MUTUALLY EXPLAIN EACH OTHER. In Matt. 5:13, where we read:
are a few exceptions to the rule. In a few passages a word is repeated with a change of meaning. But these cases are of such a kind that the danger of misunderstanding is obviated. The character of the expression of the context makes it sufficiently clear that the word does not have the same sense in both cases. The following examples will suffice to illustrate this: Matt. 8:22, "Let the dead bury their dead"; Rom. 9:6, "For they are not all Israel that are of Israel"; 2 Cor. 5:21, "For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
C. Internal Helps for the Explanation of Words
The question naturally arises, concerning how an interpreter can best discover what a word means in a certain connection. It may be thought that the most effective way is to consult a standard Lexicon, or some good Commentaries. And in many cases, this may be quite sufficient, but in others it may prove necessary for an expositor to judge for himself. Whenever this is the case, he shall have to resort to the use of internal helps. The following are the most important:
1. DEFINITIONS OR EXPLANATIONS WHICH THE AUTHORS THEMSELVES GIVE OF THEIR WORDS CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT HELPS. No one knows better than the author what particular sense he attaches to a word. The following examples may serve to illustrate what is meant: Gen. 24:2: "And Abraham said to the eldest servant of his house," to which is added by way of definition, "that ruled over all that he had." 2 Tim. 3:17: "That the man of God may be perfect," which is said to mean, "thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Heb. 5:14: "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age" (or, perfect), which is explained by the following words: "even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
2. THE SUBJECT AND PREDICATE OF A PROPOSITION MUTUALLY EXPLAIN EACH OTHER. In Matt. 5:13, where we read: "If the salt have lost its savour," the meaning of the verb moranthei,