Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Dive In "Pericope"

Today’s word is pericope. (Really yesterday, but I haven't been feeling that great so it's today's too!)

It is a Greek word (pa-RIH-kōp-ee) that means “cutting around." Kathy gives Mark 3:1-6 as an example. There is a definite beginning and a definite completion to that passage. She reminds us to look beyond the chapter, verse divisions of the Bible, to read until there is an obvious completion to that story.

So, here I go looking for a pericope. I found my way into Matthew 12. The pericope I found began in verse 38 "One day some teachers......." There is a subtitle in my Bible at verse 46 that in the past would have been like a stop sign to me. This time I continued to read. Verse 46 begins "As Jesus was speaking to the crowd.......", it didn't say he had left and that this was a new crowd. He said as He was speaking to the crowd. That says to me it's the same bunch of people. There are 49 verses in chapter 12, but this story completes itself in Chapter 13 verse 1 where it says "Later that same day, Jesus left the house and went down to the shore." He left the house ends the pericope. At the shore begins a new lesson.

For years I've heard my Dad and pastors say, read the whole text. If something is really speaking to you, back up and read what's going on before and after. This little Greek word, has given me a new perspective.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stephanie, good job, good insights. I'm glad you're a part of this study and am looking forward to diving in together!

God's girl said...

Cool dive in topic! I love this method has a name! Pericope! I just want to hear someone pernounce it now! :) Love ya!
Ang

Meg said...

It is good to think about...the pericope idea. I am going to keep my eyes open for those when I am reading.

Meg said...

Sorry you have not been feeling well. Hope you are better soon. Meg

Darla said...

checking in..
I am still selecting my "pericope" But will try to have it on the blog by tonight sometime.
I did post, but there were some other things on my heart..and actually I have too many studies going right now..praying to know what to pick up and what to lay down..Love ya, Your sister Me