The Spoils for the Overcomer; Sonship and the Household; Not an Intercessor but a Deliverer

We know that oftentimes written or spoken words can bring images to our minds of what is being said. Some people are more visual than others, but when we humans hear certain words, due to cultural usage, we imagine certain things. We have all heard a prophecy from Isaiah regarding Jesus as making intercession for the transgressors, but is that what that verse really says? We also know that we who believe on Jesus as Lord are adopted sons, and that gives us certain rights and responsibilities. We may have a few wrong images regarding who we are and our future glory. How many times have we heard “to the victor goes the spoils”? There may be a share of the spoils that sons are entitled to if they meet the requirement. But not everyone partakes of the booty, only those who fought for it receive it. Our minds may picture something along the lines of pirate treasure (at least my mind does). There may be an interesting perspective that we haven’t considered before as to being part of the family, or being relatives; versus being part of the closer, tighter knit household that Jesus lives in. Again, our minds picture a family as a large group of people all related, but the household is a smaller group. While we as “sons” have an inheritance, the present suffering seems to cast a shadow over our future glory.

We have a verse to look at in Isaiah where we see some contradictions regarding the wording between Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, and English. After we read this prophecy we will begin to mitigate these misunderstandings, and when we do, we will see a different picture than one we may have in our minds,

Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], and He shall divide the spoil with the mighty, because He poured out His life unto death, and [He let Himself] be regarded as a criminal and be numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore [and took away] the sin of many and made intercession [6293] for the transgressors (the rebellious). [Luke 22:37.] AMP

OT:6293 paga` (paw-gah'); a primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity: KJV - come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light [upon], meet (together), pray, reach, run. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

While the Hebrew word is impinge which is “to strike with a sharp collision”, this word somehow got translated intercede. Intercede means to “intervene for the purpose of reconciling differences”. In other words, if someone hit a baseball through a window and the owner of the house gets mad at the batter, the pitcher might step between them and say it was his fault for the purpose of protecting the batter; that is what it is to intercede. Instead, the Hebrew word is denoting “a harsh or violent act” such as the pitcher knocking out the homeowner. The Greek word paradidoomi is closer to permission, such as the pitcher is allowed by the team manager to take responsibility for the window the batter broke. We will look at that shortly.

The Hebrew word paga is used 47 times, but only a few times is it translated “intercession”. In Jeremiah 7 the Greek word is translated “pray”. In Jeremiah 27 the Greek word is translated “carry”, and in Jeremiah 36 the Greek word is translated “suggested”. Why are all these different translated words coming from one Hebrew word? We have a little bit of a problem with the Book of Jeremiah as the Masoretes did a little chopping of this text. There was also contention between the priests of Zadok and the Levites as each had their specific beliefs, and that took a toll on the Book of Jeremiah, rendering missing portions in the Masoretic text and resulting in a generally poor translation. So the Book of Jeremiah is not a good source for understanding in this case, except to say it is clear there is no consistency in this word. It is possible the Latin or English translators did not agree with the Hebrew word and used intercession as a better word. This was done in another section of Isaiah where the Masoretic texts proclaim that a “young woman shall conceive and bare a son”. The Latin and English translators changed that back to a “virgin shall conceive”, which is what the Greek texts say. The change back to “virgin” seems similar to the change we find here with regards to intercessor, or a go between, is closer to the Greek word which means “to give over”. Our imagery with this translation is that Jesus is making intercession as in praying for us all. One Septuagint version translates it this way:

Isa 53:12 Therefore he shall inherit many, and he shall divide the spoils of the mighty; because his soul was delivered to death: and he was numbered among the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and was delivered because of their iniquities. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Esaias/index.htm

The prophecy is that the coming Messiah would be delivered, or given over, because of the sins of the people. The Aramaic says this:

Isa 53:12 Because of that I shall divide Him between many and to the powerful He shall divide the spoils, in exchange for His casting Himself to death and to be counted among the abominable, and yet He shall carry off the sins of many and deal with the abominable. (Book of Isaiah, Eashaya, translated from the Ancient Aramaic by Victor N Alexander, copyright 2012, pg 145, 23 Sept 2013)

This verse was quoted in part by Luke.

Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. KJV

The last part of this verse is a little clunky, the Aramaic smooths it out.

Luke 22:37 “For I am telling you, that even this that was written about shall be fulfilled, that he will be counted among the outlaws, For everything has been fulfilled in me” (Aramaic New Testament by Victor N Alexander, copyright 2010, p16923 November 2012)

Since Jesus is quoting Isaiah 53:12, we know he is speaking of himself. This is our proof that Jesus is marking himself as Messiah. Jesus is still counted among the outlaws in some circles. Mark notes this as well.

Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. KJV

Let’s look at the Greek AP Polyglot to see what Isaiah 53:12 says. We know that Jesus was counted among the sinners, both specifically on the cross and generally as a liar and false prophet. He was thought of as a sinner or an outlaw. We also know that all things, prophecies and the like, have been and will be fulfilled in Him. The Greek word which appears different in the Hebrew is translated “delivered”, which actually means “delivered”. Instead of “impinge” which suggests “a violent act, intentional or by accident”, the Messiah would be “delivered like a package, or surrendered”. 

Isa 53:12G1223On account of G3778this G1473he G2816shall inherit G4183many; G2532and G3588of the G2478strong ones G3307he will portion out G4661spoils, G446.2because G3860[²was delivered up G1519³unto G2288⁴death G3588 G5590¹his soul]; G1473 G2532and G1722[²among G3588³the G459⁴lawless ones G3049¹he was considered]; G2532and G1473he himself G266[² the sins G4183³of many G399¹bore], G2532and G1223because of G3588 G458their lawless deeds G1473 G3860he was delivered up http://studybible.info/ABP_Strongs/Isaiah%2053

NT:3860 paradidoomi, to give over

1.         properly, to give into the hands (of another)

2.         to give over into (one's) power or use: tini ti, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, Matt 11:27

3.         equivalent to to commit, to commend: Acts 14:26

4.         to deliver verbally: commands, rites, Mark 7:13

5.         to permit, allow: absolutely hotan paradoo or paradoi ho karpos, when the fruit will allow, i. e., when its ripeness permits, Mark 4:29

(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:3860 paradidomi (par-ad-id'-o-mee); from NT:3844 and NT:1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: KJV - betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

We see this word has nothing to do with Jesus praying/interceding for us sinners. While it is a better word than impinge, it is not quite right. Jesus is a go between, but he was surrendered over instead of knocking out the homeowner or negotiating a solution for the batter.

But there is an even bigger secret hidden in this verse. Our English versions suggest that the Messiah will be given a portion of reward along with some other kings. That is incorrect. The Messiah is not below kings so that those kings will share a portion with Him. No, the Messiah will inherit many strong people and divide the spoils with them. Let’s review this phrase from Isaiah 53:12.

  

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great [kings and rulers], KJV

Therefore he shall inherit many, and he shall divide the spoils of the mighty, Septuagint, Brenton.

Because of that I shall divide Him between many and to the powerful He shall divide the spoils, Aramaic, Alexander

On account of this he shall inherit many; and of the strong ones he will portion out spoils, Septuagint, AP Polyglot.

Let’s look at this word strong ones. Someone assumed strong and mighty meant kings and rulers.

2478:

LSJ Gloss: ἰσχυρός strong, mighty

Dodson: ἰσχυρός strong, mighty, powerful strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure.

Strong's: ἰσχυρός forcible (literally or figuratively) Derivation: from G2479; KJV Usage: boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.

G2479

Thayer:

1) strong, mighty
1a) of living beings
1a1) strong either in body or in mind
1a2) of one who has strength of soul to sustain the attacks of Satan, strong and therefore exhibiting many excellences
1b) on inanimate things
1b1) strong, violent, forcibly uttered, firm, sure

I like Thayer’s 1a2; “the strong ones who have the strength of soul to sustain the attacks of satan, strong and therefore exhibiting many excellences”. That is an impressive definition. Didn’t Jesus make us super human potentates? Don’t we have authority over the enemy? We do if we are “sons”.

Again, the Hebrew takes away the Messiah’s future glory as well as our future glory. We read last week how we are known, destined, molded, called, justified and glorified in Him; but not only that, we are given a portion of the spoils. You may picture pirate treasure, but the spoils are probably rewards in ruling and reigning in the Millennial Kingdom. If you wonder about predestination, here is another aspect of something predetermined before Jesus came to earth. The strong ones get some of the spoils. The ones Jesus inherits will be divided a portion of the loot. What that means is that if we are weak, whiney, and barely hold to a confession of faith, we are not strong. If we are ready to sustain any and all attacks of the devil, we are strong.

How do we then recognize who we are in Christ? We first have to know that we are sons, not hired help. We are heirs of His kingdom; notice that Romans tells us that we share in Christ’s inheritance. Again, to the overcomers go the spoils.

Rom 8:15-19 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! 16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. 17 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. 18 [But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! 19 For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God's sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship]. AMP

We must share in sufferings to inherit His glory, but the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. The prophecy of Isaiah 53:12 tells us that we are the ones who share the spoils, the glory of inheritance. We have to be strong, we have to be mighty, we cannot afford to be weak. Here is some more good news.

Gal 4:4-7 But when the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born subject to [the regulations of] the Law, 5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]. 6 And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.AMP

If we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we are sons; and he has inherited us. We have the Holy Spirit within us, we are sealed. He will then share a portion of the spoils with the mighty and the strong ones. There are different categories’ of family and households that we have to look at. The reason we should be clear about this is that there are categories that all believers fall into. This choice is ours. This should be an encouragement to become strong.

The first group are “absolute relatives”. They are people all dwelling together. These adopted sons are living under one roof in His household. This word is only used twice in the New Testament, 14 times between Old and New Testament. 

Matt 10:25 It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant or slave like his master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub [master of the dwelling], how much more will they speak evil of those of His household [3615]. [2 Kings 1:2.] AMP

Matt 10:35-36 For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law —  36 And a man's foes will be they of his own household [3615]. [Mic 7:6.] AMP

NT:3615 oikiakos (oy-kee-ak-os'); from NT:3614; familiar, i.e. (as noun) relatives: KJV - they (them) of (his own) household. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3614 oikia (oy-kee'-ah); from NT:3624; properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication a family (especially domestics): KJV - home, house (-hold). (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus is telling those people who believe on him that just as he was accused of being demonic, his disciples will be called demonic as well. We also see here that Jesus says he actually came to split up earthly families living under one roof, for the benefit of the greater family. Therefore, not everyone in an earthly family is of the heavenly family.

In the second group we see people who believe the same, they are called relatives or the household. They are adherents or members of the household. This is a general grouping of people. This word is used three times in the New Testament, 20 times between both Old and New Testament.

Gal 6:10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household [3609] of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]. AMP

Eph 2:19 Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household [3609]. AMP

NT:3609 oikeios (oy-ki'-os); from NT:3624; domestic, i.e. (as noun), a relative, adherent: KJV - (those) of the (his own) house (-hold).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3624 oikos (oy'-kos); of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication a family (more or less related, literal or figuratively):KJV - home, house (-hold), temple.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Paul was speaking to the Galatian and Ephesian believers here. He was explaining that they/we are now part of this citizenship, we should take care of one another within this nation. While we are to do good to all people, we are to make an extra effort to those who believe on Jesus. This is a large umbrella that covers a lot of people who are in many different levels of spiritual service. Some are weak and some are strong.

The third group is the “family, a group that can be known as a nation or tribe, by lineage”. This is made up of several families. The group idea implies several different clans, or in application to religious groups, several denominations which make up the family in heaven. This word is used 3 times in the New Testament, and 162 times between the Old and New Testament.

Eph 3:15 For Whom every family [3965] in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]. AMP

NT:3965 patria (pat-ree-ah'); as if feminine of a derivative of NT:3962; paternal descent., i.e. (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation): KJV - family, kindred, lineage. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3962 pater (pat-ayr'); apparently a primary word; a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote): KJV - father, parent.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This is the broadest group of sons. These people who are in the family change their names to His name. They form a nation under His name. We can look at these three ideas this way. We have those living within the same house as Jesus, disciples who will be accused of being evil just like Jesus was. Then we have the relatives who are at different levels of their spiritual walk and different places in their lives. And lastly we have the family which amounts to many tribes and denominations who are believers on Jesus with His name. 

If we imagine a family reunion, the entire group is the family, the one where the photographer has to stand at a really far distance and up on a ladder just to get everyone in the picture. The second group are the relations, the photographer can move in a bit closer for this picture. The siblings with their children gather here. The last picture is the people living under the same roof as Jesus. Those people were all in the first two pictures, but now this third picture is a picture of the mighty and strong ones, who will endure suffering in strength not weakness. These are the ones said to be crazy, like Jesus, yet these are the victorious ones, the overcomers who Jesus will divide the spoils with.  

It seems strange how a few small word changes can invoke so many images in our minds’ eye. It is clearly better to have the right words creating the right images. Jesus is not standing between heaven and earth praying for us, he was handed over and delivered for us instead. Also, there is treasure for the strong and mighty ones He inherits. Remember in the Book of Revelation, Jesus has a bride who is the “called, chosen, and faithful”? The bride comes out of the body of Christ, and she is a seasoned warrior. At the end of the wedding the bride leaves with the bridegroom and the other attendants go to their own homes. The mighty will share in the spoils with Jesus, the ones who endure suffering, whose souls sustain the attacks of satan. This is the image we want in the forefront of our minds, of ourselves as strong, mighty, fighters, who live in His house. This is how we should see ourselves, this is our destiny if we choose to be strong.