Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "haply" is an archaic English adverb that means "perhaps" or "by chance." It is used in the Bible to express uncertainty or possibility regarding an event or action. The word is derived from the Middle English "hap," meaning "chance" or "luck," and the suffix "-ly," which forms adverbs.
Biblical References:In the Berean Standard Bible , "haply" is used to convey the notion of uncertainty or a conditional situation. It appears in several passages, often in the context of discussions about divine providence, human actions, or hypothetical scenarios.
1.
Acts 5:39 : "But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Here, "haply" is used in some translations to suggest the possibility that the apostles' work is divinely ordained, and opposing it would be futile.
2.
Luke 14:29 : "Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him." In this parable, "haply" is used in older translations to describe the potential embarrassment of failing to complete a project due to inadequate planning.
3.
2 Corinthians 9:4 : "Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident." The term "haply" is used in some translations to express the possibility of an unexpected visit revealing a lack of readiness.
Theological Implications:The use of "haply" in Scripture often underscores the limitations of human knowledge and the unpredictability of life. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the need for humility in human planning and decision-making. The term invites believers to trust in God's providence, acknowledging that while humans may plan their ways, it is ultimately the Lord who directs their steps (
Proverbs 16:9).
Historical Context:In the King James Version (KJV) and other older English translations, "haply" was a common term. Its usage reflects the linguistic style of the time, which has since evolved. Modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, often replace "haply" with more contemporary terms like "perhaps" or "by chance" to convey the same meaning.
Application for Believers:For contemporary readers, understanding the term "haply" can enrich Bible study by highlighting the nuances of biblical language and the depth of meaning in Scripture. It encourages believers to consider the role of divine providence in their lives and to approach their plans with a sense of humility and reliance on God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) By hap, chance, luck, or accident; perhaps; it may be.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HAP; HAPLYhap, hap'-li (miqreh, lu; mepote):
Hap (a Saxon word for "luck, chance") is the translation of miqreh, "a fortuitous chance," "a lot" (Ruth 2:3, the King James Version "Her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz"); in1 Samuel 6:9, the same word is translated "chance" (that happened); "event," inEcclesiastes 9:2, 3, with "happeneth," inEcclesiastes 2:14.
Haply (from "hap") is the translation of lu, "if that" (1 Samuel 14:30, "if haply the people had eaten freely"); of ei ara, "if then" (Mark 11:13, "if haply he might find anything thereon"); of ei arage (Acts 17:27, "if haply they might feel after him"); of mepote, "lest ever" "lest perhaps" etc. (Luke 14:29Acts 5:39); of me pos, "lest in anyway" (2 Corinthians 9:4 the King James Version, "lest haply," the Revised Version (British and American) "lest by any means").
The Revised Version has "haply" for "at any time" (Matthew 4:6;Matthew 5:25;Matthew 13:15Mark 4:12Luke 4:11;Luke 21:34Hebrews 2:1); introduces "haply" (Matthew 7:6;Matthew 13:29;Matthew 15:32;Matthew 27:64Mark 14:2Luke 3:15;Luke 12:58;Luke 14:8, 12Acts 27:29Hebrews 4:1); has "haply there shall be," for "lest there be" (Hebrews 3:12).
W. L. Walker
Greek
686. ara -- therefore (an illative particle)... Probably from airo (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting
an inference more or less decisive (as follows) --
haply, (what) manner (of
...3381. me pos -- lest perhaps, whether perhaps
... lest. Or me pos (may poce) from me and pos; lest somehow -- lest (by any means,
by some means,haply, perhaps). see GREEK me. see GREEK pos. 3380b, 3381....
302. an -- usually untranslatable, but generally denoting...
... occurs. [Though 302 () is not easily "," it always conveys meaning. (The
sometimes translates as "perchance," "haply."). 302 () is...
4458. pos -- at all
... Adverb from the base of pou; an enclitic particle of indefiniteness of manner; somehow
or anyhow; used only in composition --haply, by any (some) means...
3379. mepote -- never, lest ever
... Or me pote (may pot'-eh) from me and pote; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or
perhaps) -- if peradventure, lest (at any time,haply), not at all, whether or...
Strong's Hebrew
3863. lu -- if, oh that... if
haply, peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God that.
... if (
haply),
peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). 3862, 3863.
...Library
OrHaply is it So, that He who Plots in this Way to Find...
... Section 13. Orhaply is it so, that he who plots in this way to find?
13. Orhaply is it so, that he who plots in this way to...
I have Said This, LestHaply Married Fruitfulness Dare to vie with...
... Section 7. I have said this, lesthaply married fruitfulness dare to vie
with virgin chastity? 7. I have said this, lesthaply...
Therefore ifHaply, which Whether it Can Take Place...
... Section 16. Therefore ifhaply, which whether it can take place? 16. Therefore
ifhaply, (which whether it can take place, I know...
If the Head had not Been Right, --Haply the Members had Murmured...
... If the head had not been right,"haply the members had murmured:"for when because
of a perverse head"the course of the members is put astray,"they are...
And on the Great Day, which is the Last of the Feast...
... [2400] Hath any of the rulers or the Phariseeshaply believed in him?... [2404] They
answered and said unto him, Art thou alsohaply from Galilee?...
Nothing but Leaves
... 'And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, ifhaply He might find any
thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; ...14....
Our Forefathers have Handed Down to us the Tradition, That, after...
... Being on the eve therefore of departing from one another, they first mutually agreed
upon a standard of their future preaching, lesthaply, when separated...
To whom the Method of Perfection Should be Laid Open.
... is not improved by words, for even though he understands, he will not obey." And
"Do not say anything in the ears of an imprudent man, lesthaply he mock at...
Psalm XLI.
... Unlesshaply ye think, brethren, that those Pagans, when they raged against Christians,
said not this among themselves, "to blot out the Name of Christ from...
Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations.
... Take heed, brethren, lesthaply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by...
Thesaurus
Haply (26 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) By hap, chance, luck, or accident; perhaps;
it may be. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAP;
HAPLY.
...Hap (1 Occurrence)
... event; fate; luck; lot. 4. (vi) To happen; to befall; to chance. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. HAP;HAPLY. hap, hap'-li (miqreh...
Snare (69 Occurrences)
... 9:8, "A fowler's snare is in all his ways"; Amos 3:5 seems to indicate that the
snare was set for the feet; Luke 21:34, "But take heed to yourselves, lesthaply...
Lest (282 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:29 Lesthaply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish
it, all that behold it begin to mock him, (KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT)....
Revelation (52 Occurrences)
... The religion of the Bible, thus announces itself, not as the product of men's search
after God, ifhaply they may feel after Him and find Him, but as the...
Happen (328 Occurrences)
Quit (12 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:58 For as thou art going with thine adversary before the magistrate, on
the way give diligence to be quit of him; lesthaply he drag thee unto the judge...
Overcharge (1 Occurrence)
... o-ver-charj': Luke 21:34, "lesthaply your hearts be overcharged with drunkenness"
(baruno, "burden," here with the force "be occupied with"); 2 Corinthians 2:5...
Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)
... seditions that had failed, he reminded them at the same time that if this last under
Peter "is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lesthaply ye be...
Feel (58 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, ifhaply they might feel after him, and
find him, though he be not far from every one of us: (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV...
Resources
What does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.orgHaply: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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