Significance of Words Like "All" or "Every"

These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.

Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.

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Cross-references Parent Topic a Related Topics b Links to Additional Materials c

The context determines the extent or significance of the word "all." Sometimes, the word could be accurately translated as "all within the specific group" or "all sorts of" (similar to the word "many"). This should be obvious, but many false teachings or attacks against the Bible originate in not paying attention to this fact!

Examples

• When Adam names "all" the animals, it refers only to those that were present at that time in the garden. Those on the other side of the earth weren't there! (Genesis 2:19-20)

• When Jesus tells us that "all things are possible with God," he does not include things that are contrary to God's nature or purpose! Some things are impossible with God, such as lying - which goes against his nature! (Matthew 19:26 compared with Hebrews 6:18)

• When we read that "in Christ all will be made alive," it does not refer to those who are not "in Christ"! The statement only applies to "those who are Christ's" (as the next sentence says). Those not "in Christ" are still dead in their sins, and will stay that way, unless they repent. (1 Corinthians 15:22-23)

• How many kinds of animals have been tamed by humans? "Every kind?" At least a huge number that goes beyond what we can count; but not 100% of all species ever known to exist!

Genesis 2:19-20 / Matthew 19:26 and Hebrews 6:18 / 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 / James 3:7 Adam and the naming of the animals Genesis 2:19-20 - Out of the ground Yahweh God formed every animal of the field, and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; ... Things that are "possible" with God Matthew 19:26 - Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27 says the same thing. Luke 18:27 says the same thing, but without the word "all": "But he said, 'The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.' " Hebrews 6:18 - ... it is impossible for God to lie, ... Those who are made alive in Christ 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ's, at his coming. How many animals have been tamed? James 3:7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.

Scripture Pages that Link to Here

Genesis 2:4-25

Adam named "all" the animals.

Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.