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.
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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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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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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The Book of Jashar: A Missing Book?
There is mention of the Book of Jashar in the Old Testament. Is this a missing book of the Bible?—Joe O., via e-mailThe Book of Jashar is one of the lost source books of early Israelite poetry from the Amarna Age (15th and 14th centuries B.C.). It is excerpted twice or possibly three times in the Old Testament. Jashar is…
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The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
The words “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in John's Gospel, referring to John himself, trouble me. Isn't this the epitome of conceit?— Ms. Caryl A. Reid, Leesburg, Fla.Congratulations on raising a question that has sparked many lively discussions through the years. The traditional view is that the author of John's Gospel is John, son of Zebedee. Another hypothesis is that…
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More Than One Mary?
There seem to be a lot of Marys in the accounts of the Resurrection. Who are they?—Christina Galanes, via e-mailThere were many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, but women were the first. Mary Magdalene is the only person who appears in all four gospel accounts. She returned to the tomb on the day after the Sabbath to find it empty. In…
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