Word Studies

A Reciple for Religious Division: Same Words, New Meanings

by William Stewart
February 13, 2011March 13, 2026
Falsehoods, Word Studies

Prior to His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, the Lord prayed for the unity of all believers (John 17:20-21). Paul echoes the same sentiment when he admonished the church at Corinth that we should all speak the same things and be of the same mind (1 Corinthians 1:10). With such an expectation, it is discouraging to see the division which exists in today’s religious world.

A number of things might explain the division which exists. A failure to rightly divide the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15); seeking to keep a law which is not ours to keep (Galatians 5:4), obeying the teaching of man rather than the teaching of God (Matthew 15:3, 9) – all of these have contributed to the lack of unity among believers in Jesus. In addition to these, or maybe part and parcel with these, is the fact that some have redefined some Bible terms, resulting in a number of false teachings and practices, and thus religious division.

Checking The Greek: Insights from the Original New Testament Language

by William Stewart
March 7, 2010February 12, 2026
Bible, Faith, Word Studies

I’ve heard a good friend and fellow preacher say from time to time that he knows a little Greek. And then, the punch line comes, “He owns a great little restaurant down the street.” All joking aside, I know that he, like all preachers, would like to be more familiar with the Greek, the language the New Testament was originally penned in.

Spirit and Soul: A Look into the Greek

by William Stewart
March 9, 2008February 12, 2026
Word Studies

Last week, we examined the words spirit and soul, focusing specifically on the two Hebrew words that primarily render them. Likewise, the English New Testament primarily translates the words spirit and soul from two Greek words, psuche and pneuma.

Spirit and Soul: A look into the Hebrew

by William Stewart
March 2, 2008February 12, 2026
Word Studies

The Bible uses both the word spirit and soul when speaking about man. What do these words refer to? Are they synonyms, or does each refer to something distinct?

To answer our questions, there are four words, two Hebrew and two Greek, which are translated as spirit and soul into English. They are nephesh and ruach (Hebrew), psuche and pneuma (Greek). This week we will look at the Hebrew words, next week we will examine the Greek.