Genesis 1:7
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
Read in context →Begin with the exact English word as it appears in the King James Bible. Follow its whole-Bible usage, book distribution, related indexed forms, Webster 1828, every occurrence, and the occurrence-specific Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek mappings behind it.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
Read in context →He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Read in context →96 occurrences in 95 verses.
Browse those occurrences →This is exact English-word usage from the canonical KJV token index, not a Strong's estimate.
These relationships come from exact verse + token-position mappings. We do not assume that one English spelling always equals one Strong's number. A single English token can also carry more than one source tag, so the Strong's-link total can exceed the number of English occurrences.
hoútō · hoo'-to
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Strong's KJV usage: :--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.
Strong's first: Matthew 5:12Strong's last: Revelation 16:18
Open full G3779 profile →ʻâsâh · aw-saw'
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Strong's KJV usage: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, × certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, feast, (fight-) ing man, finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, hinder, hold (a feast), × indeed, be industrious, journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, × sacrifice, serve, set, shew, × sin, spend, × surely, take, × thoroughly, trim, × very, vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
Strong's first: Numbers 5:4Strong's last: Isaiah 20:2
Open full H6213 profile →kaí · kahee
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Strong's KJV usage: :--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's first: Matthew 7:12Strong's last: Revelation 17:3
Open full G2532 profile →oûn · oon
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Strong's KJV usage: :--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
Strong's first: Matthew 1:17Strong's last: Acts 28:9
Open full G3767 profile →dé · deh
but, and, etc.
Strong's KJV usage: :--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Strong's first: Matthew 8:31Strong's last: 1 Corinthians 15:54
Open full G1161 profile →kagṓ · kag-o'
so also the dative case κἀμοί kam-oy', and accusative case κἀμέ kam-eh' and (or also, even, etc.) I, (to) me
Strong's KJV usage: :--(and, even, even so, so) I (also, in like wise), both me, me also.
Strong's first: John 10:15Strong's last: 2 Corinthians 11:22
Open full G2504 profile →naí · nahee
yes
Strong's KJV usage: :--even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.
Strong's first: Matthew 11:26Strong's last: Revelation 22:20
Open full G3483 profile →ára · ar'-ah
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
Strong's KJV usage: :--haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore.
Strong's first: Romans 7:3Strong's last: Romans 14:12
Open full G686 profile →toûto · too'-to
that thing
Strong's KJV usage: :--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
Strong's first: John 20:20Strong's last: 1 Corinthians 7:37
Open full G5124 profile →hṓste · hoce'-teh
so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
Strong's KJV usage: :--(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.
Strong's first: Matthew 13:32Strong's last: 1 Corinthians 7:38
Open full G5620 profile →kôh · ko
properly, like this, i.e. by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
Strong's KJV usage: also, here, hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), mean while, yonder.
Strong's first: Genesis 15:5Strong's last: Isaiah 18:4
Open full H3541 profile →hína · hin'-ah
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Strong's KJV usage: :--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to.
Strong's first: Luke 20:20Strong's last: Revelation 13:13
Open full G2443 profile →tosoûtos · tos-oo'-tos
apparently from G3588 and G3739) and G3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e. such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
Strong's KJV usage: :--as large, so great (long, many, much), these many.
Strong's first: Matthew 8:10Strong's last: John 14:9
Open full G5118 profile →kâkâh · kaw'-kaw
just so, referring to the previous or following context
Strong's KJV usage: after that (this) manner, this matter, (even) so, in such a case, thus.
Strong's first: Numbers 15:12Strong's last: Hosea 10:15
Open full H3602 profile →kên · kane
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles)
Strong's KJV usage: after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, (for-) asmuch as yet, be (for which) cause, following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), × the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, × you.
Strong's first: Genesis 1:7Strong's last: Ecclesiastes 8:10
Open full H3651 profile →mēdamōs · may-dam-oce'
by no means
Strong's KJV usage: :--not so.
Strong's first: Acts 10:14Strong's last: Acts 11:8
Open full G3365 profile →oudé · oo-deh'
not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even
Strong's KJV usage: :--neither (indeed), never, no (more, nor, not), nor (yet), (also, even, then) not (even, so much as), + nothing, so much as.
Strong's first: Luke 6:3Strong's last: Luke 18:13
Open full G3761 profile →hōs · hoce
which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Strong's KJV usage: :--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
Strong's first: Acts 20:24Strong's last: Hebrews 3:11
Open full G5613 profile →zôʼth · zothe'
this (often used adverb)
Strong's KJV usage: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus.
Strong's first: Genesis 44:17Strong's last: Judges 19:24
Open full H2063 profile →raq · rak
properly, leanness, i.e. (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
Strong's KJV usage: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise.
Strong's first: 1 Kings 8:25Strong's last: 2 Chronicles 6:16
Open full H7535 profile →allá · al-lah'
properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Strong's KJV usage: :--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Strong's first: Mark 4:17Strong's last: Mark 4:17
Open full G235 profile →gínomai · ghin'-om-ahee
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Strong's KJV usage: :--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.
Strong's first: Matthew 18:13Strong's last: Matthew 18:13
Open full G1096 profile →eí per · i per
if perhaps
Strong's KJV usage: :--if so be (that), seeing, though.
Strong's first: 1 Corinthians 15:15Strong's last: 1 Corinthians 15:15
Open full G1512 profile →estí · es-tee'
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Strong's KJV usage: :--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Strong's first: Matthew 3:15Strong's last: Matthew 3:15
Open full G2076 profile →éstō · es'-to
be thou; also ἔστωσαν es'-to-san, third person of the same; let them be
Strong's KJV usage: :--be.
Strong's first: 2 Corinthians 12:16Strong's last: 2 Corinthians 12:16
Open full G2077 profile →thélō · thel'-o
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in
Strong's KJV usage: :--desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)).
Strong's first: 1 Peter 3:17Strong's last: 1 Peter 3:17
Open full G2309 profile →kathṓs · kath-oce'
just (or inasmuch) as, that
Strong's KJV usage: :--according to, (according, even) as, how, when.
Strong's first: 1 John 2:6Strong's last: 1 John 2:6
Open full G2531 profile →mén · men
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with G1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
Strong's KJV usage: :--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily.
Strong's first: Acts 13:4Strong's last: Acts 13:4
Open full G3303 profile →homoíōs · hom-oy'-oce
similarly
Strong's KJV usage: :--likewise, so.
Strong's first: Luke 5:10Strong's last: Luke 5:10
Open full G3668 profile →hópōs · hop'-oce
what(-ever) how, i.e. in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
Strong's KJV usage: :--because, how, (so) that, to, when.
Strong's first: Luke 16:26Strong's last: Luke 16:26
Open full G3704 profile →taûta · tow'-tah
these things
Strong's KJV usage: :--+ afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.
Strong's first: John 11:28Strong's last: John 11:28
Open full G5023 profile →tautá · tow-tah'
in the same way
Strong's KJV usage: :--even thus, (manner) like, so.
Strong's first: Luke 6:26Strong's last: Luke 6:26
Open full G5024 profile →té · teh
both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532)
Strong's KJV usage: :--also, and, both, even, then, whether.
Strong's first: Acts 15:39Strong's last: Acts 15:39
Open full G5037 profile →hōsaútōs · ho-sow'-toce
as thus, i.e. in the same way
Strong's KJV usage: :--even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner.
Strong's first: 1 Timothy 3:11Strong's last: 1 Timothy 3:11
Open full G5615 profile →ʼêl-leh · ale'-leh
these or those
Strong's KJV usage: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m).
Strong's first: Deuteronomy 22:5Strong's last: Deuteronomy 22:5
Open full H428 profile →ʼăsher · ash-er'
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.
Strong's KJV usage: × after, × alike, as (soon as), because, × every, for, + forasmuch, + from whence, + how(-soever), × if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), × though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where (+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, + whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection.
Strong's first: Isaiah 24:2Strong's last: Isaiah 24:2
Open full H834 profile →bôwʼ · bo
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Strong's KJV usage: abide, apply, attain, × be, befall, besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, × certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, × doubtless again, eat, employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, have, × indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, × (well) stricken (in age), × surely, take (in), way.
Strong's first: Jeremiah 52:5Strong's last: Jeremiah 52:5
Open full H935 profile →gam · gam
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Strong's KJV usage: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
Strong's first: Genesis 32:19Strong's last: Genesis 32:19
Open full H1571 profile →dâbâr · daw-baw'
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Strong's KJV usage: act, advice, affair, answer, × any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, chronicles, commandment, × commune(-ication), concern(-ing), confer, counsel, dearth, decree, deed, × disease, due, duty, effect, eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, glory, harm, hurt, iniquity, judgment, language, lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, × ought, × parts, pertaining, please, portion, power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, × (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, sign, so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, song, speech, × spoken, talk, task, that, × there done, thing (concerning), thought, thus, tidings, what(-soever), wherewith, which, word, work.
Strong's first: 1 Samuel 9:21Strong's last: 1 Samuel 9:21
Open full H1697 profile →hâyâh · haw-yaw
to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Strong's KJV usage: beacon, × altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, follow, happen, × have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, × use.
Strong's first: Judges 19:30Strong's last: Judges 19:30
Open full H1961 profile →hêm · haym
they (only used when emphatic)
Strong's KJV usage: it, like, × (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, × so, × such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.
Strong's first: Ecclesiastes 9:12Strong's last: Ecclesiastes 9:12
Open full H1992 profile →kᵉnêmâʼ · ken-ay-maw'
so or thus
Strong's KJV usage: so, (in) this manner (sort), thus.
Strong's first: Ezra 6:13Strong's last: Ezra 6:13
Open full H3660 profile →mᵉʼôd · meh-ode'
properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated)
Strong's KJV usage: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), × louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ( much, sore), well.
Strong's first: 1 Kings 17:17Strong's last: 1 Kings 17:17
Open full H3966 profile →Çôwʼ · so
So, an Egyptian king
Strong's KJV usage: So.
Strong's first: 2 Kings 17:4Strong's last: 2 Kings 17:4
Open full H5471 profile →râmâh · raw-maw'
to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)
Strong's KJV usage: beguile, betray, (bow-) man, carry, deceive, throw.
Strong's first: 1 Samuel 19:17Strong's last: 1 Samuel 19:17
Open full H7411 profile →shûwb · shoob
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again
Strong's KJV usage: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) × again, (cause to) answer ( again), × in any case (wise), × at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, × certainly, come again (back), × consider, continually, convert, deliver (again), deny, draw back, fetch home again, × fro, get (oneself) (back) again, × give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, × needs, be past, × pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, × surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
Strong's first: 1 Kings 12:16Strong's last: 1 Kings 12:16
Open full H7725 profile →Strong's data is a concordance/lexical reference layer. Scripture context controls interpretation. Lexical source data is shown separately from future TWBC editorial teaching.
82 occurrences match the current filters. Each row keeps its exact KJV token position so Original Word and TSK remain occurrence-specific.
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.
And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?
And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?
So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for.
And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.
Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.
So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.
But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.
So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Dictionary data is kept visibly separate from Scripture and from lexical Strong's data.
SO, adverb [Latin sic, contracted. It is from some root signifying to set, to still, and this sense is retained in the use of the word by milkmaids, who say to cows, so so that is, stand still, remain as you are; and in this use, the word may be the original verb.]
1. In like manner, answering to as, and noting comparison or resemblance; as with the people, so with the priest.
2. In such a degree; to that degree. Why is his chariot so long in coming? Judges 5:28.
3. In such a manner; sometimes repeated, so and so; as certain colors, mingled so and so
4. It is followed by as. There is something equivalent in France and Scotland; so as it is a hard calumny upon our soil to affirm that so excellent a fruit will not grow here. But in like phrases, we now use that; 'so that it is a hard calumny; ' and this may be considered as the extablished usage.
5. In the smae manner. Use your tutor with great respect, and cause all your family to do so too.
6. Thus; in this manner; as New York so called from the duke of York. I know not why it is, but so it is. It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire whether theese thing are so or not.
7. Therefore; thus; for this reason; in consequence of this or that. It leaves instruction, and so instructors, to the sobriety fo the settled articles of the church. God makes him in own image an intelectual creature, and so capable of dominion. This statute made the clipping of coin hign treason, which it was not at common law; so that this was an enlarging staute.
8. On these terms, noting a conditional petition. Here then exchange we mutually forgiveness; so may the guilt of all my broken vows, my perjuries to thee be all forgotten. so here might be expressed by thus, that is, in this manner, by this mutual forgiveness.
9. Provided that; on condition that, [Latin modo.] so the doctrine by but wholesome and edifying though there should be a want of exactness in the manner of speaking and resoning, it may be overlooked. I care not who furnishes the means, so they are furnished.
10. In like manner, noting the concession of one proposition of fact and the assumption of another; answering to as. As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in when he enters on it.
11. so often expresses the sense of a word or sentence going before. In this case it prevents a repetition, and may be considered as a substitute for the word or phrase. 'France is highly cultivated, but England is more so ' that is, more highly cultivated.
12. Thus; thus it is; this is the state. How sorrow shakes him! so now the tempest tears him up by th' roots.
13. Well; the fact being such. And so the work is done, is it?
14. It is sometimes used to express a certain degree, implying comparison, and yet without the corresponding word as, to render the degree definite. An astringent is not quite so proper, where relaxing the urinary passages is necessary.
15. It is sometimes equivalent to be it so let it be so let it be as it is, or in that manner. There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.
16. It expresses a wish, desire or petition. Ready are the appellant and defendant- so please your highness to behold the fight.
17. so much as, however much. Instead of so we now generally use as; as much as, that much; whatever the quantity may be.
18. so so or so repeated, used as a kind of exclamation; equivalent to well, well; or it is so the thing is done. so so it works; now, mistress, sit you fast.
19. so so much as it was; indifferently; not well not much amiss. His leg is but so so
20. so then, thus then it is; therefore; the consequence is. so then the Volscians stand; but as at first ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road upon's again.
Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). A conservative base-form lookup may be used when the exact inflected KJV form is not a Webster headword.
Curated TWBC teaching will remain a separate editorial layer. Raw source data is never silently rewritten to force a doctrinal conclusion.