Category: Biblical Hebrew

  • Brooke Lester on Genesis 1:1

    Long weekends have slowed down my blogging a bit over the last couple of weeks.  But, I’m going to get a couple of posts out today (I hope).  First, I wanted to point my readers to a helpful post by Brooke Lester on Genesis 1:1.  He deals with one of the important translation issues that…

  • Douglas Mangum's Roundup on the Qeiyafa Ostracon Buzz

    I had thought about doing this myself since there were so many posts about it, but Doug did a great service in producing this roundup.  And, I don’t feel the need to double up.  So, if you want to read what everyone has been saying about potentially the oldest Hebrew inscription found to date, read…

  • It's National Hebrew Day

    Heard this story about National Hebrew Day on The World (not in America I suppose) just a couple of minutes ago.  Very cool!  If you’ve got a few minutes make sure to go over there and listen.  Now, to think of a way to celebrate … Related: Free Hebrew and Greek Courses on iTunes U…

  • Another Free Biblical Greek Course

    Here is a link to another free Biblical Greek course on iTunes U.  It is also from Concordia Seminary, and I thank Bob for pointing it out to me in the comments of my previous post on Biblical Hebrew and Greek Courses. Related: Free Hebrew Audio Resources Free Hebrew Text-based resources

  • Free Hebrew and Greek Courses on iTunes U

    I found free Hebrew and Greek courses that I have not linked to before to my knowledge on iTunes U,  Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek.  I hope the links work for you.  I’ve not used or checked out either of the courses, so if anyone has used them or does use them, please comment to…

  • Psalm 96:5 – Word Play

    Today’s responsorial Psalm is Psalm 96.  In verse 5, there is a word play between the words translated “gods of the peoples” and the word translated “idols” (or “worthless idols” or “worthless” dependent on which translation you are reading).  I wanted to see if you can hear it. Psalm 96:5 For all the gods of…

  • 1 Samuel 5 – Hemorrhoids & the Wrath of God

    I have been reading each morning recently from the Old Testament in the NJPS.  And, it seems like each day I’ve been noticing things I’ve not seen before.  And, today is certainly no exception. I suppose when I have read through 1 Samuel before, I probably read from the NASB or ESV.  And, I believe…

  • "Prostitute," "Harlot," "Whore" – Does it Make a Difference?

    I’m sorry to disappoint you after that provocative title, but this is a translation issue.  I was reading Judges again this morning in the NJPS.  I read Judges 16.1, which is translated as follows: “Once Samson went to Gaza; there he met a whore and slept with her.”  I thought to myself that I was…

  • "Judges" or "Chieftans"?

    This morning as I was reading in the Book of Judges in the New Jewish Publication Society (=NJPS) version of the Tanakh, I came across the word traditionally translated as “judges.”  The NJPS renders the word as “chieftans.” I have also seen it rendered as “leaders/rulers.”  I think the NJPS  and those that render it…

  • How Luz Gets Its Name – Judges 1.23-26

    I was reading the Book of Judges this morning and though it was interesting how Luz supposedly get its name. (Check here for the wider context of Judges 1.23-26). Judges 1.23-26 23 The house of Joseph sent out spies to Bethel (the name of the city was formerly Luz). 24 When the spies saw a…