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The Fruit of the Spirit (Endnotes)

1. We give the Greek words in this article for clarity, because different versions of the Bible translate the Greek differently. Having the Greek words assures that there will be no confusion as to which of the fruit we are discussing. Although it is commonly stated that the Greek word “love” is agape, the more accurate understanding is that the noun is agape, and the verb is agapao. This is different from English, in which the word “love” is a homonym, used as both a noun and a verb. Close

2. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version™ © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. Close

3. Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, reprinted 1989), pp. 207-210. We believe Trench is correct, but not all Greek scholars agree, and that, combined with the fact that “longsuffering” is not used much in English any more, has caused many versions to read “patience” instead of “longsuffering.” However, when the two Greek words occur together, one of them must be translated as “endurance” or a similar word, which causes more problems. Close

4. Ibid., Trench, Synonyms, p. 209. Close

5. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. Close

6. The NASB correctly has the word “admonish,” not just “teach” or “instruct.” The Greek word contains the possible need for confrontation, not just teaching. Close