It Means What It Means

This conversation explores the topic of Muslim Idiom Translations in the context of Bible translation and the challenges faced by Christians in Muslim majority societies. The discussion covers the history of Arabic-speaking Christians, the tension between missiology and ecclesiology, and the concerns of Christians in Muslim majority societies. The target audience for this conversation includes Bib...

In this conversation, John Dunne discusses his recent article “The Souring of the Ways: Anti-Jewish Readings of Psalm 69 and the Wine Offerings to Jesus.” He explores the texts in the gospels and the Hebrew Bible, highlighting the differences and inconsistencies in the details of the wine offerings. Dunne argues that the simplification of these details in later tradition is influenced by the inter...

Nick Posegay , a postdoctoral researcher at the Cambridge Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, discusses the Cairo Genizah, a Jewish collection of texts that contains manuscripts from the 8th to the 20th century. He explains the history and significance of the Genizah, the types of materials and inks used in the manuscripts, and the challenges of dating and cataloging the fragments. Posega...

In this conversation, Jared interviews Isaac T. Soon, an expert in religious studies, about his article on the interpretation of the Zacchaeus story in Luke 19:1-10. They discuss the common assumption that Zacchaeus is the short one in the story, while Jesus is seen as normal and able-bodied. Isaac challenges this interpretation and argues that it is possible that Jesus is the short one, which dis...

Rebecca Runesson discusses her article on Centurions in the Jesus Movement and the Gaianus inscription at Kefar ‘Othnay. She explores the role of centurions as patrons and their interactions with the local community. The spread of ideas and belief systems is examined through the lens of weak ties and strong ties. The Gaianus inscription is analyzed as an example of patronage in the early Christ cu...

In this conversation, Wally Cirafesi discusses his article on rethinking the portrayal of the synagogue in the Gospel of John. He challenges the assumption that the expulsion of Christ believers from the synagogue represents a break between Judaism and Christianity. Cirafesi argues that synagogues in the ancient world were diverse and multifunctional public institutions, rather than monolithic rel...

Samuel Wells discusses his book Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics and explores the concept of improvisation in Christian ethics. He introduces the metaphor of the Five Act Play, which includes creation, covenant, Christ, church, and consummation. Wells emphasizes the importance of ecclesial ethics and the formation of character within the church. He explains the concept of accepting and...

In this conversation, Andrew Das discusses his book Remarriage in Early Christianity . He shares how his interest in the subject began and the various influences that shaped his research. Das explores the Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts of the time, highlighting the widespread acceptance of divorce and remarriage. However, he notes that Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage were radical and w...

The conversation explores the themes of biblical hermeneutics, the hermeneutics of suspicion, and the intersectionality of race and gender in biblical interpretation. The guest, Gail Yee, discusses her book on Asian-American biblical hermeneutics and the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts. They also touch on the abuse of the Bible in Christian nationa...

In this conversation, Christopher W. Jones discusses his article on the literary historical memory of Sargon of Akkad and its connection to the figure of Nimrod in Genesis 10. He explains the concept of literary historical memory and provides background information on Sargon of Akkad. Jones explores the subversive nature of the Nimrod narrative and its critique of empire. He also discusses the dat...

In this conversation, Dr. Jeremy L. Williams discusses his research on criminalization in the book of Acts and its relevance to contemporary issues of power and justice. He explores the concept of criminalization as a cultural artifact and the ways in which it is influenced by socio-political location. Dr. Williams also examines the terminology of missionary and evangelism, highlighting the subver...

In this conversation, Anthony Ellis discusses the concept of kina (envy/jealousy) in the Hebrew Bible. He explores the different interpretations and implications of kina, both in human relationships and in the context of divine jealousy. Ellis highlights the story of Joseph and his brothers as an example of envy among siblings and the moral lessons it conveys. He also delves into the theological s...

Rebecca Poe Hays, an assistant professor at Truett Seminary, discusses the intersection of trauma, remembrance, and healing in Psalm 78. She explores the genre of Hebrew poetry and how stories are conveyed in the Psalms. Hays highlights the importance of historical Psalms and their connection to the wisdom tradition. She draws parallels between trauma treatment methods and the structure of Psalm 7...

Elisa Uusimäki discusses the topic of travel and anxiety in early Jewish literature. She shares her background and research interests, including her focus on the figure of the wise person and the intersection of wisdom and travel. She explains how she defines and approaches anxiety in her article, drawing on psychological and affect studies. She discusses the texts she analyzes, including Tobit an...

James McGrath is a religious studies professor and author of the book Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist . In this conversation, McGrath explains how his interest in John the Baptist was sparked by his previous work on the Gospel of John and the Mandaeans, a group that emerged from followers of John the Baptist. He also challenges common misconceptions about John's appearance and lifestyle, h...

In this conversation, Nathan McDonald discusses the concept of priestly hegemony and its utilization of different aspects of culture to establish power. He explains the development of the biblical text and the complex history behind it. Nathan also explores the connection between the priestly and Deuteronomic sources and how they collided and harmonized over time. He highlights the significance of...

In this conversation, Eric J. Harvey discusses his research on blindness in the ancient Middle East, particularly in the Hebrew Bible. He explains the differences between the categories of not seeing, unseeing, and blind, and how interpreters have often misunderstood and conflated them. Eric also delves into the concept of the normate body and the ableist interpretations of biblical texts. He expl...

In this episode, Jared talks to William Morrow about his article “Mourning for Tammuz: Prophecy and Projection in Ezekiel 8:14” from The Journal of Biblical Literature . Recommendations made include the Society of Biblical Literature website , Bible Odyssey , Biblical Archaeological Review , American Theological Library Association , Review Biblical Literature , Ancient World Online , and Ian Rank...

Jonathan Rowlands, a theology lecturer, discusses the book of Hebrews and its themes. He explains that Hebrews is a unique text in the New Testament, and its genre and authorship are still debated. The book emphasizes Jesus as a high priest and his role in atonement. Rowlands explores different readings of Hebrews 1:3b and how they impact the understanding of the text. He also discusses the import...

In this episode, Jared talks to Curtis Freeman about his essay “The Faith of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Conundrum” from the book Beyond Old and New Perspectives on Paul: Reflections on the Work of Douglas Campbell . Recommendations made include James William McClendon , Glen Butner , Fred Sanders , NT Wright , Richard Hays , and Mark A Noll features prominently in the conversation. Reach out wit...

In this conversation, Jon DePue discusses the main themes of his book Beyond Justification: Liberating Paul’s Gospel with Jared. They explore the concept of Paul's gospel as a gospel of life and liberation, moving beyond the traditional understanding of justification. They discuss the cosmic scope of Paul's gospel and the importance of the afterlife in Paul's thinking. They also delve into the alt...

In this episode, Jared talks to Haley Gabrielle about her article “Re-remembering Hagar: Reading Σάρξ in Galatians with Spillers” from the Journal of Biblical Literature . Recommendations made include Shively Smith , Randall Bailey , Gay Byron , Vanessa Lovelace , Mitzi Smith , Sharon Jacob , Dolores Williams , and (I added) Gale Yee .  Reach out with feedback at itmeanswhatitmeans@gmail.com , on...

Mark A. Noll discusses his book America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794 to 1911 . He shares his motivation for writing the book and explains that it is a continuation of his research on the use of the Bible in American history. Noll highlights the entrepreneurial and free-form nature of religion in America, particularly in relation to the production and use of the Bible....

Hananel Shapira, a PhD student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, discusses his research on the priestly literature and his article on the incense altar. He explains that while the prescriptive incense altar is a later addition to the text of Exodus 25-29, it does not mean that it was absent from the temple rites. Shapira argues that the menorah played a part in the burning of incense and chal...

In this episode, Jared talks to Ya’akov Dolgopolsky-Geva about his article from the Journal of Biblical Literature “Where (and When) Did the Authors of Joshua 10:1-39, 11:1-15 Live?”. Recommended scholars include Shirly Natan-Yulzary , Ariel Seri-Levi , and Idan Dershowitz . Click here to find out where you can follow the podcast.