In “Ezekiel’s use of nefesh” Jefferson Vann shows that this Hebrew word often translated soul does not imply something immortal. In fact, it implies something mortal. With other Hebrew word studies, I have concluded that the word nefesh (נֶפֶשׁ), does not mean a person’s immortal soul, in spite of it often being translated as soul in English versions. Instead, I have argued … [Read more...]
Old Testament
Articles in this subcategory either trace a subject through the 39 books of the Old Testament (Genesis to Malachi) or focus on the subject as revealed in a particular book or group of books. The books may be grouped by historical period or author. The articles serve as a basis for a biblical theology on their particular subject.
a sinister desolation
In “a sinister desolation” Jefferson Vann sheds some Old Testament light on an often misunderstood New Testament text. It is time for another fascinating Hebrew word study. Stay with me on this one and I promise an interesting surprise at the end. Holladay’s Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon contains this short listing for the word shemamah (שְׁמָמָה): noun common feminine … [Read more...]
waking the dead in the Old Testament
In “waking the dead in the Old Testament” Jefferson Vann investigates the Old Testament roots of the idea of believers waking from the dead when Christ returns. In two recent articles, I examined the Greek words egeirō (ἐγείρω) -- to wake, and exegeirō (ἐξεγείρω) -- to wake up, particularly as they describe the hope of the believer, waking from the dead at Christ’s return. I … [Read more...]
Jericho and Gehenna
In "Jericho and Gehenna" Jefferson Vann shows why the incident of Achan at Jericho and his resulting execution informs us on the issue of God's permanent destruction of the wicked in Gehenna. Jericho and Gehenna While reading through the book of Joshua recently, I began to see parallels to what the New Testament teaches about the final destruction of the wicked in Gehenna. If … [Read more...]
our scarlet cord
In “our scarlet cord” Jefferson Vann shows from Joshua 6 that faith in the gospel is the only thing that can keep people from being destroyed in hell when Jesus returns. Joshua 6:15-19 (JDV) Joshua 6:15 Early on the seventh day, they started at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same way. That was the only day they marched around the city seven … [Read more...]
Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In "Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary)" Jefferson Vann shares some insights into this psalm, including how it answers an argument against conditionalism. Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary) Psalm 71:1 Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. God provides the psalmist with a refuge – a place to hide until the Lord’s power prevails over his enemies. … [Read more...]
Basar in Genesis (a study of meaning in context)
In “Basar in Genesis (a study of meaning in context)” Jefferson Vann traces instances of the Hebrew word usually translated “flesh” and shows how they attest to the natural mortality of human beings. Many English biblical terms are so common that we rarely stop to examine their meaning. In such cases, significant meaning behind the words can be lost – hidden in plain sight. … [Read more...]
Psalm 82 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In "Psalm 82 (a verse-by-verse commentary)" Jefferson Vann shows that the gods condemned in this psalm are demonic beings. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. Some don’t ever translate the word. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only … [Read more...]
Psalm 88 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In “Psalm 88 (a verse-by-verse commentary)” Jefferson Vann translates and comments on the spiritual and theological significance of the psalm. The superscription for this Lament Psalm attributes it to Heman the Ezrahite, whose wisdom was only bested by Solomon himself (1 Kings 4:31). But this wise man also suffered greatly. What he suffered from, we do not know exactly. One … [Read more...]
kachad
In “kachad” Jefferson Vann shows that God punishes the wicked by making them disappear. Readers of afterlife may remember that I have done studies of several Hebrew words which provide data for a biblical picture of the final state of the lost. I think it important to review the Old Testament usage of such words, rather than merely presume that the picture the theologians … [Read more...]