1. Bible Study for Dummies the Rest of Us I can do this!

2. Words…and their (proper) Meanings

3. Words and their (proper) Meanings Nature of communication is ambiguous. Words Words: “Can” “Punch” “Spring”

4. Words and their (proper) Meanings Nature of communication is ambiguous. Phrase: Phrase: The shooting of the hunters she heard I like my secretary better than my wife

5. Words and their (proper) Meanings Nature of communication is ambiguous. Form Form: OT: Hebrew is a consonantal language. What might the letters BRD form?

6. Word Study Fallacy 1. English-Only Fallacy A Word in Hebrew-Greek is often translated using a number of different English words Different Hebrew-Greek words can be translated same into English word. Remedy Remedy: Use a concordance and keep track of Hebrew-Greek word.

7. Word Study Fallacy(s) 2. Root Fallacy Notion that the real meaning of the word is found in its original root. e.g., “nice” comes from the Latin word, nescius which means ignorant “Goodbye” is a contracted form of God be with you. Remedy Remedy: Give context priority. CIE. Remember, a word means what an author wants it to mean.

8. English Transliteration schoola

9. English Translation:Leisure

10. Word Study Fallacy(s) 3. Time-Frame Fallacy This happens when we latch on to a late word meaning (maybe even one of our day) and read it back into the Bible (Eis-egesis). e.g., Cross, Salvation Remedy Remedy: Give context priority. CIE. In this case, maybe historical context is vital.

11. Word Study Fallacy(s) 4. Over-load Fallacy This happens when we realize that words often mean several things. Overload happens when we make a word mean all these things! Remedy Remedy: Let context set the agenda.

12. Word Study How to choose Words to Study 1.Look for Words that appear to be critical to passage 2.Look for repeated words 3.Look for “figures of speech” 4.Look for words that are unclear or difficult 5.Look for words that might be “pregnant” with meaning

13. NIV Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. NAS Romans 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

14. Word Study How to Study the Words you Choose Step 1 Step 1. Get a basic definition for the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word from an original meaning dictionary (www.BlueLetterBible.com )www.BlueLetterBible.com

19. Word Study How to Study the Words you Choose Step 2 Step 2. In your specific passage, brainstorm what nuance you think the word might have in that immediate context.

20. Word Study How to Study the Words you Choose Step 3 Step 3. Enlarge your “Circles of Context.” Now look at all the other places in that book where the word (or phrase) is used. Start a list of different meanings the word can have (don’t mix them together). Step 4 Step 4. Enlarge your “Circle” to include the other books written by the same author. Even the whole NT.

21. Word Study-Circles of Context Rom 12 Romans Pauline Literature New Testament

22. Word Study How to Study the Words you Choose Step 5 Step 5. Now, examine Theological Dictionary(s). Listen for nuances you may have missed. Step 6 Step 6. Now return to the passage in question. From the “dictionary” you have created, select a meaning for your passage that seems best to fit its immediate context