Jesus the Leg-breaker, Part 1

“Jesus the leg-breaker” is a more persistent tale than I expected.  I decided not to give it short shrift. I am the beautiful shepherd,[1] Jesus said.  Did He mean to turn my attention to Him or to human shepherds?  Do I know Him through the Bible?  Or should I study...

My Reasons and My Reason, Part 7

I am persuaded that the primary meaning of πορνεία in the New Testament refers to ancient idolatrous worship practices.  It can be stretched to mean adultery in general (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 NET Table): For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away...

Forgiven or Passed Over? Part 2

I studied ʽâbar through Genesis.  Nothing so far justifies translating it forgiven in Nathan’s response to David’s confession—Yes, and the Lord has forgiven (ʽâbar, העביר; Septuagint: παρεβίβασεν) your sin.[1]  But ʽâbar kept some evocative company for anyone studying...

Appendix 1

pânı̂ym – Genesis Reference Hebrew NET NKJV Septuagint Genesis 1:2 פני surface of the watery deep face of the deep ἐπάνω (above) Genesis 1:2 פני surface of the water face of the waters ἐπάνω (above) Genesis 1:20 פני across the expanse of the sky face of the...

Deuteronomy, Part 1

I intend to do a detailed study of Deuteronomy.  It coincided with my reading of an article in Newsweek, but I don’t know yet if that is anything more than a coincidence.  This is what Moses said to the assembly of Israel in the Transjordanian wastelands,[1] the book...

Romans, Part 55

I am continuing my attempt to view—Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord[1]—as a definition of love (ἀγάπη) rather than as rules.  This particular essay is focused on the story of Jesus feeding five thousand plus people in the light of his...