[Greek] ἀντιβάλλω (antiballō), [Latin] conferere: to discuss, to throw back and forth, to argue about, to exchange (words), to debate; Lk.24:17
Supper at Emmaus: painting by Caravaggio (1602)
Background information:
Supper at Emmaus: The two disciples, walking with Jesus, failed to recognize Him. As Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them, their eyes were opened. Caravaggio brilliantly captures the dramatic climax of the story, the moment when the disciples suddenly see who was with them all along. Their actions convey astonishment. One is about to leap out of his chair. The other throws out his arms in a gesture of disbelief. The stark lighting underlines the dramatic scene.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to throw against, to practice by striking against a sand bag (in a gymnasium), to put back a bone, to compare, to collate, and to match. Thucydides’ Histories of the Peloponnesian War 7.25 states “There was some skirmishing in the harbor about the palisades, which the Syracusans had fixed in the sea.” Polybius’ Histories 6.22.4 states “The spear of the Velites is sharpened to such an extent that it becomes bent the first time it strikes, and cannot be engaged by the enemy to hurl back.” Strabo’s Geography 13.1.54 states “The later philosophical school, from the time the books in question appeared, were better able to philosophize and forced to call their opponents’ statements as probabilities.”
Ancient Greek boxing: The Greek doctor Galen makes mention of the importance of the development of mental and physical abilities in playing ball games. One such gymnastic exercise uses a leather sack (corucos) hung from the ceiling. This sack was filled with sand, meal, or seeds. This sack swings so as to improve hand and eye coordination, and muscle development. This ‘ball’ becomes the precursor to the modern-day punching bag. These sand bags were also used in sword striking.
New Testament: This term means to discuss or exchange words. Two disciples, on the road to Emmaus, were conversing about what happened to Jesus. As they were conversing and debating, they were prevented from recognizing Jesus who had walked with Him. Jesus points out their foolishness and unbelief that the Messiah should suffer. Jesus, staying with them, took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to them. With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but Jesus vanished from their sight. The two disciples returned to Jerusalem, telling all that the Lord truly has been raised.
Scripture:
“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped, looking downcast.” Lk.24:17
The discouraged disciples exchanged words about what had happened to Jesus. It was only after hearing Jesus’ words that their eyes were opened, believing that Jesus had truly risen.
Etymology: This term essentially means to throw (-ballo) back or against (anti-). Words or a ball can be thrown back and forth. The Latin verb conferere can mean to bring together, to compare, to consult, and to talk over. A conference is essentially a taking counsel. The Latin collatus is the past participle of conferere. A collation is the act of bringing together and comparing. A collation had many meanings over the centuries in theology and law. Collateral means accompanying, attendant, or side by side. Collateral damage has been used as a legal term by 1873. This later becomes a euphemism for unintentional killing of civilians. Collateral is also something of values given as security. Ballistic pertains to the construction and uses of thrown objects.
Conclusion:
Confer, conference, collateral, ballistic
It was very interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term (exchanging words, physical blows (punches), and comparing). Skirmishes are intensified actions between others. The Greek and Spartans introduced boxing into the Olympics. It was interesting that ancient Greek doctors noted the importance of the development of visual and physical development through ball games. Philosophizing becomes a more advanced form of exchanging reasoned positions.
The two disciples were despondent about what happened to Jesus. It was only after Jesus’ words and actions that opened their eyes. Now the disciples were exchanging words that Jesus had truly risen.
Current events: Politics is another form of exchange of political arguments. At times, the politicians and the issues may become ballistic.
Next post: turning points, excommunications, condemnations, killings, and trophies