Exegetically Speaking

An important verb in Gal. 5:2 could be either passive voice or middle voice. It is translated, “if you accept circumcision” (ESV) or “if ye be circumcised” (KJV) or “if you have yourselves circumcised” (NAB). Verse 4 is sometimes translated, “You are severed from Christ” (ESV) or “You . . . have been alienated from Christ” (NIV). Consideration of the Greek wording is critical for our understanding. Dr. Jeremiah Coogan, Assistant Professor of New Testament at the Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University, is an alum of Wheaton College’s Classical Languages major. He was the 2021 recipient of the Paul J. Achtemeier Award for New Testament Scholarship, and his publications include Eusebius the Evangelist: Rewriting the Fourfold Gospel in Late Antiquity (Oxford University Press). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/48lnN5o M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3UnbIXs 

Does Rom. 13:1 leave room for sanctioned rebellion against a government? Take 1775 for example. Dr. Michael 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/3Y9f6X7  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4dUMkzo 

In Jesus’ prayer of John 17 he prays for future generations of believers with special emphasis on their oneness. Karen Jobes provides a close reading of the Greek of this astonishing and vital passage. Dr. Karen Jobes is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis, Emerita, at Wheaton College & Graduate School. She has authored many books and articles, including John Through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary, and commentaries on Esther, 1 Peter, and 1, 2, 3 John. She served for years on the Committee for Bible Translation (responsible for the NIV translation of the Bible). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3XW4quI  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3By5Tjq 

Greek verbs have been traditionally labeled “tenses,” but many grammarians have for some time argued that “tense” is not the best way to explain what is going on. The linguistic category of “aspect” is a more powerful theoretical explanation. But what is “verbal aspect” and how does this theory affect the reading of Greek texts? Dr. Constantine Campbell is Professor and Research Director at the Sydney College of Divinity (Norwest, Australia). He has published widely on Koiné Greek grammar and the New Testament writings. Examples include, Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek and The Letter to the Ephesians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. He is also a jazz saxophonist and a visiting instructor at The Australian National University School of Music.  Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4elFSSP  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3zDIfl0 

Because he was known for his baptisms, and because English transliterates the Greek words, John’s nickname as “the Baptist” provokes little thought. It ought to. Dr. James F. McGrath is Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University. His publications include Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist and (forthcoming), John of History, Baptist of Faith: The Quest for the Historical Baptizer. He co-edited, The Mandaean Book of John: Critical Edition, Translation, and Commentary. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3Blt406  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3zpFfIW 

Phil. 1:27 is translated by the NIV as, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel,” while the NLT translates it as, “you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News.” Here and in 3:20 Paul is using a Greek verb and noun that he uses nowhere else in his letters, aside from a related word in Eph. 2:12. What is the implied message in using this language while addressing this particular church? Dr. Jeannine Brown is the David Price Professor of Biblical and Theological Foundations at Bethel Seminary. Her many publications include Philippians: An Introduction and Commentary and Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3MyAQGD  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47fHaw8 

The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 reads in the NIV: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” In the Greek wording, the first occurrence of the word ‘heaven’ is plural in form, but the second is singular. Close attention to this difference across the Greek OT and NT reveals a difference in meaning between those forms of the same word. Dr. Scott Hafemann is Honorary Reader in New Testament at St. Mary’s College, the University of St. Andrews, and was the first holder of the Gerald F. Hawthorne Chair of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College. His many publications include Paul: Servant of the New Covenant: Pauline Polarities in Eschatological Perspective, and 2 Corinthians: From Biblical Text - to Contemporary Life (NIV Application Commentary). Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3MD7nLq  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47fdj6Q 

Prof. N. T. “Tom” Wright returns to our podcast to discuss Eph. 3:10 and its vision for the church in the present age: God’s “intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” God created us so that through us he could show the world who he is, in particular, by a community of all races and nations drawn together in love. Rev. Dr. N. T. Wright is Research Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary’s College in the University of St Andrews and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. His work has established him as the 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. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3zbWrl0  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47lwSe2 

The Gospels tell us the story of John the Baptist and Jesus in distinct ways. Mark’s narrative is a fast-moving action story, comparable in some ways to John Grisham’s style. Attention to Mark’s use of the aorist tense in particular helps us appreciate where the real action is. Michael Kibbe earned his Ph.D. at Wheaton Graduate School, and is Associate Professor of Bible at Great Northern University, Spokane, Washington, a gem of a program. For more information about Great Northern University in Spokane, visit their website: https://gnu.edu. Among Michael’s publications are, Godly Fear or Ungodly Failure?: Hebrews 12 and the Sinai Theophanies and From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research, which was followed by From Research to Teaching: A Guide to Beginning Your Classroom Career. GREEK Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dpd6k1  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3X7hH4w 

Psalm 46 is a psalm for our moment, and its encouraging message is amplified when read in Hebrew. The psalm reminds us that amidst the nations in uproar, and battles, and devastations, and mountains falling into the sea, the God of Jacob is our high fortress, lifting us above the chaos. Our instinct in turmoil is to tighten our grip on things. The psalmist advises us to let go and know that the Lord is God. Dr. Megan Roberts is an alumna of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton College, and Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of Bible/Theology at Prairie College, Alberta, Canada. Her dissertation, Memory Formation in Isaiah 40–55: Healing to Accomplish Comfort, is forthcoming with Brill. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3As5Gxy  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4der6wI