I know a teacher who made the mistake of circling a word on a student’s essay and declaring that there was no such word. The student soon appeared with a dictionary showing the teacher the word. However, even if the word had not been in the dictionary the student had the right to coin it. Words come from people. There had to be a first time usage for every word we use. There was a time when the word “word” was not in a dictionary. Words are an expression of a thought. If we cannot find a word already existing that declares our idea we have every right in the world to make up a new one.
If I want to express my joy at having all my sins forgiven I can say, “I feel marveliforous.” It is my word to the world. If somebody likes it they can also use it. If enough people use it, it will one day appear in a dictionary.
There are many promises in the Bible that make me feel marveliforous. There is Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That is abunderous in meaning. In addition, I cannot forget Ephesians 2:6 and 7. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” That verse is laverisious.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 28, 2002
Spring of Life, 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453