[Greek] ὑποβάλλω (hypoballō), [Latin] submittere: to “throw under”, to instigate, to bribe, to throw under (the bus), to be submitted to something, to introduce by collusion, to suborn, to put under, to hire for a dishonest purpose; Acts 6:11
Deceiving, suborning, and colluding are never good looks!
Background:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to throw under, to put down, to cast furtive glances, to subject, to submit, to spread rumors, and to torture. Xenophon’s Economics 18.5 states “The threshers, by continually turning the untrodden corn, and throwing it under the animal’s feet, they will keep it level on the floor.” Polybius’ Histories 1.82.2 states “While those who were made prisoners and brought to him he threw to the elephants to be trampled to death.” Euripides’ Heracles 1384 states “Yet, am I to strip myself of these weapons and put myself in the power of my foes?” Aeschines’ Against Ctesiphon 3.90 states “But having wronged Phillip and run away from thence, he made hast to throw himself down at the feet of the Thebians.” Sophocles’ Ajax 188 states “And if it is the great kings who slander you with their furtive stories.” Lysias’ Against Agoratus 13.25 states “They argued that if were brought up before the council, he would be put to the torture.” Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex 5 states “Did any bandit dare so bold a strike, unless the king was suborned from Thebes?”
New Testament: This term means to instigate, to bribe, to fraudulently persuade, and to spread rumors. Stephen, filled with grace and power from the Holy Spirit, worked great signs and wonders among the people. Opponents and others were provoked by Stephen’s wisdom and Spirit. This further instigated some in saying that Stephen spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. As a result, Stephen was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. False witness were brought to testify against Stephen. They say that Stephen claims that Jesus will destroy this place and change customs. They saw that Stephen’s face was like that of an angel.
Scripture:
“Then they instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” Acts 6:11
Others, fearful of Stephen, attempted to discredit Stephen and his claims. They used false witnesses and testimony to discredit him.
Throw under the bus: This is an idiomatic phrase meaning to betray a friend (ally) for selfish reasons. It is typically used to describe a self-defensive disavowal (cutting off) of a previously friendly relationship when it becomes inconvenient, unpopular, or controversial. The earliest known usage was in June 1982 when Julian Critchley of the London Times wrote “President Galtieri had pushed her under the bus in which the gossips had said was the only means of her removal.” This phrase has been widely popularized ever since in various situations.
Suborn: This action means to procure unlawfully, to accomplish something for a wicked purpose, and to lure someone to commit a crime. The Latin verb subornare means to employ as a secret agent, to incite secretly, and to bribe. Essentially, this can mean to adorn someone underneath. The Greek verb hypoballo literally means to throw (-ballo) under (hypo-).
Collude: This action means to have a secret agreement for fraudulent or harmful purposes. Fraud or underhandedness is essential for collusion. The Latin colludere comes from the preposition com- meaning with and the verb ludere, meaning to play.
Conclusion:
Suborn, submit, submission
It is very interesting to note that “throwing someone under the bus” could easily apply or happen in any time of history. Likewise, peoples’ motivations are also consistent and similar at any time in history. A more mundane example is corn (thrown on the ground) being trampled by animals. Being literally trampled by an elephants is a gruesome form of execution. We all can identify with throwing ourselves “at the feet” of someone in our attempts to seek forgiveness or mercy. We all can also relate to the idea of being slandered or smeared by rumors, gossip, innuendo, or false information.
In the New Testament, the Jews were amazed and fearful of Stephen’s actions and words. No doubt that the Jews were provoked by Stephen’s inspired words. What may be inspired could also be perceived as blasphemous by the Jews. Ultimately, the Jews felt that they had no choice but to arrest and kill Stephen. I can imagine that the Jews were very unsettled in seeing Stephen’s angelic face.
Russian “collusion narrative”: A made up telephone call, unverified FISA warrant, withholding evidence in FISA court, Clinton purchase of an unverified Steele dossier (and sub-source), many cell phones “accidently” erased at the same time, throwing people’s reputation (Flynn, Page) under the bus, renegade US govt officials and FBI agents, entrapment, recorded conversations, failure to inform Trump political team, complicit media narrative spin, etc.
Update: FBI knowingly knew (since 2009) the Steele document sub-source to be an alleged Russian operative. (We have now learned who were the actual colluders.)
Supreme Court and judicial hearings: Using faith as an illegal and political litmus test (even when the dogma lives loudly within), ruining reputations, relying upon questionable witnesses, complicit media narrative spin, etc.
I submit to you that this is no game when one’s reputation is “thrown under the bus” and ruined. No one should have to be submitted to this!
My next post: When you go too far, “throw beyond”, surpass, and “jump the shark” (remember what Fonzie did on Happy Days?)