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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Why not Iraq?
Why did God choose Canaan to be his nation on this earth rather than Iraq — the old Eden, which is really rich in oil? —K. Moresi, New ZealandWhen Abraham was called by God (Genesis 12.1-3) to migrate to Canaan, it was a land of flourishing city-states at the crossroads of the ancient world. The religion was developing a trend…
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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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Jesus Reads the Words of Isaiah
In Luke 4.16, 17, Jesus reads the words of Isaiah in the synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” What were the rules governing readings in those days?—Will K., Clinton Township, Mich.The reading of the Parascha, or section from the Law, by another person would have preceded the reading of Isaiah by Jesus. There is no way of…
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The Lord's Prayer. Different Translations?
In some translations, the Lord’s Prayer ends with the verse, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Why is this phrase not in all translations?—Patrick Bannerman, via e-mailYou are a close reader of Scripture! The phrase is a doxology. It was not included in the original prayer but was added to a later manuscript…
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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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