Definition: The word "afferent" in the Bible is used metaphorically to describe a person who was once a slave but now has the freedom to worship God, although he or she lived under a system that oppressed their heritage. The New Testament often uses this phrase metaphorically to describe someone who was a servant and later became free from bondage.
The exact meaning of "afferent" is not universally agreed upon due to differences in the Greek Septuagint text and various translations. However, one common interpretation suggests it refers to someone who has become a part of God's family, though they are still under the influence of a different culture and system of oppression. The Hebrew word "afferet," which has similar roots but is often used to refer to slavery, can also be seen as an example of this metaphor.
The Bible does not clearly define this specific phrase or its meaning in detail. However, it seems that "afferent" refers more broadly to freedom from bondage and oppression under different systems of society, while the use of this word by Jesus Christ is often used in a figurative sense to refer to his own experience in being a servant during the time he was betrayed and arrested by His disciples.
The concept of slavery has been interpreted differently depending on cultural context and historical perspective. In some places and times, it was an accepted reality, while others saw it as a form of oppression that needed to be eradicated. The metaphorical use of "afferent" in the New Testament refers to this broader picture of freedom from oppression under various systems.
In conclusion, the term "afferent," when applied metaphorically in the Bible, is often used to describe someone who has become free from slavery and can worship God as he or she was before it became an issue. The exact meaning varies depending on cultural context and the specific historical era.
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