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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Liberal; Liberality; Liberally
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lib´ẽr-al, lib-ẽr-al´i-ti, lib´ẽr-al-i: The different forms of the word all refer to one who is generous, bountiful, willing and ready to give and to help. Both the Hebrew words of the Old Testament and the Greek words of the New Testament translated into the English word “liberal†have a deeper and nobler meaning than is generally conveyed by the English word. In , the liberal soul (nephesh beraÌ„khaÌ„h) means a soul that carries a blessing. In , the American Standard Revised Version has “bountiful†where the King James Version has “liberal,†and in “noble†takes the place of “liberal†(naÌ„dhı̄bh). The principal Greek words are ἀπλοÌτης, haploÌteÌ„s literally, “simplicity,†“sincerity,†and χαÌÏις, chaÌris, “grace,†“favor.†In , “bounty†substitutes “liberality.†It is well to bear in mind that a Biblical liberality can spring only out of a noble soul, and is Godlike in its genesis and spirit.