Thursday, 28 March 2024, 2:53 AM
Site: Becker Bible Teacher Resources
Course: Becker Bible Teacher Resources (Scholar)
Glossary: Main Glossary
B

Biblical Languages

The original texts of the Bible were written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament) with Aramaic influences (Semitic trade language spoken by ancient Middle Eastern cultures).

Biblical Maximalist Archaeologist

Biblical Maximalists approach their interpretations that the Bible contributes significantly to our understanding of the history of Palestine. They use reason and science in the same way as Biblical Minimalists to carefully analyze their research of the extremely limited information. However, when it comes time for interpretation of their findings by ordering and analyzing the evidence, they hold the Bible to be the ultimate foundation for drawing conclusions. The Bible is the Manuscript Evidence that has sustained its surety over time. It is supported by witness testimony; because of its reliability and proven record of historical accounts the Bible has priority in interpretation. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence to the Biblical Maximalist, and the Word of God stands as the primary source which all other conclusions are based.

Biblical Minimalist Archaeologist

Biblical Minimalists approach their interpretations of archaeological evidence with the idea that the Bible contributes little or not at all to our understanding of the history of Palestine before 500 B.C. (before the return from exile). They are unable to connect the Bible with their findings in a relevant way, and when they do interpret Biblical artifacts that connect with that Truth of the Word of God, they are more likely to take a contradictory or confrontational approach.

Birthright

The privilege or right to which a person is entitled by birth. In the ancient patriarchal household, the eldest son took precedence over his brother (Gen 43:33); after his father died, he received a double share of the inheritance (Deu 21:17) and became head and priest (cf. Exo 22:29; Num 8:14-17).

Bless

To make or pronounce holy, consecrated, sanctified, protected or glorified. A blessing is an offering of God’s favor coming from Him or a wish for God’s favor coming from humans.

Blessed

Made or pronounced holy, consecrated, sanctified, protected or glorified. 2. Worthy of adoration, worship or reverence: "the Blessed Trinity. 3. (Rom. Cath. Ch.) The body of a deceased person who has received beatification, and thus "blessed in Heaven".

Blessed Event

The birth of a child.

Blessed Sacrament

The consecrated Host

Blessing

Favor of the LORD GOD bestowed upon a person, resulting in supreme happiness. 2. Invoking the favor of the LORD God upon a person.

Boasting

Lust for applause.1

 

Reference:

1Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, The City of God, trans., Marcus Dods, Modern Library Paperback ed. (New York: Random House, Inc., 2000), 464