Why Bother With Biblical Languages?
<p>Why should Christians—especially pastors and Bible teachers—bother with biblical languages today? In this episode of <em>Deep Roots</em>, Jonny Reid sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Cowan, Oak Hill College’s new tutor in Greek and New Testament, to explore the real value of learning Scripture in its original languages.</p><p>Andrew reflects on how Greek first came alive for him, how it has deepened his devotional life, and why slowing down in the text changes everything. Together, they address the most common misconceptions: <em>Is it too time-consuming? Can you ever become proficient? Don’t modern translations and digital tools make languages unnecessary? What if you think you’re “not a linguist”?</em></p><p>They also unpack practical examples from Colossians, Revelation, and John 1 that show how Greek and Hebrew reveal nuance, structure, and richness that translations inevitably flatten.</p><p>Whether you're a ministry leader trying to keep your languages alive, a student considering theological training, or simply an interested believer who wants to understand Scripture more deeply, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that God’s Word is worth the effort.</p><p><strong>Topics covered:</strong></p><ul><li>Why Andrew first fell in love with Greek</li><li>Spiritual impact of reading Scripture slowly</li><li>Four misconceptions about biblical languages</li><li>Whether modern translations make Greek/Hebrew unnecessary</li><li>How not to misuse “a little Greek”</li><li>Textual examples: Colossians 1, Revelation, John 1</li><li>How to start learning Greek or Hebrew today</li><li>How pastors can revive rusty language skills</li><li>Tools: Daily Dose of Greek, Alpha with Angela, reading groups</li><li>Why God’s Word is worth the effort</li></ul><p><strong>Resources mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><em>Exegetical Fallacies</em> – D.A. Carson</li><li>Daily Dose of Greek</li><li>Alpha With Angela (YouTube)</li><li>Greek/Hebrew reading groups & refresher retreats at Oak Hill College</li></ul><p>00:00 – Intro: Why Study Biblical Languages Today? </p><p>02:00 – Andrew's Journey Into Greek & Hebrew </p><p>06:30 – How Languages Deepen the Way We Read Scripture </p><p>12:00 – The Four Big Misconceptions </p><p>18:30 – The Danger of Knowing Just a Little Greek </p><p>24:30 – Key Payoff Example: Colossians 1:28–29 </p><p>31:30 – Greek, Grammar & Theology </p><p>40:30 – The Bigger Picture: Structure, Wordplay & Nuance </p><p>48:00 – How to Start Learning Greek or Hebrew </p><p>55:30 – Reviving Rusty Languages for Ministry </p><p>01:03:00 – Resources, Community & Learning Support </p><p>01:10:00 – Final Answer: Because the Word of God Is Worth It </p><p>01:14:00 – Oak Hill’s Training Pathways & Close</p>
