Sunday, September 29, 2024

How Hebrew Helps Us Interpret the New Testament

Among other things, tomorrow in class we'll learn the Greek numeral "one." I've got several illustrations of this number to discuss with the class, not least this occurrence in Mark 10:8. 

Here the Greek literally reads "And the two will be into flesh one." This is exactly how the Hebrew would put it  -- hence we're talking about a Semitism here. It's amazing to me how much light Hebrew can throw on the exegesis of the New Testament. I even wrote an article about this once. I can assure you, you can read and interpret the Bible without the biblical languages. But you will be better prepared to do so with them. I am never without my (1) Greek New Testament, (2) Hebrew Old Testament, (3) Greek Old Testament, and (4) Hebrew New Testament. In fact, I have three different Hebrew New Testaments. There's nothing like the self-assurance that comes from a firsthand acquaintance with the original languages. But there are costs involved. The riches of exegesis are free, but they are not cheap. 

Are you ready to get started?