“WHAT IS THE GOOD NEWS”
Today, I want to examine what exactly “The Kingdom of YHWH” and “The Kingdom of Heaven” is and see if scripture actually agrees with and confirms the accepted, long held translation among religions and the followers of Yeshua is. What evidence is there that Yeshua has already or is going to usher in a “Kingdom of Heaven” or a “Kingdom of YHWH” in the future or is it already here today? Can we truly and honestly, according to scripture, verify if both “The Kingdom of YHWH” and/or “The Kingdom of Heaven” are correct translations and if not, could there have been an agenda behind the current accepted paradigm that is generally accepted by churchgoers and /or followers of Yeshua. Are these “kingdoms” independent from one another or could they both be the same? And lastly, is the translation “kingdom” even accurate; and if not, what should be the correct translation be and if this translation is not accurate, how can it impact what we have come to believe concerning these phrases. This study will truly be an eye opening article that may surprise you, encourage you and may change how you think about everything that you have been taught in organized religion.
Matthew 3:1-2 “In those days came Yochanan ha-matbil (John the Baptizer) preaching (testifying) in the wilderness of Judea and saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17 “From that time Yeshua began to preach (testify), and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 9:35 “and Yeshua went about all of the cities and villages teaching in the synagogues and testifying of the good news of the kingdom”
Acts 28:30-31 “and Shaul (Paul) dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all that would come into him preaching (testifying) the kingdom of YHWH and teaching those things which concern Yeshua Ha Mashiak (Yeshua The Messiah)”
Luke 17:20-21 “and when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of YHWH should appear, he (Yeshua) answered and said, The kingdom of YHWH comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo, there! for behold, the kingdom of YHWH is within you.”
John 18:36 “Yeshua answered, My kingdom is not of this world (Roman ‘Christian’ / Jewish ‘Judaic’): if my kingdom were of this system, then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews? But now my kingdom is not from there.”
So far, so good. The verses above are from the King James version directly. All of these verses convey an element of familiarity as many of us have read and re-read these verses over and over again and have established a solid mental picture or understanding concerning “The Kingdom”, or have we?
As I was studying the question posed in the title of this article, I ran across some rather intriguing information from another brother from another mother. I studied his article a few days ago and it really hit home with me. The foundation for this article was formed by another man whom I also have a great deal of admiration for. I never understood why we were being “trained” to prepare for the next life in “Christianity” and escaping a fictitious place called “hell” instead of focusing on the life that we have been given now. I always noticed that Yeshua did not come to teach those who were physically dead, nor did he come to teach “the world,” he came to teach those who were physically alive and those who belong to him, Israel.
So anyway, let’s jump right in and I will show you what I mean.
The word that has been mistranslated and used in scripture is “Kingdom”, when the word should have been translated “KingSHIP”, not “Kingdom.” This completely changes the perceived meaning of every one of these scriptures and actually opens the door to understanding other scripture.
“IS IT KINGDOM OR KINGSHIP?”
So, is this translation “Kingship” accurate or has it actually been correctly translated as “Kingdom?” On the surface, it may same to be a minor detail, however, the difference between kingship and kingdom is actually profound, especially when it comes to understanding Scripture.
A kingdom is a physical location or a place with boundaries like a country, county, city, nation or even something as simple as a homestead. The word “kingship”, is not physical at all. A “kingship” is not a physical location or object. A “kingship” does not have boundaries nor can it be seen, nor can it be touched by physical means. But rather, a “kingship” is “a state of mind”, “a state of being”, it is “the condition of a mental nature of understanding and or interpreting unseen things”. Each one of us, through our “nephesh/soul,” mentally exists within a world based upon our mental interpretation. Each mental interpretation is based upon our own individual understanding and perception of our environment over a period of time. As a result, our perception of our reality establishes our “state of our soul/nephesh” that each of us exists in on a daily basis. So, one could argue that each of us individually, exists mentally, “state of our soul/nephesh”, within our own sense of reality. Therefore, our perceived reality is actually our own reality that we believe we live in. A “state of mind” is a Greek/pagan concept of the makeup of man/Adam. See my article “Basar, Nephesh, Ruach and Lev”
If Yeshua was referencing a physical kingdom, then an intelligent person would have to discerned that he was not being truthful because a kingdom cannot sneak up on you without being seen, that would be ridiculous. There is no such thing as an invisible Kingdom. Remember that Yeshua was speaking to individuals who were not part of his kingship. These were people who were clearly on the outside of his kingship, as a result they were not able to perceive or understand what exactly he was speaking of. But Yeshua said that his kingship “comes without observation.” Therefore, this must be a condition of the mind and the entering in of this kingship would be on the condition of the heart/desire/lev or rather a “state of heart/desire/lev” for those who are entering into this kingship.
It is interesting that the phrase “Kingship of Heaven” only appears in the Brit ha-dash-a and does not ever appear in the TaNakh.
The Hebrew word “malak” is translated “kingdom” (to reign) or “melak” (king).
The Greek word: Basileuj (basileus) is “king” and The Greek basileia (basileia) is translated “kingdom” by the KJV. However, “basileia” correctly translated means “kingship” or “reign” (not “kingdom”).
Greek words with the suffix “ia” generally always refer to a “state of being”, a condition (as in the english words, abstentia, amnesia, mania, insomnia, euphoria, phobia, ecclesia etc.). In other words, basileia, is a condition or situation of a “Kings reign”. Basileia also infers to include the body of people that are associated with that particular reign.
Thus, “kingship” or “reign,” is a condition of ruling over the soul/nephesh and hearts/lev of a person or group of people rather than a physical place. Kingships only exist in the soul/nephesh and hearts/lev of people. Yeshua’s Kingship is determined by fidelity of faith in the soul/nephesh, hearts/lev and actions of his people. The kingship of Heaven exists wherever YHWH’s people are and those who honor Yeshua as their King.
Caesar had a Kingdom and his people were part of Caesar’s kingship. In other words, those who belonged Caesars kingdom, had to “think” or “perceive” Caesar and his kingdom in a certain way. If anyone decided to not acknowledge this perception, they were usually killed. So, basically, if you refused to perceive mentally and acknowledge and participate in the Kingship of Caesar, then you were not allowed to exist within the Kingdom of Caesar, Rome, you would be thrown out or just killed.
So therefore, “Basileia” means a “reign”…not “kingdom.” When you read the mistranslated words “Kingdom of God” in the KJV, it should have been correctly translated “The Reign of YHWH” (i.e., Yeshua’s reign established by YHWH). Those who accept and follow the “Reign of Yeshua” (or rather the “Kingship of Yeshua”) are literally part of Yeshua’s reign. (i.e. basileia). Those that are “in” the reign, those who have decided to come out of the world actually embody the “Reign of Yeshua”. These people are the spiritual stones (building blocks) of the spiritual Temple of YHWH and the New Jerusalem referenced in Revelation chapter 21.
Ephesians 2:19-22 “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of YHWH; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua Ha-mashiak himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows into a holy temple unto YHWH: In whom you also are built together for a habitation of YHWH through his spirit.“
I Peter 2:5 “You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to YHWH by Yeshua Ha Mashiak.”
The verses from the King James version that calls “the Kingdom of YHWH” should be “the Reign of YHWH.” In the Messianic writings the “Kingship/Reign” refers to the fact that Yeshua is reigning now, and that we are included in his Reign, now. Not in some far off Fantasy world that is introduced after our death. His Reign does not come “with observation” (i.e., with physical observance). Rather it came as a spiritual condition in the soul/nephesh and hearts/lev of those who believe in him and are willing to be obedient to his word and be faithful, by fidelity, meaning that their actions back up their beliefs, they talk the talk and walk the walk.
His “Kingship” exists, Yeshua is our Reigning King, right now, today. It has existed for 2000 years as of this writing and Yeshua has been reigning over the soul/nephesh and hearts/lev of his people who have been called out and have heard and responded in a manner consistent with the requirements to exist with in that group ever since He ascended to his Throne… as recorded in Matthew 28:18 and Acts chapters 1 and 2.
Let’s re-read these verses with this new, correctly translated word, “kingship” and see if we come up with a different understanding:
1 In those days came Yochanan ha-matbil (John the Baptizer) preaching (testifying) in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying “Repent, for the kingship of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 3:1-2
17 From that time Yeshua began to preach (testify), and to say, “Repent: for the kingship of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17
35 and Yeshua went about all of the cities and villages teaching in the synagogues and testifying of the good news of the kingship
Matthew 9:35
30 and Shaul (Paul) dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all that would come into him
31 preaching (testifying) the kingship of YHWH and teaching those things which concern Yeshua Ha Mashiak (Yeshua The Messiah)
Acts 28:30-31
20 and when he was demanded of the Pharisees. when the kingship of YHWH should appear, he (Yeshua) answered and said, “The kingship of YHWH comes not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo, there! for behold, the kingship of YHWH is within you.
Luke 17:20-21
36 Yeshua answered, “My kingship is not of this world (Roman ‘Christian’ / Jewish ‘Judaistic’) : if my kingdom were of this system, then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews? But now my kingship is not from there.
John 18:36
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingship of heaven; but he that doeth the will (keep his 10 words) of my Father which is in heaven
Matthew 7:21
16 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingship of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:19
13 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingship of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Matthew 13:33
47 Again, the kingship of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Matthew 13:47
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingship of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Matthew 13:11
23 Therefore is the kingship of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Matthew 18:23
13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingship of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Matthew 23:13
A further examination of this revelation concerning the “kingship” addressed in Matthew 23:13 reveals a very intense and frightening aspect that Yeshua specifically addresses in this passage. Any time that the phrase “woe unto you” is used, especially by Yeshua, you had better watch out, because this is a fierce warning to whomever he is addressing.
In Matthew 23:13, Yeshua is addressing the scribes and the Pharisees that since they have distorted the words of YHWH to the people, they are causing confusion among the people. As a direct result of this confusion, the people were not able to obtain sufficient information to realize that there was indeed a “kingship”, much less the requirements necessary to enter in. To make matters worst, because the Pharisees had done this thing, the Pharisees also, because of their hypocrisy and false teachings, were not allowed to enter into the “kingship of YHWH” and as a result, Yeshua rebuked them for their failure to teach properly.
The failure to teach properly and confuse the people makes them, the Pharisees back then and the Rabbis, Preachers and the purveyors of the doctrines of devils. Because these people teach the doctrines of devils, they do not and cannot belong to YHWH, much less be allowed to enter into The Kingship of YHWH because they misrepresent our King.
Thus, we see that Yeshua’s Kingship (the Kingship/Reign of YHWH/Heaven) had certain earmarks, here are just a few:
The kingship is “at hand” (in the present)
The kingship is announced as “good news”
The kingship involves Yeshua Ha Mashiak
The kingship came “without observation”
The kingship is “within” those who heard (acted on) it
The kingship is “present but unnoticed” by most people and
The kingship is “not of any earthly government system”
The kingship is “unshakable”
The kingship is “mysterious (unknowable to those outside)”
The kingship is “self propagating”
Now let us examine, for just a second, a sister “Kingship” that is addressed in the same scriptures, “The Kingship of Heaven”. Is it the same or is it different. The answer is yes and no. “The Kingship of Heaven” refers to “where” the Kingship is located. When “heaven” is referenced in scriptures, it is usually referencing “in the mind.” “The Kingship of Heaven” and “The Kingship of YHWH” is one and the same and is “within us”, “in the soul/nephesh and heart/lev through the spirit/wind/ruach.”The Kingship of Heaven resides in our inner most parts, the heart/lev. Whereas, “The Kingship of YHWH” tells us who it belongs to. So they are different in one sense, but they are one and the same in another sense. Therefore they could be used interchangeably. The only exception that I would have with that would be, if you need to establish ownership, you would properly use the phrase “The Kingship of YHWH” whereas if you intend to establish location, you may well use the phrase “The Kingship of Heaven.”
Religious organizations, never understand that “The Kingship of Heaven” is here now, today and has been here since shortly after Yeshua’s resurrection at Shabuot. The Jews missed their messiah 2000 years ago, Yeshua showed up as prophesied and yet they rejected him because he didn’t fit the “criteria” that they were expecting. The jews were anticipating a military leader and because he came as a humble servant, they rejected him. They could not comprehend the “Kingship” that he was ushering in shortly after he was ruthlessly tortured and crucified. Just like it was then, billions of people over the last 2000 years have missed and are missing the “Kingship” that is in place today, right now.
One profound aspect of being in The Kingship of YHWH is that his “called out ones”, those who are actively living in his Kingship/Reign today and are in active covenant with YHWH, is the fact that they (the called out ones) have the ability to discern by “seeing” and “hearing” those around them and can identify whether another person is or has entered into that Kingship that Yeshua has established.
Let me come at this from another direction so to speak. If you are not “in the Kingship/Reign of YHWH/Heaven” then you cannot even perceive (see or have knowledge) of the existence of this “Kingship” even existing, and yet it does, but you cannot experience it or have any knowledge of it. In other words, you literally do not know and you have no awareness that you do not know. This is a conundrum, you don’t know that you don’t know. Here is where this gets really weird, because when you don’t know that you don’t know then there is no urgency to have a desire to learn about it because you are not aware that this even exists. This is why listening to unqualified and unlearned men, men who teach and promote mythological concepts over spiritual truth, is so dangerous. One of many ways of promoting false teachings is through mistranslations whether knowingly or unknowingly. Careful examination of every word is what a “preacher” is supposed to do before teaching the people that he has been given to shepherd over.
YHWH gives those who are actively living in his Kingship/Reign this very moment to “see through”, to “see into the hearts”, to “hear the words of deceit” of imposters.
Another aspect about this “Kingship” is that it is “unshakable”. The reference to being “unshakable” is the idea that those who exist in the Kingship/Reign of YHWH are so enlightened by the knowledge of truth, through obedience to the words of YHWH, that there is no force or influence on or in or above the earth that is able dismantle/distort or remove this awareness, knowledge, understanding of truth. This “unshakable”concept is what is meant concerning the statement that the “gates of hades” (which, by the way, “hades” is a mistranslation as well) shall not prevail against the Kingship/Reign of YHWH. This phrase should be understood as, the knowledge of mankind and the powers of this earth that are outside of the Kingship/Reign of YHWH has no place and has no authority and thereby no ability to influence those who are inside, have special knowledge, of the Kingship/Reign of YHWH. This Kingship/Reign is within his called out people and in their innermost parts. This Kingship once it is perceived and experienced by his “called out people”, no earthly force, agenda, ruler, edit, law or tradition is able to remove it.
So you see, those who are waiting for a physical “return” from the skies, or for a city to fall out of the sky, or for something visible and touchable, are missing out on the actual Reign of Yeshua today, right now. By looking for a physical kingdom they are blinding themselves to the presence of His Kingship/Reign today. It is here now, but they just don’t see it because they can’t, their eyes have been blinded because they have been programmed to think of it incorrectly. The so-called “Kingship of YHWH” does not “come with observation.” It comes “within us” if we believe Yeshua is our King – Luke 17:21 and live as he lived, by being obedient to the father.
But someone might ask: “How can there be a “kingship” without a “kingdom?” No one is suggesting that YHWH does not have a kingdom. Indeed, the whole Earth belongs to him. He created it and he owns it. He is unquestionably King over all of his physical creation. All creation is his kingdom. That goes without saying.
The term “Kingship” is used in Scripture to identify and express a specific, internal, metaphysical, mental concept. That concept is this: man must think of YHWH as YHWH and Yeshua as Yeshua and his role in the Kingship of YHWH.
Accepting YHWH as the one and only, specific, by name, true Elohim means that we must accept his Son, Yeshua, as our true King. In the scriptures this condition is called “Kingship.” It refers to man’s attitude toward YHWH… not a physical “kingdom.” Man, for his own well-being, physically and mentally, must to recognize YHWH and Yeshua Ha Mashiak as his King.
-Stu
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