Matt 24:7-Ethnos: Nations or Races?

 MATTHEW 24:7 - ETHNOS: NATIONS OR RACES?

7-3-2019

While reading an internet list of Steve Quayle articles posted on his website (the same as his name) I came upon this interesting title: 

American Media Blackout:

VIDEO from Portland, OR Shows Black Man Randomly Attack and Break White Woman’s Jaw

CIVIL WAR IS HERE

RACIAL WAR IS BEING INSTIGATED

JESUS DECLARED (In) MATTHEW 24-'ETHNOS AGAINST ETHNOS' 

The article title has been broken down into line pieces for readability.  Quayle is declaring that the largely held translation found in Matthew 24:7 that reads “nation shall rise against nation” should be understood as “racial group” shall rise against “racial group”.

Does this understanding have any authenticity?  Should ethnos be translated as nation or race?

Matthew 24:7 KJV For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Exegesis Ready Research Bible

Matthew 24:7 ERRB For nation (goyim) shall rise against nation (goyim), and kingdom (sovereigndom) against kingdom (sovereigndom) and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes (quakes), in divers places.

Considering the context of Matthew 24:7 all of my versions and translations contain “nation shall rise against nation” with the exception of the Exegesis Ready Research Bible as shown above.

The Strong’s Dictionary definition of the Greek word eth'-nos (translated mostly as “nation”) is:

eth'-nos

Probably from G1486; a race (as of the same habit), that is, a tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan): - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

From the WordStudy Dictionary:

éthnos; gen. éthnous, neut. noun. A multitude, people, race, belonging and living together.

(I) Spoken of a flock or a swarm in Class. Gr.

(II) In the sense of nation, people, as distinct from all others.

(III) In the Jewish sense, tá éthnē, the nations, means the Gentile nations or the Gentiles in general as spoken of all who are not Israelites and implying idolatry and ignorance of the true God, i.e., the heathen, pagan nations In the NT, éthnos generally designates a non-Jewish nation, but it is also used of the Jewish nation when referred to officially.

Also used of the Christian society. 

In 1Pe_2:9, Christians are called both an elect génos (G1085), race, offspring, and a holy éthnos. In Mar_7:26 and Gal_1:14, it is the word génos which is translated "nation," but it should be race.

Internet Dictionary (Standard) Definition of “Nation”

noun: nation; plural noun: nations

1.   a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.

2.    Synonyms: country, state, land, sovereign state, nation state, kingdom, empire, republic, confederation, federation, commonwealth, power, superpower, polity, domain; fatherland, motherland; people, race, civilization, tribe, society, community, population, body politic, populace, public; realm;

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nation

A large area of land that is controlled by its own government.": the people who live in a nation. : a tribe of Native Americans or a group of Native American tribes that share the same history, traditions, or language.

The Greek dictionaries define ethnos mostly using terms such as a multitude, a group of people, or a race.  Occasionally the word “nation” is used.  Standard dictionaries define “nation” using the same terms as the Greek dictionaries but occasionally use the word “country”.

At one point in history, a few hundred years after the flood, it is my belief that each nation, defined as a group of people, were of one common race within that nation or territory.  In the article, Racial Questions, Issues, And Anomalies, it was shown, to a certain extent, that racial mixtures, at least in the Biblical world, didn’t begin in earnest until the Egyptian captivity followed by the Beast System series and hit high gear from around 1700 onward.

Parts of Europe, particularly England, France, and Germany, currently have a racial issue due to the vast number of Arab and African immigrants brought in by Merkel, Macron, May, and a few other leaders.  In the USA the major racial problems, where there is one, appears to be between blacks and whites usually addressed in large coastal cities.  The various Latinos do not appear to be much of an issue at the present.

Not everyone in the USA is a racist with racial hatred regardless of their race, particularly in the red flyover areas (with the exception of Chicago).  Some individuals have issues with a perceived unfairness concerning various racial laws and doctrines but they are not necessarily attacking another race either physically or verbally.  Hopefully the problem will not get out of control and everyone can keep their thoughts to themselves.

Conclusion

The evidence appears to indicate that the wording of Matthew 24:7 is referring to a group of similar people such as a racial or ethnic group and not as a nation/country.  Yes, there have been wars and rumors of wars since Jesus prophesied those words in Matthew and yes, there has been racial conflict as well.  Although most of the time there was a valid reason for the conflict (at least for one side of the quarrel).

For example, during the time of Jesus, the Jews despised the Samaritans for no obvious reason.  The Jews also hated the Romans due to their occupation of Judea.  The Jews hated the tax collectors.

The early Americans feared and destroyed many of the American Indians.  During and prior to WWII the Germans had animosity toward gays, gypsies, and Jews and reportedly murdered many of them.  The Jewish Bolsheviks hated and killed the Russians in large numbers.  The ethnic cleansing of Armenians during the final years of the Islamic Ottoman Empire is widely considered a vast genocide, resulting in an estimated 1.5 million victims.  The Israeli Jews despise the Palestinians and the reverse is also true.  The list goes on and on.

Depending on the source of historical information one reads, it would appear that blacks and whites have despised each other since the blacks were brought into the USA (i.e. although under shameful circumstances).  It has been (supposedly) proven by Dinesh D’Souza that certain politicians from the Democratic Party were historically responsible for the Jim Crow laws and other similar  race based laws and standards.

Examples of Jim Crow Laws in action include the physical segregation of public schools, public parks and beaches, and public transportation. It was also during this time that drinking fountains, restrooms, and restaurants were segregated, requiring “blacks” to use separate facilities.

It seems that many representatives of the Democratic Party are currently using different tactics to control the Black population (and poor people) in the pursuit of votes, such as:  food stamps; welfare checks; reverse discrimination laws such as affirmative action; government housing projects; etc. 

The Democrats appear to be losing ground on their black voter enticement and are now clamoring for open borders, free healthcare, free college, guaranteed yearly income, and Elizabeth Warren called for lowered tax rates be given to LGBQ entities (I am certain there are many more).

Why Are The Nations Perturbed?

WHY ARE THE NATIONS PERTURBED?

7/24/2018

The title of this article was taken from verse 1 of the Concordant Literal Version.  For some odd reason, this is one of my favorite verses.  It currently has much impact describing the state of the world, particularly the USA, Europe, and the Middle East.  There is also considerable consternation in various South American, African, Far East, and other areas and countries as well.

Psalms 2:1-3 Concordant Literal Version Why are the nations perturbed? And why do the national groups mumble empty phrases? (2) The kings of the earth are standing by, And the chancellors are gathered together Against Yahweh and against His Anointed, saying, (3) Let us pull away their bonds, And let us fling off their ropes from us.

The translations offered from other versions can give considerable insight into the meaning of the verse:  Why do the nations conspire? (NIV); Why have nations tumultuously assembled? (Young’s LV); Why have the nations raged? (Green’s LV).

King David supposedly wrote this Psalm, however, it is most likely a prophecy for today.  Later verses state:  The King; You are My Son; I will give You the nations; You will break them with an iron scepter.  Yes, this is definitely a prophecy of the soon coming Jesus Christ to herald the long awaited Millennial reign of Christ also known as the Kingdom of God.

This prophetic Psalm explicitly describes the attitudes and thought processes of the rulers and leaders of the world:  Why are the countries devising plots while the rulers collaborate against the Lord.

Verse 3 claims that the leaders and the general people say, “Let's tear off the shackles they've put on us! Let's free ourselves from their ropes!"  The people of the Western world, with the assistance of the news media, Hollywood, and Universities have almost created another Sodom and Gomorrah. 

The fear of the Lord is rapidly vanishing in the once predominately Christian areas of the world such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe.  The laws of God and the moral teachings (laws) of Jesus are too restrictive and cumbersome for the majority of the people’s desired lawless lifestyle.  The LGBT people have no use for the Bible, the laws of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, because it denounces their preferred immoral lifestyle and existence.

The MSM talking heads and the deep state government insiders are completely and totally enraged at anything President Trump does or says.  They turned their heads and ignored the actions of Bill Clinton, then Hillary Clinton, Obama, and even George Bush II.  But with Trump, he is accused of being a hidden Russian agent, Putin’s lap dog, nothing short of treasonous, imbecilic, and much more.

Psalms 2:1-12 NET Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? (2) The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the LORD and his anointed king. (3) They say, "Let's tear off the shackles they've put on us! Let's free ourselves from their ropes!" (4) The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them. (5) Then he angrily speaks to them and terrifies them in his rage, saying, (6) "I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill." (7) The king says, "I will announce the LORD's decree. He said to me: 'You are my son! This very day I have become your father! (8) Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property. (9) You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter's jar!' " (10) So now, you kings, do what is wise; you rulers of the earth, submit to correction! (11) Serve the LORD in fear! Repent in terror! (12) Give sincere homage! Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

God is totally in control.  I have made that statement several times in various posts because it is extremely important.  There is no need to be perturbed or go into a rage.  We are currently living in an exciting point in history.  It is my strong belief that Jesus will soon return in whatever manner that should happen to be.  We all have our different scenarios and expectations but the actual occurrence and appearance of the event is really unknown to us.

The God of heaven laughs at them and taunts them in a similar manner as Isaiah 14 as written in a previous article.  Then God informs them, “I have set My king on My holy mount on Zion”.  Although the vast majority of the populations are spiritually blinded by God, it appears that God will inform the world of His King at some point at the beginning of the Kingdom or possibly before. 

The prophecy of Psalms 2 clearly states that the Son of God, the King of all, will inherit every nation or the entire world.  He will rule with a “rod of iron”.  Does the rod of iron imply that He will beat people into submission?  The explanation if that the world or Kingdom will be ruled by the Law of God and like an iron rod there will be no bending or twisting of the law which happens in the governments of the world.

Revelation 2:27 NET he will rule them with an iron rod and like clay jars he will break them to pieces,

Revelation 12:5 NET So the woman gave birth to a son, a male child, who is going to rule over all the nations with an iron rod……

Revelation 19:15 NET From his mouth extends a sharp sword, so that with it he can strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod……..

Psalm 2 is not the only place in scripture speaking of an iron rod.  There are three occurrences within the Revelation.  19:15 speaks of a sharp sword with which He will strike the nations.  The, of course, is a metaphoric illustration of the Bible, or the Word of God, which is often described as a sword of the sword of God.  The Lord and his resurrected representative (i.e. saints/elect) and the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit will reeducate/instruct/edify the nations of the world and the love for God and the desire for a lawful lifestyle will dramatically increase.

Do I know the day or the hour?  NO, and neither does anyone else.  However, it should be obvious to most of my readers that Mystery, Babylon is currently being taken apart and destroyed.  Events are predicted to pick up speed during the month of September.  Dr. Jones believes the harpazo (rapture) of the elect will occur around the time of some (but unknown) feast of Trumpets.

Numbers 10:2-4 NET "Make two trumpets of silver; you are to make them from a single hammered piece. You will use them for assembling the community and for directing the traveling of the camps. (3) When they blow them both, all the community must come to you to the entrance of the tent of meeting. (4) "But if they blow with one trumpet, then the leaders, the heads of the thousands of Israel, must come to you.

Moses was instructed by God to make two silver trumpets.  The playing of both trumpets would assemble the entire community, but one trumpet would only summon the leaders.  In this case as Paul points out in 1 Corinthians 15:52 there will only be one trumpet sounded.  This will summon only the leaders (i.e. the saints/the elect/the overcomers) both alive and the dead to be resurrected and meet the Lord in the air (above ground not in the stratosphere – there is no air up there anyway). 

1 Corinthians 15:52 NET (52) in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NET (16) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

The Feast of Trumpets prophesies of the resurrection of the dead. It has been called in Jewish circles, "the Day of the Awakening Blast." Because this festival fell on the first day of the seventh month, it fell on a new moon--that is, when the first sliver of the new moon appeared in the evening sky at the beginning of each lunar month. There was always some uncertainty as to when the new moon would appear or could be seen (if cloudy). For this reason, Jesus spoke of His coming in Matthew 25:13, saying,"Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." This phrase about not knowing the day nor the hour is a peculiar Hebrew saying, which they specifically applied to the Feast of Trumpets, whose beginning was unknown until the new moon was sighted.

Yes, the nations are raging and the leaders of the nations are raging.  They are absolutely and totally perturbed.  God has anointed Donald Trump to take down their area of Mystery Babylon and they are blinded to the devastation of their system.  They are fighting for survival, their payoffs, their kickbacks, and their hush money.  Their deep state world is being annihilated, they can’t think correctly, they can’t sleep at night, and they fear a possible prison sentence or a severe punishment.

Psalm 2 is an accurate prophetic description of the current world and its leaders.  It is a description of the fallen human spirit, Godless and immoral.  Nationalism was God’s way of protecting humans from the one-world government.  However, soon (and possibly sooner than most think) the world will be united within the Kingdom of God.  Fallen humans (individuals and corporate groups) desire independence from the Creator.  In reality, God’s laws are designed to keep us safe, happy, and productive in a fallen world. The laws are the loving guidelines of a parent, providing guidance and wisdom!