[Greek] ἀστοχέω (astocheō) [German] abfallen, [French] tomber de, [Latin] aberrare, [Latin] excidere: to miss the mark, to go astray, to deviate from the truth, to swerve, to err, to wander from; 1Tim.1:6, 1Tim.6:21, 2Tim.2:18
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to miss the mark, to go astray, and to fail. Polybius’ Histories 3.21 states “I think a more particular examination of the treaties between Rome and Carthage will be useful to practical statesmen and historical students, that they may not be led astray by the ignorance or partisan bias of historians.” Polybius’ Histories 5.107.2 states “For in arming them for his campaign against Antiochos, Ptolemy had taken a step which, while it serves his immediate purpose, sufficiently well, proved eventually disastrous.”
New Testament: This term means to deviate, depart from, and to wander away from. Paul warns against false teachers promoting false doctrine. This false doctrine pertains to myths, endless genealogies, and idle religious speculation. In contrast, the aim of good instruction comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Hymenaeus and Philetus deviated from the faith in advocating that the resurrection has already occurred. These teaching have already upset the faith of some.
Scripture:
“Some people have deviated from these (faithful truths) and turned to meaningless talk.” 1Tim.1:6
Paul warns against these false teachers.
“Hymenaeus and Philetus who have deviated from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.” 2Tim.2:18
Hymenaeus and Philetus taught that the resurrection is past already, and that there would be no future resurrection. This may be considered as an early form of the Christian heresy of Gnosticism.
Etymology: The Greek noun stochos means mark or stake. The Latin verb aberrare can mean to stray, to deviate, to go wrong, to be unfaithful, to escape, and to disagree with. The Latin verb excidere can mean to perish, to disappear, to escape, to fall out, and to be deprived of. The Latin excidere consists of ex- (out) and caedere (to cut).
Excise, cut, aberrant, fall, stake
It is interesting to note that the idea of “missing the mark” can be applicable to any period of history. The results can result in undershooting, overshooting, going astray, and becoming disastrous. Something important could be at stake. ☺
Update: Many US citizens, concerned about the integrity of our election, are advocating a full forensic examination of 100% of the votes in their respective jurisdictions (county or state). However, some govt. officials and politicians, deflecting in hoping to maintain the status quo, are advocating for a fractional audit (such as 10% of the ballots). Yet more and more people are seeing that this is just meaningless talk. As a result, there continues to be momentum for having a full forensic examination of the votes in Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
I hope I was able to hit the mark (bull’s eye) in keeping this post brief.
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