Exegetically Speaking

In this 300th episode of Exegetically Speaking, we hear once again from Dr. Michael Bird. This time he is highlighting how the knowledge of Greek enables us to understand alternative interpretations of a critical Pauline passage. What do Paul’s uses of the perfect tense and genitive case convey in speaking of participation in Christ’s crucifixion and the life of faith? Prof. Bird is Deputy Principal and Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia). His many publications include Romans: Greek-English Interlinear | Paraphrase | Study Notes, Jesus among the gods: Early Christology in the Greco-Roman World, and (with N. T. Wright) Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3Y07pTQ  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/44qhNrW 

The poem in Nahum 1 breaks its stride in 1:7, in terms of both the Hebrew poetic structure and thematic emphasis. In part by this means, it implicitly asks its Israelite readers, some of whom may have been collaborators with Assyria, whether they side with the Lord or the Lord’s enemies. Dr. Mario Tafferner is Assistant Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Tyndale Theological Seminary, in Badhoevedorp, The Netherlands. His two most recent publications deal with "The Question of Future Hope in 2 Kgs 25.27–30" in Journal for the Study of the Old Testament (2024) and the translation of "Line 12 of the Mesha Inscription in Light of Shared Scribal Practices in Moab and Ancient South Arabia" in MAARAV (2024). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3Rbjzpd  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Rgdnwe 

Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, who grew up on a family-owned winery in Franconia, Germany, is an independent researcher who long ago noticed the peculiar prominence of wine and vineyards in both the Old and New Testaments. In this episode she talks about learning the biblical languages in preparation for her work and their contribution to a sound understanding of the Bible’s topics. In doing so, she highlights some key lessons taught through the agricultural theme of wine and vineyards in the Bible. Dr. Kreglinger has published Cup Overflowing: Wine’s Place in Faith, Feasting, and Fellowship and The Spirituality of Wine, among other things. She also contributed articles to The Oxford Companion to Wine. In a different vein, she wrote, Storied Revelations: Parables, Imagination, and George MacDonald's Christian Fiction.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4lg6oB2  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Yh1ud6 

Jennifer Powell McNutt, PhD, is the Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Professor of Theology and History of Christianity, Director of M.A. in History of Christianity, and Director of M.A. in Theology at Wheaton Graduate School. She talks about how the biblical languages played a part in her preparation for her work as a church historian, how these languages catalyzed other learning, how they have fueled her scholarship, and also the part that the biblical languages played in the Reformation itself. Some of Prof. McNutt’s recent research concentrates on the biblical personage, Mary Magdalene. Prof. McNutt has co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the Bible and the Reformationand authored The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today, among other things.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4bQP4OX  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/41NzGhF 

Mike Woodruff is the lead pastor at Christ Church (Chicago) and chairs the board for the Lakelight Institute. In this episode, he talks about taking Greek and Hebrew as a student preparing for ministry, and the continuing value of the languages for his teaching. Pastor Woodruff’s publications include, The Life of Jesus Christ,  FutureView: Gaining Perspective on the Rising Waves of Change, Broken and On the News. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4iKSnt4  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4hx1cWt 

In this engaging discussion, the fascinating reign of King Jehoshaphat is unpacked, revealing his commitment to God through the removal of high places. A clever Hebrew wordplay connects the state of Jehoshaphat's heart with his actions, shedding light on the essence of divine elevation. The conversation encourages listeners to uplift their hearts in faith, dismissing pride and distractions, while advocating for a deeper connection with biblical texts in their original languages. Perfect for those seeking to enrich their spiritual journey!

Both Moses and God are popularly thought of as the opposite of grace as portrayed in the Old Testament. Exodus 34 tells the story of a God who does measure out justice to his creation, but magnifies his grace far beyond measure. The difference is that of the life-horizons of an individual contrasted with countless generations. Dr. K. Lawson Younger is Emeritus Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His publications include A Political History of the Arameans: From their Origins to the End of Their Polities, which won the Biblical Archaeology Society 2017 Publication Award for Best Scholarly Book on Archaeology, and Ancient Conquest Accounts: A Study in Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical History Writing. He was Seymour Gitin Distinguished Professor at the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, Israel (2012–13). Music credit for this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRCip6D9uxg. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/41OqpXG  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4heGTgb 

In the laments of Isaiah 63 and 64, God is asked to look down at his people in salvation. In Isaiah 66 a response comes, declaring at whom the Lord will look: Those in Israel afflicted by this world, who tremble at his word. Dr. Andrew Abernethy is Professor of Old Testament, Assistant Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies in the Litfin Divinity School, and Program Director of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton Graduate School. Among other things, he has published, The Book of Isaiah and God's Kingdom: A Thematic-Theological Approach and Eating in Isaiah: Approaching the Role of Food and Drink in Isaiah's Structure and Message. He is currently President of the Institute of Biblical Literature.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4bcR9UU  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4baJGps 

Even in translation, Psalm 1, a favorite of many, can be appreciated for its art and truth. All the more in Hebrew, through which we can see and hear how the psalmist employs letters, repetition of words, sounds, and other devices to convey meaning. Dr. Frederico Villanueva is Regional Commissioning Editor for Langham Publishing and Scholar Care Coordinator of current Asian Langham scholars. His publications include It’s OK to be Not OK: Preaching the Lament Psalms, Psalms 1-72: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary, and Psalms 73-150: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary. He teaches at the Asia Graduate School of Theology and Loyola School of Theology in Manila. HEBREW Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3XaQMEB M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4i722Ka 

Phil. 2:6-11 is and deserves to be one of the most studied passages on Christ in the biblical writings. One grammatical question concerns a participle in v. 6, which is usually understood as concessive (“although”). But might Paul intend a causal sense (“because”)? The implications are profound. Dr. Michael Gorman is Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University. He has published numerous works, including Inhabiting the Cruciform God: Kenosis, Justification, and Theosis in Paul’s Narrative Soteriology and (March, 2025) 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary. Among his current projects, he is writing Philippians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary (Eerdmans). Music credit for this episode: https://youtu.be/YII4o33rJdA?si=Azg_r4FuTkJ97B3K. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4aRQAjd  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3CKZoL5