Contextomy

The quickest way to lose my respect, and possibly my friendship, is to act, usually selfishly, and then say, “It was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” When Admiral Grace Hopper uttered that sentiment, she was referring to those lower in the chain of command who may have had a good idea that contributed to the mission. They should act upon it seeking forgiveness later rather than risk a damaging delay waiting for permission. Her words were intended to inspire appropriate behavior, not justify insensitive behavior. Society has subverted her statement, using it out of context; that phrase has become a contextomy[1].

We do that with God’s Word as well. Recently, when unexpectedly asked to do something I normally do not do, I gave the requestor my look; he responded “Be ye ever ready.” How often have you been coerced into doing something because the requestor uttered those words? When “be ye ever ready” follows a request of a religious or spiritual nature or in a public arena, do you imagine that the wrath of God or the disdain of fellow believers will befall you if you deny the request? You can find this phrase in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, but the intent was not coercion or manipulation. “Be ye ever ready” has become a contextomy, just as the Hopper quote. Let’s talk about scripture used out of context.

We can find “be ye also ready” used synoptically in Matthew 24:44[2] and Luke 12:40[3]. The phrase comes at the end of a parable where Jesus encouraged His listeners to be prepared for the Second Coming. He told the disciples that no one but God knows when this will occur, so they must be always ready for this end of times event. “Be ye ready” was not permission to coerce another to do an unexpected task; rather, it was a call to plan for Jesus’ unannounced, yet inevitable, return.

Similarly, 1 Peter 3:15[4] contains the phrase “be ready always.” Reading verses 8-22 informs us that Peter was encouraging his listeners to remain steadfast in doing good and to always be ready to defend the hope they had in Jesus. Again, “be ready always” was not sanction to manipulate another to perform an unplanned task; instead, it was a call to plan and proclaim your defense for what you believe.

“Be ye ready” is just one example of a snippet of a scripture used out of context. The scriptures are not sound bites. We cannot pull bits and pieces to justify our selfish desires or inappropriate behavior. We must consider the whole scripture, including who was speaking or writing and why. If you are not sure if that Bible-sounding phrase is actually in the Bible or used correctly, then you have the power to verify. Read the Bible. Do not hesitate to research the scriptures for yourself.

Reflection: Research whether these common phrases are scripturally based or misconstrued sentiments taken out of context:

• Money is the root of evil.
• God won’t give you more than you can handle.
• Knock and the door shall be opened to you.

Praying that you Know God for Yourself and better understand God’s Word In Context.

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[1] “The practice (act) of quoting a person (people) out of context, often with the aim of winning an argument, often intending obfuscation of the quote’s actual meaning.” Cited from https://www.yourdictionary.com/contextomy | “The practice of misquoting someone by shortening the quotation or by leaving out surrounding words or sentences that would place the quotation in context; an instance of this.” Cited from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/contextomy

[2] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

[3] Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

[4] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: