Session 3 : Art of Biblical words

This illustrates the “encyclopedia” concept I described earlier. The instructor demonstrates how New Testament authors like John weren’t just writing in Greek, they were thinking within the Hebrew Bible’s conceptual framework, even when using Greek vocabulary. The word study of “dwelt” (skēnoō) in John 1:14 perfectly exemplifies this dynamic: while the Greek word simply means “to live in a tent,” John’s Hebrew-shaped encyclopedia transforms it into a profound theological statement about God’s tabernacling presence among his people.

I appreciate the instructor’s balanced approach to personal Bible reading versus scholarly study. Rather than dismissing intimate encounters with Scripture, he argues for anchoring them in careful interpretation to avoid projecting our own ideas onto the text. The emphasis on developing habits like asking “Where else does this word appear?” provides practical tools for bridging the cultural gap between ancient authors and modern readers, ensuring we hear their voices.