WFT- circumlocution

14 September 2008

Merriam Webster's word of the day for Tuesday, September 9th was circumlocution:

1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea 2 : evasion in speech

Although their definition indicates the use of unnecessarily large number of words there are some instances where there is a necessity.  Traditionally Jews have used evasive synonyms to avoid directly using G-d's name or titles especially in written documents.  The thought is that, should the document be thrown in the trash, burned, or otherwise defiled then G-d's name would also be treated in such a manner.  In order to sanctify G-d's name they often hyphenate the word G-d (as I have done here) or use other references in place of such names.

Yeshua also did so and referred to G-d as "your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16) or "your heavenly Father" (Luke 11:13) and other similar such evasions.  Since the Master did such things in sanctifying G-d's name we can rest assured that it is something which we can safely do in imitation of Him and follow in His footsteps.

 

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