Fact
TextsWhat is the meaning of Fact in the Bible?
The English word 'fact' is a mistranslation of the Hebrew term ma'aseh, which denotes a concrete deed, action, or work. In biblical passages such as 2 Kings 10 and 2 Maccabees 4, the term refers to specific historical actions rather than abstract truths, and should be rendered as 'deed' to preserve its original semantic meaning.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Correcting this translation error shifts the reader's focus from modern epistemological concepts of truth to the narrative emphasis on specific historical actions and divine interventions. This clarification allows for a more accurate interpretation of the biblical text, ensuring that the intended meaning of concrete events is not obscured by anachronistic terminology.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Fact in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Fact clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.