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9 answers

What translation best translates the word "vanity" (in the KJV) in Ecclesiastes?

The word "vanity" (KJV) in Ecclesiastes was translated (possibly incorrectly) in the NIV as "meaningless". Is "vanity" the best translation for the Hebrew word hebel (Strongs 1892) or does a newer version do it more justice? Obviously, "vanity" may…
Lance Roberts
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24
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Was Barnabas ever reconciled to Paul?

First the timeline of events of Paul and Barnabas' falling out: Acts 12:25: When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. Acts 13:13: From Paphos, Paul and his companions…
24
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6 answers

Why does Matthew double people?

Matthew seems to mention two people (or animals) where other Gospels mention just one, e.g. two demon possessed men, in Matthew 8:28-34 (compare Mark 5:1-17 and Luke 8:26-39) two blind men, in Matthew 9:27-31 and two more blind men, in Matthew…
24
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9 answers

In Revelation 20:14, what is meant by "Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire"?

In Revelation 20:14 (ESV) we read: "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire." The concept of "fire" is used multiple times in the New Testament to refer to a place of final judgment. To…
Jed
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24
votes
6 answers

Are Andronicus and Junia(s) apostles?

Two of our most literal English translations render Romans 16:7 in remarkably different ways: NASB: Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before…
Jon Ericson
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24
votes
3 answers

Did Moses have an Egyptian name?

Moses got his name from Pharaoh's daughter: When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”—Exodus 2:10 (ESV) The ESV translators…
Jon Ericson
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24
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3 answers

Was Ba'al relieving himself?

In 1 Kings 18:27, Elijah is recorded as mocking the servants of Ba'al. In this speech as it is recorded in the ESV, Elijah suggests that Ba'al may be indisposed answering nature's call. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is…
James Shewey
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24
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11 answers

Who are the "gods" in "You are gods" in John 10:30-36?

In John 10:30-36 (NASB), Jesus responds to an accusation of blasphemy by quoting the Old Testament: 30I and the Father are one.” 31The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. 32Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the…
jrdioko
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24
votes
5 answers

What are the similarities and differences between the Genesis creation account and other creation stories of the time

(Operating under the assumption that Genesis was authored by Moses, and its intent is a polemic against other origin stories and their view of the deity at the time). The Enûma Eliš is said to have influenced the writings in Genesis. What are the…
hawkeye
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23
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8 answers

How did Joanna "get away with" sponsoring Jesus' ministry?

Luke 8:1-3 Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ καθεξῆς καὶ αὐτὸς διώδευεν κατὰ πόλιν καὶ κώμην κηρύσσων καὶ εὐαγγελιζόμενος τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ οἱ δώδεκα σὺν αὐτῷ, 2 καὶ γυναῖκές τινες αἳ ἦσαν τεθεραπευμέναι ἀπὸ πνευμάτων πονηρῶν καὶ ἀσθενειῶν, Μαρία ἡ…
Susan
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23
votes
6 answers

Was "Τετέλεσται" actually stamped on paid bills and debt certificates in the first century?

I've often heard some really cool explanations around the meaning for the greek word Τετέλεσται in the New Testament where Jesus said, "It is Finished". I love what I've heard, and have even preached it myself, but at times I've also wondered…
Joel Glovier
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23
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10 answers

If Mary had other sons besides Jesus, why did Jesus assign Apostle John to take care of his mother?

Before Jesus died on the cross, we have in John 19:26: When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” But Mary had other sons besides Jesus, right? Why didn't Jesus just…
user35953
23
votes
9 answers

Was Adam present when the serpent was talking with Eve?

Genesis 3:6 (NIV) When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate…
Mawia
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23
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What did the 70 elders see, if man can't see God and live?

Exodus 24:10 says, of the 70 elders who went up on the mountain with Moshe: וַיִּרְאוּ, אֵת אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל and they saw the God of Israel Meanwhile, Exodus 33:20 says, when Moshe asks to see God: וַיֹּאמֶר, לֹא תוּכַל לִרְאֹת אֶת-פָּנָי: …
user3457
23
votes
4 answers

What is the significance of "east" in the Scriptures?

There seems to be some significance to the east in the Scriptures. The garden is planted in the east of Eden Cherubim are stationed on the east side of the Garden of Eden Parts of the burnt offering are to be thrown to the east side of the…
Soldarnal
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