Ask a question. Dr. Eli will answer it.
Ask questions about topics not yet covered in posts.
Greetings, dear friends! I’m thrilled that you’ve been following my blog, where I explore a wide range of topics related to the Bible in its original ancient—often Jewish and Hebraic—context.
I don’t believe the Bible needs to be rewritten, but I’m convinced it desperately needs to be reread with fresh eyes.
In the Articles section (accessible via the menu), I cover topics grouped into categories like Torah, Hebrew, Gospels, Paul, Mary, Prayer, and Hot Topics. However, I’ve noticed that some of you have questions that don’t neatly fit into these categories. To address this, I’m creating a dedicated space for those off-topic questions.
If you’ve been pondering something, this is your perfect opportunity to ask! Many of you appreciate my honest approach to theology—I’ll always admit when I don’t know something. Transparency is important to me, so you’ll know when I’m certain and when I’m not.
I invite you to submit your questions here. Are you ready to dive in? Simply leave your question in the comments section below.
Let’s explore and learn together!
Comments (46)
What is the difference between IIBS and IBC?
Is one better to start with OR does it not matter?
How can a person decide which path to go?
Does the monthly subscription provide access to both?
Lastly, does the monthly subscription give access to EVERYTHING on your website or are there some things that is not included in the monthly subscription?
Thanks so much!
IBC is like Netflix for all jewish topics relevant for Christians. Self-registration and subscription. All available materials within IBC are accessible. I would start here. IIBS is a separate school; you learn on zoom in real time with teachers live (it is more expensive), it is best for those who want Biblical Hebrew language instruction (IIBS is mainly a Hebrew school) and want to get a good grasp of the language.
Hi Dr Eli, I'd like to contribute a monthly sum to the ministry. I'll do it through my husband's account. In the UK if one is a taxpayer the charity gets extra and we would like your ministry to take advantage of this. Do you know if this is possible? otherwise I'll just sign the monthly donor's.
Your ministry is a true blessing to so many, Todah
Mitah
I responded to you, dear Mitah via email personally. This means so much! Thank you!
Was Eve taken from the ribs or baculum?
Enjoy https://jewishstudiesforchristians.com/did-god-create-a-woman-from-a-rib/
Did Jesus remove Kosher laws?
Short answer: he did not. https://jewishstudiesforchristians.com/did-jesus-really-declared-all-food-clean-part-1/ and https://jewishstudiesforchristians.com/did-jesus-really-declared-all-food-clean-part-2/ But other than Jesus we also have Paul, I recommend exploring articles on the Jewish Apostle Paul - https://jewishstudiesforchristians.com/category/apostle-paul/
Looking for an article I believe you wrote on the Church of Laodicea and what "hot ir cold" really relates to. If it wasn't you, forgive me.
Thank you
Susan, I don't have an article like that. It is in my book on Revelation (first one). Hebrew Insights from Revelation.
I am so grateful to those of you who have decided to help me grow this ministry! May God bless you and keep you! If you are interested in making a contribution of any size, whether one- time or ongoing, please click here.
I am confused by the multiple words used in psalm 119, statute, law, precept ect. Could you explain the differences between these words?
Thank You
Lance Oberg
Dear Lance, the central word is Torah (תּוֹרָה), usually translated “law,” but more accurately meaning “instruction” or “teaching.” It is not merely a list of rules, but God’s gracious guidance for how His people are to live. Other words emphasize different dimensions of this instruction:
Mitzvot (מִצְווֹת), “commandments,” refers to God’s specific commands that call His people to obedience.
Edot (עֵדוֹת), “testimonies,” points to God’s covenant witness and the truths He has revealed about Himself.
Chukkim (חֻקִּים), “statutes” or “decrees,” refers to commands established by God’s authority, often emphasizing that they are fixed and enduring even when we do not fully understand them.
Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים), “judgments,” highlights God’s righteous decisions and principles of justice.
Piqqudim (פִּקּוּדִים), “precepts,” refers to instructions or appointed responsibilities, emphasizing God’s careful attention to the details of life.
Dvarim (דְּבָרִים), “words,” is a broader term referring to everything God has spoken.
Psalm 119 uses these different terms almost like facets of a diamond. The psalmist is not repeating the same idea with different vocabulary; he is celebrating the many ways God’s revelation guides, protects, corrects, and transforms His people.
In the ancient Hebrew mindset, God’s instruction was not a burden but a gift. It was the path of life, wisdom, and relationship with Him. This is why the psalmist repeatedly says he delights in God’s Torah rather than merely obeying it.
Thank you again for this thoughtful question. It is exactly the kind of detail that opens the richness of the Hebrew Bible.
Dear Dr. Eli, I thought I recalled an article about the woman at the well. We label her as immoral, but was she? Just because she had 5 husbands? According to the Ethiopian translation, she was currently living with a companion. Even if she was living with a man, it could have been her brother, an uncle a cousin etc. I'd appreciate re-reading about this.
I will do a new article on this some day. You are correct. We don't really need an Ethiopian translation for this. As long as we don't read things into the text. You are right!
Have you written at all about The Sermon On The Mount. Your thoughts and commentary.
Thanks, Jamie. Now but perhaps one day.
Gentile, 78 years old, born again 50+ years ago, as far as one can be from Israel (Hawaii). Not an academe, don't know Hebrew or Greek, but proficient in English and have a decent grip on the Bible.
Your posts and books have given me insights that have refreshed my spirit. I have questions that are yet unanswered. Is there a place where conversation/communication with you is possible?
Philip, you should introduce yourself first not as a "Gentile" but as a son of a Living God in Christ! I am happy to answer questions here. Blessings!
Dear Dr Eli,
Thank you for your very significant contribution to ( my) intrinsic knowledge about the origin and context of the Word.
I was wondering whether I should read you publications from a ministry perspective, and academic one, or both?
I am very comfortable with the messianic take on the Torah and the New Testament but not sure whether this is yours too?
Thank you and best regards
Ennio
Shalom, Ennio, my writing (I hope) usually combines lesser-known academic and Jewish/Hebraic cultural insights and ministry goals. I am a Jewish follower of Jesus the Messiah and unapologetic about it. I do my best to preach Christ and him crucified.
I am so grateful to those of you who have decided to help me grow this ministry! May God bless you and keep you! If you are interested in making a contribution of any size, whether one- time or ongoing, please click here.