LC: Secondary Definition (Derived Essence)
Secondary Definition (Derived Essence)
A Secondary Definition refers to meanings that develop as extensions or applications of the Primary Definition within specific contexts or narratives. These meanings are not separate from the core essence but arise from how the primary meaning is manifested or adapted in various scriptural, historical, or linguistic settings.
Characteristics of the Secondary Definition:
- Context-Dependent – It takes shape based on how a word is used in different circumstances.
- Application-Oriented – Demonstrates how the core essence functions in various situations.
- Thematic Expansion – While rooted in the primary definition, it introduces additional dimensions of meaning.
- Symbolic and Narrative-Based – Often appears in biblical imagery, typology, and metaphorical usage.
Example: Strong’s 02-04 – "Green Shoot" or "Fruit"
- Primary Definition (Core Essence): Expressions of life given by the father.
- Secondary Definition (Derived Essence): Stages or manifestations of life.
How This Derives from the Primary Definition
- אב (Ab) = Father (Initiator, Source of Life).
- אב → אביב (Aviv) = Green shoot (First expression of life).
- פרי (Peri) = Fruit (Matured life, outcome of growth).
These words illustrate how life, initiated by the father, manifests in different stages:
- Green shoot (Aviv) – The first signs of life, renewal, resurrection.
- Example: The spring season (אביב) marks new beginnings and renewal of life (Exodus 13:4).
- Typology: Represents spiritual rebirth, first steps of faith, and new life in Christ.
- Fruit (Peri) – The matured form of life, the fulfillment of what was initiated.
- Example: The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) shows the outcome of spiritual growth.
- Typology: Represents the mature believer, the harvest of righteousness.
The First and Second Life Concept
The biblical pattern often follows the theme of first and second life, where the first life is natural (earthly), and the second life is spiritual (heavenly).
- Adam (First life) → Christ (Second life) (1 Corinthians 15:45).
- Israel (First covenant) → Church (Fulfilled in Christ, second life).
- Physical birth → Spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-6).
Thus, green shoots (early life) and fruit (matured life) reflect how life given by the father progresses through different stages, illustrating both natural and spiritual realities.
Conclusion
The Secondary Definition extends the Primary Definition by showing how its meaning unfolds in real-world contexts. In this case:
- Primary: "Father" as the source of life.
- Secondary: Life expresses itself in different stages—first as a shoot, then as mature fruit.
This demonstrates how scriptural language was designed to be flexible in the expression of an idea while remaining rooted in the foundational essence of its words.
