states “From there he turned around and went back home.” Herodotus’ Histories states “Nor be still, but turn your back and withdraw from the foe.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 6.4.9 states “It was already evident that there would be a battle. Some baggage carriers as such did not wish to fight (turn back) and had withdrawn.” Sophocles’ Antigone 1111 states “But since my judgment has taken this turn, I will be there to set her free.” Xenophon’s On Hunting 10.15 states “On seeing this, the bear will leave the man under it and turn savagely and furiously on its tormentor.”

[Greek] tropaion, [Latin] tropaeum: The English word trophy is derived from the Greek and Roman practice of setting up monuments to commemorate a victory over a foe on the battle field. This monument would be placed on the site of the “turning point” of the victory in the battle. The significance of the monument is a ritualized and permanent reminder of victory to the defeated enemies. 

Old Testament: This term, occurring quite frequently, denotes movements, turnings, and changes of place. This term is quite commonly defined by one’s relationship with God. This meaning includes to turn from, to turn away, to convert, to repay, to turn to someone, and to turn to evil. The prophetic books make reference to man’s relationship with God involving turning, conversion, and apostasy. The Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo makes repeated references to turning. The dove returned to him in the ark (Gen.8:9). I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land (Gen.278:15). You turned back his sharp sword (Psa.89:44). Return and be converted from your idols (Eze.14:6). Morning has come, and again night (Isa.21:12). Why do they cling to deceptive idols and refuse to turn back? (Jer.8:5). Then they would put the stone back again over the mouth of the well (Gen.29:3). My money has been returned (Gen.42:8). So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh (Exo.10:8)

New Testament: This term means to turn around (physically), to return, to change one’s beliefs and ways (conversion), to cause to change, to go astray, and to repeat. The majority of such examples pertain to spatial reference and physical movement. Returning pertains to an unclean spirit, a hemorrhagic woman’s breath, peace, travelers, and a dog. Jesus instructs that one must forgive others even if they repeat these wrongs done to you. Conversion pertains turning to God, hearing and acting on it, turning away from idols, and bringing others back (from sinful ways).

Scripture:

“If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.” Mt.10:13

Jesus gives instructions to His disciples as He sends them out. The greeting of peace is an effective word and salutation. A worthy house will receive this peace.

“And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and return to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry’, you should forgive him.” Lk.17:4

Jesus tell His disciples that one must forgive even those who repeatedly wrong you.

“The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Acts 11:21

The Spirit of the Lord increase the faith of those who reside in Antioch

“So that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” Mk.4:12

Jesus presents His message of the mystery of God to outsiders and unbelievers in parables. This truth remains hidden. For the disciples, the truth inside these parables are partially revealed because of their faith.

Conclusion:

Conversion, convert, reverse. trophy

In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is not surprising that this term is used extensively in many aspects of life. It is interesting to see how often the act or movement of turning is manifest in these meanings. The more nuanced examples include chasing an enemy, paying attention, putting about (a boat), repenting, correcting, and going back and forwards.

In the Old Testament, this term is also used extensively regarding man’s relationship with God. Turning also plays an important role in having faith (turning to God) and in falling away (turning away from God). Conversion becomes an important recurring theme. Interestingly, there are situations where God permits some to have a hardened heart (Pharaoh).

In the New Testament, this term also conveys important meanings in several ways. Aside from physical movement (turning around), this term pertains to conversion, falling away, returning, and repetition. Conversion is interestingly expressed in various ways. Examples include hearing and acting on it, returning to God, turning, converting, and bringing back.

Update: corona-virus: In a sense our nation (and other countries) have been fighting an invisible enemy. Unfortunately, many nations have taken on casualties on the “battle field” in this war. Perhaps we are also now at a turning point in facing this enemy. There are promising signs that this enemy is subsiding. We must continue to be vigilant in fighting this enemy with social distancing, tests, and prudent actions. The true heroes are the medical professionals and support staff (in their monumental efforts) in this war.

Perhaps we are all coming to a turning point in this pandemic in which we can possibly get back to work. Some regions of our country are beginning to open up slowly in phases. The federal govt. is turning to state and local authorities to carefully and deliberately manage this process. Many of us want (and need) to return back to work and turn our attention to living and providing for ourselves (and our families).

Jesus instructed the commissioned disciples to let their peace come upon a worthy house. (Mt.10:13) May also health, prosperity and victory in turn come upon your house.

[Greek] ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō), [Latin] revertere, [Latin] convertere

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