This is the point - it has two meanings, which the text is ambiguous about. You only think it's referring to a spherical earth because you know the earth is spherical from science - a retroactive interpretation. If they knew geometry and the nature of the earth so well then why didn't they literally describe it clearly as what it is - an orb, a globe, a sphere?
Good morning Cabal...I see you're an early riser too.
I don't see it as having two meanings. The Hebrew definition given is, "
circle, circuit, compass." Going to the dictionary, the definition of circle is....
1. a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center.
equation:
x 2 +
y 2 =
r 2 .
2. the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
3. any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement: a circle of dancers.
4. a ring, circlet, or crown.
5. the ring of a circus.
6. a section of seats in a theater: dress circle.
7. the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere:
A politician has a wide circle of influence.
8. a series ending where it began, esp. when perpetually repeated; cycle:
the circle of the year.
9. Logic . an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise; vicious circle.
10. a complete series forming a connected whole; cycle:
the circle of the sciences.
11. a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie:
a literary circle; a family circle.
12. Government . an administrative division, esp. of a province.
13. Geography . a parallel of latitude.
14. Astronomy .
a. (formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.
b. meridian circle.
15. Surveying . a glass or metal disk mounted concentrically with the spindle of a
theodolite or level and graduated so that the angle at which the alidade is set may be read.
16. a sphere or orb: the circle of the earth.
17. a ring of light in the sky; halo.
A circle is a sphere, orb...circle of the earth. Round as is a ring or crown.
Maybe you should defend the literalistic stance better instead of casting aspersions on those presenting legitimate counterarguments (aka ad hom).
You're right. My apologies.
I don't consider what has been presented as a legitimate argument though for I just see it as someone reading the verse without understanding. As I said, I never saw the circle of the earth as anything other than what it is...a circular orb.
Only if you think literalism and inerrantism is so critical to the Bible's veracity.
Is it me that thinks this or...our Father? When something else is presented, by man, that attempts to override what is written then we should be very, very careful.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
As His children we are to...be noble. If evolution, "
those things were so," is to be believed instead of His account then please provide some verse leading us in that direction. If we can't do that then we have a choice to make.
.