Princess Bride: Inconceivable! You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

The Princess Bride is one of the most quoteable movies of all time.

It is difficult to narrow down all the great lines to one, but here it goes, "Inconceivable."

Amazingly, this line is used only five times in the movie. Vizzini's usage by is hilarious because it appears he does not know what the word means.

The word is the opposite of conceivable, truly, "not conceivable." So what does conceivable mean? It means, "capable of being conceived." So what does "conceived" mean? The first definition is apparent (pun intended), "to become pregnant with (young)." The second is "to take into one's mind."

After his fourth time using the word Inigo Montoya finally challenges Vizzini's use of the word "inconceivable" and states, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

5 Times Vizzini Used "Inconceivable"

"Inconceivable" is one of Vizzini's favorite words to use when something happens that he does not expect or if something is improbable. He isn't using the word "inconceivable" properly.

When they are sailing at night with the kidnapped princess. Inigo keeps turning around in their boat to sure nobody is following them.

Vizzini calmly states, "That would be inconceivable." A few moments later he explains to everyone in the boat, "As I told you, it would be absolutely, totally, and in all other ways, inconceivable. No one in Guilder knows what we've done. And no one in Florin could have gotten here so fast. Out of curiosity, why do you ask?"

The man who has been sailing behind the kidnappers lands at the Cliffs of Insanity. A shocked Inigo points out, "He's climbing the rope. And he's gaining on us." To which Vizzini replies, "Inconceivable!"

After making it to the top, Vizzini feverishly begins cutting the rope. As the severed rope slides off the cliff, the kidnappers look over the edge. Vizzini exclaims, "He didn't fall? Inconceivable!"

An the last time we hear Vizzini say "Inconceivable!" is when he sees the masked man running towards them after having defeated Inigo.

A Verse That Do Not Mean What People Think They Mean

Philippians 4:13

There are hundreds of products that people can buy that are covered with the verse, Philippians 4:13. In this verse, Paul is declaring, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

We need to take a look at the context of this verse.

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians in late in his life while in prison (Philippians 1 verses 7, 13-14, and 17 verse ). Researchers and commentators believe Paul spent at least 3 years in prison.

In reality, Philippians 4:13 is a verse about Jesus, period, and not about us or even Paul when he wrote it.

Many Christians have used Philippians 4:13 as some sort inspirational or motivational quote or incantation. By claiming this verse, somehow they are supposed to be able to accomplish anything, attain anything, and do anything because Christ will give them the necessary strength.

Not true.

We need to look at what Paul was saying be looking at the surrounding context or verses.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Philippians 4:10-15

The church in Philippi loved Paul and regularly gave to him (4:15).

Remember that Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter, including Philippians 4:13.

"Paul experienced a wide variety of Roman prison conditions. He was chained in a common holding cell in Philippi (Acts 16:23– 30), imprisoned in probably better conditions in the praetorium at Caesarea (Acts 23:35), and held in relative comfort while in house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16). In Rome, Paul was responsible for maintaining himself during his imprisonment, including his meals and clothes (Acts 28:30). Paul’s Roman citizenship meant he was eligible for a daily food allowance, but Paul depended on his friends and fellow believers to supply this food. While under house arrest in Rome, Paul was guarded around the clock by soldiers of the elite Praetorian Guard." ^Source

So what does the verse mean?

Paul's words reflected what Jesus taught (see Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27) and what the angel Gabriel declared (Luke 1:37).

1. Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
2. Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
3. Luke 1:26,37 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth..."For nothing will be impossible with God."

Look at the "secret" Paul talks about in verse 12. He writes, "I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."

What is that secret? He tells us in verse 13, " I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The verse is specifically referring to the ability of a Paul (and Christian in all generations) will be able endure under hardship and persecution because God is faithful.

It does NOT mean that we can "name it and claim it" and pass the exam, win the game, succeed in business, or anything other worldly pursuit.

BONUS VERSES OFTEN MISUNDSTERSTOOD

Want to look at other verses people often misunderstand? Take a look at the context of these verses.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Matthew 24:7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places."

Esther 4:14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”"

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Exodus 21:23-24 But if there is harm,then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,"

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.