Just what is "parsings of a preacher?"

Just what is “parsings of a preacher?” In order to answer that question we must find out what is meant by “parsings” and “preacher.”


When I speak of “preacher” I am referring to my occupation. I am a minister of the Gospel. To be more specific, I am an independent, fundamental, Baptist preacher. In some other articles I may bring clarity to what is meant by “independent,” “fundamental,” and “Baptist.” For the present discussion, my focus is on “preacher.” In all of this we must have a starting point or reference in order to base our understanding upon. For that reference we turn to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. As we do we soon note that our word, “preacher” is used only four times in the New Testament, which is where we will focus our attention further. In the original language of Greek the word translated as “preacher” is the word kerusso. In the secular Greek setting, the word referred to the herald of a king. He was one who did not just represented the king but he also proclaimed the king’s word. As such, he stood in place of the king. To abuse the herald or ignore his words was the same as to abuse the king or ignore the king.

This concept carries over into the Bible’s use of the word. For the “preacher” is not at liberty to give his own thoughts about a matter. The preacher is the herald on earth of the Great King of kings and Lord of lords, the Lord Jesus Christ. The preacher is Christ’s representative, proclaiming Christ’s words. Truly it is to be heard in the pulpits of church, “thus saith the Lord!” and not, “this is what I think.”

Next, we move to the word “parsings.” This word comes from the word, parse. The word is primarily used by grammarians. It means to separate a sentence into its parts and explaining the form and function of each part. Now, I am by no means a grammarian, so we will not be taking apart sentences and identifying the subject, verbs, indirect objects, and the like. Instead, I desire to “parse” Scriptures passages, issues confronting believers, movements influencing believers. These kinds of things I will endeavor to examineand explain for our mutual benefit and understanding.