"Importance" in the English Dictionary

The very definition of "important" in English and its usage coincidentally points to the doctrine of Christ.

The example usage listed in Webster's II '59 dictionary [the dictionary I was using at the time of this study] under the first definition of import is:

"And see, my lord, a sight of strange import. --Marlowe." (p. 1250.)

I find it curious that the word "strange" would be used, considering Isa. 28:21, which mentions the "strange act" that will be performed by the Lord as he does his great and marvelous work.

Also, the name of the author, Marlowe, of that sample sentence is similar to the name of my friend who was primarily responsible for getting me to look at dictionary definitions and their surrounding words in the first place.

Before this usage, at the end of the first definition (import) concludes,

"As, the import of words in common use changes with the context in which they occur."

This example is compelling, as it contains an unintentional play on words which point to the mighty change of heart. The two uses of "importance" in the Book of Mormon both referred to the mighty change.  Now this definition of "import" (root of "importance") itself includes the idea of "change;" changing from what? from "common use" [the old, traditional] into: "See, my lord, a sight of strange import" -- the strange act, the great and marvelous work, the arm of the Lord revealed in power.

If this were the only ocurrence of such a coincidence, it would not be worth noting.   However, there are thousands of other examples that could be cited (and many are shown on this web site: www.GreaterThings.com) to prove that this coinciding of ideas is arranged intentionally -- not by man, but by God, who governs in the affairs of man, whether or not man acknowledges that fact.

BACK to "No More Important Quest"

Bibliography:

"Would God that ALL the Lord's People Were PROPHETS"

Free Energy • Patriot Saints • Remnant Saints • Inter-Continental Congress