There are two primary Greek words for “new” that appear in the New Testament – καινός kainos and neos.
Kainos is translated into English as “new,” meaning recent, something recently crafted/made, or something one has not had before (a vehicle may be new to you, but not new in age). Thus, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” In Christ’s ministry, His statement in John 13:34-35 provides the perfect example, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The idea of a commandment wasn’t “new” to the Hebrews, but this one certainly was … “new”… according to Christ Jesus Himself!
Neos, which is also translated into English as “new,” means something is fresh, young, or youthful (an individual might get a fresh / new start), perhaps figuratively, something regenerated. 1 Peter 5:5 offers an excellent example, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” The factual declaration of our Lord, which holds significant spiritual implications, flawlessly demonstrates the meaning of neos in Luke 5:37-38. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.”
In Old Testament Hebrew, we find similar meanings for something fresh, new, or in some cases repair, rebuild, renew or make anew. Isaiah 43:18-19 is a beautiful prophetic passage for the followers of Messiah in Israel, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
However, perhaps the most meaningful and applicable for each of us in 2023 are the words of God’s song writer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:10-13
Would you consider making this a life verse for you from the Old Testament in 2023? It will change you from the inside out, and give you a better view of your life, as well as your perspective concerning others.
Let’s do this! -Pastor Frank