I am using the King James Version for this part of the study. This version contains the Strong Numbers for the Greek language. For those of you who can afford good computer program, this particular program is WORDSEARCH 9. This program has its own website under the same name. At the end of this study, I will give websites that can give you the language information free. Let's take a look at the original language as revealed from this version (KJV).

No man (oudenua) Its grammatical tense is noun. Vine's Dictionary of Words places this word's definition under "nothing, nought." Strong's Talking Greek_Hebrew Dictionary translates this phrase as "no man" 94x and "nothing" 68x. It is used a total of 236 times within the KJV, but there are variations in the translations. [I will not go into all the variations. I will stick those words that bring clarity to this verse.] When it is used in the feminine word, it means not even one. A true and loyal soldier will not entangle themselves in things that are of no worth to their ability to fight the good fight of faith.

that warreth (strateuomai)

Vine's Dictionary of Words states that it associates this word with that of a soldier or war. It is a verb. As you can see, the KJV states that is a verb. It is an active phrase. In the KJV, it is translated several ways: 1) war 5 times; 2) goes a war one time; 3) soldier 1 time. It is used seven times within the KJV text.

From its original translation, it means to serve in a military campaign. When it is used figuratively, it means to execute the apostolate--the arduous duties and functions. It has to do with "contending with that which is carnal, and that which has carnal intentions." [I have paraphrased this definition for your clearly understanding of its definition.]

entangleth himself (empleko) Vine's Dictionary of Words simply connects it with entangle. We will look at more closely at this word later. This is one of the key words to this verse. A soldier must be free to fight, and not be entangled with the things of this world. We are warriors of the spiritual world. We cannot be captives of the enticements of this world. Such entanglements will cause us to lose our important focus. The focus should be on fighting the good fight of faith, and having our eyes on Jesus. He gives the orders. We cannot afford to distracted from God’s orders. Focusing on the temporary pleasures of the flesh will lead to the wrong path. We need to be in position and on our post at all times. We never know when the enemy will send a fiery dart. We have to protect ourselves or someone else in the army of the Lord.

This is the end of the first part of this lesson.  I hope that this first study will strengthen and help you on your daily journey with the Lord.  I also pray that it will stir up the gifts that lay with you.  We are to encourage one another through the Word of God—especially as we see of His appearing come.

See you soon!