Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
Named by God
Other than Jesus, who in the Bible was given a name by God? —J. MacMichael Jr., via e-mailGod named a number of people. - Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (Genesis 35.9-11). - Sarai’s name (Abraham’s wife) was changed to Sarah (Genesis 17.15, 16). - Abram’s name was changed to Abraham (Genesis 17.4-6). - God named Isaiah’s son Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah…
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Blessed are the Débonnaires
An obituary for Kurt Vonnegut said that he preferred the French “blessed are the débonnaires” to the English “blessed are the meek.” That sounds odd. Are these words equivalent?—Jane M., via e-mailIn a discussion of the French use of débonnaires, The Interpreter's Bible says that “a meek, little man is a title no one covets,” and that the French word…
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The Meaning of the Transfiguration
What is the full meaning of the transfiguration? Is it related to John 17, when Jesus asks the Father to glorify him?—Frank Rogers, via e-mailTransfiguration is a change in appearance: a glorifying, spiritual change. This event in Jesus' life appears in three of the Gospels: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-8 and Luke 9.28-36. Jesus was transformed, or glorified, by God, and…
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Female Leaders
I seem to remember reading when God wanted to judge Israel, he would give them leaders who were either young and inexperienced or female. Is this true?— Ms. C. Joy Hulting, Aurora, Ill.Although I am unable to locate the specific Scripture, I can give you passages where God gave women leadership.Around 587 B.C., women in Israel held status and freedom…
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Scripture via Phonograph
I came across a 1962 article about a finger-powered phonograph that played Scriptures in 40 languages. Does anyone still make this kind of device?- John, via e-mailIn the late 1950s, the American Bible Society devised the finger-fono, powered by the turn of one finger. The finger-fono produced sound through a diaphragm (an acoustic device) and a needle located in the…
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Speaking Face to Face
I’m reading Exodus 33.11 and Exodus 33.20, and there is a seeming contradiction. Can you spot it?—Boyd Kiel, via e-mailThe first of these verses reads, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend,” and the second, “Thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me, and live.” To…
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