[Greek] λογίζομαι (logizomai), [Latin] cogitare, [Latin] reputare, [Latin] deputare, [Latin] existimare, [Latin] arbitrare, [Latin] acceptare: to reckon, to take into account, to regard, to suppose, to count, to have books balanced, to reason, to conclude, to calculate, to compute, to set one’s account, to make a calculation of something; 48 scriptural references
In ancient Greece, the wax tablet was used for children’s education and accounting (calculating) for business financial transactions.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to keep score, to reason, to reckon, to calculate, to charge someone on account, to audit, to take into account (consider), to regard, to recognize, and to count on.
Aristophanes’ Frogs 1263: “Keep score.”
Euripides’ Orestes 555: “So I reasoned that.”
Demosthenes’ Against Aphobus 2 28.12: “He reckoned up so heavy an outlay.”
Aristophanes’ Clouds 20: “Calculate the interest.”
Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.113: “Charge it to the public account.
Aristotle’s Athenian Constitution 54.2: “Audit the returns of officials.”
Demosthenes’ On the Peace 5.24: “Suggest the following consideration.”
Xenophon’s Hellenica 6.4.6 “Calculated that if they did not fight.”
Sophocles’ Trachiniae 944: “Counts on the morrow or the days.”
Euripides’ Iphigenia in Aulis: “Count on ordering all their life.”
Old Testament: In addition to reckoning and crediting, this term provides the sense of considering in varied and nuanced ways. This term takes on a more personal, emotional, and subjective character in value judgments and accusations. This term is also used in the religious sphere in imputing righteousness and judgment. The Lord credited Abraham as an act of righteousness (Gen.15:6). No reckoning was asked of them regarding the funds provided to them (2Kgs. 22:7). Judah thought she was a harlot (Gen. 38:15). Here is a people that lives apart and does not think reckon itself among the nation (Num.23:9). Saul intended to have David fall into the hands of the Phillistines (1 Sam. 18:25). The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps (Prov.16:9).
New Testament: This term is used quite frequently (around 40 times) in the New Testament. This term is used with the sense of to reason about, to keep a mental record, to hold a view, and to charge to an account. Paul mentions that our spiritual perspective and understanding will mature over time. God, by not counting our trespasses us, allows for forgiveness. As Abraham believed God, Abraham was credited with righteousness. Paul, as a tent maker (businessman), makes reference to accounting terminology (something credited equals something earned).
Scripture:
“The danger grows, not only that our business will be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be of no account, and that she whom the whole province of Asia worship will be stripped of her magnificence.” Acts 19:27
If this danger continues, the silversmiths’ profession and Artemis’ influence will decline.
“A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due.” Rom.4:4
Paul, as a tentmaker, understood the importance of making a living.
“Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God.” 2Cor.3:5
Ultimately, our talents and abilities come from God.
Etymology: A deputy is one who has been assigned and considered for to carry out something. A reputation is something that has repeatedly been reckoned or counted on. Cogitation is a thought (idea) that has been considered or reflected on. Arbitration is the ability of making a choice, decision, or judgment. Imputation is making a charge. Esteem is an accounting or value of something. An estimation is the value of something that one considers.
Conclusion:
Deputy, deputize, reputation, cogitation, exist, imputation, accept, esteem, estimate, logic, logical
This term takes on many varied meanings in any period in history. Reasoning and reckoning can apply in almost any context or situation. Reckoning and accounting are important in business transactions. Wax tablets were used in children’s instruction and accounting for business transactions. Even in ancient Greece, people charged transactions on a public account. Calculating can involve assessing strategies and risk in various contexts.
In the Old Testament, this term is used in varied and nuanced meanings. Reckoning plays an important role with righteousness and justification.
In the New Testament, there is so much that can be discussed about reckoning with righteousness and justification. I reckon that now is not the time nor place to extensively consider this topic. We all can relate that God does not count our trespasses against us. God provides us with reconciliation. We also can identify with ‘of no account’ meaning no value. Lastly, as much as we try to take credit for our abilities and capabilities, we have to credit God for these gifts.
Current events: The riots, looting, property damage, and killings are still unfortunately continuing. This in part is driven by a calculated effort by the mainstream media, the Democratic Party (and the left) to minimize, cover, and spin the violent incidents. There also seems to be a concerted effort by prosecutors of not charging criminals or dismissing charges. Funds are being provided to immediately release these individuals from jail. This “mostly peaceful” narrative continues to be promoted. And we cannot forget this one: “fiery but mostly peaceful”. There also continues the coordinated narrative that President Trump is inciting violence. So it seems that personal responsibility for the riotous actions do not matter or count for anything. Therefore, then it must be Trump’s fault. The DNC curiously made no mention of this violence (or impeachment) at their convention. However, the RNC rightly brought up these violent incidents.
Now the tide is turning against this narrative. The media, Democrat Party, and the left have miscalculated (my next post). Now Biden is coming out of his basement. These political narratives (calculations) did not take into account the American people being fed up and worried about this violence continuing. They are seeing what is happening.
Because of these calculations, It could be that the Democratic Party, media, and the left may face their day (time) of reckoning this November!