Insights From the Greek

[ITS]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?

[counselor]

I think that a Pastor is hindered in using Greek insights because they might feel that it might be too much for the congregation to handle and also, maybe he/or she is not comfortable with it.

[dscarbrough]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?

Pastors should use more insights from the Greek in their preaching to more clearly communicate the original intent of the words. The Greek language has much more flexibility than the English language. And using longer English descriptions to portray the true meaning of a Greek word will go a long way in helping the average lay person understand the original intent of scripture. To quote the text book, the goal is ?a clearer, more exact, and more persuasive presentation of God?s saving message.? I believe this statement sums up why pastors should use more insights from the Greek. So why don?t they? I believe what hinders most pastors is simply the inability to read and speak the language. Since they have not taken the time themselves to learn the language, they don?t feel comfortable using it as a teaching tool in their ministry. More men need to understand that by learning the Greek language, they can become more effective in spreading the gospel message in their own language.

[dscarbrough]

I think that a Pastor is hindered in using Greek insights because they might feel that it might be too much for the congregation to handle and also, maybe he/or she is not comfortable with it.

I think to say that insights from the Greek "might be too much for the congregation to handle" is like saying to your child "because I said so." If we assume that someone can't handle a more clear presentation of the truth and then because of that assumption we limit the amount of information we share with them, then we have done them a disservice. I have found that most rational thinking people, when given all the facts about a subject, tend to come to the same conclusion. If I told my child not to touch the stove when it?s on and they ask why, the best approach would be to explain to them that by touching the stove they could get burned. I would also tell them that because of the burn, they would be in great pain. Now they still might think about touching it, but chances are, as they approach the stove they will do so with more caution. They might try to first test it by feeling the heat. And if they feel the heat coming from the eye it might cause them to consider my words about the pain from being burned. With a more complete presentation of the truth about the stove, they will be more likely to not get burned. The same is true with the gospel! If we can deliver a more accurate picture of what the consequences are, then many more people will likely not get burned. As for your second point, I tend to agree. We need more men who are willing to spend a little more time in serious study so they can deliver a less superficial interpretation of God?s word. The Bible tells us in 2nd Timothy 2:15 ?Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.? The Greek word used here for study is ?spoudazo? which means to use speed, or to make effort, be prompt or earnest, to give diligence, or be diligent, to endeavor, or labor, or study. So if as pastors and teachers would take this charge more seriously, we would be better equipped to do the work God has called us to. And by doing so, may have an opportunity to here ?Well done, thou good and faithful servant.?

[Steven]

For the Pastor who loves his flock, it is the conveying of Truth that matters to him. He is interested in the quality of life of his sheep. Tenderly, lovingly, he leads them to pastures they have never grazed before. It is his great delight to see them growing in health and happiness. They drink deeply from the still waters of the Scriptures as he oversees their refreshing.
Perhaps the greatest hindrance to the pastor is the fear that others will misunderstand his motives. It is a mantra that is familiar to most people who speak for a living. Having feet of clay, some would rather simply avoid the possibility by just not bothering to use any Greek words and the explanations.

[Bryan]

Pastors should use insights from the Greek in their preaching because it is the original language. In the church a great amount of emphasis is placed on the Scriptures, and rightly so. However our English scriptures are translations and not the original Word of God. Pastors gain greater insight into the thinking of the Scripture writers when they use the Greek texts. Congregates gain greater insight into the passages when the Greek text is expounded in an insightful, make since way. The Greek text actually only has to be alluded to, no need to pronounce the Greek text. Just the greater understanding on the part of the pastor can convey the true meaning of the passage.
There are three reasons pastors are hindered from using the Greek text. First the pastors have much too limited knowledge of the actual language.
Second, those that have studied the language have left it and all its paradigms back at seminary. Lastly, those that know the language feel it?s too much for the general congregation, and perhaps it is. However, when used tactfully and with the right emphasis it can add greater understanding to the hearer.

[Bryan]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?

Pastors should use more insights from the Greek in their preaching to more clearly communicate the original intent of the words. The Greek language has much more flexibility than the English language. And using longer English descriptions to portray the true meaning of a Greek word will go a long way in helping the average lay person understand the original intent of scripture. To quote the text book, the goal is ?a clearer, more exact, and more persuasive presentation of God?s saving message.? I believe this statement sums up why pastors should use more insights from the Greek. So why don?t they? I believe what hinders most pastors is simply the inability to read and speak the language. Since they have not taken the time themselves to learn the language, they don?t feel comfortable using it as a teaching tool in their ministry. More men need to understand that by learning the Greek language, they can become more effective in spreading the gospel message in their own language.
Correct! What better way to understand the Scriptures and develop a love for them than by reading them. Only by knowing the NT Greek language can you read the original Word of God. I believe the congregation that is not exposed to the original Word is missing great insights that can not be found in the "New Living Translation", etc. Not to take away from all the English translations, they have a place in the Body, but to leave the NT Greek text on the shelf is shameful if not sinful (as in missing the mark).

[eddie]

Pastrors are facing a generation who are well educated and therefore very demanding when it comes to theological responds. People want to make sure that the ministers or leaders knows where they stand before they can embrace the same believes and faith that the minister presents. Many of the young generation have seen how ministers has shieft to other philosophy because they were not had a strong theological background. The studies of Greek allowed the minister to have a strong tool to study the word of God and to bring a good understanding of the massage in order to provide a good foundational truth.

[eddie]

Pastrors are facing a generation who are well educated and therefore very demanding when it comes to theological responds. People want to make sure that the ministers or leaders knows where they stand before they can embrace the same believes and faith that the minister presents. Many of the young generation have seen how ministers has shieft to other philosophy because they were not had a strong theological background. The studies of Greek allowed the minister to have a strong tool to study the word of God and to bring a good understanding of the massage in order to provide a good foundational truth.

The reason for ministers are hinders by this is because either they don't think they are capable to learn the language or the lack of compromise to a period of learning and sacrifice in order to learn and teach the language.

[Lynda]

One of the primary goals of a pastor's role as Shepherd of the Lord's people is to give sound Biblical teaching which should help to correct misunderstandings and/or errors of previous instruction. Thus, the utilization of all tools available to a pastor such as New Testament Greek, should be employed. Our text (p.g. 28), gives the example of John 1:1 which cults have tried to twist to deny the deity of Christ. This illustrates the importance of utilizing Bibical Greek insights to, at the very least, begin cracking the foundation of faulty non-Biblical teachings in the hearts of most sincere seekers of Christ.
Unfortunately, many pastors do not acquire a good working knowledge of Greek due to time constraints and other curriculum/job demands both at the college level and in the pastorate. During the academic years of earning a Biblical degree, if a pastor has been able to even pursue such a course of instruction, many learn only the basics of Greek to get them through the course. Later, when acting as a pastor, the necessities of a demanding job does not facilitate the time-consuming demands of learning N. T. Greek. To acquire and use any language requires time and concentration to the degree that the multifaced aspects of a language such as Greek can open the doorway to insightful discoveries of Gods' Word.

[Lynda]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?


Pastors should use more insights from the Greek in their preaching to more clearly communicate the original intent of the words. The Greek language has much more flexibility than the English language. And using longer English descriptions to portray the true meaning of a Greek word will go a long way in helping the average lay person understand the original intent of scripture. To quote the text book, the goal is ?a clearer, more exact, and more persuasive presentation of God?s saving message.? I believe this statement sums up why pastors should use more insights from the Greek. So why don?t they? I believe what hinders most pastors is simply the inability to read and speak the language. Since they have not taken the time themselves to learn the language, they don?t feel comfortable using it as a teaching tool in their ministry. More men need to understand that by learning the Greek language, they can become more effective in spreading the gospel message in their own language.
Correct! What better way to understand the Scriptures and develop a love for them than by reading them. Only by knowing the NT Greek language can you read the original Word of God. I believe the congregation that is not exposed to the original Word is missing great insights that can not be found in the "New Living Translation", etc. Not to
take away from all the English translations, they have a place in the
dy, but to leave the NT Greek text on the shelf is shameful if not sinful (as in missing the mark).

I fully agree with the main points of this comment, and would add that pastors should use insights from the Greek in their preaching because it is the original language, if they have a working knowledge of N.T. Greek. Since a pastor will be held accountable before the Lord for what he preaches and thus teaches, to carelessly use some bit of information he picked up in a book or worse from someone else and use it because its N.T. Greek can be a little too casual toward Scripture. By way of illustration, I was once under the teaching of a pastor who had others gather information for him to use in his sermons and he did not appear to confirm what was given him. Consequently, one Sunday, he was preaching about something and made the statement that such and such was meant to be considered as "dynamite" and he knew that was the sense of the passage because this word "dynamite" came from the Greek word "dunamis". In other words, "dunamis" meant "dynamite". Well...not exactly, right. Dyamite was not invented until 1867 by the founder of the Nobel Prises, Alfred Nobel; and, according to Warren Trenchard in his Complete Vocabulary guide to Greek New Testament, this word means "power" and probably "supernatural power".
Fortunately, this was a small mistake, baut cults have been built on similar mole hills.

[scottmeador]

A pastor who has a good grip on the Greek language and its nuances can really bring a passage of Scripture alive. Many of the sermons that are preached use the same passages of Scripture. For example, how many times have you heard John 3:16 preached or Matthew chapters 5-7 or any number of highly quoted texts. For every one time a pastor has quoted them, a church member feels like they have heard them ten times. A good exegesis of the passage and word study in the original Greek can not only make the passage fresh to the pastor but fresh to his hearers as well. It is not about trying to come up with something new it is about coming up with something fresh. And honestly, this comes by way of the Spirit. I believe that most pastors are hesitant from using Greek in their messages for two reasons: first, they don't want to take the time to do all the research and two, they don't believe that it will exponentially add clarity to their message. Both of these reasons I believe are very shallow and should be avoided. But to be honest, we've all done it if you have been in the ministry for any length of time. That is why I think pastors should always try to come to grips with a passage in the original language first and then begin to prepare to preach. He might find a nugget that he never thought was there!

[scottmeador]

I think that a Pastor is hindered in using Greek insights because they might feel that it might be too much for the congregation to handle and also, maybe he/or she is not comfortable with it.

I think to say that insights from the Greek "might be too much for the congregation to handle" is like saying to your child "because I said so." If we assume that someone can't handle a more clear presentation of the truth and then because of that assumption we limit the amount of information we share with them, then we have done them a disservice. I have found that most rational thinking people, when given all the facts about a subject, tend to come to the same conclusion. If I told my child not to touch the stove when it?s on and they ask why, the best approach would be to explain to them that by touching the stove they could get burned. I would also tell them that because of the burn, they would be in great pain. Now they still might think about touching it, but chances are, as they approach the stove they will do so with more caution. They might try to first test it by feeling the heat. And if they feel the heat coming from the eye it might cause them to consider my words about the pain from being burned. With a more complete presentation of the truth about the stove, they will be more likely to not get burned. The same is true with the gospel! If we can deliver a more accurate picture of what the consequences are, then many more people will likely not get burned. As for your second point, I tend to agree. We need more men who are willing to spend a little more time in serious study so they can deliver a less superficial interpretation of God?s word. The Bible tells us in 2nd Timothy 2:15 ?Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.? The Greek word used here for study is ?spoudazo? which means to use speed, or to make effort, be prompt or earnest, to give diligence, or be diligent, to endeavor, or labor, or study. So if as pastors and teachers would take this charge more seriously, we would be better equipped to do the work God has called us to. And by doing so, may have an opportunity to here ?Well done, thou good and faithful servant.?

This sounds honorable and good but it is only half true. Many times in our attempts to try and clarify something we actually confuse or mislead. It is a fact that many of the people in our churches are better educated and expect that pastor to know his stuff, but they are by and large Biblically illiterate and totally unchurched. You shouldn't try to teach Algebra to a child in 1st grade. It would be valiant for the teacher but the student would leave the classroom dazed and confused. Because of the growing unchurched culture, just getting people to understand a modern English paraphrase is challenging enough. I believe that before you get too deep into Greek explanations you should exhaust the good English translations first and move on from there. We can make the Scriptures more understandable through the use of Greek but we have to use wisdom to know how and when.

[Ricky]

Pastors should use more exegetical insight in their preaching because it would allow them to better communicate the original and true intent of the word of God. The word of God was written by a particular author for a particular audience in a particular time using what was a common communication tool, Koine Greek. Indeed, it was through divine inspiration, but when you are using a human technique (language) you are going to use your knowledge and experience as part of the communication tool. Unless we understand the audience and the assumptions of the authors, we cannot even begin to grasp the complete significance of the text. In Koine Greek, there is a lot of those assumptions built into the language that are not carried over to an English translation.

The main reason why a Pastor would be hindered is because of their own limitations on the exegetical techniques of translating from Greek. Once a Pastor dominates the translation techniques, he would have no option but to use it. It would be like knowing a revealing truth and not telling.

[Ricky]

Pastrors are facing a generation who are well educated and therefore very demanding when it comes to theological responds. People want to make sure that the ministers or leaders knows where they stand before they can embrace the same believes and faith that the minister presents. Many of the young generation have seen how ministers has shieft to other philosophy because they were not had a strong theological background. The studies of Greek allowed the minister to have a strong tool to study the word of God and to bring a good understanding of the massage in order to provide a good foundational truth.
I haven't seen the level of education in our churches changing in the last decades. As a matter of fact, I see the contrary. I see more and more people follow emotionally appealing preaching over theologically sound preaching. Regarding "foundational truth", the fact that somebody understands the language does not mean that he understands the theology behind the text. Hermeneutics and exegesis are two very distinct areas. I agree that the use of Greek is positive for both ministers and laymen. It provides a study tool that brings out a truer meaning of the original text. That meaning should then be applied to theology for proper application.

[scottmeador]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?

Most of the various Biblical translations are wonderful tools for pastors to use, but until a pastor goes back to the original Greek, he/she doesn't know what he's missing. The many subtle nuances and meanings of the Biblical Greek is like making a sermon go from black and white to color. The impact of the the original meaning is very inspiring for those who really want to know what the Biblical writers really meant. Most of the time the greatest hinderance to a pastor bringing our the Greek meaning is time. Unless a pastor spends a lot of time using his Greek, he will soon be challenged with the fact that you just don't have the time to bring out every little nuance from the Greek text.

[scottmeador]

Pastors should use more exegetical insight in their preaching because it would allow them to better communicate the original and true intent of the word of God. The word of God was written by a particular author for a particular audience in a particular time using what was a common communication tool, Koine Greek. Indeed, it was through divine inspiration, but when you are using a human technique (language) you are going to use your knowledge and experience as part of the communication tool. Unless we understand the audience and the assumptions of the authors, we cannot even begin to grasp the complete significance of the text. In Koine Greek, there is a lot of those assumptions built into the language that are not carried over to an English translation.

The main reason why a Pastor would be hindered is because of their own limitations on the exegetical techniques of translating from Greek. Once a Pastor dominates the translation techniques, he would have no option but to use it. It would be like knowing a revealing truth and not telling.

I totally agree that pastors should use more genuine exegetical insight. If we are to "preach the Word." Then that is what we should do. When pastors stray from preching exegetically they border on becoming nothing more than motivational speakers. People need to know what God's word says and why He said it.

I also agree that a pastors limits deep exegetical preaching many times because of his own limitations in the language. Few pastors feel confident in the Greek language. Either their confidence keeps them from even attempting to "dig out" the Greek meaning or they inappropriately translate a word or nuance.

[jannagonwa]

The use of insight from the Greek shows a respect for the text of the Bible. It shows a desire to learn the truth of the Bible as God expressed it through the words of inspired men who penned it. When used correctly, it will also encourage congregation members to pay closer attention to the Scriptures.
I think there is a trend in some churches today to "meet people where they are" by lowering the level of exegesis given from the pulpit. While Americans on the whole are not as familiar with the Bible as they were in past generations, and while it is certainly important to meet people where they are, the result of this attempt is often watered-down preaching that does not challenge its listeners to move deeper into the Word. Unfortunately, many of our churches desire primarily to minister to the emotional health of their congregation (while minimizing the church's outreach mandate); this keeps pastors constrained at the mercy of public opinion more than they might otherwise be. Pastors are under great pressure to keep their congregations happy, and often there is a vocal minority who wishes just to remain comfortable. This might intimidate some pastors from delving more deeply into the original Greek text.

[jannagonwa]

Correct! What better way to understand the Scriptures and develop a love for them than by reading them. Only by knowing the NT Greek language can you read the original Word of God. I believe the congregation that is not exposed to the original Word is missing great insights that can not be found in the "New Living Translation", etc. Not to take away from all the English translations, they have a place in the Body, but to leave the NT Greek text on the shelf is shameful if not sinful (as in missing the mark).

I very much agree. I am slightly concerned by the rise in emphasis given to paraphrases of the Bible such as "The Message." I do believe that The Message is a valuable devotional tool, but it was created to be used alongside actual translations of the Bible, rather than in place of them. When used correctly, as a supplement to the original Greek and its translations, paraphrases bring the Scriptures to new life in refreshing ways. However, they are misused when used as replacements for more accurate translations that follow the original Greek, or for the original Greek itself. It concerns me to see some pastors use nothing but paraphrases for the texts of their sermons. Every devotional tool has its place, but there is something irreplaceable about the word of God in the form in which it was originally inspired.

[lisac]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?
Pastors should use more insights from the Greek text because it is the original language of the text. Sometimes, in the translation and in the limitations of English the different nuances of the author's intention can be missed. By looking at the original language one is able to teach all the subtleties of the text. Pastors shy from looking at the original text out of fear, I believe. It can be intimidating to attempt to study a language and then try to incorporate this study into your sermon. Self doubt can be the enemy as one question’s “did I get it right?” Or “I don’t really know this.” However, as with anything difficult, Pastors should be encouraged to forge ahead, study and use the original language to bring depth and breadth to their teaching.

[lisac]

Pastrors are facing a generation who are well educated and therefore very demanding when it comes to theological responds. People want to make sure that the ministers or leaders knows where they stand before they can embrace the same believes and faith that the minister presents. Many of the young generation have seen how ministers has shieft to other philosophy because they were not had a strong theological background. The studies of Greek allowed the minister to have a strong tool to study the word of God and to bring a good understanding of the massage in order to provide a good foundational truth.

I agree that this generation is better educated. They have access to the internet and other study helps to enable them in a more in depth study of the word or most anything. I believe it is imperative that ministers accurately interpret the word. Often in the past, it seems ministers were the "educated" one and their word was taken. Hence many false or slightly altered teachings that seem to still be perpetuated. It is incumbent upon us as Pastors and teachers to rightly divide the word and this necessitates knowledge of the original language. However, we must make the interpretation easily understood to our congregation. My husband is a programmer, when he begins to use long computer jargon or "original language" he quickly loses me. If he breaks it down in more common language I am better able to understand and apply the concept. It may seem as if I am contradicting myself, on the one hand saying that our audience is smarter and on the other encouraging the Pastor to "break it down" to be more easily understood. I don't think this is a contradiction, our congregations are more educated, but they appreciate the learned person who can make the knowledge easily accessible and easily applied. Herein lies the importance of prayerful study; not using the Greek to just make an impression but to better illuminate the text.

[lisac]

Why should pastors use more insights from the Greek in their preaching? What hinders them?

A Pastor should use insights from the Greek in their preaching and teaching to better illuminate the word. By sharing with the congregation the many faceted meaning of a word in Greek and limitations of our English translation, it only aids the congregant in applying the word in their life. Also explaining a continuous action by certain verb forms can bring tremendous depth to a passage of scripture. The balance is actually conveying the meaning and concept with out sounding boring and pompous.

[lackey1314]

As a reflection of my church experiences, specifically sitting under the preaching of various preachers and their styles of delivery, I believe the following appropriately represents why more insights should be included by preachers as part of the delivery process of a given sermon. First, a congregation will benefit from Greek insights in that their base of understanding for a particular passage of scripture will become broadened pertaining to the interwoven aspects that actually related to a given pericope. Second, Greek insights will provide the beliver with much needed objective proof that can be and should be used while witnessing to other people about what God's Word says and what it actually means. Last, I believe that more Greek insights should be included for the development of the preacher/teacher as the leader of the flock. Yes, the flock should be taught what the teacher/preacher knows, but for the sake of the development of his/her character as well as leadership compentency/experience, such insghts cannot be substituted with anything other than the intended meaning of God's Word.

[lackey1314]

Pastors should use insights from the Greek in their preaching because it is the original language. In the church a great amount of emphasis is placed on the Scriptures, and rightly so. However our English scriptures are translations and not the original Word of God. Pastors gain greater insight into the thinking of the Scripture writers when they use the Greek texts. Congregates gain greater insight into the passages when the Greek text is expounded in an insightful, make since way. The Greek text actually only has to be alluded to, no need to pronounce the Greek text. Just the greater understanding on the part of the pastor can convey the true meaning of the passage.
There are three reasons pastors are hindered from using the Greek text. First the pastors have much too limited knowledge of the actual language.
Second, those that have studied the language have left it and all its paradigms back at seminary. Lastly, those that know the language feel it?s too much for the general congregation, and perhaps it is. However, when used tactfully and with the right emphasis it can add greater understanding to the hearer.

I agree that the notion that reminds us that our Bibles are translations of the original Greek language should be brought to the attention of preachers/teachers/ and their congregations, but not in a way that invalidates the efforts of the transaltors abilty or skills because such works of translations have been reviewed and revised objectively from more that one person. I like the point brought out about the teacher/preacher gaining insight into the thinking of the Scripture writers. Yes, this helps to motivate him/her with the task presenting and apllying God's Word appropriately with creativity seeing how many needs of the congregations are presented from diverse situations that require diverse applications from God's Word. I agree that the teacher/preacher should not confer upon the congregation the duty of accurately undertanding how to communicate the Greek language, instead that by simply taking the burden upon himself/herself the meaning can be shared without the undo stress of actually having to learn the language. Indeed, I do agree that he pastor/teacher shares both a limited knowledge and a common neglect of what he/she learned early within ana academic setting. So what actually hinders the preacher/teacher? First, neglect demonstrates the lack of needed importance of the teacher/preacher. This lack of importance represents a misguided and misunderstood passion of such persons as it relates to affirming the call of God for these people to communicate God's Word. Second, as it relates to communicating with the Greek language, the teacher/preacher should be able to demonstrate his/her passion by expressing thier competencies through a continued dialogue among Greek learned students as part of their profession. I believe that if they would do so that this continued dialogue will promote a broader understanding of Greek insights as well as to communicate to other teachers/preachers issues that have arisen and how they have been effectively responded to as to give glory to God and minister to the unique needs of a given congregation.