Exegetically Speaking

The RSV's translation of the "cleansing of the temple" in John 2:15 is in part, "And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple." John's Greek, however, suggests that Jesus was using the whip only on the animals, which might have other implications for interpretation. Dr. Croyis the author of a widely used beginning Greek grammar, A Primer of Biblical Greek, and The Mutilation of Mark's Gospel, among other things. His newest book, forthcoming in December, 2025, is The Martyrdom of Polycarp: Translation, Introduction, and Commentary. He previously held teaching posts at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, and Southern Nazarene University, at the last of which he continues in a part-time teaching role as Professor of Greek and New Testament.  B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4ov2J2Z  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47D9xGd 

The opening words of Matthew's Gospel are translated as, "An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah" (NRSV), or "This is the genealogy . . ." (NIV), or "This is a record of the ancestors . . ." (NLT). A comparison with the parallels in Genesis and a look at what Matthew actually composes suggest that Matthew had something else in mind. David Capes, formerly Dean of Biblical & Theological Studies at Wheaton College, is the host of Exegetically Speaking and the Director of Academic Programming at the Lanier Theological Library & Learning Center, which sponsors this podcast series along with Wheaton College. His publications include The Divine Christ: Paul, the Lord Jesus, and the Scriptures of Israel. B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/47eidS5  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4hc5Omd 

The Colossian churches had shifted their attention from Christ to calendrical matters, mediatorial figures, mystical visions, and philosophical notions. Paul is calling them to focus on Christ, who is the center and circumference of reality. In 2:9, Paul's language makes Christ's full deity unavoidable and unmistakeable. Dr. Malcolm Yarnell III, who has been on this podcast before, is Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is Teaching Pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church. His publications include God, Volume 1 of Theology for Every Person. The second volume, Word, is forthcoming (February, 2026). B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/48gx7tf  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4o8XupB   

In this discussion, New Testament professor Jennifer Houston McNeel explores the intriguing nuances of John 7:38. She dives into the often-overlooked significance of punctuation in ancient Greek manuscripts. Jennifer raises fascinating questions about the term 'koilia,' suggesting it could translate as 'Jesus’ womb.' This interpretation resonates with broader themes of birth and living water in John's writings. Additionally, she connects these ideas to her research on maternal imagery, enhancing our understanding of motherhood in the New Testament.

Jason Maston, a theology professor at Houston Christian University, dives deep into 1 Peter 2:17, revealing how Peter levels the honor owed to the emperor with that owed to everyone else. He critiques the NIV translation for masking this powerful message and explains how verb tense influences our understanding of the text. The conversation also touches upon how early Christians navigated honoring authorities without worshiping them, highlighting their unique approach during a time of persecution. Maston's insights illuminate a fascinating intersection of faith and societal norms.

James Hoffmeier, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Near Eastern History and Archaeology, discusses fascinating insights into Jeremiah 7. He delves into the ambiguity of the Masoretic text and how different vowel pointings can drastically change the meaning of 'this place.' Hoffmeier challenges the false confidence of Judah in their temple and explores covenant conditions tied to location. His expert analysis sheds light on the complexities of Hebrew textual interpretation and offers crucial context for understanding biblical literature.

In a healing story shared by the first three Gospels, Luke reports a uniquely worded response of onlookers, translated in the NIV as, "We have seen remarkable things today." The key Greek word is παράδοξα (paradoxa), which is in fact noncommittal on the morality of what is in view. Dr. Thomas Schmidt is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Fairfield University. His most recent book, Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ (Oxford) examines the description of Jesus given by the Jewish historian Josephus. Through generous donor, it is available for free on the book website: JosephusandJesus.com. His other publications include, The Book of Revelation and its Eastern Commentators: Making the New Testament in the Early Christian World. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4mZ6AVC  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4mbcRwA 

As of Paul's first (existing) letter to them, the Corinthians are still struggling to understand and practice their faith in their native, non-Jewish environment. In a passage centering on the knowledge of God and idolatry (1 Corinthians 8-10), Paul begins by stating the central Christian confession of the true God, which is a modified version of the Jewish Shema (Deut. 6:4). Rev. Dr. N. T. Wright is Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, and Emeritus Professor at the University of St. Andrews and the former Bishop of Durham. His work has established him as a foremost voice among New Testament scholars of the present generation, not least due to his many commentaries, topical studies, and the multi-volume, Christian Origins and the Question of God. He has been with this podcast a few times before.   Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/41AptpA  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3JL47Qa 

Hebrew poetry is rich in parallelism of sound (phonological), words (lexical), meaning (semantic), and grammar, through which meaning is conveyed. Psalm 150 illustrates these devices, and manages to strike its climactic note through the breaking of them. Chandler Dean is working on her M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton Graduate School. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4792UvI  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3HL7zcM   

The Greek of Heb. 12:14-16, though rendered into separate sentences in some English translations, is a single Greek sentence. Paying close attention to the internal structure, especially a participle at the beginning of v. 15, sharpens our understanding of the integrated thought: The pursuit of true peace can involve conflict, albeit a conflict for the sake of peace. Pat Miller is an attorney now working on his M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton Graduate School, while teaching as an adjunct in the Department of Politics and International Relations. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/45qkw3y  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3UkbqQS