When I began studying Greek and Hebrew in college, we had none of the tools we have now; computers, printers, and their assorted Bible software. Everything we did was done by hand, more often that not, in rather poor penmanship.

How times (and things) have changed! Now I can type in both Greek and Hebrew, do word searches and studies, and translate entire chapters and books. While modern technology doesn’t replace old-fashioned learning, it certainly makes it easier.

And learning is what I keep on doing. By going back to the original languages, I can pick up insights and nuances the English often does not point out. So if you see me looking at them, it’s because I want to see what the text says, translate it as best I can, and share that with the members.

As for the kids at Concordia, we have learned already the Hebrew Great Shema (Deuteronomy 6: 4), and are working on Genesis 1:1. We hope to get through two more verses before the year is out, Psalm 23:1 and Isaiah 40:1.

If all goes well, and the Smart Board behaves itself, it’s back to Greek next year.