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"Only exact parallels to a Hiphil (for instance) are Hiphil meanings, to a Piel, Piel
meanings, etc. The verb has generally DIFFERENT MEANINGS, according as it is a
Hiphil, or one of the other verb forms."
To say that "lend" and "borrow", or "sin" and "sin offering", are the same is one of
those half truths which poet says are "ever the blackest of lies". It is "The equivocation
of the fiend, that lies like truth". The Hebrew word chattath, which is translated
punishment, purification, sin, sin-offering, and sinner is a substantive which does not
alter its form to correspond with the various forms of the verb. One part of the Hebrew
chata means "sin", another part means "to offer for sin" (Lev. 6: 26). Consequently the
substantive, though in spelling and appearance the same throughout, must be understood
to represent both of these different verb forms.
What would you think of a teacher of English grammar who insisted that all words
which were similar in spelling must necessarily be similar in grammatical meaning?
While the case is not strictly parallel, it helps to show what an apparently superficial
acquaintance some must have with the Hebrew language in this instance to have
advanced such preposterous deductions, and incidentally what a number of gullible folks
there are still who can be dazzled by an appearance of learning.
A.--I realize that my new-found light turns out to be darkness, and now I fell the
superstructure reared upon this untenable idea must crumble to the ground.
B.--Let us freely face these doctrines, being assured that truth will prevail.
The Testimony of the Septuagint.
It may be a help to us in our endeavour to understand the change of meaning that the
Piel voice of the Hebrew verb chata bears if we include the testimony of the Septuagint,
the ancient Greek version of the O.T. which is frequently quoted in the N.T. both by the
Lord and by the apostles.
In the majority of cases chata is translated by hamartano which is the word used in
Rom. 3: 23. That the Septuagint translators recognized the second meaning is evident,
for they have used words which have a very opposite meaning to sin, e.g.:--
Reference.
Septaugint.
Translation.
Hebrew.
II Chron. 29: 24.
Exilaskomai.
To offer as a propitiation.
Chata.
Ezek. 44: 27.
Hilasmos.
A propitiation.
Chattath.
Ezek. 43: 23.
Exlasmos.
A propitiation.
Chata.
Numb. 8: 21.
Hagnizo.
Purify.
Chata.
Numb. 19: 19.
Aphagnizo.
Purify.
Chata.
Numb. 8: 7.
Hagnismos.
Purification.
Chattath.
Exod. 29: 36.
Katharizo.
Cleanse.
Chata.
Psa. 51: 7.
Rhantizo.
Sprinkle.
Chata.