Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 12

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations?

So. Many. Choices. Really, why do we need so many different Bible translations? Isn’t one enough? Unless we read Hebrew and Greek – the original language of the Bible – we must choose from the many English translations of the Bible. But there are dozens and dozens to choose from. How do we decide? Do we need more than one?

Why do so many different Bible translations exist?

If you speak more than one language, you know that everything doesn’t easily translate between one language and the other. Sometimes you have to make choices. And, if these languages are based in very different cultures, you also know that even if the words translate, the meaning may still get lost.

The Bible was not only written in a different language than ours, it was written in the context of a very different culture and time in history. Translators of the Bible have to consider not only the language but also the culture and the many changes brought by thousands of years. Even everyday things like units of measurements, money, calendars, and the way we keep time have changed. (See also “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?“)

Range of Translations Philosophies

Bible Translations are done by a team of biblical scholars. (The few exceptions are for paraphrases, not translations. For instance, The Message paraphrase was done by an individual.) The primary reason English translations differ depends on the philosophy of translation used by the translation team.

The translation philosophy determines how far the translators will go to bridge the gaps between the languages, culture, and time. They must decide what balance they’ll find between staying true to the original language and making it understandable to the reader.

Four Basic Groups of Bible Translation Philosophies

There are some defined groupings of translations, but they all fall along a spectrum from highly literal to highly paraphrased. (Feel free to download this Bible Translation Chart PDF!) Keep in mind there is no perfect literal translation from one language to another because of inherent differences in the structure and vocabularies of languages. The Bible is inerrant in the original manuscripts, not the human translations. (For more on this see “What we Misunderstand about Bible Translations” by Katie Orr.)

Formal Equivalent (also known as Word for Word, literal) – These translations are the closest to the grammar and syntax of the original language, but they can often sound wooden. Also, this kind of translation makes no consideration for cultural changes. (Ex: Amplified, KJV, ESV, NASB, RSV, ASV.)Dynamic Equivalent (also known as Thought-for-thought) – These translations work to keep the overall original thought rather than attempt a literal word for word translation. Although not as technically accurate as the Formal Equivalent, they are much easier for 21st century westerners to understand. For instance, Dynamic Equivalent translations change idioms, figures of speech, and measurements into “equivalent” terms that we will understand, but also try to maintain historical and factual accuracy. (Ex: NLT, CEB, REB) Example of a need: Translating “it’s raining cats and dogs” into another language.Optimal Equivalent – This “in-between” philosophy group is not on all the lists. But the NIV is the prime example. Desire to soften the stilted reading of the Formal Equivalent but still stay closer to the original language than the Dynamic Equivalent. (NIV, NJKV, CSB, NRSV)Paraphrase (Free) – This group departs the furthest from the original language but it provides a fresh reading experience. A paraphrase is not technically a translation but more of a big-idea-for-big-idea. It takes liberties with the literal words to create a “storytelling” feel. This translation group is fine for casual and inspirational reading but not recommended for study. With the paraphrase’s “storytelling” format, it would be great for family devotions with young children. (Ex: The Message, The Living Bible, Phillips)The Translations I Use

When I read my Bible each morning, I usually read from two different translations to expand my understanding of the passage. First, I read it from a Word-for-Word translation since that will be more literal. I use the ESV. Then I read it in the NLT, a thought-for-thought transition, to help explain some of the more “stiff” places in the ESV. However, I use the NIV for memorization because that’s the translation I used for decades and many passages are more familiar to me from the NIV. There are so many great translations. And the good thing is, we don’t have to use just one! (See also “3 Steps to Help You Choose a New Bible.”)

A more literal translation is best for study, but a thought-for-thought or paraphrase is great for devotional reading or family devotions.

What translation do you use? Which one would you like to try?

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations? by Kathy Howard.

4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context

Anyone who commits to read and study the Bible probably desires to correctly understand it. While numerous things may hinder that process, likely the most common hindrance to proper understanding is failing to consider biblical context. (Philippians 4:13 is a primary example of this problem.)

We cannot properly understand a single verse unless we consider the meaning of the surrounding passage. We cannot fully understand a passage unless we consider the purpose, background, and genre of the Bible book in which it’s found. (See also “Do You Read the Bible all Wrong?”)

Unfortunately, many of us read a verse or passage and go straight to application. We ask “what does this mean to me?” or “What does this mean for me.” (See also “Don’t Ask ‘What does this passage mean to me?‘”) But before we can apply God’s Word, we must first understand its meaning. And we can only do that if we understand the context. Every verse in the Bible has the same meaning today that it had when it was written. It may have unlimited applications depending on the individual and her circumstances. But God’s meaning never changes.

The good news is, we can easily grasp the context of any verse or passage. The following 4 tips will give you a solid start.

4 Things to Consider in Understanding the Biblical Context

Although numerous volumes exist on the subject, there are a few things we can quickly consider to help us deal correctly with God’s Word.

Literary Genre – Are you studying poetry, wisdom, prophecy, narrative, or apocalyptic literature? The genre of the book affects the interpretation. For instance, narrative simply tells us what happened and not necessarily what we are supposed to do in a given situation. And wisdom literature, like Proverbs, states general life principles and not solid promises of God. (See “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Literary Genres.“)Literary Context – Every sentence is part of a paragraph. Every paragraph is part of a larger passage. Every passage is part of an entire book. We cannot assign meaning to a verse without considering the greater context. For instance, knowing that Jacob stole the birthright from his brother Esau in Genesis 25 and Esau’s blessing from his father in chapter 27 helps us understand why Jacob was afraid of him in chapter 32. (See “How Literary Genre Helps You Understand the Bible.”)The Context of the Book – A book’s author, his audience, and his purpose impact the meaning. For instance, knowing that the author of the book of James was the half-brother of Jesus and not James the Apostle, definitely changes the way we understand the letter. (See also “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?“)Historical-Cultural Background – Every biblical author wrote in a specific time in history, to a specific people, in the midst of a specific set of circumstances. We cannot accurately understand them outside of that context. The political climate, current customs, and speech idioms are just a few of the things that impact the original meaning of a passage. For instance, references to Jewish religious practices pack the book of Hebrews. We won’t be able to grasp its rich meaning unless we go back and study things like the Day of Atonement and the Levitical priesthood.A few resources to help with context

We cannot cover everything here, but the following resources will help you go deeper: 

Read the introduction to a Bible book in your study Bible.Get a good Bible Dictionary. I have a copy of Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible.Another great resource is the two-volume set of The IVP Bible Background Commentary. Bible handbook like the classic Halley’s Bible Handbook 

Have you ever misunderstood God’s Word because you failed to consider the context? What is a verse that you think is regularly taken out of context?

you

4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context by Kathy Howard.

Inviting Revival

I am excited to have my sweet friend Erica Wiggenhorn as my guest blogger today! The following post is an excerpt from her new 8-week Bible study of Ezekiel, “An Unexpected Revival” published by Moody Publishers. This post is also a GIVEAWAY!! Go to end of post to learn how to enter for a chance to win a copy of Erica’s book.

When you think of revival, what pictures come to mind? Giant crowds? Megachurches? Emotional pleas from polished preachers? Lots of church folks involved, right? We’d hope so. We all have our preconceived ideas of what revival ought to look like. Ezekiel certainly did. He thought revival would happen in Jerusalem. The religious epicenter of his nation. He thought it looked like political freedom, economic prosperity and religious fervor. And he was wrong.

The prophecies of Ezekiel give us a different picture of revival. The people God chose to spark revival were counted out, cast aside, displaced and disregarded. They were the lot whom everyone decided God had forgotten. The ones out of favor, lacking supposed fervor, and forced into captivity by their enemies. In the Jewish way of thinking, removal from the land signified God’s displeasure and a consequence for unfaithfulness. (See Deuteronomy 28:36-44.) People who believed their doubts and doubted their beliefs. But God insists those are the exact people ripe for revival. Seems so backwards, doesn’t it?

God starts revival in unexpected places

Instead of searching for revival somewhere out there, I believe God invites us to revival in here, meaning right inside the caverns of our very own hearts. God promised Ezekiel He would remove their heart of stone and give them a new heart and a new spirit. Revival comes when the mother standing over a sink of dirty dishes, exhausted and weary from her daily duties cries out, “God, help me!”. When the man or the woman sit in their cubicle at work, battling the same bad habit they just cannot get a handle on begging, “God, change me!”. When the student on their campus longs to make a difference in the world and for God to reveal His will prays, “LORD, use me!”. And as He sparks revival to one solitary heart, that flickering flame spreads, creating a wildfire of faith across our land. 

Revival comes unexpectedly. In places that seem unknown and obscure. Abraham found it in a desolate desert. Moses found it on the edge of civilization in a burning bush. Elijah found it in a snarky, unbelieving pagan woman’s home. John the Baptist found it in the blazing Judean desert. Peter found it in an empty fishing net he could not find a way to fill. Paul found it on a murderous mission. John Mark found it through the shame of quitting and disappointing his leaders. All pretty unexpected places, wouldn’t you agree?

Will revival start with you?

I love this quote by Dallas Willard: The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians, and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes– a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power. The ordinary man, living his everyday life, and God comes to do the extraordinary. God seeks one man, one woman who longs for revival, whom He can fill with fresh fire. Will it be you?

How to enter the giveaway

One winner will be drawn on Saturday, July 2nd. You can enter up to four times. Leave a separate comment below for each time you complete an entry task. (The winner will be randomly drawn from the comments.) Here’s the various ways you can enter:

Leave a comment on the original blog at KathyHoward.orgShare this post on FacebookIf you received this blog by email, forward it to a friendTag a friend in the comments on my Instagram postMore about “An Unexpected Revival” by Erica Wiggenhorn

Do you long to feel a closer connection to God? To discern His voice, experience His peace, and live in His joy? We are not the first people to believe our doubts and doubt our beliefs when circumstances spiral out of control. In those times, God pursues us with His goodness, desiring to bring revival to our broken hearts. An Unexpected Revival, an 8-week Bible study through the prophecies of Ezekiel, sparks a fire in our longing hearts to feel renewed excitement in our relationship with God. Ezekiel teaches us to come close and invite God to fill us with fresh fire. God offers His joy, peace and purpose to any who seek it. Do you long for revival? See “An Unexpected Revival” now on Amazon.

Founder of Every Life Ministries, Erica Wiggenhorn longs to bring the truth of Scripture to transform your life. An award-winning author with Moody Publishers, Erica loves to share the Word of God wherever she can! A frequent speaker at women’s retreats, large conferences or her own kitchen table, Erica also writes for the First 5 app with Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can find her almost every day on Instagram.

For help with doing better Bible study every day, see “4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use”

Inviting Revival by Kathy Howard.

5 Things to Pray for Persecuted Christians

It happens almost 4,800 times a year. That’s 400 times a month or thirteen times a day. Perhaps even now, as you read this sentence, a follower of Jesus will be killed somewhere in the world. And today, many more will endure other forms of suffering because of Christ. (Statistics found at OpenDoorUsa.org)

Open Doors, a Christian non-profit that supports persecuted Christians around the globe, publishes an annual “World Watch List.” According to the 2021 report, “more than 340 million of our Christian brothers and sisters live in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination.” For the last 20 years, North Korea has been ranked the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. “Being discovered as a Christian is a death sentence in North Korea. If you aren’t killed instantly, you will be taken to a labor camp as a political criminal. These inhumane prisons have horrific conditions, and few believers make it out alive.”

It shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus warned us to expect it. The world hated Him, so it will hate those who belong to Him. His followers will be persecuted, delivered up to authorities, and turned on by friends and family. Some will lose their lives (Luke 21:12, 16-17)

But, this persecution is also an opportunity for Jesus’ followers to tell others about Him. Jesus promised He would give them wisdom and the right words. He declared that their accusers would not be able to oppose their testimony (Luke 21:14-15). (See also “Why Does God Allow Suffering in the Lives of Christians?“)

Since the birth of the church, as many as 70 million Christians have lost their lives for Jesus. (See “Christian Martyrdom: Who? Why? How?”) When we trace this long line of martyrs back through the centuries we find Stephen. The first to die for his faith in Jesus. 

How Can We Pray for Persecuted Christians?

Right now, we in the western world don’t face difficult persecution. But, we can stand in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world who do suffer. (Note: The following prayer prompts came from the International Mission Board.)

Pray that whatever their circumstances, God will give persecuted Christians the right words (Ephesians 6:19-20).Pray that persecuted Christians will understand and find peace in the sufficiency of God’s grace, even in their weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).Pray that Christians facing hardship will draw from a source of power larger than themselves (2 Corinthians 1:7-9).Pray that God would be present with them in their hardship, protecting them according to His will  (Matthew 26:39).Pray their witness would inspire those who seek to harm them (Luke 6:27-31).

What other Scriptures or specific requests do you pray for persecuted Christians around the world?

Note: Part of this post was adapted from “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts.”

5 Things to Pray for Persecuted Christians by Kathy Howard.

What’s the “Good” of Romans 8:28?

A lot of people have been quoting Romans 8:28 lately. With big problems looming in our country and around the world, we’ve all been looking for some “good.” We want to believe that no matter how things look right now, everything is going to work out in the end.

Disappointments, grief, difficulty, trials, and strife fill this life. These things have touched each of us. It is the human experience. But in the midst of suffering, we cling to a promise found in Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome:

“For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NIV

Christians find comfort, encouragement, and hope in these words. And rightly so. Unfortunately, many of us have misapplied this well-known verse. Our understanding is shortsighted. We slap God’s promise on the current and temporal, expecting our physical circumstances to soon look “good” – better even than when things went awry.

Do all things really work together for good?

Isn’t that what Romans 8:28 means? Isn’t our commonly condensed version of this passage – “all things work together for good” – accurate? Doesn’t God divinely control all the events and circumstances of our lives to make things turn out great for us?

Does God control our circumstances so we experience #good? #Romans8:28
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In order to understand “all things work together for good” accurately, we must not only consider the entire verse, but also the context of the larger passage.

In Romans 8:18-39, Paul is comparing present, earthly suffering of believers with the eternal glory to come. (See Romans 8:18.) On this earth, we “groan” or experience difficulties because of the effects of sin. But God has conquered sin. In His sovereignty, He is working out His plan to save, sanctify, and glorify those He has “called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-30).

The who, what, and how of #Romans8:28. What’s the #Good?
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So, what is the “good” of Romans 8:28?

One of our biggest problems in misunderstanding Scripture is failing to consider the surrounding literary context. (See “How Literary Context Helps You Understand the Bible.“) With the larger context in mind, let’s discover the “who,” “what,” and “how” of this passage:

Who is the promise for? – This promise is only for Christians, those who have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus. Not only did Paul write this letter to believers, but the verse itself defines the “who” – “those who love [God], who have been called according to His purpose.” We cannot apply this verse to all people.What is our “good?” – This is probably the most often misunderstood and misapplied part of this verse. “Good” does not mean our happiness, physical comfort, or material abundance. The larger context of the passage refers to our spiritual condition and sure hope of one day sharing in Christ’s glory. Verse 29 specifically says God’s purpose for us is to be “conformed to the likeness of His Son.” This is our calling, God’s goal – and “good” – for us. In His power and sovereignty, God is working through the circumstances of our lives to make us like Jesus and to bring us to our eternal glory.How does God accomplish it? – God works in and through our trials, difficulties, and pain and suffering to move us toward His will (Romans 8:27) which is conformity to Jesus and future glory with Him (Romans 8:29-30). (See Romans 5:3-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and James 1:2-4.) In order to be like Jesus and share His glory, we must also share His sufferings (Philippians 3:10-11). God uses and works through our physical circumstances to bring about the spiritual condition He desires in us.God’s “good” for us is eternal

God’s “good” for us is far greater than our temporary, physical circumstances. His plan is spiritual in nature and eternal in scope. God intimately knows our physical needs and cares greatly about each one (Matthew 6:25-33). But He cares even more about our spiritual condition. He wants us to be like His Son. (See also “6 Ways God Uses Trials in a Christian’s Life” and “3 Important Truths in Romans 8:28.”)

#GodCares more about our #spiritual condition than He does our physical
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Is this understanding of God’s “good” for us different than you’ve understood it in the past? In what way?

By the way, I’m working on a third devotional in the “Deep Rooted” series. “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans” will be released Fall 2022!! I can’t wait to share all the beautiful truths about God and our great salvation with you! In the meantime, check out “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts” and “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.“

What’s the “Good” of Romans 8:28? by Kathy Howard.

10 Characteristics of a Blameless Life

Scripture says that those with a blameless life can enter God’s presence (Psalm 15:2) Imagine entering heaven and approaching God’s throne. Picture yourself as you kneel at His feet and bask in the joy of His presence. All the struggles of life fade away as you praise Him who sits on the throne.

Do you long to enter God’s holy presence and joyfully worship at His feet? According to Psalm 15:2, those whose “walk is blameless” may dwell in God’s sanctuary and live on His holy hill. I long to enter God’s presence, but I’m not sure I would describe myself as “blameless.” Would you?

What does it mean to be blameless?

According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the Hebrew word translated as “blameless” in Psalm 15:2 describes a person with “nothing in his outward activities or internal disposition that is odious to God.”

Good definition, but that’s too general for me to get my mind around. I need some specifics about what a “blameless” life looks like. Thankfully, the Bible tells us. Psalm 15 and 101 describe a blameless life (Read them now if you have time. They are not long.) The following list of characteristics is derived from these two psalms of David. (Also see “5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life.”)

10 Characteristics of a Blameless PersonShe practices praise – Regularly contemplate the holy nature of God. Recognizing His worthiness will not only foster praise, we will also be moved to obedience.She lives with integrity at home – Sometimes we fail to purposefully watch our words and actions at home like we do other places. We tend to let our guard down; to allow our first, sinful instincts to rule. We need to be as careful at home as we are away from home.She turns away from everything vile or vulgar – “Blameless” woman do not compromise with the sinful ways of the world. We don’t allow ourselves to become desensitized to immorality, crudeness, or risqué humor by watching it, reading it, or listening to it. For a sad example, read this post “Holiness is not a Shade of Grey.”She ruthlessly guards against evil thoughts and behavior – We must proactively rid our lives of every thought and action contrary to the nature and character of God.She does not use her words to tear down others – Our speech should be edifying and encouraging. That doesn’t mean everything we need to say will be easy. But it does mean it will be helpful to the hearer.She does not collaborate with ungodly, wicked people – The only way to never encounter ungodly people is to leave this life and transfer to heaven. However, we can choose not to enter into agreements, projects, or business dealings with people whose worldview is not Christ-centered.She embraces honesty – Satan is the father of lies. Anytime we are less than honest we have yielded to the tempter! Let’s commit to total honesty in our own lives and conduct. We should also expect honesty from the people around us and distance ourselves from those who refuse to be honest.She does not seek gain that brings harm to others – God wants us to use our God-given skills, talents, and gifts to support the Kingdom, serve others, and provide for ourselves and our families. However, any effort for gain or advancement that takes advantage of others is sinful.She squashes pride and conceit – Pride fosters an abundance of sin. Those who want to live blameless before God will seek humility by keeping both God and ourselves in proper perspective.She helps, encourages, and protects the godly – God calls us to serve others and meet the needs of those who cannot help themselves. Do we respond when they cross our paths?

This may not be a complete list of “blameless” characteristics, but it’s a start. Let’s keep searching God’s Word, applying what He shows us, and enjoying His holy presence!

Which of these 10 characteristics do you struggle with the most? Why is that, do you think?

You may also be interested in my 8-week Bible study “Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence.”

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10 Characteristics of a Blameless Life by Kathy Howard.

Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres

I love to read. I read fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, I particularly like legal thrillers, biblical fiction, and WW2 historical fiction. I read lots of biblical commentary and theologically heavy non-fiction like A.W. Tozer and R.C. Sproul. But I don’t handle all these books the same. The type and form of literature dictates how I should read and understand it.

For instance, the biblical fiction does not shape my understanding of Scripture. When I read historical fiction, I can add the historical facts to my knowledge base without thinking the characters and plots really existed or really happened. When I read commentaries, I keep in mind that they share highly educated opinions on what the Scriptures say, but is not inspired like the Bible.

The Bible is literature

The Bible, which is comprised of 66 books, contains different biblical genres or literary styles. The specific literary genre of a Bible book impacts how we should understand it. We cannot treat every type of genre the same. The Bible includes roughly six to eight different literary genres, depending on how its broken down. There is no one, definitive list. 

To complicate matters even further, some Bible books include multiple genres. Although each book has a primary literary style, most also utilize smaller portions of other types within them. For instance, the book of Exodus begins as historical narrative but also includes large sections of law. 

Practical Tips for Biblical Genres

The following is a brief overview of 8 biblical genres with tips for understanding them.

1. Narrative – This includes the history books of the Old Testament and the book of Acts. This genre tells us what happened, not necessarily what should have happened or what we should do. Narrative often teaches indirectly, with implicit meaning.  Tips: Narrative is descriptive, not prescriptive. Look for what the story teaches us about God’s character, nature, and ways. (See also “Help for Understanding Old Testament Narrative.”)

2. Law – This includes parts of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Law gives details of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel and is not binding under the New Covenant unless specifically renewed. Tip: Look for principles for living in community with God and others. (See also “How Should We Understand the Law?“)

3. Poetry – The psalms are musical poetry, intended to appeal to our emotions. They are words to be spoken to God or about God, and not specifically as doctrine, though they reflect doctrine. They include literary devices like hyperbole and metaphors that aren’t to be taken literally. Tips: Consider each psalm as a whole, it is a unit. Watch for ways to worship, pray, meditate, and express yourself honestly to God. (See also “5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms” and “How to Understand the Psalms through Parallelism.”)

4. Wisdom – This includes Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Job, and Song of Songs. This genre provides wise practical principles for living. It does NOT make promises. Tips: Watch for figurative language. Look for the practical principle that fosters wise, godly living. (See also “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.”)

DOWNLOAD THE BIBLICAL GENRE TIP SHEET

5. Prophecy – The OT includes 4 major and 12 minor prophets. The prophets were God’s covenant enforcers. They gave God’s Word to a specific people in specific historical situations and included a lot of poetry. Scholars estimate that up to 99% of biblical prophecy has been fulfilled. Tips: Keep the context in mind. Watch for multiple levels of fulfillment. (See also “4 Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets.”)

6. Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John uniquely combine teachings of Jesus with stories about Jesus. Each author had a primary audience and a primary purpose. Tips: Keep the historical and cultural context in mind. Consider the literary devices Jesus used in His teaching like parables, hyperbole, similes, and metaphors.

7. Epistles – These letters were written to a particular person or a group in a particular point in time and place for a specific purpose. Tips: Know the context and keep it in mind. Determine what is relative to only the 1st century audience and what is also relative to us today. When the exact situation isn’t relative, look for the underlying spiritual principle that is! (See also “8 Tips to Help You Understand the Epistles.”)

8. Apocalyptic – This is primarily the book of Revelation but can also be found in sections of some of the OT prophets like Daniel. This genre is highly symbolic and stylized. It’s meant to teach in whole picture, not necessarily through details. Tips: Keep the big picture in mind and don’t get bogged down in the details or chronology. Keep the historical context in mind. For instance, Revelation was originally written for the 1st century church who suffered at the hands of Rome.

What is your favorite biblical genre? Why?

Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres by Kathy Howard.

5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms

Most of us love the book of Psalms. We connect to them in a unique way because they engage our emotions and ignite our imagination. But do we understand the psalms as well as we could?

Thirty-three percent of the Old Testament is poetry and Psalms is the biggest book of poetry in the Bible. Although all of Psalms is poetry, it includes many different types of poetry such as prayers, songs, liturgies, and even wisdom. 

God speaks to mankind throughout the whole of the Bible, but the psalms add a dimension. In this collection of poems, mankind also speaks to God, expressing our heart and emotions. With the psalms, we use God’s words to speak to or about God. The psalms have been used by God’s people to foster worship and prayer for about 3,000 years! They are still a model for us today, helping us understand appropriate ways to talk to God.

Who wrote the psalms?

The psalms were written by a number of different people over the course of several centuries. They were written by royalty, priests, Levites, prophets, and more. The entire collection of psalms is divided into 5 smaller “books.” Some commentators think the final arrangement of the psalms into books happened after the exile and return of the remnant. Each of the five books of the psalms may center on a particular theme, potentially corresponding with the periods of Israel’s history like the monarchy, the failure of the nation, exile, and restoration. Here is the breakdown of the five books of Psalms:

Book I: Psalm 1 – 41

Book II: Psalm 42-72

Book III: Psalm 73-89

Book IV: Psalm 90-106

Book V: Psalm 107-150

Tips to Better Understand the Psalms

Every passage in the Bible has just one meaning – the one God originally intended. But each original meaning can have endless application for our lives. But before we can apply, we need to discover God’s meaning. (For more on this see “4 Tips to Help You Understand the Bible” and “4 R Method for Everyday Bible Study.”)

Identify the purpose – The overall purpose behind the collection of psalms was to facilitate corporate worship. But individual psalms fulfill different aspects of that purpose. Recognizing the purpose of the psalm we read will help us understand its meaning. Here’s a sampling of the reasons behind the writing of the psalms: PraiseCoronation ceremonyPrayerLamentExpress intense emotion or griefRepentanceTemple entry liturgy

2. Watch for parallelism – Parallelism is frequently used in Hebrew poetry. This is two or more brief phrases (couplet) that basically say the same thing in multiple ways. The 2nd line adds to the first by restating it in a different way, expanding on it, clarifying it, or contrasting. Although there is a lot more to learn about variations of parallelism, there are two primary types:

Synonymous parallelism (see Psalm 1) – Says the same thing in different waysAntithetical parallelism (see Psalm 1:6) – Shows a contrast between two things to show a distinction

3. Look for metaphors, similes, and hyperbole – Since the psalms are poetry they are naturally full of poetic language. This includes a variety of word pictures. These devices are not to be taken literally, but the visuals help us better understand the spiritual truth. For instance, God is like a shepherd (Psalm 23) in that He guides, protects, and cares for us. God is not literally a shepherd.

4. Consider the whole psalm – Each psalm is a unit. You will best understood each verse within the context of the entire psalm.

5. Use the psalms to express yourself to God – Watch for ways to worship, pray, meditate, and express yourself honestly to God.

Join a study of Psalms 1-41

Want to dig into the Psalms with me? This beautiful Hebrew poetry helps us learn how to pray and worship God. Beginning Monday, May 23rd I will be leading reading and discussion of Psalms 1-41 on Facebook. This daily Bible reading and discussion happens in the private group “Reading the Bible Together.” Readings and questions post Monday – Friday at 5am. But it’s “come and go.” You can pop in on whatever time schedule works for you. If you’re interested, follow this link, request to join and answer the 3 easy questions!

What is your favorite psalm? Why is it your favorite?

5 Tips to Help You Understand the Psalms by Kathy Howard.

Think You Understand the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Many of us have had a love/hate relationship with the Proverbs 31 woman. Yes, we admire her energy and success. But frankly, the woman set the bar far too high for the rest of us. We read the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs and think, “That’s just impossible.” We feel defeated before we ever begin. But, perhaps we’ve misunderstood this woman all along.

The woman described in the last chapter of the book of Proverbs, also known as the “wife of noble character” is more than just a description of a godly woman. Throughout Proverbs, the wisdom writer often personifies wisdom. Since the Hebrew word for wisdom is feminine, wisdom is naturally portrayed as a woman. Sometimes the teacher depicts wisdom as an immoral, foolish woman and sometimes as a wise, godly woman. 

The wife of noble character then is the personification of wisdom, a collection of all the characteristics of wisdom we see in the collection of proverbs. This wise woman of virtue stands in contrast to all the adulterous and foolish women set forth throughout the book. She is an idealized wife, in an idealized home. And of course, she is set in the time and culture of an ancient Jewish household.

On commentator said it reads more like an ancient hymn, a musical poem to lady wisdom. Husbands and children even recited it in ancient Jewish homes at Sabbath dinner by. Structurally, it’s an acrostic. The first word of each line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in sequence.

The Key to Understanding the Proverbs 31 Woman

This woman is not smarter or more energetic than today’s average Christian woman. She does not possess some secret super power or run for days with no sleep. The “secret” is the source of her wisdom:

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 ESV

“The fear of the LORD” is a running theme in the book of Proverbs. God is the Source of true wisdom (Proverbs 8:22). If we want to live wisely and not work against the One who designed the universe we must submit to Him and His ways. We must acknowledge His authority and yield to His Lordship in our lives. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10).

I think the reason the Proverbs 31 woman often intimidates us is because we are looking at what all she does rather than Who she serves. She isn’t following a long to-do list, but instead is following her Lord one step at a time. And as she does she walks in His wisdom with His power. (You may also find this post helpful: “3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs.“)

The Fruit of Wisdom in the Proverbs 31 Woman

First of all – the Proverbs 31 woman is a composite, an overview of a lifetime of a wise woman. God doesn’t expect us to do it all every day! 

If you have time, I encourage you to stop and read Proverbs 31:10-31. Don’t get bogged down in the specific tasks. Many of them – like planting a vineyard and spinning her own cloth (Proverbs 31:16, 19) – are closely tied to her time and culture. I just recently read and studied this passage in my own personal quiet time and with the Facebook group I lead “Reading the Bible Together.” (By the way, today we begin a week-long study in Revelation 1-4. All women are welcome!) As I read, I made lists of the following:

Characteristics of her characterHow she relates to her husband, children, employees, and othersThe quality of her work in all areas of her life like home life, business, finances, and personal appearance

I discovered things like a wise woman is hardworking, generous, a good steward of her resources, watches her words, and plans for the future. I learned that her character impacts how others see her husband and that because she helps him and is trustworthy, her husband praises her to others. I noticed that since this woman yields to the God of wisdom in every area of her life the benefit of His wisdom shows up in every area. 

So, here’s the key to being like the Proverbs 31 woman. We don’t have to be and do all the things. We just really need one thing. To fear the Lord. When we do that, His wisdom touches everything we say and do.

In what way have you previously misunderstood the Proverbs 31 woman?

Think You Understand the Proverbs 31 Woman? by Kathy Howard.

When You Don’t Know What to Pray

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is my guest blogger today! It’s adapted from her new book “Day-votions with Your Faithful Father: 90 Days with the One Who Wants to Meet All Your Needs.“

Some things you never forget.

The phone call in the middle of the night. The sound of heavy steps in the hallway and a door closing. The noise of a car door opening and shutting, and the hum of our Chevrolet sedan whispering the truth through my open window as our car backed out of the driveway into the street.

Then silence. But sleep wouldn’t come again for a while. My eyes might try to close, but imagination would pry them open with invisible toothpicks: Who is it this time, Lord? A baby? A mother, father, teenager, child?

An accident? A death? A domestic issue? A desperate plea for prayer?

The familiar scenario repeated itself as the years flew by in my childhood and teenage years. Like a doctor on twenty-four-hour duty, my father answered the calls that interrupted his loud snores. Another need. One more crisis. Another cry for help.

But the memories don’t stop there. I added, “minister’s wife” to “pastor’s daughter,” when I married. Because my husband’s call to ministry was to a “Person” (Jesus), not to a particular position, his church roles led him at different times to “Youth Minister,” “Pastor” and “Associate Pastor” responsibilities.

So the calls still came, whether in daylight or dark. Occasionally, I joined my husband as his silent partner, with only love, tears, a hug, and an unspoken prayer to offer. God had to do the rest.

And He did. He does. And He will.

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Pray

I wish I had known years ago what I know now. I didn’t always know what to pray, but God, as my faithful Father, saw the longing of my silent tears during those times of neediness and crises.

Sometimes, even now, audible words hide in the crevices of my heart, whether I’m praying for my own needs or the needs of others. But as the truths in God’s Word reveal, when we don’t know what to pray, He is the One who will help us and who intercedes for us. In every situation, every crisis, and every need, He holds our hands in His.

As I read His words in the Bible, I sense His Spirit assuring us that He is always ready to help:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  Romans 8:26-27 NIV

Note: You may also enjoy “The 5 Ps of the Lord’s Prayer,” The Armor of God is More Thank a Prayer,” and “5 Situations When Prayer is Vital.”

From Our Faithful Father’s Heart

Based on the above promise from His Word, I can image what God might whisper to us when we struggle with what to pray:

My child, You’ll experience so many times when you come into My presence without the faintest idea how to express yourself. How could I, the Holy One, hear your prayers in the first place? At times, you even feel like a child whose vocabulary hasn’t progressed beyond kindergarten. Don’t worry about knowing the right words to say when you talk to Me. I hear Your heart. When you need an intercessor, My Spirit searches your heart and sees the deepest desires hidden there. You will also have moments when your pain is so deep you cannot even speak. Tears cloud your heart, and words refuse to come.

Whether you feel helpless, lonely, broken, or sad, I know your need. And when you don’t know how or what to pray for others? You’re not alone. Because My ways are different from yours, you won’t always understand what to pray. Don’t let that stop you from pouring out your heart to Me, either in tearful cries or spoken words. My Spirit will take those groanings and form them into a prayer that is My will for you. In time, I will give you peace about those issues. When you don’t know what to say, I am still the One who intercedes for you—perfectly.

From Our Grateful Heart to His

And my heart overflows with gratitude at His words:

Lord, sometimes I feel tongue-tied when I step onto holy ground. What can I say to the One who left heaven for me? How can I communicate with the God who created all things, the One who holds the world in His hands? Other times, the hurts in my heart are like boulders so great that I can’t possibly move them. Words hide in the broken places of my soul.

Thank You for reminding me that You hear the deepest needs of my heart, even when I can’t verbalize them. Thank You that You are the One who intercedes for me as I pray for others, and You also offer intercession against the power of sin in my own life. You know me so well. Purify the desires of my heart, Lord, so that the motives behind my requests are not solely to relieve my pain or discomfort, but to glorify You in the situation, no matter what happens.

Thank you Rebecca for sharing today about what to pray! Find out more about Rebecca Barlow Jordan and her new book “Day-votions with Your Faithful Father” below:

Day-votions with Your Faithful Father: 90 Days with the One Who Wants to Meet All Your Needs, is a 90-day spiritual and devotional encounter that will help you renew your hope, joy, peace, and trust in the One who is faithful and unchangeable. Through intimate prayer conversations with your heavenly Father, focused Bible verses, powerful truths, reflective Bible study questions, and even journal pages, this book will help you deepen your relationship with the One who longs to meet all your needs. 

Rebecca Barlow Jordan is a day-voted follower of Jesus whose passion is helping others find joy and purposeful living through deeper intimacy with God. She has written 13 books, and over 2000 greeting cards, devotions, articles, and contributed to over 20 other books. From years of Bible study and teaching, she continues to paint encouragement on the hearts of others through her blog and website at www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com. Rebecca is a minister’s wife, has two children and four grandchildren, and makes her home in Texas.

When You Don’t Know What to Pray by Kathy Howard.