What is the value of doing a word study in understanding the Bible?

Answer

The Bible, as literature, consists of words. Therefore, understanding the words themselves is fundamental to comprehending the Bible’s message. A word study is a valuable tool as it enables the Bible student to observe how a particular word is utilized across the Bible and in contemporary literature.

An effective approach to conducting a word study involves examining a specific book or author (such as Paul) to consistently analyze the usage of a particular word. By considering the word’s usage and its standard definition, we can start to grasp the author’s intended meaning. For instance, the Greek word “dunamis” (meaning “power”) is found 119 times in the New Testament. We could explore how Luke uses this word in his gospel and then compare it to Paul’s usage in 1 Corinthians. Alternatively, we could delve into the Hebrew word “korse” (meaning “throne”) throughout the Old Testament.

It is crucial to avoid what one biblical scholar termed “illegitimate totality transfer.” A word can have different meanings in various contexts. We should not automatically apply the full range of meanings to every instance of its use. While a word may have multiple meanings, not all meanings are necessarily implied each time the word is used—context sensitivity is essential. For example, the Greek word “angelos” correctly translates to “a messenger.” In Scripture, it is commonly used to describe a spiritual being created by God, residing in heaven, and carrying out God’s will. However, the term is also employed in Scripture to depict a demonic being “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”, (Revelation 12:9) and even a ghost “And they said unto her,Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was indeed so. Then said they, “It is his angel.” (Acts 12:15).

Some valuable tools for word study are The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis edited by Willem A. Van Gemeren and The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis edited by Moisés Silva. However, these resources are somewhat scholarly and may be challenging for those with no exposure to the original languages. Other helpful tools for word study include Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and Strong’s Concordance. To begin a word study, utilize an exhaustive concordance to locate every passage where the word appears, and carefully read those passages. Take notes and develop an understanding of the word’s meaning on your own, then validate your conclusions with scholars and commentators.

To observe how a word study operates, follow these steps:

Use a concordance to search for the word gospel (Greek, euaggelion) in the book of Romans.

Read all the verses in Romans that mention the word.

Address these inquiries:

– What is the dictionary definition of the word?

– In what manner(s) is the news considered “good”?

– What expressions are linked to the word gospel that indicate the source or the essence of the good news?

– Why does Paul refer to it as “my gospel” in Romans 2:16 and 16:25?

– In what way(s) is the gospel meant to be “obeyed” “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”, (Romans 10:16)?

– What other observations can you make about how the word is employed in Romans?

Contrast Paul’s usage of the term gospel in Romans with Luke’s usage of the same term in the book of Acts.

Take a moment to praise the Lord for the gospel.