What Does Reckoned Mean In The Bible

Ever found yourself in a conversation about the Bible and someone drops the word "reckoned"? You might've thought, "Wait, isn't that what we do with math problems?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into what "reckoned" really means in the Bible, and it's not just about numbers.

Reckoned: A Tale of Two Meanings

In the Bible, "reckoned" is a versatile word that can mean two things, depending on the context. So, let's grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if you're fancy) and explore these meanings.

1. To Count or Number

In some parts of the Bible, "reckoned" is used in the most straightforward way: to count or number something. For instance, in Genesis 21:12, God tells Abraham, "Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her voice, for in Isaac your offspring shall be reckoned." Here, "reckoned" means that Isaac will be the one through whom Abraham's family line will be counted or numbered.

Fun fact: This usage is similar to how we use "reckon" in everyday language. For example, "I reckon there are about 20 people in this room." See, not so different after all!

2. To Consider or Regard

Now, here's where things get interesting. In many other places in the Bible, "reckoned" means to consider or regard something in a certain way. For example, in Romans 4:3, we read about Abraham's faith: "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.'" Here, "reckoned" means that God considered Abraham's faith as righteousness.

This meaning is a bit more complex, but it's also more common in the Bible. It's like when someone says, "I reckon you're the best friend a person could have." They're not counting your friendships; they're considering you as the best friend.

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Reckoned in Action

Let's look at a practical example from the New Testament. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "You are Peter (which means 'rock'), and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Here, Jesus isn't counting or numbering Peter's qualities. Instead, He's considering Peter as the foundation of His church.

So, the next time you read the Bible and come across "reckoned," ask yourself: Is it counting or considering? The context will usually give you the clue you need.

Reckoning in Daily Life

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what does this have to do with me?" Great question! Here's a reflection to wrap things up.

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Just like God reckoned Abraham's faith as righteousness, He also reckons our faith and good deeds as righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we read, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Isn't that amazing? God considers us righteous through our faith in Jesus Christ.

So, the next time you're feeling down about your mistakes or shortcomings, remember that God reckons you as righteous through Jesus. That's something worth reckoning with!

And there you have it! The next time someone mentions "reckoned" in a Bible study or conversation, you'll be ready to weigh in with your newfound knowledge. Happy reckoning!