The word ‘prodigal’ does not occur in the Bible. It crept into a page-heading of the AV and has become part of the common language. More appropriate nowadays is the word ‘profligate’. The younger son is a wastrel, a forgiven wastrel but a wastrel none the less. The passing of the years has made the term ‘prodigal’ misleading. It has been coloured by that page-heading and its common name given to the parable about the son who returned to his father. He lodges in our minds as a feckless individual. The word leads us to think of him as picaresque rather than repentant.
There is colouring that arises from similarity to the words ‘prodigious’ and ‘prodigy’. We are familiar with the term ‘teenage prodigy’ – familiar to us on the tennis court and in 18th century music. But the younger son was no Mozart; his extravagance would have made him welcome amongst his set of fellow tearaways but, profligate as he was, he could not as far as we know compose songs or write lyrics. He was Jack the Lad, out on the town. At the end of the day the word ‘prodigal’ has about it a suggestion of amiability of being a rascal but a likeable rascal, one who turns out well in the end.
And here we come across a familiar distinction. A word is not a number. A number is precise. It has an unchanging significance. If there were ten laws or twelve disciples, the ten and the twelve mean today precisely what they meant then. Words are not like that. When we think of a crowd, a multitude, a host, a mob we are aware that we have to make a choice. Each word has a flavour of its own. (The word ‘distinction’ is a good example. It has to do with difference. It also has to do with quality. We speak of a work of some distinction.) The variations of meaning have probably come through common usage. They may be slight but they have to be taken into account when we choose which word it shall be.
I have mentioned before (my apologies for boring you) the fact that the word ‘Christian’ occurs only three times in the New Testament. We are compelled to ask what expressions the N.T. writers used instead. This is a question that drives us to study the New Testament documents. We shall find that enlightening.
SOUTHMINSTER HISTORIANS
Southminster worshippers are keen historians. There is a dig going on by the church and Alexander Scott, a former incumbent, was chaplain and secretary to Nelson at Trafalgar. The church dates from Saxon times and, though not a beautiful building it has been made fit for use by succeeding generations, the replacement of pews by chairs having taken place in 2004. The church has a lively programme and an equally lively parish magazine. The Vicar is Peter Begley.
If you have a comment on this post please send an email to Revd John King at johnc.king@talktalk.net Edited extracts may be published. To forward this to a friend click on the chain icon below.
Comments