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
29 snips
May 6, 2026 • 49min
What Is the Curse of Ham? | Chad Bird on Genesis 9:18–29
Chad Bird, Old Testament scholar known for Hebrew and Gospel-focused Old Testament teaching, unpacks Genesis 9:18–29. He surveys rival readings of Ham’s sin, favors a voyeurism/dishonor interpretation, explains why Noah curses Canaan, and shows how the scene narrows the promise line toward Israel. Conversation also rebuts racist uses of the text.
28 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 56min
Did Paul Allegorize Sarah & Hagar? | David deSilva on Galatians 4:21–31
David deSilva, New Testament scholar and professor of New Testament and Greek, unpacks Paul’s tricky use of Sarah and Hagar. He explains what Paul means by reading Genesis figuratively and contrasts allegory with typology. They trace Paul’s reversal of lineage, link Hagar to Sinai and Sarah to promise, and explore pastoral and missionary implications.
26 snips
Apr 22, 2026 • 52min
Why Couldn't Moses Enter the Promised Land? | Michael Morales on Numbers 20
Michael Morales, biblical studies professor and Old Testament scholar, unpacks Numbers 20 and Moses’ critical failure. He contrasts Exodus 17, explains wilderness and camp imagery, explores the kingship and cultic rod issues, and shows why Moses’ action is called high-handed rebellion. Short, focused theological talk with practical teaching tips and stakes for the next generation.
23 snips
Apr 15, 2026 • 57min
Who Is Melchizedek? | Madison Pierce on Hebrews 7
Madison Pierce, associate lecturer in New Testament studies and ordained minister who specializes in Hebrews and early Jewish-Christian interpretation, unpacks the mystery of Melchizedek. She surveys four major readings, traces Dead Sea Scrolls connections, and explains how Hebrews 7 reframes priesthood, law, and an eternal priestly oath. Short, scholarly, and intriguingly mysterious.
21 snips
Apr 8, 2026 • 52min
What Is the Image of God? | Richard Middleton on Genesis 1:26–28
Richard Middleton, Old Testament scholar reframing Genesis and theology, joins to unpack the imago dei. He contrasts substantive, relational, and vocational readings. Short takes cover human vocation as divine representation, ancient Near Eastern context, ethics flowing from dignity, and Christ as the true image.
18 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 51min
Did God Forsake Jesus on the Cross? | Tom McCall on Matthew 27:46
Thomas H. McCall, theologian and former pastor, unpacks Matthew 27:46 and the cry of dereliction. He traces historical and modern readings, links the cry to Psalm 22, and weighs theological views like Calvin, Moltmann, penal substitution, and Christus Victor. He also offers notes for preaching and pastoral care.
45 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.
41 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.
