Archive for category Hebrew
Why Do You Believe the Bible? Part 1
Posted by Peter in Ancient Hebrew, Bible, Genesis, Hebrew, Jesus, Old Testament on September 28, 2009
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I have been teaching a discipleship class at our church (different from the Hebrews Bible Study that some of you are following). It is a four-part series on Genesis 1:1, among other things. The class is a study of the supernatural nature of the Hebrew language and the ancient Hebrew pictographs making up Genesis 1:1 and other Biblical names and passages.
I have tried to upload the Power Point files, but none of the services that I am aware of allow for the Hebrew fonts I have used, so I have taken screen captures of the slides and included them as images. I hope it makes sense. Also, there are many slides, so I will publish the teachings in multiple parts.
The first class was entitled “Why do you believe the Bible?” We looked at at three key places in scripture where the same event is graphically depicted in the ancient Hebrew pictographs. I will publish the first teaching in three parts.
Why do you believe the Bible?
Genesis 1:1
We began, appropriately enough, “In the beginning,” by looking at the pictographs that make up the Hebrew word “Barasheet,” most frequently translated, “In the beginning.”
In the original Hebrew alphabet, each pictograph represented a letter of the alphabet, a number, and had a symbolic meaning. By looking at those pictographs, a richer, deeper understanding of the text is gained.
Barasheet is spelled in Hebrew BET (the equivalent of our letter B, depicted in the ancient Hebrew pictographs as a house or tent, symbolically meaning “house” as in a lineage; RESH (R), depicted as a man’s head, meaning the first or highest person; ALEPH (A), depicted as an ox head, meaning strength or God, as in, “the Lord is my strength;” SHIN (S or Sh), depicted as two teeth, meaning to consume or destroy; YOD (Y), depicted as an arm from the elbow to the fist, meaning “my” or efforts or works; and TAV (T), depicted as two crossed sticks, meaning mark or covenant.
The first two letters of Barasheet BET and RESH together form the Hebrew/Aramaic word “bar” or “son.” So, when we look at the ancient Hebrew pictographs, we see that “In the beginning” is actually a graphic depiction of the SON of GOD being CONSUMED/DESTROYED with his HANDS on a CROSS. The slides show the modern Hebrew letter, the name of the letter, the symbolic meaning, what is pictured in the pictograph (in parentheses), and the pictograph itself.
In the beginning
That’s quite a remarkable beginning. For a slightly different look at this, you can read my earlier post In the beginning.
During the class, I taught that the traditional belief that the first prophecy in scripture is in Genesis 3 is actually incorrect, and that it is, “In the beginning.” I believe the most powerful and creative force in the universe is the spoken word of God. If so, by its very nature, it must be prophetic especially in view of God’s creativity. God not only created the universe, but in speaking, He created language, an alphabet, math and science, and everything else.
This week, however, I was humbled by the Lord who showed me something else quite remarkable. In Genesis 3, the “first prophecy” is God cursing the serpent saying,
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
“In the beginning,” the very nature of the Son’s destruction on the cross is accomplished by the pictograph depicting two teeth, the very manner in which a serpent would “strike.” So, the first prophecy in scripture is both “In the beginning” and in Genesis 3.
There was obviously a lot more, it was an hour-long class. I will try to put as much as I can in parts 2 and 3 which will follow soon. Enjoy.
Related Posts:
Just Call Me “teacher”
Posted by Peter in Ancient Hebrew, Bible, Blogging, Christianity, Genesis, God, Hebrew, Jesus, Old Testament on September 11, 2009
I am “teaching” a discipleship class at our church starting this Sunday. I’m really looking forward to it.
It has been in the planning stages since about the first of the year, but I was pleasantly (and amusingly) surprised to find a postcard in the mail from our church publicizing the class.
The class will run for four weeks on Sunday evenings. I will probably post about the classes just for fun, although a lot of what I’m going to cover is already here somewhere (see links below). It’s going to be a blast.
Note the text:
Come experience the Word of God with teacher Peter Lopez and explore treasures from the Scripture God placed there for you to find!
I have taught several classes as an adjunct faculty member at a local college, but this makes it seem more official. Didn’t they call Jesus “Teacher?” Well, henceforth, just call me “teacher,” too. 
[Note the distinction in titles-I will forego the capitalization in reverence to my Teacher.]
The class was named after, you guessed it, this blog and will be “an exploration of the beauty of the Word of God.” Ringing any bells? Specifically, we will look at Genesis 1:1 in the ancient Hebrew pictographs and a whole slew of other cool stuff.
Each of the four weeks there will be a theme or purpose that ties in to the teaching. The plan is also to conclude with prayer for specific needs related to the themes. For example (a very rough draft):
- Week 1 – Faith: Why you can trust God’s Word. Related Teachings: In the beginning, My Covenant, and The Language of God.
- Week 2 – Knowing Jesus as Your Shepherd. Related Teachings: The Lord is My Shepherd, On Creation, and What’s in a Name.
- Week 3 – Encountering Heaven. Related Teachings: Oh, My Heavens Part 1 and Part 2 and The Salvation of “the earth”.
- Week 4 – Revelation: God and His Word. Related Teachings: God’s Signature.
If anyone out there in cyberspace needs or wants prayer for an increase of faith, to know Jesus as your shepherd, to encounter heaven, or for revelation from and about God and His Word, please let me know. We will pray specifically for those wants and needs, and we will pray for you individually. Let me know in the comment section below, or, if you prefer a little more privacy, use the “Contact” for above.
Bob MacDonald’s Translation of Job is Up
Posted by Peter in Bible, Bible Translations, Hebrew, Old Testament on July 9, 2009
Those of you familiar with BOB’s friend Bob will know that he has been publishing his translation of the book of Job on his blog Sufficiency.
Well, please join me in congratulating Bob because he has finished his translation. You can read through the translation on the blog or download the pdf version.
I’m no expert, but the feat alone is remarkable. I know he would welcome any comments or feedback. I have downloaded it, and if the first few chapters are any indication of the whole, it will be well worth your time.
An Exciting New Blog-The World Bible Translation Center Blog
Posted by Peter in Bible, Bible Translations, Blogging, Christianity, Genesis, Greek, Hebrew, New Testament, Old Testament on June 17, 2009
I am excited to report on a new blog I was emailed about last night (by my pastor). It is the World Bible Translation Center Weekly Blog (Wonder of the Word). The Wonder of the Word…it has a Beauty of the Bible sort of feel, doesn’t it?
As it happens, the founding pastor of our church now works at the World Bible Translation Center. If I’m not mistaken, an Arabic translation was released recently, and the WBTC is currently working on several translation projects. Here is the list of the languages in which the WBTC has completed a translation, and you can download the Bible in pdf form in Burmese, Punjabi, or one of the other languages.
The WBTC has also published an English Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) (originally the English Version for the Deaf, or the EVD), which served as the basis for the International Children’s Version (ICV) which I am becoming acquainted with as the father of an 11-month old. So, you may be familiar with the WBTC even if you’re not familiar with it.
If you are so led, you may also support the WBTC financially (the blog is not a solicitation for funds, by the way) which our church and my family does. We have been told that it costs approximately $750,000.00 to translate the Bible into a new language, or approximately $25.00 per verse. It should come as no surprise to my readers that my wife and I have chosen to sponsor Genesis 1:1 in as many languages as possible.
It is a worthwhile project and I highly encourage you to support it in any way possible. You can put it in your blogroll.
Book Review-The King James Only Controversy
Posted by Peter in Bible, Bible Translations, Book Reviews, Christianity, God, Greek, Hebrew, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology on June 3, 2009
I want to thank Bethany House for the courtesy copy of The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? (2nd ed.) by James R. White.
Book Details:
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations?
James R. White
Bethany House, March 2009
ISBN 978-0-7642-0605-4
Buy The King James Only Controversy @ Amazon
I want to begin by sharing two initial thoughts. Well, actually, one thought and secondly a disclaimer. First, The King James Only Controversy is much more than a simple journalistic account of the “King James only” debate. It is a primer for the non-scholar who is, even if only casually, interested in Bible translation and the accompanying philosophies and methodologies.
Second, my only exposure to the controversy has been on the internet (other than a snide remark here or there by television preachers about “watered-down versions” ). I live in an NIV-primarily region of the country. I most frequently read the NASB, but my pastor preaches out of the NKJV, so I carry that with me on Sundays. Thus, I incline toward the author’s conclusions even before reading the book. It is a bias that I don’t think influences my review of the book, but it is a bias I want to disclose.
James R. White’s treatment of the “King James only” debate is thorough, well supported by evidence, and written so as to be easily understood by the casual observer or participant. He begins by dividing the King James only advocates into five distinct and increasingly radical camps: 1) “I like the KJV Best” (which he takes no issue with), 2) “The Textual Argument” (that the Hebrew and Greek texts used by the KJV translators are superior), 3) “Received Text Only” (that the Textus Receptus and Hebrew text utilized by the KJV translators are inerrant), 4) “The Inspired KJV Group” (who believe the KJV is itself an inspired and inerrant translation, the group White identifies as the majority of the KJV only advocates), and 5) “The KJV as New Revelation” (that the KJV is “re-inspired” and the English text is an inerrant revelation superior even to the Hebrew and Greek texts).
White then gives the reader a brief overview of translation history and the translation process, explaining textual vs. translation disputes, translation methods, textual criticism, and the ancient texts used by translators. Then, very systematically, White explains the irony of the KJV onlyists making the exact arguments that were made against the original KJV translators and against Erasmus (whose Textus Receptus was used by the KJV translators) before that. To put it in polite terms, the argument of the KJV only camp, as well as those who opposed the original King James Version (the Authorized Version everywhere except the U.S.), is an argument for traditionalism.
The heart of the book is White’s analysis of many of the verses in controversy and his defense of the various translations’ renderings. Where there are variations in the ancient manuscripts that lead to different translations, White also provides convincing explanations for the textual variants which include simple scribal error, parallel influence (a scribe’s attempt to harmonize scripture), and what White dubs “expansion of piety” (a scribes attempt to make a passage sound a little better, e.g. expanding “the Christ” to “Jesus the Christ”).
White concludes Part One of The King James Only Controversy with a chapter devoted exclusively to questions and answers. Part Two is a 30-page technical treatment of many of the issues raised in Part One for the reader who is proficient in koine Greek and familiar with ancient Biblical texts, although it is not essential for the casual reader to read and understand Part One.
In conclusion, in his effort to counter the KJV only advocates, James R. White is necessarily critical of the King James Version. However, I suspect White would be the first to say to the reader whose preference is the KJV to continue in that preference. White does not advocate for any particular translation, only for an understanding that many modern translation are equally legitimate, and, in some instances, superior to the King James Version with respect to certain translation issues. Whether your particular interest is the “King James only” debate or not, if you are at all interested in Bible translation or the history thereof, The King James Only Controversy is well worth your time.
Other Reviews of The King James Only Controversy
Related Posts:
Genesis 1:1 Follow Up
Posted by Peter in Ancient Hebrew, Bible, Christianity, Genesis, Hebrew, Old Testament on May 11, 2009
I am working on a post (and have been for some time now) wherein I will compile all of my posts on Genesis 1:1 and its ancient Hebrew pictographs.
I think I will initially publish it as a post and then make it a permanent page when it slips off the bottom of the the front page, but I’m still kicking this idea around. The length is the only reason I would publish it as a page only.
Anyway, for the time being, I will simply say, “Coming Soon.” In the mean time, these are the Genesis 1:1 links which I will reformat into the new post/page, if you want a preview:
Genesis 1:1 Posts:
- In the beginning
- God (The Lord is My Shepherd)
- Created (On Creation)
- The Heavens (Part 1 and Part 2)
- And the Earth
- God’s Signature
Other Related Posts:
Why Tithe?
Posted by Peter in Ancient Hebrew, Bible, Christianity, Genesis, God, Hebrew, Israel, Jesus, New Testament, Old Testament on April 28, 2009
“Tithe” is such an emotionally charged word, it’s hard to discuss it without stirring the pot (see Tithing is Still a Touchy Subject and Why is the Tithe a Tenth?).
So, I will do my best to avoid stepping on any land mines. I do, however, want to share a little of what I was asked to share yesterday during our church’s offering time.
First, the scripture to make it official:
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (KJV)
Abraham and his crew, having just returned from battle, are met by Melchisedec (to use the King James spelling), King of Salem, who blesses Abraham. In response, Abraham gives Melchisedec a tenth of all.
It’s been a while, but many of you know that a primary focus of this blog is the ancient Hebrew alphabet and the stories told thereby within Biblical words. For example, see Hebrew-The Divine Language. The story told by the ancient Hebrew pictographs that make up the word “tithe” is equally remarkable.
A quick recap, the ancient Hebrew alphabet was made up of pictographs, each representing a letter, a number, and a symbolic meaning (I just recently heard that each represented a color as well, but it was news to me, and I can’t say much more about that).
The Hebrew word for “tithe” is ma’ asser, and please forgive my transliteration. In Hebrew, ma’ asser is spelled by the Hebrew letters MEM (the equivalent of our letter “M”), which is pictured as waves of water and symbolically means nations or waters; AYIN (perhaps our letter “O” or “E”), pictured as an eye and meaning to see; SHIN/SIN (“Sh” or “S”), pictured as two teeth, meaning to consume or destroy; and RESH (“R”), pictured as a man’s head, meaning the first or highest person.
God promised Abraham he would make of him a great nation. He then asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. Thus, “tithe” is the picture of Abraham, the great NATION, SEEing the DESTRUCTION of the FIRST son (Isaac was the son of promise as far as God was concerned). However, “tithe” also represents the act reciprocated by God, in part, because of Abraham’s obedience. We now know that the NATIONS have SEEN the DESTRUCTION of God’s FIRST SON.
Regardless of your theology regarding the tithe, Abraham tithed to Melchisedec after being blessed by him, and his great-grandson got credit for it; and his descendants received tithes from the rest of the nation. I can’t think of a better reason to tithe than simply because we have been blessed by God in his tithe to us: the sacrifice of His son. How better to leave a lasting legacy for your great-grandchildren’s descendants.
Here is the visual of “tithe” (recall, Hebrew is read right to left):
Blogging From Bethel-Part 3
Posted by Peter in Blogging, Christianity, God, Hebrew on April 16, 2009
During one of our sessions, we practiced hearing God. We were to ask God to tell us our heavenly name, or what God calls us. It was pretty cool.
My wife has two, they are “Glorious” and “Lovely,” and she is definitely both of those. I’m glad God notices, too, and it’s not just me.
I asked on behalf of Libby (our nine-month old), and she is a lamp, a “Guiding Light” which is also fitting. I prophecied over her shortly after she was born that she would wear a soul-winner’s crown, and that leading people to the Lord would come easily to her, so that she is a lamp unto the feet of others is nicely comforting.
My heavenly name is “Absalom,” which was rather disturbing at first. If you’re familiar with Absalom, you know what I mean. But as I contemplated the meaning of “Absalom” (peaceful father or father of peace), I realized this was a good thing. I’m a pretty peaceful guy, and I’ve always thought of myself as a peacemaker, therefore blessed.
It’s also just like God to give me my name in Hebrew and have me go search it out. He’s really awesome that way!
The following day, when I was not around, a woman approached my wife out of the blue with a word for Libby: she would be a peaceful child, which, if you know Libby, is hard to fathom (she’s quite the spitfire). So, I guess that makes me a father of peace afterall.
Updated Blogging From Bethel Series:
Bethel Related Sites:
Texans in the Holy Land
This funny little exchange between Peter Kirk, ElShaddai Edwards and me reminded me of something humorous I noticed when I was in Israel.
In August of 2007, my wife and I went to Israel with a group from our church. One predictable question frequently asked of tourists is, “Where are you from?” The standard response was to say, “Spain,” “Canada,” “the United States,” or some other such country of origin.
However, everyone in our group always answered by saying, “Texas.”
It didn’t seem to come as any surprise to anyone asking. And almost to a person, they would respond, “So you ride horses?”
“Yes, I tied mine to the parking meter at the Western Wall,” I would say. I’m kidding, I wouldn’t really say that. But they really did ask? One cab driver in particular seemed especially dismayed that we didn’t own a single horse.
Do any other Americans identify so principally with their state. New Yorkers, Illini, Rhode Islanders? Or is it just Texans.
By the way, I spent several weeks leading up to our trip learning conversational Hebrew, and I only got to speak Hebrew once. In fact, I spoke Spanish more than Hebrew because we met a group from Spain at one of the hotels. Apparently, my Tex-Mex is very close to their Castilian.
And to think, I spent all that time learning Hebrew so I could get it right when I asked, “Where can I park my horse?”
Stumbled by the Right Stumbler
In the shameless self-promotion category…
One of my very first posts ever (The Lord Is My Shepherd) got stumbled upon by (apparently) the right stumbler recently with pleasant results. Within a matter of a few hours, it received over 300 hits and, after a few days, it is about to cross the 1500 hit mark. I have had posts stumbled before with considerably less dramatic results, but I suppose the stars aligned for one of my favorite posts even if it was 15 months late.
I realize that to real bloggers, 1500 hits for a single post in a short period of time probably doesn’t register as anything abnormal, but from my little area of the blogosphere, it’s something to write home about (rather, to write you about).
I am particularly partial to that post because it was my first “discovery” (for lack of a better word) of the extra-textual content contained in the ancient Hebrew alphabetic pictographs. In it, I showed Elohim, Hebrew for “God,” as depicting Psalm 23.
To summarize, the word Elohim is comprised of the Hebrew letters ALEPH (similar to our letter “A,” and pictured in the ancient Hebrew as an ox head, signifying strength or God – as in the Lord is my strength); LAMED (“L,” pictured as a shepherd’s staff, meaning to shepherd or lead); HEY (“H,” pictured as a man with outstretched arms, meaning God’s grace or to behold); YOD (“Y,” pictured as the arm from the fist to the elbow, meaning my or my hand or works); and MEM (“M,” pictured as waves of water, meaning water or peoples/nations).
Thus, the LORD is my SHEPHERD by GRACE MY needs are provided for (I SHALL NOT WANT), he takes me by MY HAND and LEADS me by still WATERS. Here is the visual:
Elohim
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