An uncertain sense
It is not improbable that one reason why this uncouth word has been retained in so many languages was because men were no better agreed concerning the meaning than concerning the derivation of it. They therefore adopted the Greek word because they did not understand it; they did not translate it into their own tongues because they did not know how to translate it, it having always been a word of a loose, uncertain sense, to which no determinate meaning was affixed.
1771 text
7. It is not improbable, that one reason why this uncouth word has been retained in so many languages, was because men were no better agreed, concerning the meaning than concerning the derivation of it. They therefore adopted the Greek word, because they did not understand it: they did not translate it into their own tongues, because they knew not how to translate it: it having been always a word of a loose, uncertain sense, to which no determinate meaning was affixed.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 37 in the 1771 Works. Acts 26:24.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.