Bible Passages

Bill Mounce: The KJV’s use of “desert places” is unfortunate. I suspect that for most of us “desert” evokes images of the Mohave or Sahara desert. As desolate as rural Palestine was in the first century, it certainly was not filled with sand dunes.

Mondays with Mounce: Why did Mary keep the perfume? An ellipsis is when words are left out, and the assumption is that the context is sufficient to fill in the gaps. It especially happens in the second of two parallel thoughts, words from the first assumed in the second. But John 12:7 gives us a good example of ellipsis when there is no parallel.

Bill Mounce: Once again we see the fact illustrated, that sometimes a word for word translation makes no sense. We translate meaning, not words.

Bill Mounce: How should 1 Corinthians 3:6 be translated?

“[A]ny Christian who even suggests that drinking and smoking and consuming entertainment is not necessarily the wisest testimony to present before the world, are shamed as being legalists. They will be labeled the ‘weaker’ brothers…”

What If “Iron Sharpening Iron” In The Book Of Proverbs Is Actually Something To Avoid?

“In Gen. 21 it is Abraham and Sarah who thus laugh wholly and holily in response to God’s goodness to them. Their laughter is prompted by God’s fulfillment (at last!) of his promise of a child to them.”

The Thief’s Repentance

This verse will be preached in many evangelical pulpits is as a rallying cry. In so many sermons, the “people” referred to in the passage are the American people, and the “land” is the American land. The meaning of the text is understood as an invitation to 21st century America to “return to God” and then enjoy God’s blessing once again.