Definitions

Life, Live, Save, Saved

Aramaic is likely the original language of part of the New Testament. In Syriac, a type of Aramaic, there is a word for "life" which can mean "life" such as eternal life. In some instances where the Syriac has the word "life," the Greek shows "saved" or a similar word. While the Greek may have a valid meaning, it was determined better in some contexts to use "life" (and derivatives such as "to live") to represent the same basic Syriac word. This way it is easier to see the relationship between similar words in the surrounding context.

For example, John 5:34 is often translated as "...that you⁺ may be saved." Yet John 5:40 is translated "...that you⁺ may have life." In Syriac, the words "be saved" and "have life" both share the same root meaning of "life." These are some of the reasons why the Syriac text has been followed at John 5:34 and 10:9.

Sex, Having Sex, or Having Any Sex

Someone is "having sex" or "having any sex" by contacting the genitalia, groin, inner thigh, the breasts, between the breasts, the buttocks, or between the buttocks of another; when such contact is with an intent to arouse or gratify anyone's sexual, erotic, or reproductive desire; given that "contacting" means touching in any way, with any body part or any physical object, either directly or indirectly.

Slaves, Slavery

The words related to slaves and slavery have been translated as literally as possible. However, it is important to understand slavery in terms of the specific ancient cultures that are represented in the Bible. Attempting to understand slavery based on preconceptions from other times or cultures may lead to misunderstandings. For additional background, a comprehensive Bible reference should be consulted such as the entry for "Slavery" in The Anchor Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992).