Not surprisingly, the word imagination means the same in Hebrew and Greek that it does in English. However, I love to do these studies because you never know what you’ll discover in regard to the ancient texts and cultures.
Let’s take a look at the definition of the word imagination according to the 1828 Noah Webster’s Dictionary:
“1. Conception; image in the mind; idea.
Sometimes despair darkens all her imaginations.
His imaginations were often as just as they were bold and strong.
2. Contrivance; scheme formed in the mind; device.
Thou hast seen all their vengeance, and all their imaginations against me. Lamentations 3:60.
3. Conceit; an unsolid or fanciful opinion.
We are apt to think that space, in itself, is actually boundless; to which imagination the idea of space of itself leads us.
4. First motion or purpose of the mind. Genesis 6:5.”
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Imagination’ Mean In Hebrew?
yetser- form.
sheriyuwth- obstinacy.
This term is used in the sense of a twisted imagination. It’s translated into the word ‘lust’ one time in the Old Testament.
“And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.”
– Genesis 8:21
What Does The Word ‘Imagination’ Mean In Greek?
dianioa- mind or deep thought.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.“
– 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 KJV
Conclusion
In conclusion, imaginations are always tied to the mind. They can be thoughts or strongly fixed opinions. The term imagination hasn’t changed much in the translations of these languages. That’s the word imagination means in Hebrew and Greek. I pray you found this article helpful. If so, please share this content. Also, feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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