Blaine,
I see much evidence that the word can mean "complete". Check out the 3
following references.
A. From "The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament" (Zodhiates), p.
1372, entry 5046 (strongs), section III, in describing "teleios" (perfect)
as translated in Mathew 5:48 , it states, "God's perfection is absolute;
man's is relative.The teleios is one who has attained moral maturity, the
goal for which he was intended, namely, to be a man obedient in Christ".
Here perfect does not mean "without flaws", it means "obedient in Christ".
Also consider:
B. From: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=perfect
Check out several of the senses below. Which is the one the KJ translators
intended when they translatd "be ye perfect"? Do you know?
per·fect (pûrfkt)
adj.
1. Lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or
kind.
2. Being without defect or blemish: a perfect specimen.
3. Thoroughly skilled or talented in a certain field or area; proficient.
4. Completely suited for a particular purpose or situation: She was the
perfect actress for the part.
5.
1. Completely corresponding to a description, standard, or type: a
perfect circle; a perfect gentleman.
2. Accurately reproducing an original: a perfect copy of the
painting.
6. Complete; thorough; utter: a perfect fool.
7. Pure; undiluted; unmixed: perfect red.
8. Excellent and delightful in all respects: a perfect day.
9. Botany. Having both stamens and pistils in the same flower;
monoclinous.
10. Grammar. Of, relating to, or constituting a verb form expressing
action completed prior to a fixed point of reference in time.
11. Music. Designating the three basic intervals of the octave, fourth,
and fifth.
C. Also, from Websters:
http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=perfect
Main Entry: 1per·fect
Pronunciation: 'p&r-fikt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English parfit, from Old French, from Latin perfectus,
from past participle of perficere to carry out, perfect, from per-
thoroughly + facere to make, do -- more at DO
1 a : being entirely without fault or defect : FLAWLESS <a perfect diamond>
b : satisfying all requirements : ACCURATE c : corresponding to an ideal
standard or abstract concept <a perfect gentleman> d : faithfully
reproducing the original; specifically : LETTER-PERFECT e : legally valid
2 : EXPERT, PROFICIENT <practice makes perfect>
3 a : PURE, TOTAL b : lacking in no essential detail : COMPLETE c obsolete :
SANE d : ABSOLUTE, UNEQUIVOCAL <enjoys perfect happiness> e : of an extreme
kind : UNMITIGATED <a perfect brat> <an act of perfect foolishness>
4 obsolete : MATURE
5 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or verbal that expresses an
action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of
6 obsolete a : CERTAIN, SURE b : CONTENTED, SATISFIED
7 of a musical interval : belonging to the consonances unison, fourth,
fifth, and octave which retain their character when inverted and when raised
or lowered by a half step become augmented or diminished
8 a : sexually mature and fully differentiated <a perfect insect> b : having
both stamens and pistils in the same flower <a perfect flower>
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Blaine,
At the time the King James Version was translated it is possible that the
meaning of "perfect" was appropriate due to it's denotation at that time,
but has evolved to mean something slightly different today.
That idea is not the same as the Bible being translated incorrectly.
Blaine: If it did evolve, please show evidence other than your
speculation.
As I indicated, it sounds like you are grabbing at a straw in the water,
so
to speak.
----------
"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you
ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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