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Secondarily

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What is the meaning of Secondarily in the Bible?

The Greek word deuteron, translated as 'secondarily' in the King James Version of 1 Corinthians 12:28, denotes a secondary rank within the apostolic hierarchy, a nuance often simplified to 'second' or omitted in modern translations to align more closely with the original syntax.

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing this translation shift helps readers understand how early English interpreters emphasized a strict ecclesiastical hierarchy, whereas contemporary scholarship prioritizes a more literal reading of the text, thereby clarifying the original intent regarding the relative status of prophets and apostles.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Secondarily functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Secondarily in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Secondarily clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 12:28

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.

How to Cite This Entry

"Secondarily." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/secondarily/
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