Entire theologies have rightly or wrongly been built or destroyed upon some of the shortest words: prepositions. Prepositions, as you will recall from your high school English class are typically used to introduce a “prepositional phrase”.  Prepositions are words like; at, about, in, on, with, from, until, for & many more (see list).

As Christians discuss the Bible, the discussion will often hinge on a preposition.  For example about the matter of Communion/Lord’s Supper in 1 Cor 11:26 NIV a discussion may revolve around the phrase “until he comes”, as if the practice of partaking the wine & bread was an activity to be ceased upon the Lord’s coming.

Another concept or proposition affected by what we think of prepositions can been seen in some texts that use the prepositions “with”, “in”, & “on”.

There are so many other texts we could examine but as these are some of the most ardently debated texts, it is useful to begin here.  What are these texts trying to say?  First, we might ask if any of the texts are directly related?  Clearly, Mk 14:62 & Mt 26:64 are directly related because they are parallel accounts of the same event; Jesus’ “trial” before the Sanhedrin & the High Priest.  We’ll look at any possible connection with the other texts in a moment but perhaps the next question to ask is if these prepositions are actually the same word in the original languages – especially since some of the English translations don’t use “with”, “in”, & “on” so interchangeably with these texts but may consistently use only one preposition for all.

Mk 14:62 uses the Greek word “meta” (source/source) whereas Mt 26:64 uses the Greek word “epi” (source/source) – clearly different prepositions even in the Greek, but is it significant?

The word “meta” as used in even English, means beyond, over, around. (source)  Also in English the prefix “epi” is used with many words (such as epic, episode, epidemic, epidural) & means “on” or “over” or perhaps more specifically “pertaining to” or “prevalent”. (source)

I’m not trying to build a case out of these two-letter English words except to point to the fact that etymological roots of words may shed light on the situation enough to distinguish the intended meaning.  Taken together, the texts cited above may be conveying more than just movement from one place to another (if movement is even the focus at all).

Notice for example Psalm 68:4, Psalm 68:34, & Deu 33:26.  Are these texts actually conveying God moving in/on clouds? Or is it that the concept of height, especially in the heavens conveys “prevalent” power “beyond” our own?  The texts even speak of God’s excellence & strength (power) & extolling Him.  Now look at the other texts.  See, how they also speak of “power” – of “great power & glory”?  Sitting at the “right hand of Power”.  We begin to see the texts are NOT speaking so much of movement from one place to another, especially not a “return” but more so a “going to” in so much as obtaining or displaying the power/prevalence of power.

Thus, building an entire proposition on prepositions is a dangerous paradigm upon which to shift. 

Jesus was certainly ABOUT TO COME into power during that time.  He was coming into power greatly beyond being a mere earthly king over an earthly kingdom.  He was ABOUT TO COME to the right hand of the Father, ABOUT TO COME to the Ancient of Days.

Even the thief on the cross saw that Jesus was ABOUT TO COME…come into His kingdom.

Luke 23:42
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

When forming a theological position, prepositions are just as important to consider as pronouns & time-texts.