Lexicon orthotomeó: To rightly divide, to cut straight Original Word: ὀρθοτομέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rightly divide. 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 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.) Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ὀρθοτομέω, the concept of accurately handling or teaching the word of God can be related to Hebrew terms such as יָשָׁר (yashar, Strong's H3474), meaning "to be straight" or "upright," and לָמַד (lamad, Strong's H3925), meaning "to teach" or "to learn." These terms reflect the broader biblical theme of integrity and faithfulness in teaching and living according to God's word. Usage: The term ὀρθοτομέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of correctly handling or accurately teaching the word of truth. It implies a precise and careful approach to interpreting and conveying biblical teachings. Context: The Greek verb ὀρθοτομέω appears in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 2:15, where the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy: "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth" (BSB). This exhortation emphasizes the importance of diligence and precision in teaching and interpreting Scripture. The imagery of "cutting straight" suggests a metaphorical path or road that is free from deviation or error, highlighting the necessity for clarity and correctness in doctrinal instruction. |
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