Exegesis is the critical interpretation of a Biblical text, to explore its meaning, significance and relevance.
-3
votes
2answers
224 views
Inconsistency in Biblical interpreatation (Genesis & Judges) [closed]
The Sodom story in Genesis 19 is about the attempted gang-rape of two (apparent) men. This is usually taken as an indictment against homosexuality in general.
A very similar story appears in Judges ...
6
votes
2answers
191 views
Significance of Genesis 1 verb choices
I was surprised recently when I read Genesis 1 again, and noticed how inactive God is during the creation process. I mean that from a literary standpoint, not a literal one... bear with me. :)
Below ...
3
votes
1answer
76 views
What is the biblical basis for the position that Embryonic Stem Cell Research is immoral/sinful?
Many churches teach the embryonic stem cell Research is strictly wrong, while adult stem cell research is alright. What is the biblical basis for this teaching and why are the two distinguished?
1
vote
2answers
278 views
Does 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 assume Christian pacifism?
In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Paul makes a contrast between spiritual warfare and war "according to human standards":
Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human ...
2
votes
1answer
252 views
Does the Bible say it is sinful for a woman (mother) to work outside of the home?
Does the Bible say it is sinful for a woman (mother) to work outside of the home? Does 1 Timothy 5:8 mean that only the husband is to provide for the family?
Anyone who does not provide for their ...
9
votes
4answers
160 views
How to know when to be skeptical of a particular Bible commentary
I was watching "Crossing the Threshold" with Fr. Mitch Pacwa last night and he was saying that when starting a bible study it is good for each member of the bible study to get their own commentaries. ...
1
vote
2answers
186 views
In the parable of the sower, what exegetical reasons are there to interpret the third type of soil to be genuine Christians?
In the parable of the sower, four types of soil are mentioned. It seems to be pretty commonly accepted that the first two types of soils represent unbelievers or "make believers". The fourth type of ...
16
votes
2answers
237 views
Will blind people be blind in Heaven?
Matthew 18:9, NIV:
And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
...
12
votes
2answers
254 views
What is the significance of the three distinct aspects of the temptation of Eve in the garden?
Genesis 3 indicates that there were three distinct aspects of the temptation of Eve:
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was
a delight to the eyes, and that the ...
9
votes
2answers
272 views
Will curses have any impact or effect on Christians?
Christians believe that Jesus saved us by His blood. Since God is the only true God and through Jesus we have victory over Satan, it is claimed that we do not have to fear on curses.
But I hear many ...
8
votes
1answer
209 views
To what do the seven churches of Revelation refer?
I have heard of the Seven Church Ages interpretation of the seven churches of Revelation, specifically that each church identified there also represents ages of the church since that time. I've also ...
10
votes
4answers
278 views
What is joy? How is it different from happiness (or is it)?
The bible talks all about joy.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
...
5
votes
2answers
470 views
What is the significance of Eve being created as a “helper fit for [Adam]?”
The Bible appears to indicate that there was a specific purpose in the creation of Eve, from Adam, to be a helper fit for him. It seems, then, that the design of Adam and Eve may be distinct, while ...
10
votes
2answers
905 views
Why are wives considered the “weaker partner”? (1 Peter 3:7)
In 1 Peter, we read:
1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the ...
11
votes
4answers
249 views
Hebrew OT translation to Greek NT
Hebrews 10:5 (ESV) states
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me;
This is an ...
7
votes
2answers
296 views
The effect of poison on Christians
Can someone explain me these passages about the effect of poison?
Who is immune to poison?
Why do they have this trait?
Why isn't anyone today immune to poison?
Mark 16:17-18
17And these ...
8
votes
2answers
131 views
Jesus on how seeds germinate
Jesus tells us in John 12:24 that
unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Today the process of germination ...
3
votes
1answer
476 views
Why do women have inferior rights in the Bible? [closed]
The Bible has many parts (in both the Old and New Testaments) that shows the inferior status of women.
Does this come from status in ancient times or does it have another basis?
Why do woman today ...
10
votes
2answers
203 views
Where is the dead body in Luke 17?
Jesus talks about the coming of the Kingdom of God in Luke 17:20-37. This passage raises four related questions for me:
Is this talking about the Rapture?
Where is "a dead body", that Jesus mentions ...
6
votes
1answer
136 views
Is Paul making an oath in Galatians 1?
Several times in the New Testament, we are told not to make oaths but to make simple statements of affirmation or denial. For example...
Matthew 5:33-37 (NIV)
33 “Again, ...
8
votes
2answers
364 views
What are vows? Are they relevant even today?
Psalms 76:11 (NIV) says
Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them.
Many other passages in the old testament as well we hear about vows and fulfilling it.
In New testament we read in ...
11
votes
4answers
419 views
If the Bible is open to interpretation, how does one know which one is right?
Often times when I cite a particularly egregious passage from the Bible in an argument with a Christian, they just shrug and say it's not meant be taken literally, that it's parable, or worse - that ...
5
votes
2answers
299 views
What does Revelation 21:5 mean by “everything”?
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)::
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
My pastor included this ...
14
votes
2answers
179 views
By what mechanism could the Bible be inerrant?
For those who believe in the inerrancy of the Bible (or those who understand the positions of those who do), how can the Bible have this status given all the opportunities for any message delivered by ...
9
votes
2answers
142 views
What is the Meaning of Hebrews 2:11 - he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one
Hebrews 2:11 (KJV)
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
It is very confusing to read "he that ...
15
votes
3answers
353 views
What is the specific meaning of “die” in Genesis 2?
Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV):
16And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you ...
18
votes
5answers
813 views
Why is “elohim” translated as “God” and not “gods”? [closed]
I was looking at the Holman Christian Standard Bible and I saw that Elohim is plural. Were it to be translated plural it would read something like:
"In the beginning, gods created the heavens and ...
5
votes
4answers
177 views
How literally is Romans 10:14 supposed to be taken?
I recently learned that St. Augustine held an extremely literal view of a particular verse in Romans...
Romans 10:14 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they ...
8
votes
2answers
490 views
What exactly did Jesus mean when He said “I am coming soon” and similar phrases?
From Jesus:
Luke 17:37 (NLT)
37 “Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked.
Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass ...
7
votes
5answers
644 views
How would a Christian explain the “contradiction” of homosexuality?
In the bible it is said many times that homosexuality is a sin, however love is the most imortant thing, and compassion is important as well; love your neighbour as yourself.
How would a Christian ...
17
votes
2answers
796 views
Interpretation of the scripture “One Lord, one faith, one baptism?”
Ephesians 4:5 states there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Some Christians interpret this to mean that a single denomination (with its beliefs, doctrines, and practices) constitutes the "one ...
6
votes
3answers
256 views
What is the significance of “Zealot” in Acts 1:13?
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and ...
6
votes
2answers
142 views
Does Genesis 3 tell of a theophany?
Genesis 3:8-9 (NLT)
8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 ...
9
votes
3answers
318 views
What is the non-abstract definition of love according to the Bible?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily ...
26
votes
5answers
2k views
Who were the “giants” mentioned in the Bible?
I've come across several verses in the Bible that speak of "giants". For example:
Gen 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the ...
11
votes
4answers
138 views
Does the Bible give any reason as to why its content is sometimes difficult to interpret?
As evidenced by this site, and the divisions between various Christian denominations, there seems to be a lot of different ways some passages in the bible can be interpreted.
One example is ...
14
votes
4answers
478 views
Is it possible for a human to stop sinning? (Is X a sinner?) [closed]
It's a familiar tale.
The Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They asked if she should be stoned. Jesus (after a bit) said "Let him that is without sin among you first cast the ...
6
votes
1answer
68 views
What is the significance of adding “fiery” to Ephesians 6:16?
Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing ...
8
votes
4answers
237 views
Why is the Bible subject to a high level of interpretation?
I realise there's always a level of interpretation neccesary when reading anything, but the level of interpretation needed to understand the Bible is very high when compared to everyday reading - some ...
6
votes
2answers
132 views
Do Christian denominations vary in interpreting what is sinful or not?
I've noticed in some answers and comments the sentiment that whether an act is sinful or not is always cut-and-dried.
Does this mean that in all the ways the various denominations of Christianity ...
18
votes
2answers
257 views
How did Judas die?
Judas Iscariot committed suicide when he realized the evil that he had done.
Matthew 27:3-5 (KJV)
3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
What does John 2:24 mean?
I have trouble understanding what John 2:24 and John 2:25 mean. Does anyone know what it means for Jesus to not "commit himself unto them"?
John 2:22-25 (KJV)
22 When therefore he was risen ...
8
votes
3answers
154 views
Apparent Discrepancy in Mark 2:26
There seems to be an apparent discrepancy in Mark 2:26, Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees for complaining that his disciples are picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath:
Mark 2:26
26 How he ...
13
votes
1answer
104 views
Does the Bible itself give us clues about which parts to interpret literally and which figuratively?
I know that the question may seem a little bit self-referential but I ask it anyway:
There is often great controversy among Christians what parts of the Bible are to be interpreted literally and what ...
16
votes
4answers
331 views
Was the flood of Noah global or local?
Genesis 7 and 8 describes the flood of Noah, and says in part:
The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. They rose greatly on the earth, ...
6
votes
3answers
273 views
Is there Biblical support for Hell?
One of the common tenets of Christian Universalism (as well as Annihilationism) is the non-existence of Hell as an eternal punishment for non-Christians, that everyone has been granted salvation ...
7
votes
1answer
210 views
What is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:22?
Inspired by an answer to one of my other questions, what is the proper meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:22?
KJV
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
NIV:
reject every kind of evil.
NKJV
...
8
votes
1answer
154 views
What is the scope of John 3:16?
I have never heard of any verse more quoted and memorized than this one. Many people know it without knowing a single other thing about Christianity.* If there was one verse we don't need to quote in ...
9
votes
4answers
696 views
What is the message of Matthew 9:5?
Matthew 9:1-8 (NIV)
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ...
11
votes
1answer
259 views
Are these Bible verses referencing UFOs?
Ezekiel 1:16:
This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.
Exodus 13:22:
...
