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<\/a><\/p>\nIn that vein, consider the word conversation<\/strong>. Here is an example of a word which has not fallen out of use entirely, for we use it frequently to refer to verbal communication, but one aspect of its original meaning now is foreign to us.<\/p>\n The English word traces its roots ultimately to the Latin word conversationem,<\/em> which literally means \u201cturn about with.\u201d Thus the word described the \u201cact of living with\u201d and meant \u201cto live with, keep company with.\u201d It originally had the connotation of \u201chaving dealings with others\u201d and the manner in which one conducted himself in the world. Our friends at Merriam-Webster now list this as an \u201cobsolete\u201d meaning of the word.<\/p>\n Things might clear up as you consider the following Scriptures.<\/p>\n 2 Corinthians 1:12b<\/u><\/p>\n KJV: \u201c\u2026 in simplicity and godly sincerity \u2026 we have had our conversation<\/em><\/strong> in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n NASB: \u201c\u2026 in holiness and godly sincerity \u2026 we have conducted ourselves<\/em><\/strong> in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Galatians 1:13<\/u><\/p>\n KJV: \u201cFor ye have heard of my conversation<\/em><\/strong> in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God …\u201d<\/p>\n NASB: \u201cFor you have heard of my former manner of life<\/em><\/strong> in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Philippians 1:27a<\/u><\/p>\n KJV: \u201cOnly let your conversation<\/em><\/strong> be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n ESV: \u201cOnly let your manner of life<\/em><\/strong> be worthy of the gospel of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n Hebrews 13:5a<\/u><\/p>\n KJV: \u201cLet your<\/em><\/strong> conversation<\/em><\/strong> be without covetousness.\u201d<\/p>\n NET: \u201cYo<\/em><\/strong>ur<\/em><\/strong> conduct<\/em><\/strong> must be free from the love of money.\u201d<\/p>\n Scanning these verses, you may well be glad we don\u2019t use the word conversation<\/strong> in this sense any longer. I\u2019m with you. But, given its original meaning and background, you may be wondering how the word came to even be used as it is today. Apparently the word did not come to have the specific sense of \u201ctalking\u201d until about 1580. How did the meaning move from how one behaves among or lives with others to one\u2019s communication with others via speech? Does the transformation of this word\u2019s meaning say more about my behavior (original meaning) or about my speech (current, popular meaning)?<\/p>\n