Exegetically Speaking

Wheaton College

"Exegetically Speaking" is a weekly podcast of the friends and faculty of Wheaton College, IL and The Lanier Theological Library. Hosted by Dr. David Capes, it features language experts who discuss the importance of learning the biblical languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—and show how reading the Bible in the original languages "pays off." Each podcast lasts between seven and eleven minutes and covers a different topic for those who want to read the Bible for all it is worth. Click on the ⓘ symbol below for each episode to read the description.

If you're interested in going deeper, learn more about Wheaton's undergraduate degree in Classical Languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Latin) and our MA in Biblical Exegesis.

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S7 · E49
Monday · 13 min
So Many Days Till Judgment, with Milton Acosta: Jonah 3:4
In the Hebrew of Jonah 3:4, the prophet announces a forty day delay before judgment falls on the Assyrian city of Nineveh. In the Greek version (LXX) of the same passage, the period allowed is just three days. Sometimes the Greek version is a more reliable witness to the original than the Hebrew, since the Hebrew may exist only in later copies. So did Jonah announce a deadline of three days or forty days? Dr. Milton Acosta is Associate Director of Training with Mesa Global, and was formerly professor of Old Testament and chair of the Biblical Sciences Research Group at la Fundación Universitaria Seminario Bíblico de Colombia. His publications include El Humor En El Antiguo Testamento; he also serves as Old Testament editor for the Latin America Bible Commentary. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4oy8f6n M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4v8IKuL
S7 · E48
August 17 · 10 min
A Vision of Visions for Israel and the Self-Doubting Nations, with David Baer: Isaiah 2:3
In a passage closely paralleled in Micah 4, the entire book of Isaiah is anticipated. A Hebrew particle in Isa. 2:3, the meaning of which is debated, hints at the scope of the inclusion of the nations (Gentiles) in God's dealings with Israel and the nations' own misgivings about the extent of their inclusion. Will they experience partial or full participation? Dr. David Baer, a Wheaton College alum and a missionary with Mesa Global, is Director of Mesa Scholars and Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Medellín's Biblical Seminary of Colombia. His publications include (co-editor), Leshon Limmudim: Essays on the Language and Literature of the Hebrew Bible in Honour of A.A. Macintosh. In an earlier episode of this podcast he discussed Isa. 57:15. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4a0GRrJ M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4fRR2md
S7 · E47
August 10 · 8 min
Erasmus Vision, with David Baer
Dr. David Baer, a Wheaton College alum and a missionary with Mesa Global, is Director of Mesa Scholars and Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Medellín's Biblical Seminary of Colombia. In this episode he announces and explains a planned Erasmus Academy of Biblical Languages, which will be a Spanish language institution, based in Colombia, serving as a platform for learning the biblical languages across the global Spanish speaking world. Dr. Baer's publications include When We All Go Home: Translation and Theology in LXX Isaiah 56-66. This is his second time on this podcast series. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/43BSemk M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4uA1zpu
S7 · E46
August 3 · 13 min
God Gave the One Named Son, with George Kalantzis: John 3:16
Prof. George Kalantzis returns for a third comment on one of the Bible's most well-known verses, John 3:16. A seemingly small question – should the English pronoun 'his' be inserted where the Greek has only the article 'the'? – swells with importance when viewed through the lens of the church's theological growth over the centuries following the apostles. Dr. George Kalantzis is Professor of Theology and Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College. Among his publications are Theodore of Mopsuestia: Gospel of John and Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service. He has been editor or co-editor of several volumes, including, Christian Dying: Witnesses from the Tradition. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4tUlbFz M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3P1abqI
S7 · E45
July 27 · 14 min
The Masoretes, the LXX, the Scrolls, and Modern Translations, with Michael Graves: 2 Samuel 17:3
The KJV of 2 Sam. 17:3 reads in part, "And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace," whereas the ESV reads, "and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace." Behind this difference is a fascinating story of rediscovery worthy of Indiana Jones. Dr. Michael Graves, a frequent contributor to this podcast, is Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College. He is the translator of Commentary on Jeremiah (Ancient Christian Texts) and author of How Scripture Interprets Scripture, among other things. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4tiQPeS M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4eXoqY4
S7 · E44
July 20 · 9 min
Nothing Iffy About It, with Philip Graham Ryken: Philippians 2:1
Paul writes to the Philippian believers, "if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love . . . ." Does he doubt that they do? How do conditional sentences work on occasions like this? Dr. Phil Ryken, who has been a regular on our podcast, is the President of Wheaton College, 8th in the college's history. His most recent book is I Have My Doubts: How God Can Use Your Uncertainty to Reawaken Your Faith. You can hear many of his talks at Family Life Ministry – Podcast or at Every Last Word. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4urqZpE M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4eMmXnB
S7 · E43
July 13 · 8 min
Assonance, Burning Brush, and Consonance, with Bradley Cameron: Ecclesiastes 7:5
In the hevel-ridden world of Ecclesiastes the writer is asking whether it is all worth it for human beings. These reflections resonate with a modern audience, but what can be hard to grasp in translation is the sound of the Hebrew sentences, which itself assists in conveying the intended meaning. Bradley Cameron (PhD, Wheaton), who has been on the podcast before, is Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. His dissertation was, "Learning to Fear: An Exploration of the Fear of God in Ecclesiastes through the Lens of Emotion." His publications can be found on his faculty page. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dbqUQh M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/48Dqj8y
S7 · E42
July 6 · 14 min
A Wee Little Man, with Jon Laansma: Luke 19:3
In Luke 19:3, Zacchaeus is unable to see Jesus because he is short. Is it possible that the short person in question is Jesus? Jon C. Laansma is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek & Exegesis and the Director of the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College, and also the Wheaton-based director of this podcast series. Some of his publications may be found here. He is currently working on a commentary on 1 Corinthians for the T&T Clark International Theological Commentary series. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4uOCpV1 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4uu1Ivc
S7 · E41
June 29 · 11 min
Finding Community in a New Social Unit, with John Walton: Genesis 2:24
The traditional translations of Gen. 2:24 have the man "leaving his father and mother," "clinging to his wife," and "becoming one flesh." The assumed frame of reference is that of marriage and sexual union. Yet situating that language in its cultural context and noting a Babylonian parallel to one of those phrases points to a corporate frame of reference. Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. He has many volumes in his "Lost World" series along with many other publications, including, Genesis (NIV Application Commentary). He is currently collaborating with Dr. Aubrey Buster in preparing a major commentary on Daniel (NICOT). The first volume on Daniel 1-6 is already available, and the second volume on Daniel 7-12 is on the way. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/42KEbKC M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Rmomao
S7 · E40
June 22 · 12 min
Noah: First Impressions as Prologue, with Adam Miglio: Genesis 5:29 and 6:6-8
When Noah (Noach) is first introduced in Genesis 5, it is said that "he will bring us relief (nacham)." This and other wordplays will feature significantly throughout the entire story of the flood, not least in Gen. 6:6-8. Dr. Adam E. Miglio, a frequent contributor to our podcast, is Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. His publications include The Gilgamesh Epic in Genesis 1-11: Peering into the Deep and Tribe and State: The Dynamics of International Politics and the Reign of Zimri-Lim. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dpBfZV M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/49rF9iw
S7 · E39
June 15 · 10 min
The Divine Parakletos, with Philip Graham Ryken: John 14:16, 26
In a Trinitarian passage, Jesus (the Son) declares, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another παράκλητος (parakletos), to be with you forever." The understanding of that Greek designation of the Holy Spirit is critical for grasping the promise of Jesus, the assurance it contains, and the marks of its fulfillment. Dr. Phil Ryken, who has been a regular on our podcast, is the President of Wheaton College, 8th in the college's history. His most recent book is I Have My Doubts: How God Can Use Your Uncertainty to Reawaken Your Faith. You can hear many of his talks at Family Life Ministry – Podcast or at Every Last Word. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4wqxtaq M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/48FmVtH
S7 · E38
June 8 · 10 min
They've Taken the Lord, with Amy Peeler: John 20:2
Some modern translations of John 20:2 have Mary exclaiming, "They have taken away the Lord's body from the tomb." The word "body" is not in the Greek sentence, and its insertion might dampen our sympathy with Mary's profound grief. Dr. Amy Peeler has contributed several episodes to this podcast. She is the Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies, Professor of New Testament, and Chair of the Ph.D. Program at Wheaton College. Her most recent publication include Ordinary Time: The Season of Growth and Hebrews (Commentaries for Christian Formation). She is presently working on Paul's view on the impact of the Incarnation. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3QOZOqE M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4tZGPs8
S7 · E37
June 1 · 8 min
To Breathe' or 'A Witness'? Ugaritic, Hebrew, and the Text of Proverbs 12:17, with Andrew Burlingame: Proverbs 12:17
We are approaching the centenary of the discovery of the Ugaritic language, which belongs to the same family of languages as Hebrew, Aramaic, Moabite, and others. This relationship with Hebrew permits insights to flow both from Hebrew to Ugaritic and Ugaritic to Hebrew. One illustration of this is found in Prov. 12:17. A word traditionally parsed as a verb in a context that seemed to call for a noun was confirmed to be a noun when Ugaritic parallels were uncovered. Some English translations are still catching up. Dr. Andrew Burlingame, a prior contributor to this podcast, is a Wheaton College Classical Languages program alumnus and is now Assistant Professor of Hebrew at the same. He specializes in Northwest Semitic languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Phoenician, and Ugaritic, along with their history and texts. Some of his recent publications are featured here. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dbosJz M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4nb1vKP
S7 · E36
May 25 · 10 min
Backpacks, with John Walton
Due to his extensive writing and lecturing John Walton is recognized as a leading scholar on OT backgrounds. His attempts to convey this research to varied audiences, often non-specialists, has led him to search out imagery that will make even involved ideas more intuitively accessible. One such metaphor is that of cultural "backpacks." Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. He has many volumes in his "Lost World" series along with many other publications, including (with Andrew Hill), A Survey of the Old Testament (4th ed.). He is currently collaborating with Dr. Aubrey Buster in preparing a major commentary on Daniel (NICOT). The first volume on Daniel 1-6 is already available, and the second volume on Daniel 7-12 is on the way. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4daJ6cH M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3OYI4bK
S7 · E35
May 18 · 10 min
Evoking Penelope's Suitors, with Alex Loney: Luke 15:30
When, in one of Jesus' most well-known parables, the "prodigal son" returns, his older brother feels wronged by the warm reception accorded by their father. The charges he lays against his younger brother may be even stronger than often realized if we perceive echoes of a key scene in Homer's Odyssey. Dr. Alexander Loney is Associate Professor of Classical Languages and the Coordinator of the Classical Languages program at Wheaton College. His publications include The Ethics of Revenge and the Meanings of the Odyssey and (co-editor) The Oxford Handbook of Hesiod. He has contributed several episodes to our podcast. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4er2T9Y M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4d1iSJD
S7 · E34
May 11 · 14 min
A Failure to Intercede, with Ellie Paley: Job 42:7
In a recent episode, Dr. Ellie Paley walked us through Job 42:6, Job's final response to God's answer from the whirlwind. The very next verse, Job 42:7, presents the conundrum of how Job, who was just rebuked by God, is now commended by God in contrast to his three friends. The Hebrew wording suggests that the key difference between Job and his friends lies in the direction of their speaking: To God about Job or to Job about God? Dr. Paley has taught courses at Duke Divinity School and Jerusalem University College, and is transitioning to a postdoctoral position at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv. Her doctoral research on Divine-Human Dialogue and Resolution in the Book of Job is forthcoming with Brill. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/48GQoDD M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3RjAzww
S7 · E33
May 4 · 9 min
Not a Road Less Traveled By, with Ken Gore: Psalm 23:1-3
Though most often cited at funerals or in times of greatest difficulty, Psalm 23 has a profound message for the whole of life. A close reading of the Hebrew of the opening verses bears out some of this. Dr. Kenneth Gore is Professor of Biblical Studies at Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith, Dallas Baptist University. He wrote the column "Baptists Ask," for the Arkansas Baptist News from October 2001 to March 2020, and recently contributed a series of articles on The Psalms for GC2 Press. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4cFzZld M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4t3bZ04
S7 · E32
April 27 · 13 min
Only Begotten God, with Michael Bird: John 1:18
For the 350th episode of this podcast, Dr Michael Bird reviews the ways in which John's Gospel presents Jesus as equal to God, and then concentrates on the language of 1:18. Is the idea that of Jesus as the "only begotten" of the Father, what would that mean, and how would later theological terminology express what John is teaching? Dr. Bird is Deputy Principal and Academic Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia). His many publications include What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine through the Apostles' Creed and Jesus among the gods: Early Christology in the Greco-Roman World. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4mAwEY0 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/41Duai0
S7 · E31
April 20 · 13 min
Crushed, Contrite, Cagey, or Consoled?, with Ellie Paley: Job 42:6
Following Job's sufferings, mourning, arguments with his friends, and God's own speech to him, Job makes his final response in Job 42. But the Hebrew of Job 42:6 has been hotly contested in scholarship, with its interpretation bearing significant implications for how this afflicted God-fearer has emerged from his long-awaited encounter with God. Dr. Ellie Paley has taught courses at Duke Divinity School and Jerusalem University College, and is transitioning to a postdoctoral position at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv. Her doctoral research on Divine-Human Dialogue and Resolution in the Book of Job is forthcoming with Brill. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4vrZZaV M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/480BQ1j
S7 · E30
April 13 · 13 min
Pray Regularly, with Jeff Peterson: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Two of the shortest verses in the Bible are 1 Thess. 5:16 and 17: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing" (NRSV). Dr. Jeff Peterson argues that that these verses are directed to leaders of the Thessalonian church, along with all of vv. 14-22, and he zeroes in on the Greek adverb translated "without ceasing." Concretely, what was Paul asking the recipients of his letter to do? Dr. Jeff Peterson is Professor of New Testament at Harding School of Theology, Harding University. His publications include (co-editor), Marcan Priority Without Q: Explorations in the Farrer Hypothesis. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/3NUCXJ0 M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4diWywK

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