The BLB Blog

The official blog of Blue Letter Bible

Introducing a New Blog Contributor: Justin Alfred

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This is a guest post by Jim Milligan, Executive Director of Blue Letter Bible.

Expanding the Blog for You

We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Blue Letter Bible Blog.  We will be adding a section that deals with the original languages and how they can add richness to our understanding of the Bible.  The section is designed to be accessible for those who are not that familiar with the Hebrew or Greek.  In addition, it will be targeted to address issues for application to the life of the believer, as opposed to just head knowledge of the language information.

Meet Justin Alfred

To help us we have the pleasure of having Justin Alfred join us as a regular contributor to the blog.  You might already be familiar with Justin and not even know it. He is the “voice of the BLB Lexicon.”  So if you have ever had the opportunity to listen to the pronunciation of a Hebrew or Greek word in the BLB lexicon area then you have heard Justin!

Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek: Simplified and Applied

Later this week, we will publish a special post to introduce Justin in greater depth, but I wanted to take a moment to address why we feel this is an important contribution to the blog.   The genesis for the idea actually occurred about 10 years ago when Sowing Circle (the parent ministry of Blue Letter Bible) hosted Justin’s classes on Simplified Hebrew and Simplified Greek.   Our staff, among others, were blessed with the opportunity to attend. These classes were directed to persons who had little or no knowledge of the languages (which was most of our staff at the time). The focus of Justin’s classes was on how to use popular tools to help understand the nuances of the original languages, without having to memorize the necessary vocabulary of a first year Biblical language class.

Our team was introduced to some wonderful understanding of the Hebrew and Greek. Especially, how this information could add to the depth of our study of God’s Word.  At the same time, an idea was birthed to see if we could arrange for Justin to put some of these concepts into accessible studies for our BLB users.

We are happy to say that Justin has graciously agreed to do so! The result is that he will be providing a weekly blog post (each Wednesday) that will introduce these concepts in the context of a Bible study.  Having completed Justin’s classes myself, I can still remember the helpful insights and word pictures into the Hebrew and Greek that Justin taught us. They still bless me a decade later.  I anticipate that you will, likewise, be blessed!

Comments

  1. God has revealed the mystery, so that every one can understand it using the marriage metaphor. I wonder how Greek & Latin can enrich a marriage. We discussed a lot about the Old & the New Covenant, but Paul uses the marriage motif, rather remarriage, and makes it ssooo.. evident, Rom.7:1- motions of sins vs MOTIONS of Spirit. I would like to ask the Gal.3:1 question at the top of my voice from the roof of my house
    We have a saying that “Nobody has to tutor the squirrel, no sylvan learning center, on how to climb the trees.” ( Heb.8:11; 1John 2:27) Are we not better than the Locusts, conies, sparrows, spiders? God in His wisdom has given us the tools, instruments of prehension to apprehend him. But we still try the downward way of the Chief Priests, elders & Sadducees with their swords, staves, torches & lanterns ( Ecc.7:29TLB ;Pro.30:24-). Grace be with you all.
    Poor and needy one,
    mathew

    • ” My Beloved, My Dove, My people, come away Song.2. “Come out of her, MY PEOPLE..2Cor.6:17; Rev.18:4.
      CAST AWAY YOUR CRUTCHES FOR THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE, FOR THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY. BEING ENRICHED IN EVERYTHING..1Cor.1:5; 2Cor.9:11. ” From another standpoint,”Son,…all that I have is thine.” Luke.15:31.
      ” He has plunged me to victory beneath the better speaking blood, then why should I hesitate to take the plunge into the depths (Eze.47:5)of the River of God with rhythmic ‘motions’ of the Spirit of grace, Spirit of glory? Measure Up & Mainstream. Grace & truth be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

    • Thanks for weighing in, Mathew. It was not implied that there is a mystery to be revealed in certain texts, but rather that it “add[s] to the depth of our study of God’s Word.” I invite you to stay on and see how Justin might encourage us all with this new study!

      Grace and blessings to you!

  2. I’ve been submerging myself with this issue along with the origins of our faith in the last two years and it has been very rewarding. Looking forward to more.

  3. I look forward to Mr. Alfred’s contributions. I was an English major in undergraduate studies, which gives me an appreciation of a broad vocabulary and a love for semantics. As an attorney, I have a great appreciation for the power of language. I have recently read a book by Walter Kaiser, Jr. that has opened my eyes to the historical-grammatical approach to the Scriptures. While the Gospel is a simple concept that even a child can understand, for those of us who have a hunger for a deeper understanding of God’s Word, this blog will be a tremendous blessing.

  4. Thanks so much for the addition of this to the aggenda, it will help to enhance our understanding of the translated word. I look forward to participating.

    • Hi Dan,

      I’m not sure if you are the same Dan who asked a question on March 23 regarding whether people will go to heaven if they don’t believe that Jesus is the Creator God, but if you are, I answered your question and would like your opinion.

      Barbara

      • Dear Barbara,

        Thanks for your reply, not much in there that I didn’t agree with. Those areas where we cannot explain step by step the process of Grace must be attributed to just that, God’s Grace. Because He really does see our hearts and know those that are His. I appreciate the contrast between the work of Gods Spirit at the point of faith, and the perfecting process of the knowledge of Christ that developes over time by the same Spirit. To God be the Glory for His marvelous works. Thanks again for sharing your testimony with me, it is the most powerful witness that we have as believers. A true point of identification, like a finger print, unique to each individual. God bless and keep you sister.

  5. It is a fact that language changes and that words have many subtle meanings that are influenced by culture and many other factors. As I became more serious about what the Word is really communicating, I began to research concordances and lexicons more, and I was amazed at how stunted my understanding really was. I am grateful for anything that will help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, so I am very much looking forward to this series. Thank you BLB and Justin Alfred!

  6. This will be a great addition. I look forward to his post and learning from him. I’m am so blessed as I am now attending a Beginner Hebrew class. Each letter – I’m finding out – is has so much beauty, meaning and depth. I’m sad I didn’t start learning God’s language sooner.

    • And what shall I more say?…What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? Lk.24:17.
      Gladly – glad tidings, oil of gladness (Heb.1:9) – we are not SADducees, but Glad- u- sees. See the stone was rolled away. He is risen. He is alive.
      Watch out. Even our COMMUNICATIONS have to be after the manner, order of Melchisedec.
      But, who is this Melchisedec?
      And what is The Ministry after the Order of Melchisedec?
      Their eyes were holden, but now..Can somebody elucidate? The Mighty Teacher, Elucidater is alive (Luke.24 TLB). Grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  7. Thank you so much, I am not from USA, but from South America.
    One thing I notice when I read the translation of Hebrew, that
    I can read it without any difficulty, because is like reading Spanish
    the way it is writing the same I’m reading it. Not like English,
    I think it’s very difficult to learn, you have so many silence letters
    and exceptions with never end.

  8. Dear BLB,

    I noticed the the emergent church leaders have come out with their own “translation” of the scripture called “The Voice”. I was wondering if Justin might be able to comment (at some point) on the accuracy/philosophy of their translation process. They claim they “painstakingly” stay true to the Greek and Hebrew. Comments would be appreciated. Link below leads to .pdf of the introduction and the text of the gospel of John. Thanks

    http://g.christianbook.com/netstorage/pdf/sample/549015.pdf

  9. Psalm 109:29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame and let them cover themselves with their own confusion as with a mantle

    1 Corinthians 14:33 For GOD is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all the churches of the saints

    Philppians 4:13

    Tyndale Bible
    I can do all things through the help of CHRIST which strengtheneth me

    Geneva Bible
    I am able to do all things through the help of CHRIST which strenghteneth me

    Wycliffe Bible
    I may all things in HIM that comforteth me

    King James Bible
    I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me

    Darby Version
    I have strength for all things through HIM who gives me strength

    —————-

    NIV
    I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength

    NASB
    I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me

    RSV
    I can do all things in HIM who strengthens me

    NKJV
    I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me

    ——————-

    2 Corinthians 12:9 And HE said unto me MY grace is sufficient for thee for MY strength is made perfect in weakness
    Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me

    Proverbs 24:3-5 Through wisdom is an house builded and by understanding it is established (4) and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (5) A wise man is strong yea a man of knowledge increaseth strength

    Romans 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of GOD but not according to knowledge

    Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine and sound wisdom I am understanding I have strength

    Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear the LORD is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid

    Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have for HE hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee

    2 Chronicles 15:2 And he went out to meet Asa and said unto him hear ye me Asa and all Judah and Benjamin The LORD is with you while you be with HIM and if you seek HIM HE will be found of you but if you forsake HIM HE will forsake you

    2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer we shall also reign with HIM
    if we deny HIM HE will deny us

    Luke 19:27 But those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before ME

    John 14:14 If you shall ask any thing in MY name I will do it

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM that if we ask anything according to HIS will HE heareth us

    Acts 22:14 And he said the GOD of our fathers hath chosen thee that thou shouldest know HIS will and see that JUST ONE and shouldest hear the voice of HIS mouth

    Act 20:26&27 Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men
    (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of GOD

    Loving the LORD JESUS

  10. Justin we will be looking forward to each lesson and learn how meaningful these words are to each of us .Im glad to be a part of your efforts. Thank you

  11. I look forward to keeping up with this blog. I was blessed to study original languages under Justin Alfred’s tutelage. Historical background, exegesis of the text, theological significance, and personal application. The original language (expanded word studies and analysis of the grammar) fall under the exegesis. I am soooooooo thankful for Justin’s ministry. Here’s a shout out to Justin and Janie from the Highlands of Scotland, if you’re listening brother! All-4-Jesus.

  12. Having been blessed to be under his teaching at the School of Ministry, I look forward to reading the posts.

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