If any man would come after me...

[Colleen]

I have a question for those of you who are versed on Hebrew etymology. Can you give me the meaning of whatever word is "come after". I heard a preacher say this means Jesus is saying of anyone deems to take himself equal to me, let him take up his cross. I'd never heard an interpretation like that.

[jabcat]

those of you who are versed on Hebrew etymology.

Sorry, that's not me.

I don't believe that's what it means though, but I can't "prove it" according to the Hebrew.  Anyone else?

[ded2daworld]

I'm no Hebrerw scholar but I believe that there are over 30 slightly different translated english versions.
Absolutely none of the translations come close to what someone told you it REALLY means, so it is unlikely that the one person is correct and the bible translators that do speak the greek are  wrong or way off the mark - like that interpretation is.
BTW, not even the cults have come up with that interpretation and I've never heard it in listening to 0ver 100 different preachers over 40 years of preaching.

[micah7:9]

Just thinking(not always a benefit for me) but I think that when we take up the cross, we have begone the walk that will teach and show us that that when all is said and done, we will be like Him. I don't even believe that equal comes into the equation. Just my thought. :dsunny:

[jbertonbounds]

No bible scholar here either, but...

That is from the Greek text of the NT, found in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23.

The words translated here in Matthew and Luke are "erchomai," which metaphorically means to arise, come forth, find place or influence, or be established; and "opiso," which in this context probably means to go off in order to follow one, to join one's party, to be draw away by admiration to follow one.  In Mark, the word "akoloutheō" is used instead of "erchomai" which, in this context, probably means to cleave steadfastly to one, conform wholly to his example, in living, and if need be, in dying also.

Upon studying these Greek words in this scriptural context, I find no reason to subscribe to this teacher's opinion.

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[micah7:9]

 :dsunny:

[ded2daworld]

Logic (which never contradicts the Bible) (God said "come let us reason together")
would tell us that what is created (us) will never be equal with the creator. :Peace2:

[Colleen]

Thank you jberton. Ded, the preacher wasn't suggesting we were equal, but that it we deemed ourselves equal, we would need to do as he did, literally. It didn't sit within me so I wanted to know the Greek or Hebrew word or connotation.

[WhiteWings]

I see "come after" is following.
For me that simply means try to be as much Jesus like as possible. Forgive, be patient, help the poor. Etc

There is no equal to Jesus so that simple fact tells me the preacher is wrong. Or more accurately; takes things to much to an extreme. All followers start as weak milk drinking babe followers. Only the very strong meat eaters can truly follow Jesus and even that is can be disputed. But we can only be meat eaters by following. And now we are caught in a loop. We can't follow because we are immature. And we stay immature because we aren't allowed to follow.
That can't be the meaning of the verse.
So, imo Jesus is pleased with all who give it their best shot. It's about the intention of the heart.


Luk 9:23  And He said to all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
Mat 10:38  And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.
Mat 11:28  Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29  Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.
Mat 11:30  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.