Civic, level, madam, noon, race car, and wow would all class under the same definition, for they are all referred to as palindromes. The word palindrome is comprised of two Greek words, palin, meaning again or back, and dromos, meaning running, thus we have a palindrome, a word running back, the same word even when the letters are reversed. I learned this interesting fact when we decided on a name for our daughter many years ago. Her name, Hannah, is also a palindrome. Although we chose the name solely for its meaning, grace and favor, the fact that it was also a palindrome was an added plus. We had just experienced a few years of trying to convince one of her older brothers to print his name in the right direction; this was one battle that we would never have with the name Hannah!
I was reminded of palindromes recently while doing a bit of research on Jewish charity boxes, or tzedakahs. Jewish children are taught from early childhood the importance of caring for those who lack, reminded that those who give to others benefit as much or more than the recipients of the charity. From the Mosaic law they are given this instruction: “And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” They were commanded to leave a portion of their harvest for those less fortunate, to be a caring, giving, compassionate people who love and provide for those who are in need.
The Hebrew word translated to give is natan, a palindrome. From the lips of Jesus Himself we are told to “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Is that not amazing…it’s a spiritual palindrome! We give, we receive; we bless, we are blessed; we measure to others, God measures back to us, with no possibility of ever outgiving our generous God! He promises that “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” As we mirror God’s heart to others with our generosity, He blesses us beyond measure. Now that’s one neat palindrome!
II Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.