Quote:
Originally Posted by Harmon
Actually, the word "perfect" in the Constitution means "complete." It's an archaic usage. ...
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The definition of the word "perfect" has not changed significantly for at least five centuries. One of its definitions was, and still is, "complete."
By way of proof, here are three of the most familiar Bible verses using the word "complete" as they appear in three modern versions, one version from the early 17th century, and one from the late 16th century:
Matthew 5:48
* Geneva Bible (1599): Ye shall therefore be
perfit, as your Father which is in heauen, is
perfite.
* King James Version (1611): Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.
* New American Standard of 1995: Matthew 5:48 "Therefore you are to be
perfect, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.
* New Jerusalem Bible (1985): Matthew 5:48 Do not even the gentiles do as much? You must therefore be
perfect, just as your heavenly Father is
perfect.'
* New Revised Standard (1989): Matthew 5:48 Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.
Matthew 19:21
* Geneva Bible (1599): Iesus sayd vnto him, If thou wilt be
perfite, go, sell that thou hast, and giue it to the poore, and thou shalt haue treasure in heauen, and come, and follow me.
* King James Version (1611): Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be
perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
* New American Standard of 1995: Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be
complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
* New Jerusalem Bible (1985): 'If you wish to be
perfect, go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.'
* New Revised Standard (1989): Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be
perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
1 Corinthians 13:10
* Geneva Bible (1599): But when that which is
perfect, is come, then that which is in part, shalbe abolished.
* King James Version (1611): But when that which is
perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
* New American Standard of 1995: but when the
perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
* New Jerusalem Bible (1985): but once
perfection comes, all imperfect things will be done away with.
* New Revised Standard (1989): but when the
complete comes, the partial will come to an end.
(By the way, I’m not trying to introduce religion into this thread; I only use these verses to illustrate my point about language using material familiar to the widest possible audience.)