Learning to read the Scriptures in the original languages is like reading the Bible in HD. So much more beauty and brilliance pops out of the page. Allow me to demonstrate: In the Greek translation of Genesis 2:7, God breathes (ἐμφυσάω) the breath of life (πνοὴν ζωῆς) and Adam becomes a living soul (ψυχὴν ζῶσαν). In Ezekiel 37, the promised resurrection is imbued with creation language. The breath/Spirit of life (πνεῦμα ζωῆς) breathes (ἐμφυσάω) upon God’s fallen people, and they come to life (37:5, 9–10). Now watch this! The Greek word ἐμφυσάω occurs only once in the New Testament. In John 20:22, the resurrected Jesus breathes (ἐμφυσάω) on his disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit (πνεῦμα ἅγιον).” By his Spiritual breath, the Lord brings his people into the new creation inaugurated at his resurrection (Ezek. 37:13–14).
Look how Paul develops these themes in 1 Corinthians 15:45, “The first man Adam became a living soul (ψυχὴν ζῶσαν; Gen. 2:7); the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit (πνεῦμα ζῳοποιοῦν).” Notice the movement from πνοὴν ζωῆς (Gen. 2:7) to πνεῦμα ζωῆς (Ezek. 37:5) to πνεῦμα ζῳοποιοῦν (1 Cor. 15:45). Throughout Scripture, ζῳοποιέωis properly God’s exclusive work. Paul further accentuates this covenantal contrast with a chiasm (ABCBA pattern). Nine contrasts funnel our attention to the central antithesis (15:45). The first three (15:42–43) correspond to the last three (15:47–49): sowing (σπείρω) terminate sin the dust (χοϊκός) of the earth, while rising (ἐγείρω) terminates in heaven (οὐρανός/ἐπουράνιος). The fourth and sixth contrasts, natural (ψυχικός) and spiritual (πνευματικός; 15:44,46), emphasize Adam’s impotence as ψυχὴν ζῶσαν and Christ’s competence as πνεῦμαζῳοποιοῦν. The earthly Adam lay breathless (Gen. 2:7; Ezek. 37:8), but the heavenly Adam breathes new creation life (Ezek 37:9; John 20:22). Learning the biblical languages adds color and clarity to the contours of redemptive history.
The new biblical language certificate will give students the tools to behold the majesty and brilliance of Scripture as it unfolds throughout redemptive history. Learn more.