DRAFT - Nerdy Biblical Theology Majors Group Guidelines

I wrote this for a group I was participating in, before I got too busy. Saving it here as a good reference. 

***DRAFT*** Nerdy Biblical Theology Majors

 

“A text without a context is just a pretext for whatever you want it to mean; therefore always study the Bible in light of its original historical, archaeological, literary, theological, ethical contexts” – Ben Witherington III. “Reading and Understanding the Bible: An Interview with Ben Witherington III.” Interview by Jonathan Petersen. Blog Post of Interview, 11 December 2014. Bible Gateway Blog [LINK].

 

Nerdy Biblical Theology Majors Group Guidelines

Purpose:

This group exists to explore Biblical Theology, focusing on understanding biblical texts within their original historical and literary contexts.

We explore the language, culture, and intertextuality of the biblical authors within their original historical contexts and literary ecosystems.

We aim to foster thoughtful, text-based discussion, welcoming contributions from academics, students, and laypersons alike.

Core Guidelines:

1.       Stay Textual:

In general, posts should be grounded in a specific biblical text or series of inter-related textual themes. We’re here to discuss the Bible in its original context, not abstract theology. When contributing, please make it clear what verse, pericope, book, or textual theme you’re working with. Discussions about doctrines, creeds, or theological systems are generally discouraged, but may sometimes be appropriate when anchored to the biblical text itself.

• Acceptable: “How does Paul’s use of ‘righteousness’ in Romans reflect Second Temple Jewish thought?”
• Not acceptable: “Is (insert generic theology term) correct?”
1. Academic Sources Encouraged, but Popular Sources Allowed:
   We aim for an academic tone, but we recognize that laymen and students bring value too. When possible, cite academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books from academic publishers (Baker, IVP, Zondervan, etc.), or academic lexicons like BDB or HALOT or BDAG. Popular sources are welcome, provided they contribute constructively to the conversation and engage meaningfully with the biblical text.
• Acceptable: A YouTube video from a scholar or student who cites their sources.
• Not acceptable: YouTube where someone is not using an academic or scholarly tone or approach, or outdated materials like Strong’s Concordance.
2. Engage Respectfully and Openly:
   This is a place for discussion, not debate. Ask genuine questions of the group, be open to alternate readings, and engage in conversation with curiosity, not defensiveness. Posts should encourage dialogue rather than monologues, inviting others to share their perspectives.
• Example: “I’ve been thinking about this reading of Genesis—what do you think?”
• Example: “Have you considered…?”
3. Structure Your Contributions for Readability:
   Posts should be easy to read, especially on mobile. Use paragraphs, punctuation, and clear structure.
• Conciseness is key—keep it digestible while making your point. If your post is long, consider breaking it up or summarizing key points at the start.
• Consider providing a simple summary of the issue and linking it to an academic source for the broader discussion.
• Ask smaller questions, focus on one key point of discussion, one key word or phrase or theme.
4. Avoid Systematic Theology, Creeds, and Traditions:
   While systematic theology, doctrines, and creeds have their place, this group is dedicated to biblical theology—understanding the text as it was written in its own time. Posts focused on systems or traditions without textual grounding will be redirected or removed.
• What did the original author intend to communicate to his/her original ancient audience?
5. No Politics or Denominational or Fringe Debates:
   To maintain focus, political discussions and denominational disputes are not allowed. Keep the focus on the biblical text and avoid getting bogged down in eschatological debates, Calvinism vs. Arminianism debates, or similar well-worn theological conflicts. The late Dr. Michael Heiser used to “if it’s weird, it’s important”. So, we’re not against odd takes, but they should be rooted in the text and within solid academic evaluation of the text. Let’s avoid ranting YouTubers.
6. Post with Purpose:
   Make sure your post has a clear goal aimed at inviting a conversation—whether it's asking a question, presenting a thought, or inviting feedback. Posts should not simply state opinions without backing them up with evidence or questions.
7. No promotions or spam

Give more than you take in this group. Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren't allowed. No solicitations for money or asking someone to pay for something.

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Need Clarification?

If you’re unsure about what qualifies as biblical theology or whether your post fits the group’s focus, please review our Definitions Post or ask an admin for guidance.

 

 

Alt Info

 

·         The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh, aka Old Testament) is understood within its Ancient Near East (ANE) contexts.

·         The Greek Bible (New Covenant, B’rit Chadashah, aka New Testament) is understood within its Second Temple Judaism and Greco-Roman world, contexts.

·        Additional Texts (Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls/Qumran writings, Ugaritic & Akkadian writings, Greco-Roman philosophers, and other comparative literature) are included in discussions to provide greater insight into the cultural and religious environment of the biblical authors. These texts help us understand how the biblical texts interacted with other literature of the time and what influence they may have had on early Jewish and Christian thought. They should be used to understand a biblical text but not become the sole focus of the post.

 

 

 

 

***DRAFT***

NERDY BIBLICAL THEOLOGY MAJORS - DEFINITIONS POST

To help clarify key terms and ensure discussions stay focused, we’ve provided definitions for some foundational concepts and terms frequently used in this group. Please reference these definitions when engaging in discussions, and feel free to ask questions if you're unsure whether your post fits within these boundaries.

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Biblical Theology

Definition: Biblical Theology is the study of the Bible with a focus on understanding how the biblical authors communicated theological concepts within their own historical, cultural, and literary contexts. It emphasizes the progressive development of ideas within the Bible itself, without imposing later systems or doctrines.

• Example: Exploring how Paul’s letters develop ideas about resurrection within the Second Temple Jewish context.

Systematic Theology

Definition: Systematic Theology organizes theological ideas into a structured framework, often grouping concepts (e.g., sin, salvation, God) into categories that span the whole Bible. While systematic theology can be helpful, this group focuses on biblical theology, so discussions of systems must remain grounded in specific biblical texts and contexts.

• Example: Instead of discussing "salvation" broadly, we explore how specific texts like Romans or the Gospel of John address salvation within their historical settings.

Ancient Near East (ANE)

Definition: The ANE refers to the region and cultures surrounding ancient Israel, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Babylon, and Canaan. Understanding the cultural, religious, and political contexts of these civilizations helps illuminate the Hebrew Bible.

• Example: The covenant structure of Deuteronomy reflects similar treaties from the ANE.

Second Temple Judaism

Definition: This period (roughly 516 BCE to 70 CE) refers to the time between the rebuilding of the Jewish temple after the Babylonian exile and its destruction by the Romans. Many of the writings in the New Testament were shaped by the religious, political, and cultural dynamics of this era.

• Example: Understanding Pharisees, Sadducees, and Messianic expectations in this period helps contextualize Jesus' interactions with these groups in the Gospels.

Greco-Roman World

Definition: This refers to the cultural, political, and intellectual environment dominated by Greek and Roman influence during the New Testament era. Knowing this context helps us understand how early Christian writers like Paul engaged with Greco-Roman society.

• Example: Paul's use of household codes in Ephesians reflects common Greco-Roman structures, but he subverts them with Christian ethics.

Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Definition: These are collections of Jewish writings from the intertestamental period (between the Old and New Testaments). While not considered canon by most Protestant traditions, these texts were widely read by Jews and early Christians and provide important context for biblical writings.

• Example: The Book of Tobit or 1 Enoch offers insight into Jewish thought during the Second Temple period.

Lexicon (BDB, HALOT, BDAG, etc.)

Definition: A lexicon is a scholarly dictionary of ancient languages, offering definitions and explanations of how words were used in their original contexts.

• BDB (Brown-Driver-Briggs) and HALOT (Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament) are two of the most widely respected lexicons for biblical Hebrew studies.
• BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
• Example: Citing HALOT for the meaning of a Hebrew word in Isaiah adds depth to understanding the text's original meaning.

Intertextuality

Definition: Intertextuality refers to the way biblical texts reference, echo, or engage with other texts, both within the Bible and in external literature from surrounding cultures. It helps us see connections and influences across different works.

• Example: The use of Exodus themes in Isaiah or the allusions to the Psalms in the Gospels.

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• Post Guidelines Recap

If your post involves systematic theology, creeds, or later traditions, remember that we aim to focus on biblical theology, so always anchor your discussion to specific texts and their original contexts. We welcome academic sources and encourage respectful dialogue.

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Questions or Suggestions?
If you're uncertain about any of these definitions or terms, feel free to reach out to an admin or ask for clarification in the comments.

 

 

 

***DRAFT***

Lexicons for Language Studies

Here are some of the most widely accepted and respected academic lexicons for biblical Hebrew and Greek, including both older foundational works and more modern resources:

For Biblical Hebrew (and Aramaic):

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) –
• Full title: A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament
• Published in 1906, this lexicon remains a widely-used standard for biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, despite its age. It is respected for its comprehensive definitions and historical insights.
• Pros: Easily accessible, widely referenced, detailed word studies.
• Cons: Some outdated interpretations; later scholarship has refined certain definitions.
2. HALOT (Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament) –
• Full title: The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (edited by Ludwig Koehler and Walter Baumgartner)
• This multi-volume lexicon is a more recent and comprehensive resource. It reflects modern linguistic scholarship and incorporates insights from Ugaritic and other ANE languages.
• Pros: Up-to-date, covers both Hebrew and Aramaic, includes comparative Semitic language insights.
• Cons: Expensive, more technical.
3. Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon –
• Published in the 19th century by Wilhelm Gesenius, this lexicon was one of the foundational works in biblical Hebrew lexicography and remains valuable for historical study.
• Pros: Widely accessible, foundational in lexicon studies.
• Cons: Somewhat outdated; modern scholarship has refined many entries.

For Biblical Greek:

1. BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) –
• Full title: A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
• This is the gold standard for New Testament Greek. BDAG is comprehensive, modern, and indispensable for scholarly work in biblical Greek.
• Pros: Thorough, reflects modern scholarship, includes references to early Christian literature beyond the New Testament.
• Cons: Can be dense for beginners, expensive.
2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) –
• Full title: A Greek-English Lexicon
• LSJ is the most comprehensive lexicon for classical Greek, but it is also highly relevant for biblical and Septuagint studies. It is essential for understanding the broader use of Greek in the ancient world.
• Pros: Extensive coverage of Greek, including non-biblical sources; freely accessible online in some versions.
• Cons: Not specific to biblical Greek, so it requires careful discernment when applying to the New Testament.
3. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon –
• An older lexicon, published in the late 19th century. While dated, it was a widely used resource for biblical Greek and still finds use today in some circles.
• Pros: Accessible and clear for students.
• Cons: Many entries are outdated compared to BDAG; better used alongside more modern resources.

For Both Greek and Hebrew (Septuagint Studies):

1. Muraoka’s Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint (GELS) –
• Focuses on the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and is a valuable resource for scholars studying how Greek was used in the translation of Hebrew scriptures.
• Pros: Focused on the Septuagint, valuable for understanding the translation process and choices.
• Cons: Limited to the LXX; more specialized than BDAG or LSJ.

These lexicons are widely accepted in both academic and theological studies, even older ones like BDB and Thayer's, as long as they're used with an understanding of their limitations and supplemented by more modern scholarship.

Strong's is generally discouraged.

Note: Limitations of Using Strong's Concordance in Modern Academic Biblical Studies

Strong's Concordance, a popular reference tool for biblical languages, is not commonly used in modern academic biblical studies due to several significant limitations:

1. Contextual Nuances: Strong's lists all possible definitions for Hebrew and Greek words without considering their specific contexts. Words can have varied meanings depending on their usage, similar to how the phrase "that's hot" in English can mean physically warm, sexually appealing, popular, or even contentious. Academic scholarship requires understanding words within their specific textual and historical contexts to accurately interpret their meanings.
2. Outdated and Over-simplified: The definitions in Strong's are based on 19th-century scholarship and tend to oversimplify complex linguistic phenomena. Modern biblical studies use advanced lexicons like HALOT or BDAG, which provide updated and nuanced language analysis.
3. Lacks Critical Engagement: Strong's Concordance does not address textual variants, historical linguistics, or the evolution of language, all of which are crucial for in-depth academic research.

Due to these issues, scholars opt for more comprehensive and critically-engaged resources that consider the broader linguistic and cultural settings of biblical texts.

 

Shalom שָׁלוֹם: Live Long and Prosper!

Darrell Wolfe

Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant | Freelancer | Bible Nerd *Written withs some editing and research assistance from ChatGPT-4o