Change Quote by Thomas Paine
““The continually progressive change to which the meaning of words is subject, the want of a universal language which renders translation necessary, the errors to which translations are again subject, the mistakes of copyists and printers, together with the possibility of willful alteration, are of themselves evidences that the human language, whether in speech or in print, cannot be the vehicle of the word of God. The word of God exists in something else.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Common Sense, 1776
Language is fluid and imperfect, making it unreliable for conveying divine truth; the divine word exists beyond human language.
In simple terms: Human language cannot fully convey God's word.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine truth beyond words.
Themes
language
faith
interpretation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious study
- interfaith dialogue
- personal meditation
- academic research
Key Concepts
semantic change
translation errors
textual corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern divine truth beyond words?
- Can language ever fully capture the sacred?
A Different Perspective
Human language can still convey profound meaning despite flaws.
