In this article I will bring to your attention an error commonly known as "semantic anachronism" or even a kind of reverse etymology (Webster's - the origin and development of a word), the root fallacy compounded by anachronism (Webster's - One that is out of its proper or chronological order), from the work of D.A. Carson (the definitions I have added to help the casual reader). This fallacy occurs when a late use of a word is read back into earlier literature.
As D.A Carson said in his book "Exegetical Fallacies" (pages 33-34) - "Our word dynamite is etymologically derived from the Greek word dunamis (S# 1411) meaning power. I do not know how many times I have heard preachers offer some such rendering of Romans 1:16 as this: 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the dynamite of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...(KJV)' Did Paul think of dynamite when he penned this word? Dynamite blows things up, tears things down, rips out rock, gouges holes, destroys things. The power of God concerning which Paul speaks he often identifies with the power that raised Jesus from the dead and as it operates in us, its goal is aiming for the wholeness and perfection implicit in the consummation of our salvation. Quite apart from the semantic (Webster's - relating to meaning in language) anachronism, therefore dynamite appears inadequate as a means of raising Jesus from the dead or as a means of conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Of course, what preachers are trying to do when they talk about dynamite is give some indication of the greatness of the power involved. Even so, Paul's measure is not dynamite, but the empty tomb. In exactly the same way, it is sheer semantic anachronism to note that in the text "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7) the Greek word behind "cheerful" is hilaron and conclude that what God really loves is a hilarious giver. Perhaps we should play a laugh-track record while the offering plate is being circulated.
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