Die konsep bely/belydenis in die Nuwe Testament

Abstract

The aim of this article is to determine the most important Greek words for the concept profess/profession in the New Testament, and to give preliminary definitions of applicable meanings for these words. The semantic model within which this study is undertaken, is the synchronic structuralist view of meaning, and the data in the Louw-Nida Dictionary are utilized. As starling point a definition of the concept profess/profession is given. The words in the Greek New Testament are determined by examining acknowledged professions in the New Testament, as well as encouragements and possible allusions to profess. The meanings within the different subdomains are contrasted in different ways. In conclusion the Greek words for the concept profess/profession are listed, and a definition of each meaning is given.