Concerning the use of modern dictionaries like those produced by Merriam-Webster when trying to understand the Word of God...
The greatest strength of the English language is also it's greatest flaw: words can be twisted to mean practically anything that one wants!
When words become containers for the meaning du jour, words become meaningless and true communication becomes nearly impossible. Also, this allows individuals and groups to say one thing while meaning another, with no different an attitude than that of the school-yard child who crosses his fingers behind his back as if that is a permissible means of lying.
Unfortunately, there are whole groups of people who are more than willing to cater to this perfidy for the chance at a profit! Modern lexicographers are a prime example.
I have no use for anything that will tell me whatever it thinks that I want to hear!
Keep in mind that many of the "definitions" listed in modern English dictionaries are not derived from the original meaning of a word that is derived from another language, let alone those translated from another language; many of the definitions of the words used within the various translations and paraphrases of the Scriptures listed in the modern dictionaries are derived from their theological misuse! (... and believe me, I am being quite generous here!)
Consider this fact when trying to understand how we have come to have "baptisms" that do not involve immersion; "churches" that are dead facilites; letters of the Bible named after an intemperate, proud earthly king or someone altogether different, rather than its inspired author; "tithes" that are other than 10%; etc., ad nauseum.... (Feel free to e-mail me if you have some more examples of the same that you would like to share!)
NEVER BASE A DOCTRINE ON AN UNDERSTANDING DERIVED FROM A TRANSLATION! If you don't know how to access the original languages, be very careful of what you choose to believe. (Fortunately, at least the gospel and every major doctrine remains intact regardless of which formal-equivalent translation you use!)
One more thought: when trying to understand the lexical meaning of an unclear word, phrase or passage in the Bible, DO NOT USE AN ENGLISH DICTIONARY! Instead, refer to a trusted source that will faithfully give you an explanation of the meaning of the word(s) in the original language as it would have been understood at the time of the writing by a reader/hearer when using ordinary common sense in the appropriate context.
Note: this is my rant; if something here has got your attention, feel free to say "amen" or "ouch!"