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“Karina”
W
by Wayne Williams
hat do you think of when you hear the word
(Hamilton); “The Dating Manifesto: A Drama-Free Plan
“karina?” (pronounced kah-reen-nah; like
for Pursuing Marriage with Purpose,” (Anderson); and
Katrina, without the “t”). The word, which in
of course, the classic, “The Five Love Languages” (Gary
some family circles has now become a name, has a quite
Chapman)! Poems? Well, that’s another category of titles
interesting etymological origin. According to the Unify
that time nor space will permit me to elaborate.
Cosmos website, the spiritual meaning of the name Karina
In conclusion, the Bible exhorts us in Philippians
is of Old English origin. Karina means “pure,” “the pure
4:8, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is
one,” “innocent,” and “beloved.” Additionally, the word
honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right
(name) can be short for Katarina or Katrina. Likewise, it
and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and
is a variant of the name Carina, which is derived from the
wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace,
Latin word “carus,” meaning “love.” The expression of “love” is as old as time itself, especially when we read that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Because God precedes and certainly will exceed the concept of time, the idea of love predates and will outlast anything this world has to offer. And by our love for one another, the world will know that we are born again of God’s spirit and associated unequivocally with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the epitome of love. Many of you recall the contemporary version of the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” popularized by the musical group Jars of Clay. Karina, a variant of the Latin “carus,” has been romanticized in a number of ways through movies,
whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any
books, and certainly music. There are some who may
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
remember the song “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing”
continually on these things [center your mind on them,
which was an Academy Award winner for Best Original
and implant them in your heart]” (Amplified).
Score in 1955. The movie titles are endless, “What’s Love
Friend, our love for each other is only surpassed
Got to do With It,” (also a song title), “From Russia with
by God’s love for each and all of us. That being said,
Love,” (a James Bond series favorite), “Love at First Bite,”
“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Or in the
(for comedy/horror ‘lovers’), “Love and Basketball,”
Contemporary English Bible, “Keep loving each other like
(if you are a sports enthusiast), as well as “A Thin Line
family.” So, “think” about that the next time you say or
Between Love and Hate” (which, in my opinion, is
hear, “Karina!”
which do not contain the word “love” in their titles. Namely, “Hidden Struggles: Purity, God, Guys and Life,”
48 // February 2022
About The Author
really not a thin line at all)! Likewise, books, many of Wayne & Lita Williams are residents of Athens, Tennessee. She is a retiring social worker. He presently serves as a local supply pastor. Together, they have been in pastoral and outreach ministry for over 40 years.
