Strong's Lexicon orthotomeó: To rightly divide, to cut straight Original Word: ὀρθοτομέω Word Origin: From the Greek words ὀρθός (orthos, meaning "straight") and τέμνω (temnō, meaning "to cut"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "orthotomeó," the concept of accurately handling or dividing the word of truth can be related to Hebrew terms that emphasize teaching and understanding, such as בִּין (bin, Strong's H995, meaning "to discern" or "to understand") and יָשָׁר (yashar, Strong's H3474, meaning "to be straight" or "upright"). Usage: The term "orthotomeó" is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of accurately handling or correctly interpreting something, particularly the word of truth. It implies a precise and careful approach to teaching and understanding Scripture, ensuring that the message is conveyed without distortion or error. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of cutting straight was often associated with craftsmanship, such as a stonemason cutting stones or a farmer plowing a straight furrow. This imagery would have resonated with early Christian audiences, emphasizing the importance of precision and integrity in teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. The term suggests a responsibility to maintain the purity and accuracy of the Gospel message amidst various false teachings and interpretations that were prevalent in the early church. HELPS Word-studies 3718 orthotoméō(from temnō, "to cut" and 3717 /orthós, "straight") – properly, cut straight (on a straight line), i.e. "rightly divide" (correctly apportion). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom orthos and temnó (to cut) Definition to cut straight NASB Translation accurately handling (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3718: ὀρθοτομέωὀρθοτομέω, ὀρθοτόμω; (ὀρθοτομος cutting straight, and this from ὀρθός and τέμνω); 1. to cut straight: τάς ὁδούς, to cut straight ways, i. e. to proceed by straight paths, hold a straight course, equivalent to to do right (for יִשֵּׁר), Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 11:5 (viam secare, Vergil Aen. 6, 899). 2. dropping the idea of cutting, to make straight and smooth; Vulg.rectetracto, to handle aright: τόν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας, i. e. to teach the truth correctly and directly, 2 Timothy 2:15; τόν ἀληθῆ λόγον, Eustathius, opuscc., p. 115, 41. (Not found elsewhere (except in ecclesiastical writings (Winer's Grammar, 26); e. g. constt. apost. 7, 31 ἐν τῷ τοῦ κυρίου δόγμασιν; cf. Suicer ii. 508f). Cf. καινοτομέω, to cut new veins in mining; dropping the notion of cutting, to make something new, introduce new things, make innovations or changes, etc.) From a compound of orthos and the base of tomoteros, to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message) -- rightly divide. see GREEK orthos see GREEK tomoteros |
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