
← The Bible Sojourner24 May · 1 h 06 min
Why Greek and Hebrew Matter for Every Christian (Ep 232)
<p>The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek, and a little Aramaic. But if we have so many good English translations today, do the original languages still matter?</p><p>In this episode, we argue that Greek and Hebrew are not just academic extras for pastors and theologians. They are deeply connected to the health of the church, the clarity of Scripture, and the preservation of sound doctrine.</p><p>We’ll look at why the Reformers cared so much about the biblical languages, especially Martin Luther and John Calvin. We’ll also consider what happens when churches, pastors, seminaries, and Christians begin to downplay the importance of returning to the original text of Scripture.</p><p>Even if you never personally learn Greek or Hebrew, this episode explains why you should still care whether your pastors and teachers value them.</p><p>Article mentioned: The Reformers and the Original Languages <a href="(https://petergoeman.com/papers/reformers_and_original_languages.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">(https://petergoeman.com/papers/reformers_and_original_languages.pdf</a>)</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>0:00 — Introduction</p><p>3:22 — When Christians downplay the biblical languages</p><p>5:15 — The dumbing down of theological education</p><p>6:27 — Biblical languages as a barometer of church health</p><p>8:20 — Before the Reformation: Latin and the average churchgoer</p><p>9:47 — Wycliffe and the groundwork for reform</p><p>11:27 — Luther, Bible translation, and the languages</p><p>24:20 — Luther’s warning about neglecting the languages</p><p>27:29 — Modern examples of being swayed by attractive false teaching</p><p>29:44 — Calvin and the importance of literal interpretation</p><p>34:02 — Calvin’s Geneva Academy and language training</p><p>40:38 — Why English alone can sometimes limit interpretation</p><p>42:27 — Do modern translations and commentaries make languages unnecessary?</p><p>47:49 — Three problems when teachers lack biblical language tools</p><p>52:34 — Machen and Princeton Seminary</p><p>56:33 — Three benefits of studying biblical languages</p><p>1:04:32 — Final appeal: be strong advocates for the biblical languages</p><p><br></p><p>If you have found the podcast helpful, consider <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-sojourner-podcast/id1263283818" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">leaving a review on Itunes</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7u6QMwzt2iFxRKdVNFvchw?si=5cc3b1d7230b4b4a" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rating it on Spotify</a>. You can also find <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thebiblesojourner" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Bible Sojourner on Youtube</a>. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://petergoeman.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">petergoeman.com</a> for more information on the podcast or blog.</p><p>Visit<a href="https://shepherds.edu/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> shepherds.edu</a> for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.</p><p><br></p>