Context

In the study of scripture, it can safely be stated that the context of a passage or word may possibly be the single most important factor in determining the usage and application of that scripture.

We in the computer generation have a term that is referred to as "cut and paste". Cut and paste is a word processing function that allows, with ease, the highlighting of a particular segment of a document and transferring it to another. It is an extremely powerful tool in fabricating and creating a new document. It allows for the quick and effortless transfer of information, but it can have its drawbacks.

Sometimes when “cutting and pasting” from one document to another, simple phrases may not make sense because of the context of the original document. The pasted phrase may have an implied meaning that actually enhances the new document, but when related back to the original, it doesn’t apply at all.

This is known as taking something out of context and many have approached the study of the Word of God in this manner.

The dictionary defines context as the part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning. It can also mean the circumstances or setting in which an event occurs.

By utilizing the “cut and paste” approach to Bible study, many well meaning scholars have distorted the true intention of the original writers purpose. Scriptures have been removed from their original context and “pasted” out of context to “prove” the validity of the new writers manuscript. Though they may have been well meaning, it does not relegate the fact that they have misused and mishandled the Word of God. They have “reshuffled the deck” so to speak and in doing so have removed the power that was in it’s original intent. Hence the need for “reproof”.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

Paul is telling Timothy here that the purpose of the “Word” is bring the “man of God” to perfection; that he be thoroughly furnished for the purposes of God. The ways that the “Word” accomplishes this, is through doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction.

What is “doctrine”?
Doctrine is defined as a principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group. The Greek word for doctrine is 'didaskalia', and it means; instruction, the function of instructing or the information released through instruction. It implies, that which is taught as a standard of any particular group. In the case of the “church” it relates to the “accepted” interpretation of any particular scripture as it relates to that particular organization.

Hence the reason for so many denominations and organizations, each believing that what they have interpreted is the truth. Just the fact that there is such a difference in various positions should be enough to cause each one of us to research for ourselves the truth of the scripture. We should never accept any interpretation of scripture as the “final word” until we have researched it ourselves and found it to be true and have an inner witness of the Spirit as to its truth. To do so places your walk with God in the hands of someone else, and that in itself is an unscriptural position.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)

You work it out! Believing someone’s interpretation of any particular passage without working it out yourself can cost you your reward.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Colossians 2:18 (KJV)

The word beguile means to deceive by guile; to distract the attention of; to divert the attention of someone. When a scripture is taken out of context, it literally diverts your attention away from its intended meaning. Notice in this particular scripture Paul is telling us that these particular people are intruding into an area that they have not discerned clearly (seen) but have become vain in their own minds. Following someone else’s interpretation “blindly” can cost you your reward. In other “misinterpretations” it can cost you heaven! Jesus said “Take heed that no man deceive you”.[ Mat 24:4]

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Luke 8:18 (KJV)

What is “reproof” ?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Reproof is the act, instance, or expression of re-proving something. It means to confute a belief. To confute someone or something means to prove it to be wrong or in error; to refute it decisively, to prove it to be false or erroneous and to overthrow by argument or proof.

When doctrines are built upon “Cut and Paste” Theology, the margin for error is wide open. There is to much room for misinterpretation. Hence the need for “re-proving” the Word of God.

The quickest and most sure way of “re-proving” the Word of God, is by returning the disputed scripture to its original context and studying out the authors original intent. It is in it’s original setting where we may possibly unlock the “hidden truths” that we so need in this latter day.
“Cut and Paste” Theology has permeated the entire Body of Christ and caused many to stray from “kingdom” purpose. The number of scriptures that have been corrupted is unknown, but by starting the process of “dividing rightly” the Word of God, we may prevent future generations from following in the error that has preceded us.

I am in no way passing judgement upon those that have gone before us, but there comes a time where we must follow the example of God Himself and recognize the faults within our own belief systems.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Hebrews 8:7-8 (KJV)

It must be stressed at the use of this scripture, that the fault was not with God, but with man. And that is the inference of our need to re-prove the Word. Man has erred, not God. But in this latter time, God has begun to stir His people to honestly “contend for the faith”. It’s not about finding someone to blame for our condition, it’s about finding God’s purpose for us and moving in that direction. If we continue doing, what has always been done, we cannot expect to achieve different results. Hence the need for “reproof”.

To remove a scripture from its contextual position for use outside of it’s original context causes it to become a “pretext”. A pretext is an ostensible or professed purpose; an excuse. It can also be an effort or a strategy intended to conceal something. The word ostensible means; represented or appearing as such; it means that something is plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. Though something seems plausible, does not make it so. The word plausible means; something seemingly or apparently valid, likely, acceptable, or credible, it can also mean something giving a deceptive impression of the truth, acceptability, or reliability.

Though a well meaning approach to scripture, it has actually been carried to an extreme and thereby become a destructive tool rather than an instructive one. This approach to God’s Word has become the “Cut and Paste” Theology. If we like the way it sounds , we cut it and paste it where we want and in doing so, we lose what God intended.

Some of the major doctrines of this day are founded upon what appears to be “Cut and Paste” Theology. As we discussed earlier, the use of John 10:10 as a description of the devil, may very well be a case of “Cut and Paste”. Lets examine a few other scriptures and see how they may or may not relate to this principle.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)

I recently heard a message from a very respected minister of the gospel who utilized this verse to explain that Paul was “ambiguous” in the things of God. This was because of the use of the word perplexed. The word ambiguous means to be “doubtful or uncertain”.

Strong’s defines perplexed as having no way out, or to be at a loss (mentally):(stand in) doubt, be perplexed.

As can be seen in the definition of the word, doubt can be used to define perplexed, but does that fit in the context of the rest of the scripture.
What was Paul saying to the church at Corinth?

In chapter 4, verse 1 Paul is outlining how he and his companions have walked among the local church. He tells them how they have behaved. That they have not walked dishonestly or deceitfully amongst them, but have walked in a manifestation of the truth.[vs:2] He then describes those that have not or cannot receive the words of truth that have been shared with them because the “god of this world hath blinded” them.[vs:4] He then reinforces, that it is God that is doing the work through them, it is not them, but God. [vs:7] He then begins to describe the cost of allowing God to manifest through them. And he describes this through a series of comparisons.

Note:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4:8,9

Troubled: 2346; to crowd
Distressed: 4729; to hem in closely, cramp
Perplexed: 639; to have no way out
Despair: 1820; to be utterly at a loss
Persecuted: 1377; to pursue
Forsaken: 1459; to leave behind in some place
Cast Down: 2598; to throw down
Destroyed: 622; to destroy fully

Paul is telling us that even though they are crowded, the pressure is not hindering what they were sent there to do. He is fully aware that there is no way out, because he’s “sold out” to God, he’s not at a loss of what to do. Even though he is persecuted and pursued, God has not left him behind to stand alone. Even though he has been thrown down and beaten, he hasn’t been destroyed. But is he unclear in what God is doing? Absolutely Not! He explains completely what is occurring.

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (KJV)

He knows that what ever is going on, is ordained of God, to conform him to the image of Jesus. That in the trial God gets the glory and not him. Paul had been told by Jesus the things he would have to go through in order to fulfill God’s call upon his life. To say he was “ambiguous” is a total misstatement of scripture. Jesus said to Ananias when speaking of Paul:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Acts 9:15-16 (KJV)

Paul heard the Lords voice so clearly that at the beginning of his ministry he secluded himself unto God for three years [Galations 1] before he even approached the Apostles in Jerusalem, and then he spent only fifteen days amongst Peter and James. Then he separated himself unto his ministry unto God for an additional fourteen years, before seeking any advice from them. And he went then only by revelation. [vs: 2:2] So to conclude from one scripture that Paul was “ambiguous” to what was occurring, is in itself “ambiguous”.

Context must be considered when a scripture is taken for use “outside” of its original intention. If we allow for the Word to be subjected to “cut and paste”, we then move into an area of deception, where we PREsume its TEXTural application. It may sound good, but that doesn’t mean it is good, or of God for that matter.

Another example that becomes subject to reproof, is a scripture that when joined with others, becomes a main stay of the “warfare theology” we now see prevalent within the Body of Christ.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

This is a very common verse that is used to justify the spiritual warfare doctrine. Though there may truly be a place for the believer to “war” against the forces of darkness, in all fairness to proper application, this scripture must be examined in it’s context before relying upon it to “through down” the devil. For it is with this verse, many “well meaning” have taken the stance that this verse gives them the right to attack “strongholds” of Satan in the spiritual realm. But is that so?

The fault with that singular interpretation is that it doesn’t match with the context that the verse was presented in. It is clearly stated in vs. 1,2 that someone had issued a challenge regarding Paul’s conduct as an apostle. Notice vs. 2, “wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.”

The NIV makes it even clearer: “I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.”

Note that it is against some people that he intends to be bold. It seems that the misinterpretation begins with the usage of two words: war and warfare.

Lets define these.
The word war used here is the Greek word 'strateuomai' and it means to serve in a military campaign; fig. to execute the apostolate with its arduous duties and functions, to contend with carnal inclinations: soldier, (go to) war (-fare).

The word used here for warfare is the Greek word 'strateia', and it means; military service, i.e. (fig.) the apostolic career as one of hardship and danger. This particular word is used only twice in the New Testament and in both uses, its implied usage has more to do with the “apostolic career” than it does with fighting a spiritual battle, or any battle for that matter!

If we also examine in context what is being stated Paul is simply stating that “though I am a living breathing human being, I do not execute my office as an apostle with its arduous duties and functions, with human efforts. The tools that God has given me to fulfill this office are not of the flesh realm, On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds”. Paul then defines what the strongholds are; arguments and pretensions [NIV].

A pretension is a specious allegation; a pretext. A claim to something, such as a privilege or right and the advancing of such a claim. It is also an ostentatious display. That means a pretentious display meant to impress others; a boastful showiness.

Paul is telling us that his “apostolic weaponry” will destroy those “claims” that have set themselves up against the knowledge that God had placed Paul as the apostle over those believers. Further study shows that [vs. 8] he was referring to his delegated authority [exousia] that he had as the Apostle over the Corinthian Church.

“For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction…”.

The word used here for destruction is the same word used in vs. 4 in describing the pulling down of those mindsets. The message in vs 10 further outlines the challenge from people within the church as being towards his apostolic authority.

For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." (NIV)

Paul continues to rebuke the church for its gullibility and their doubting his apostolic call. But at no time in this discourse does Paul make any reference to fighting spirit beings. In fact, from this point on until the end of the letter, Paul does nothing but reinforce his apostolic right over that church. To take this verse and use it as a basis of “spiritual warfare” is out of context and dangerous. (Remember Jude/ 2 Peter)

The second usage for the word warfare is in 1 Timothy.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare. 1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV)

This verse is also “pulled out “ of context and used as a basis for Christians doing battle with the spirit realm. As in 2 Corinthians 10, the definitions for war and warfare make reference to the “apostolic office”.
If this verse is read in context we notice that Paul is instructing the “apostle Timothy” on how to establish churches.

Note:
First, that prayer be made for favor with the Government officials where the church is to be established “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Tim 2:1

Then he addresses the issue of men as husbands. That they should lead their homes in prayer and worship after a Godly manor. He stresses the importance of the family lives of the believers. That there is an order, that God has ordained for Christian homes. It must be stated that the word “women” used in these scriptures refers specifically to wives, not to women in general. 1 Tim 2:8-15

And then he begins to outline the characteristics of Bishops and Deacons. 1 Tim 3:1
He then warns him of the false doctrines that will attempt to enter the church, but at no time does he make reference to fighting spirit beings. 1 Tim 4:1

So to utilize this scripture as a confirming word to 2 Corinthians 10:3, is as erroneous as the misinterpretation of 2 Corinthians 10:3 itself. But much of the focus of the church today is utilized in fighting the demonic realm based upon these scriptures. Could it be that if the pretext is in error, that the application may be flawed also?

It is interesting to note also that the false doctrines that Paul warned Timothy about , just so happen to be the doctrines of devils!

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV)

What is interesting is the use of the word expressly. That word means to be outspoken . When the scripture reveals that the Spirit was outspoken about relating something, that in itself should be our clue to the importance of what was being said.

The word depart is the Greek word 'aphistemi' and it means to remove oneself, i.e. instigate to revolt; to desist, to be drawn or to fall away. It comes from two words that mean to separate from, or, to cease from a position of standing.

The word faith is the Greek word 'pistis', and it means to be persuaded by a moral conviction of a religious truth, [or, the truthfulness of God or the truthfulness of a religious teacher], but , especially the reliance upon Christ for salvation and the constancy of such a profession.

Paul is telling Timothy, that there will be those in the latter days, who will be shifted from a secure position of standing in the reliance upon Christ for their deliverance to a place where they give heed to seducing spirits.

The word used for giving heed is the Greek word 'prosecho', and means to hold the mind towards, or to pay attention to something. In this case it is towards seducing spirits.

The phrase seducing spirits means an impostor, a spirit that is misleading spirit. An imposter is one who engages in deception under an assumed name or identity. An imposter spirit is one that pretends to be other than what they are or to have abilities or qualifications that they do not really have. An impostor spirit assumes the character or identity of another for the express purpose of deceiving.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (KJV)

The word transformed used here is the word 'metaschematizo', and means to transfigure or disguise; fig. to apply by accommodation; to change. It implies the ability to conform to what ever situation or circumstance, that will allow them to work within it.

In our discussion on John 10:10 , we looked into the possibility, of error, as being the “doorway” for the delegated influence to come against someone. We examined the possibility “if you call him the thief” without a proper scriptural basis, could you then be opening the door for him to become the thief in your life. With that as a backdrop could metaschematizo be an extension of that same principle. “Whatever Adam called it, that is what it was” ? If you move into error and call it so, is it so?

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (KJV)

Could that be what Paul was referring to here when he states: “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness”. The phrase taketh is the Greek word 'drassomai' and it speaks of the idea of capturing; to grasp, to entrap.

But what makes it extremely interesting is it comes from the root word 'drakon', which means to look upon a fabulous kind of serpent; perhaps as is supposed to fascinate one. And is also the word used to describe a dragon.

The word used here for craftiness has some unusual implications of its own. The Greek word used here is 'panourgia', and means adroitness, i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry. Adroitness implies ease and natural skill, especially in dealing with challenging situations. The word sophistry means a plausible but misleading statement or an argument based on a false or an invalid inference.

These definitions give the picture that these people will be snared by the error that they profess wisdom. They rely upon their “natural skill” rather than what Christ has already accomplished.

The phrase 'doctrines of devils', for the most part, has been taught from the standpoint that devils would introduce erroneous doctrine into the church. But could it also be interpreted that the church would accept teachings about devils as a doctrine?

Many of the teachings within the Body today center around the “power” that the devil supposedly has, rather than the fact that he was completely and totally defeated by the cross of Jesus Christ!

Paul continues,
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

'Speaking lies' is the Greek phrase pseudologos, and means something that is mendacious. Mendacious is a more formal equivalent of lying and suggests a chronic inclination towards untruth when it is applied to persons. Another interesting note about pseudologos is it also means one who promulgates erroneous Christian doctrine. To promulgate is to make something known by official public declaration; to announce or make a decree, for example.

Notice also that pseudologos is made up of two words pseudo and logos. Here we also see the perversion of the logos word, as was seen in alogos (brute) in Jude and 2nd Peter.

Paul then says that they are speaking these lies in hypocrisy. A hypocrite is one who says one thing and does another. The classic example in scriptures are the Pharisee’s. But in this case, where we are speaking of those within the church environs, they are those that say they are Christian, but are not doing what Christ has said to do. Could these be those that are referred to as the “workers of iniquity”?

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. Matthew 7:22-24 (KJV)

Though the perception of these people mentioned above, is that they are doing the “Lords” work, could it be that they have had their ability to discern altered, by accepting erroneous doctrine as truth?

The word iniquity used here is a word that means illegality. Could Jesus be telling us that they have moved from a place of grace to a position of disgrace?

….having their conscience seared with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:2b

This is an interesting phrase. In the Greek it is 'suneidesis kauteriazo'. It means that they have had their perception rendered un-sensitive. The word kauteriazo is the same word that we use to describe something that has been cauterized. When something has been cauterized it has been deadened to feeling or moral scruples; it becomes callous. Paul is telling us that these believers become deadened to the truth because of their error.

One final example of scripture being handle incorrectly is:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

This scripture has been used by many well meaning leaders to lead the people of Christ into a regimented program of bible study. Though the concept is admirable, this scripture does not assert that.

The word study does not mean to “crack the books” or “burn the midnight oil”. The “Book” wasn’t published in mass until the 1500’s. If that were what the scripture meant then what would be the fate of those who can’t read? What about people who don’t have the scriptures translated into a common language? If it is about the “study” of scriptures that enable you to become approved of God, why were the Pharisee’s unapproved?

Jesus told us:
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (KJV)

The word used for study is the Greek word 'spoudazo' and means to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest and comes from the root word that means foot. The implication is to apply yourself to something. The word show is the word 'paristemi' and it means to stand beside. But the key to understanding this scripture is in the word approved. To be approved means to be acceptable or current after assayal. To be examined by trial or experiment; put to a test.

Another way of stating this scripture could be: Do your best to be a doer of the word and be found standing after the trial of your faith has passed, so that you will not be ashamed, having rightly understood the Fathers purpose for you in that kairos.

Having been challenged on this particular scriptural interpretation, I faithfully submit these other translations for consideration.

NKJV: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

NIV: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Literal Greek: Be eager to present thyself approved unto God a workman unashamed, cutting straight the word of truth.

Barclays NT: Do your best to present yourself to God as a man of sterling worth, a workman who has no need to be ashamed of his work, a sound expositor of the true word.

Good News Bible: Do your best to win full approval in Gods sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God’s truth.

Berkley Version: Do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing the message of truth.

Moffats NT: Do your utmost to let God see that you at least are a sound workman, with no need to be ashamed of the way that you handle the Word of truth.

RSV: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

ASV: Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

Darby’s: Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.

Weymouths NT: Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame.

Young’s: Be diligent to present thyself approved to God--a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth.

NASB: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

New English Translation: Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

Douay-Rheims (Catholic): Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Vines Expository Dictionary : “Study” (see diligence B, No 1) : to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence

Liddell & Scott Intermediate Lexicon: spoudazô: to make haste, [1.] of things, to be busy, eager, zealous, earnest to do a thing [2.] of persons, to be busy with him, to be anxious for his success, canvass for him, [3.] absol. to be serious or earnest, etc.; with a grave face, [II.] trans., [1.], to do anything hastily or earnestly, to be zealously pursued [2.] Pass., also, of persons, to be treated with respect, to be courted Latin Vulgate: sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis sollicitus -a -um, disturbed, agitated, restless; anxious, uneasy, worried; of animals, watchful; in act. sense, disquieting. Adv. sollicite, anxiously, carefully. cura -ae, f. care; (1) care taken, carefulness, pains, attention, minding of things or persons; of business, management, administration; meton., an object of care, or a guardian, caretaker. (2) care felt, anxiety, worry, disquiet. ipsum : himself, herself, itself. probâbilis, e, adj. [id.]. I. Lit., that may be assumed, believed, or proved; likely, credible, probable II. Transf., in gen., worthy of approval, pleasing, agreeable, acceptable, commendable, laudable, good, fit ex-hibeo: lit., to hold out, reach out; hence], I. To hold forth, tender, present; to deliver, give up, produce A. Lit.: i. e. to acknowledge legal notice, etc. i. e. to make safe, i. e. to furnish, allow, B. Transf. 1. To show, to display, to exhibit: how I shall exhibit, show myself, shows, proves himself, (b). To show, confer (late 2. To maintain, support, sustain II. To show, exhibit, employ; to procure, occasion, cause: rem salvam exhibebo, I will set it all right, Plaut. As. 2.4.51: quorum virtus exhibet solidum decus, Phaedr. 4, 23, 24