(This needs to be edited)
"Damn" originates from Latin damnare (to condemn or inflict loss) and appears in older Bible translations (such as the King James Version) to denote divine condemnation or eternal punishment. In modern language, it has evolved into a common, mild profane exclamation of frustration or anger, often considered distinct from its original, theological, and weightier usage. But what we should consider is whether the Bible condemns or condones the common way this word is often used?
Of course, the usage of the word itself is not wrong if it is properly used. In many translations of the Bible, forms of the word "damn" are used to refer to the damnation of people or divine judgment. In many cases, the translators present it as being a curse, but often the Greek words used simply refer to judgment, not necessarily a curse. (Matthew 23:14; 23:33; Mark 3:29; 12:40; 16:16; Luke 20:47; John 5:29; Romans 13:2; 14:23; 1 Corinthians 11:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Timothy 5:12; 2 Peter 2:1,3; all using the King James Version).
Nevertheless, in common language, it is often used as an interjection ("Damn!", "Damn It!") or as an adjective ("damned house"), and this is usually done without any thought about the meaning of the word. It is often used so used not just to express anger or frustration, but sometimes, admiration, or even in an affectionate manner.
Some of the euphemisms or replacements for damn include forms of: darn, durn, dang, drat, nuts, blast, curses, rats, shucks, blimey, bugger, crikey, and possibly many more. The same Biblical principles apply, however, whether one actually uses the word "damn" or replaces it with another word. Scripturally, it is how the world is used, not the use of the word itself.
Based on Biblical principles outlined by Jesus, Paul and James, more than likely Jesus would not approve of its trivial use in language today. Although its historical meaning is related a curse, its trivial usage today may cross over into using a form of swearing, depending on the way it is used. Thus, Jesus would likely not approve of the common, flippant use of "damn," focusing on the heart's intent rather than just the word. Scripture emphasizes using speech to edify, bless, and build up, rather than using profane, careless, or curse-laden language that defiles or brings down others, or that seeks exalt what one says by use of words beyond one's "yes" or "no", that is, vain swearing. Jesus taught that words reflect the heart. In discussing common vain swearing, Jesus tells to swear by nothing. The New Testament tells to bless and not curse. The Bible tells us to avoid corrupt, bitter, or unwholesome speech. Therefore, we conclude using "damn" to curse, slander, express anger, or in any vain way to exalt what we say, is sinful, as it reveals a bitter or somewhat prideful spirit.
At the same time, we need to remember that as men of flesh, we cannot fully tame our tongue. (James 3:2,8) As new creatures, we are to bring our flesh into subjection to the spirit (1 Corinthians 9:27), but this does not mean that we will reach perfection in fully taming our tongue.
Related scriptures: Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Proverbs 4:24; 8:13; Matthew 5:22,33-37; 12:34-37; 15:10,11,18-20; Luke 6:45; Romans 3:14; 12:14; Ephesians 4:29; 5:4; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:8; 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:16; James 1:26; 3:1-12; 4:7; 5:12; 1 Peter 3:10;
DAM and DAMN
Many believe that the expression "I don't give a dam" (often misspelled or misinterpreted as "damn") originated from mid-18th century British soldiers in India, referring to the "dam," an Indian copper coin of very low value. Saying they did not "give a dam" meant they did not care, as the coin was nearly worthless, with the phrase later evolving into "damn".
Evidently, the dam was a coin used during the Mughal Empire, representing a tiny fraction of a rupee.
According to the theory, British soldiers stationed in India adopted the term to denote something of negligible value.
Over time, the phrase "I don't give a dam" transitioned in popular usage to "I don't give a damn".
Another, less likely theory suggests it refers to a "tinker's dam," a piece of dough used by metalworkers to hold solder.
The phrase was famously solidified in American culture by the 1890s and notably in the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.
No comments:
Post a Comment