Intense Verbs for People Doing Ministry: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

This morning while reading in 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (in Greek), I was drawn to a surprising cluster of intense verbs that the apostle Paul uses to describe how attentive we should be to the way we live our lives and carry on our ministries. Notice as I walk you through these powerful verbs just how … Continue reading Intense Verbs for People Doing Ministry: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

“And They Are Crucifying Him” (Mark 15:24)

I opened my Greek Bible this morning (that is, the day I originally wrote this) simply to read God’s Word. I looked down at the first three words on the page: Καὶ σταυροῦσιν αὐτον (literal translation: “And they are crucifying him,” Mark 15:24). These words arrested me—and if I’m fully transparent, instantly reduced me to … Continue reading “And They Are Crucifying Him” (Mark 15:24)

Tattoos and Biblical Greek

A few years ago, a delightful young college student came up to me and asked, “Would you like to see my tattoo?” “Um…OK,” I mumbled, somewhat unsure of where on her body the tattoo might be located. She lifted her long hair so I could see what was engraved on the nape of her neck. … Continue reading Tattoos and Biblical Greek

The Longest Greek Word

What is the longest Greek word ever to appear in written form? Here it is: λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιολιπαρομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοπιφαλλιδοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερυγών. (Aristophanes, Ecclesiazusae 1170). This insane—and rather well-known—word is 172 characters long! Kenneth M. De Luca comments about how Aristophanes (ca. 392 B.C.) created this word: “In this scene Blepyrus is offered a meal that is a composite of an … Continue reading The Longest Greek Word