What in the Word?
Presented by Logos
"What in the world does that verse mean?" This show tackles the hardest Bible verses to understand.
Each episode, host Kirk E. Miller interviews an expert guest to discuss a text in the Bible that is known to be challenging to interpret. They do in-depth Bible study and survey scholars' interpretations. By investigating the strangest and hardest Bible verses, What in the Word? gets below the surface to learn their implications for understanding God and living the Christian life.
Subscribe and join us weekly on Spotify, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3DYhMjP
Each episode, host Kirk E. Miller interviews an expert guest to discuss a text in the Bible that is known to be challenging to interpret. They do in-depth Bible study and survey scholars' interpretations. By investigating the strangest and hardest Bible verses, What in the Word? gets below the surface to learn their implications for understanding God and living the Christian life.
Subscribe and join us weekly on Spotify, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3DYhMjP
Episodes
Mentioned books
35 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 1min
Does Paul Allow Divorce & Remarriage? | Craig Keener on 1 Corinthians 7:15
Craig Keener, New Testament scholar and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, offers concise expert exegesis on 1 Corinthians 7:12–16. He examines historical context in Corinth, parses key Greek terms like "not under bondage" and "leave," and surveys competing interpretations about whether Paul permits divorce and remarriage.
38 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 56min
Does God Change His Mind? | Wyatt Graham on Genesis 6:5–8
Wyatt Graham, Old Testament scholar and pastor known for work on classical theism and biblical interpretation, explores Genesis 6:5–8. He discusses why God’s “regret” seems theologically puzzling. He traces Hebrew links to Noah, explains anthropopathism and divine accommodation, surveys historical views on divine immutability, and offers pastoral guidance for preaching this text.
22 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 53min
Does Jude Quote Enoch as Prophecy? | Wes Huff on Jude 14–15
Wes Huff, an aspiring New Testament scholar finishing a PhD and vice president of Apologetics Canada, discusses Jude 14–15 and its relationship to 1 Enoch. He unpacks why Jude’s line sounds like a quotation, how ancient readers treated 1 Enoch, different interpretive options, and what this means for using extra-biblical traditions in theological argumentation.
Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
Why in the Word? | A Behind the Scenes Recap of Season 1
In a reflective finale, the host shares insights from a season filled with challenging biblical passages like Genesis 6 and the Canaanite conquest. Engaging with scholars brought surprising discoveries and deep discussions, while audience feedback shaped the narrative. The collaborative journey of creating the podcast reveals memorable moments and hopes for the future. A sneak peek into the next season promises intriguing perspectives from guest scholars, keeping the exploration of scripture vibrant and engaging.
23 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 47min
Is the Song Allegorical? | Fellipe do Vale on Song of Solomon
Fellipe do Vale, a tutor in doctrine at Trinity College Bristol, dives deep into the complexities of the Song of Solomon. He discusses its dual nature as both a literal love poem and an allegory for divine love, offering insights on the rich imagery and dynamic character relationships. The conversation navigates themes of desire, the significance of marriage, and how human love reflects the divine. Listeners will appreciate the exploration of these ideas within the broader context of biblical teaching and the transformative power of love.
11 snips
May 28, 2025 • 53min
What Does It Mean to Work Out Our Salvation? | Lynn Cohick on Philippians 2:12–13
Lynn Cohick, a New Testament scholar and professor at Houston Christian University, dives into Paul's teachings in Philippians 2:12–13. She unpacks the idea of 'working out salvation' and addresses the tension between grace and action. The conversation touches on the need for community in spiritual growth, emphasizing unity and humility among believers. They explore the meaning of 'fear and trembling' and clarify that good works stem from a relationship with God rather than being a means to earn salvation.
12 snips
May 21, 2025 • 59min
Did Jesus Falsely Predict His Return? | Jeannine Brown on Matthew 16:28
Jeannine Brown, a New Testament scholar and professor at Bethel Seminary, dives into the complexities of Matthew 16:28, questioning whether Jesus inaccurately predicted His return. She explores interpretations including the transfiguration, resurrection, and Pentecost, each shedding light on Jesus's words. Brown emphasizes the challenges of prophecy and the theological implications for discipleship. This engaging discussion offers listeners clarity on a often-misunderstood scripture, enriching their understanding of biblical texts.
20 snips
May 14, 2025 • 52min
Where Did Satan Come From? | Phillip Cary on Genesis 3
Phillip Cary, a philosophy professor specializing in Christian thought and St. Augustine, joins to unravel the origins of evil as outlined in Genesis 3. He discusses the intriguing role of the serpent as a tempter in a world created by a good God. Cary explores Augustine's view of evil as the deprivation of good rather than a created entity, highlighting the profound philosophical and theological challenges this raises. The conversation also touches on free will's role in sin and the importance of community in resisting evil.
23 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
Is the Creation Story Literal? | Vern Poythress on Genesis 1:1-2:3
In this discussion, Vern Poythress, a Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and an expert in the intersection of science and faith, dives into the complexities of the Genesis creation story. He explores various interpretative models, such as literal days versus the literary framework view, while addressing the theological implications of creation. The conversation also reflects on the mature creation perspective and how these interpretations can impact our understanding of God as the Creator in a contemporary context.
Apr 30, 2025 • 53min
Is It Wrong to Want to Be Rich? | Malcolm Foley on 1 Timothy 6:6–10
Malcolm Foley is a Co-pastor of Mosaic Waco and a Special Advisor at Baylor University, known for his work on biblical perspectives of wealth. He delves into 1 Timothy 6:6–10, discussing the spiritual dangers of desiring wealth. The conversation highlights how the love of money can lead to moral downfall and contrasts societal views on prosperity with biblical teachings on contentment. Foley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth and generosity over material gain, encouraging listeners to rethink their approach to resources.
