The meaning of Deny in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
de-ni': This word is characteristic of the New Testament rather than the Old Testament, although it translates three different Hebrew originals, namely, kachash, "to lie," "disown" (Genesis 18:15; Joshua 24:27; Job 8:18; Job 31:28; Proverbs 30:9); mana', "to withhold," "keep back" (I Kings 20:7; Proverbs 30:7); shubh, "to turn back," "say no" (I Kings 2:16).
In the New Testament, antilego, is once translated "deny," in the case of the Sadducees who denied the resurrection (Luke 20:27 the King James Version), and where it carries the sense of speaking against the doctrine. But the word commonly is arneomai, with or without the prefix ap-. In the absence of the prefix the sense is "to disown," but when it is added it means "to disown totally" or to the fullest extent. In the milder sense it is found in Matthew 10:33; Matthew 26:70, Matthew 26:72; of Simon Peter, Mark 14:68, Mark 14:70 (Acts 3:13-14; II Timothy 2:12-13; II Peter 2:1; I John 2:22-23; Judges 1:4; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 3:8). But it is significant that the sterner meaning is associated with Matthew 16:24 and its parallels, where Christ calls upon him who would be His disciple to deny himself and take up his cross and follow Him.
See also PETER, SIMON.
James M. Gray
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