[Greek] ψηφίζω (psēphizō), [Latin] conputare, [Latin] calculare, [French] apprecier: to vote, to count (with pebbles), to calculate; Lk.14:28, Rev.13:18
Election Day in Philadelphia: painting by John Lewis Krimmel (1815)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to count (with pebbles), to reckon, to cast a vote, to vote for, to decide, to resolve to do something, and to condemn.
Psephos (stones): Small stones were used in voting, board games, counting, astrology, and magic. A stone was synonymous with a voice (opinion). Voting occurred by placing a stone in an urn. Voting pertained to laws, referendums, condemnations, and banishments.
Ostracism: Shards of pottery (ostracon) were also used in voting. The ancient Greeks sometimes voted whether or not to expel or banish a person from Athens. Those persons, who were forced to leave, were ostracized.
Xenophon’s Hellenica 1.7.9: “Cast their vote (stone) into the urn.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 2.36.4: “Calculate from left to right.”
Sophocles’ Ajax 448: “Procured votes in judgment against another man.”
Aeschines’ On the Embassy 2.84: “Put the motion to a vote.”
Lysias’ Against Eratosthenes 12.44: “What measures be passed by their votes.”
Antiphon’s Against the Stepmother for Poisoning 1.12: “To find them guilty.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 5.97: “Had made their decision.”
Iseaeus’ Pyrrhus 37: “Give your verdict.”
Old Testament: This term means to count, to recount, to celebrate, to number, and to inscribe.
New Testament: This term means to calculate and to figure out. Jesus begins with discussing what it means to be a disciple. This requires removing attachments to family and possessions which can stand in the way. This acceptance demands a readiness to accept persecution and suffering. Like calculating the costs of constructing a tower, this decision requires a realistic assessment of the hardship and costs for such a commitment. Wisdom is needed to calculate the number of the beast, whose number is 666. This number represents man, imperfection, incompleteness, and evil in their most superlative form.
Scripture:
“Which of you is wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?” Lk.14:28
Constructing the cost of a tower is likened to understanding what it takes to become a disciple. One must understand and accept the costs needed in order to be a disciple of Jesus.
“Wisdom is needed here; one who understands can calculate the number of the beast, for it is a number that stands for a person. His number is 666.” Rev.13:18
The number 6 stands for imperfection. 666 is the superlative form of imperfection.
Etymology: The Greek arithmos means number.
Conclusion:
Calculate, calculation, appreciate, appreciation, arithmetic, compute, computation
It was interesting to discover that the ancient Greeks used stones (pebbles) in settling and deciding important matters.
For many, these are high costs (renouncing possessions, leaving family ties, and the possibility of persecution) in order to become a disciple of Jesus.
It is not surprising that 666 is associated with Satan. It is very interesting to note that in Jn.6:66, many disciples walked away when Jesus stated that one must eat His Body and drink His Blood in order to have everlasting life. Many disciples walked away. In a sense, you could perhaps say that the devil made them do it and walk away.
Warning—Useless Words Alert—
Psephology: the statistical study of elections and voting trends
Psephologist: one who studies elections and voting trends (Frank Lutz, Karl Roe, Larry Sabato, Nate Silver)
Ostrakon: pottery shard used in voting
Update: On November 8, the American people will vote for the candidates who will best represent them.
Many Americans still have great concerns about election security and integrity.
The recent movie 2000 Mules illustrated the questionable activity concerning ballots this past 2020 election
We are now figuring out that several existing state voting practices in 2020 were deemed unconstitutional in some states. (Past voting laws were changed or ignored).
The Jan. 6 commission’s primary goal was to ostracize Trump and his supporters.
Recent voting election reform legislation deemed “Jim Crow 2.0” have actually increased voter turnout.
Illegal immigration, crime, inflation, sex/gender indoctrination, CRT are major issues which concern the voters.
With a election comes a victor. We can calculate all the reasons why candidates won their races. Although there could be struggles and setbacks along the way, we know that Jesus will conquer the world. Yet each of us must overcome our sinful inclinations and failures. The Christian is like an athlete running the race of life. We all should strive to reach the finish line being faithful. Some have even finished the race being faithful even to death (martyrdom). This race can be difficult, stepping on stones along the way. Just do it! (That could be a great slogan for shoes!) ☺☺☺
Next post: to conquer and to be a victor