In this article, I want to discuss the importance of context, terminology and precise translation of the original text (be it Greek or Hebrew). When it comes to the interpretation of biblical texts and conclusions drawn from them these building blocks…Continue Reading
Category: Articles
Jewish Customs of Mourning
The world of the Bible is full of symbolism that modern readers at times notice and do not appreciate, but very often miss entirely. People’s customs, traditions, and folkways about most ordinary matters of life often reflect deep into their…Continue Reading
Beyond English Bible IV : Reading the Original
Can you read the Bible in the original languages? Yes, anyone can! Well, if you don’t know how, you can certainly learn… And there is a way to do that without taking many years to learn Greek and Hebrew. Don’t get me…Continue Reading
Beyond the English Bible III: Lexicon
Many people know that the Bible they read is a transition. How can a serious student of the Bible go beyond the English text of the Bible? The answer to this question is not always simple and it is not the…Continue Reading
The Symbolism of The Jewish Beard
Since ancient times many Israelites preferred not to shave, but to wear a beard. Males from the western culture, especially since Roman times, preferred to shave off their facial hair. And we have countless images and depictions of people from…Continue Reading
Akedah in An Egyptian Magical Papyrus
A remarkable papyrus written in Coptic was uncovered during a 1934 expedition by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The manuscript was preserved by the Met but had never been deciphered or detailed in a scientific journal until now. It…Continue Reading
Beyond The English Bible I : Concordance
Many students who wish to begin studying beyond the English translations of the Bible do not know how and where to begin. I get questions about this frequently and they deserve a good and thorough answer. I will provide helpful…Continue Reading
A Jewish vs. A Christian Paul: Religion Confusion
It is very common to think of Paul as a Christian. After all, so much of what is called Christian is based on his teachings which are a part of the Scriptures all Christians recognize. But surprisingly Paul did not…Continue Reading
Is This The Seal of Isaiah The Prophet?
An amazing discovery has been just recently unveiled in Jerusalem, a seal that possibly belonging to Isaiah the Prophet. Archaeologists have been digging south of the walls of old Jerusalem in the area known as Ophel. Though outside of the…Continue Reading
Jesus the Nazarene or Nazarite?
After reading the gospels some people start thinking that Yeshua (Jesus) was a Nazarite. “And came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Mat…Continue Reading
Essenes and Qumranites: Unresolved Questions
Were Qumanites Essenes? The famous Dead Sea Scrolls continue to interest many students of ancient Jewish life. One question the scholars of the Dead Sea Scrolls have not resolved is whether the Qumran community was indeed Essene. This was a…Continue Reading
The Puzzle of the Dead Sea Scrolls
What are the Dead Sea Scrolls? In the area of biblical and historical studies, the Dead Sea Scrolls are considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. That is not an exaggeration. The documents were awaiting the day…Continue Reading
General References in the Bible
Everyone knows that translations from one language to another can be misleading and sometimes important ideas and concepts get lost in translation. When it comes to the Bible that is true as well. As hard as translators work the readers…Continue Reading
A Jewish vs. A Christian Paul: Name Confusion
Most people know that Apostle Paul was a pious Jew. Many New Testament readers would note that he was a Pharisee trained with the rabbis at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). And at the same time, most Christians would…Continue Reading
Continued Revival of the Hebrew Language
Hidden away between the dense trees of the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus lies the past, present and future of the Hebrew language. Disguised by its modest exterior and dwarfed by impressive new university faculties, two small buildings are home…Continue Reading
Who Needs Temple Sacrifices?
There is a common sentiment among those who embrace Christ – “Jesus paid it all. That is all you need for atonement of sin”. This is very true, but much more needs to be said about sacrifices in this context.…Continue Reading
Are Those Horns on Moses’ Head?
One of the most magnificent statues of Moses was crafted by Michelangelo – a famed Italian artist of 14th and 15th century. It was commissioned by one of the popes and today it graces the church of St. Peter in…Continue Reading
Methuselah Date Palm From the Days of Jesus
A tree grows in Israel, in Kibbutz Qetura – a Methuselah date palm tree. It is a very unusual tree, a living palm from the days of Jesus which was named Methuselah because of its origins. Technically, it is a young…Continue Reading