Semantics, Exegetical Method, Translation, etc.

• How Do We Use the Biblical Languages? Some Reflections on Synchronic and Diachronic Methodology in Semantics, Grammar, and Exegesis with an Excursus on Ἐκκλησία [EKKLHSIA]. (This article is much broader than the "Notes on Semantics" also listed on this page.)
• Some Notes on Semantics, Illustrated with Ἐκκλησία [EKKLHSIA]. This study addresses issues related to methodology in semantics (diachronic vs. synchronic, etc.), particularly the efforts to define the meaning of ἐκκλησία on the basis of its etymology and/or cognates. (250K .pdf file)
• Translation Theory (112K PowerPoint '97 presentation; the same in '95 format) This is a very basic, 2-class-session treatment of translation theory with brief discussions of formal/functional equivalence and inclusive language issues.
• Realistic or Historical Narrative? The Question of Historicity in the Context of Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation (188K v. 4 .pdf file) 16 pgs. Presented at one of our fall Faculty Forums. Addresses the question in both testaments, though illustrates from the NT (Mark, in particular). Also available in published form in JMAT 4 (2000).

• Gender Issues in Greek (inclusive language, etc.) This is an excerpt from the larger review article on the ESV (see above).

• Inspiration and Translation. This is a paper that I presented at a pastor's conference Nov. 2004. It is partly a response to arguments (e.g., by Ryken) that a belief in verbal inspiration requires a formal equivalent translation theory. There is also a brief interview (.pdf v. 6) on the same subject with the editor of one of our institutional publications (Paraklesis). It's purpose is not technical argument, but is a popular level discussion. The published article (March 2005) is only about 500 words. The version posted here is the "uncut" interview of about 1,500 words. A revised version of the larger paper is forthcoming in Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (v. 11, 2006?).

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