mat'-er: This word being a very general term may express various ideas. the Revised Version (British and American) therefore frequently changes the reading of the King James Version in order to state more definitely the meaning of the context (compare Exodus 24:14; 1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Kings 8:59; 2 Samuel 11:19; Esther 3:4; Psalms 35:20; 64:5; Proverbs 16:20; 18:13). dabhar, and the Greek logos, both meaning "word," are very frequently translated by "matter." hule, "wood," is rendered "matter" in James 3:5 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "how much wood is kindled"; compare Sirach 28:10). Job 32:18 translates literally, "words"; also Daniel 4:17, "sentence." diaphero, "to carry in different places," "to differ," is rendered "to make matter" (Galatians 2:6). The meaning is "it makes a difference," "it matters," "it is of importance."

A. L. Breslich

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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