Bible Scholars

Genesis 6:8 and Genesis 8:4

In these Bible Scholars passages in translation, "Genesis 6:8 and Genesis 8:4", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "One of the very interesting and yet controversial passages of scripture in the entire Bible is the story of Noah and the flood recorded in Genesis 8. Scholars have found ancient Mesopotamian documents which actually predate the Biblical story of Noah and the flood by several hundred years, the most notable of which is the Akkadian Epic of Gilgamesh." Read more →

Matthew 5:10

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:10", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Read more →

Matthew 5:9

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:9", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. " Read more →

Matthew 5:8

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:8", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Read more →

Matthew 5:7

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:7", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." Read more →

Matthew 5:2-10, The Beatitudes, Study 1

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:2-10, The Beatitudes", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "Beatitude in English means consummate bliss although the word in Greek is makarios, which is a poetic word that translates into English as blessed. It is used some 49 times in the Psalms alone. Many of the bishops and church leaders in the Greek Orthodox Church are named Makarios." Read more →

Proverbs 9:1

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Proverbs 9:1", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars." Read more →

Mark 6:45, 7:31, 5:20 and Matthew 4:25

In these Bible Scholars passages in translation, "Mark 6:45, 7:31, 5:20 and Matthew 4:25", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "Although the city of Jerash is not mentioned as such in the Biblical text, there is little doubt that Jesus visited there – maybe even more than once." Read more →

Jesus a Jew? Says Who?

In this Bible Scholars article, "Jesus a Jew? Says Who?", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard and David Bivin write: "As surprising as it may seem, many Christians are not aware that Jesus was a Jew. As a matter of fact, when some hear it said that he was, they get indignant and even mad. This has happened to both authors many times." Read more →

Hebrews 8:6

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Hebrews 8:6", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "The Passage in Translation for today is in response to a question from one of our members. Do you know the difference between the Mosaic Covenant and the New Covenant? There are many references to both in the book of Hebrews. In this week’s study, Dr. Blizzard translates Hebrews 8:6 and discusses the significance and difference in the Old Covenant and the New Covenant." Read more →

Matthew 5:21-22

Our passage in translation for today is an extremely difficult passage for the non-Hebrew speaker. It is the passage in Matthew 5:21-22. [21] Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: [22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Read more →

Pirkei Avot Chapter 2, Mishnah 5

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Pirkei Avot Chapter 2, Mishnah 5", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains a passage found in the Mishnah in Order Nezikin, Tractate or Chapter Pirkei Avot. Read more →

Exodus 20:17, The Tenth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:17, The Tenth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[17] Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s." Read more →

Exodus 20:16, The Ninth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:16, The Ninth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[16] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Read more →

Exodus 20:15, The Eighth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:15, The Eighth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[15] Thou shalt not steal." Read more →

Exodus 20:14, The Seventh Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:14, The Seventh Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[14] Thou shalt not commit adultery." Read more →

Exodus 20:13, The Sixth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:13, The Sixth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[13] You shall not murder." Read more →

Exodus 20:12, The Fifth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:12, The Fifth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[12] Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." Read more →

The Role of The Woman in The Community of God

This subject on how the woman could and did function in the synagogue and/or the church has been addressed over and over again to the point that I would think there was no longer any need to keep repeating the information to address the subject. However, I continue to get questions related to this subject or questions wanting to know if we have any material that addressed this particular subject of the role of the woman in the church. Read more →

Exodus 20:8-11, The Fourth Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:8-11, The Fourth Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[8] 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God.'" Read more →

Exodus 20:7, The Third Commandment

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:7, The Third Commandment", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[7] You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Read more →

Exodus 20:3-6, The Ten Commandments

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Exodus 20:3-6, The Ten Commandments", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[3] You shall have no other gods before Me. [4] You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; [5] you shall not bow down to them nor serve them." Read more →

The Nature of Law, Part I

In this Bible Scholars article, "The Nature of Law, Part I", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "The subject of law is probably one of the most misunderstood in Christendom. For most Christians, law conjures up all kinds of negative mental images. Law is viewed as something harsh, bad, transient, and superseded by something better; namely, grace. Passages such as John 1:16-17 seem to indicate this, 'And of His fullness, we all have received, and grace upon grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came from Jesus, the Messiah.'" Read more →

The Nature of Law, Part II

In this Bible Scholars article, "The Nature of Law, Part II", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes: "The English word 'law' is closely related to the Greek word nomos, used to translate Torah, but falls woefully short of conveying the meaning of the Hebrew word Torah." Read more →

The People of Qumran...

In this Bible Scholars article, "The People of Qumran...", guest author, Dr. William V. McDonald, writes: "The Dead Sea Scrolls are perhaps the most important archaeological find in Israel to date. Much has been written outlining the historical setting of the scrolls for the purpose of scholarly interpretation. In this article I will discuss the people of Qumran – their identity and lifestyle in the isolated community of Qumran." Read more →

A Parallel Account of Creation

With this Bible Scholars article, "A Parallel Account of Creation," Dr. Roy B. Blizzard begins a series of brief articles that are designed to introduce readers to the history of the Biblical text and to address some of the difficult questions one finds therein. Read more →

Is Paul Against the Law?

Is the Torah to be considered as a dead husband that nobody liked anyway? This is the way many Christians interpret Romans 7:1-6: “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies she is released from the law of her husband” (verse 2 of Romans 7:1-6). Paul refers to an ancient halachah (principle of the law) to illustrate his new relationship to the Torah because of his faith in Jesus. But one question is never asked when studying Romans 7:1-6. Read more →

Dr. Blizzard Recommends

Dr. Roy B. Blizzard: Just getting started in Biblical Studies? I'm often asked, "Where should I begin my biblical studies?" Read more →

Matthew 5:4, The Beatitudes, Study 2

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:4, The Beatitudes", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "[4] Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." Read more →

The Lord's Prayer and the Amidah: A Comparative Analysis

In this Bible Scholars article, "The Lord's Prayer and the Amidah: A Comparative Analysis", guest author, Rachel D. Levine, writes: "What were the disciples asking in Luke 11 when they said to Jesus, 'Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples'? Obviously, they had spent a lot of time with him and were familiar with his methods of prayer and, in addition, were knowledgeable in the religious rituals of their day in synagogue and temple." Read more →

Prophecy, Eschatology, and the Hebrew Mind

Dr. Roy B. Blizzard writes about Prophecy, Eschatology, and the Hebrew Mind. Prophecy. It is the “in” thing. People are talking about it, writing about it. “Prophetic News”, The “World in Prophecy”, “End Times Newsletter”, plus a spate of others cross my desk every month. People want to know about it. People want to hear about it. People want to read about it. It is exciting. It is sensational. It lets us know that the end is near and helps us to prepare for Messiah’s coming which, by all accounts, will be “soon.” Read more →

New Archaeological Attraction at Jerusalem

In this Bible Scholars article, "New Archaeological Attraction at Jerusalem", guest author, Amihai Mazar, writes: "A fascinating site has been opened to the public in Jerusalem. This is the "Herodian Quarter," excavated and restored by professor Nahman Avigad, in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem." Read more →

Love, The Local Church and I Corinthians 13

In this Bible Scholars article, "Love, The Local Church and I Corinthians", guest author, Brad, H. Young, Ph.D., writes: "Paul’s so-called 'love chapter' in I Corinthians 13 is now a favorite text of Scripture to be read at weddings. This dynamic passage, which has become famous for its beautiful style, all-consuming theme, and lofty imagery is routinely removed from its original context and given a different meaning." Read more →

Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part II

"Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part II" is part of a series of articles written by Dr. Roy B. Blizzard, president of Bible Scholars. The article continues a comparison between the words of Jesus and the words of rabbis prior to, contemporary with, and following Jesus, recorded for us in the Mishnah, Order Nezikin, Tractate Avot, or the Chapters of the Fathers. Read more →

Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part I

"Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part I" begins a series of articles written by Dr. Roy B. Blizzard, president of Bible Scholars. In the teachings of Jesus, there is one underlying and overriding theme, a theme on which Jesus consistently dwells, a theme that serves as the foundation upon which biblical faith is built. The foundational theme is summed up in the Hebrew word tzedekah, the word frequently translated into English as righteousness. Tzedekah is the outstanding, overriding, and yet simple, theme of Jesus. Read more →

Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part IV

"Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part IV" is part of a series of articles written by Dr. Roy B. Blizzard, president of Bible Scholars. The article continues a comparison between the words of Jesus and the words of rabbis prior to, contemporary with, and following Jesus, recorded for us in the Mishnah, Order Nezikin, Tractate Avot, or the Chapters of the Fathers. Read more →

Jeroboam's Temple at Dan Discovered

In this Bible Scholars article, "Jeroboam's Temple at Dan Discovered", guest author, Amihai Mazar, writes: "Israelite religious practices during the time of the Old Testament are detailed in various biblical narratives, such as in the Book of Leviticus, in the descriptions of the Jerusalem temple in the Book of Kings, and in the various prophecies against foreign cults. Further knowledge on the realia (actual objects) of the Israelite cult has been provided by a variety of archaeological finds. One of the most outstanding discoveries in this realm is the temple at Dan." Read more →

New Study Aid

"A Hebrew Text in Greek Dress" focuses on two major themes, both are imperative in our ability to understand the Messiah, and His wonderful teachings. What is "The Kingdom of Heaven," and how should we interpret "The Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-11?" Dr. McDonald provides Christians and Jewish Christians a solid foundation for understanding the Bible from its Hebraic roots. Read more →

Matthew 5:6

In this Bible Scholars passage in translation, "Matthew 5:6", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard explains: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." Read more →

Happy New Year Times Four

In this Bible Scholars article, "Happy New Year Times Four", guest author, Rachel D. Levine, writes: "While the world at large recognizes only one New Year – January 1, Judaism celebrates four New Years’ every year." Read more →

Foundations of Faith, Part I

With this Bible Scholars article, "Foundations of Faith, Part I", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard begins a series of articles that explore the roots of Biblical faith. Where do those roots begin? There are many important personages and interesting stories in the Biblical text in the early chapters of Genesis. But, it is not until we come to Abraham that we begin to touch down on any solid chronological ground. Read more →

Foundations of Faith, Part II

With this Bible Scholars article, "Foundations of Faith, Part II", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard continues a series of articles that explore the roots of Biblical faith. Read more →

First Day in Egypt!

In this Bible Scholars article, "First Day in Egypt!", guest author, Calvin B. Smith, writes: "Few among us have not wished and/or longed to visit lands of 'lost' civilizations and particularly, perhaps, those as well preserved and documented as EGYPT! Sphinxes, Pharaohs, Pyramids & Mummies and of course, the possibility, all be it remote, of the dream find of one of the long hidden treasures that we have seen in the movies or TV or in one of the blockbuster exhibitions." Read more →

Giving Thanks - A Way of Life

"Giving Thanks - A Way of Life" by Brad H. Young. The Thanksgiving holiday creates many images for us, from Pilgrims and Indians sitting down together at a table and giving thanks to God to football games and colorful parades. In essence, the holiday is a special time for family togetherness, which provides an opportunity for expressing gratitude to God for His goodness and blessings. Read more →

Biblical Chronology

With this Bible Scholars article, "Biblical Chronology," Dr. Roy B. Blizzard continues a series of brief articles that are designed to introduce readers to the history of the Biblical text and to address some of the difficult questions one finds therein. Read more →

Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part III

"Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Part III" is part of a series of articles written by Dr. Roy B. Blizzard, president of Bible Scholars. Anyone who has ever focused on the teachings of Jesus in any depth is aware that he was a product of the religious milieu that emerged in the first century of this present era. The four gospels preserve for us the largest and the best corpus of material relating to the ideas and methods of teaching of the rabbis of that period. Read more →

Recent Publications

The new books by Dr. Roy B. Blizzard: The Bible Sex and You, Mishnah and the Words of Jesus, Tithing Giving and Prosperity, and The Mountain of the Lord. Read more →

Foundations of Faith, Part III

With this Bible Scholars article, "Foundations of Faith, Part III", Dr. Roy B. Blizzard continues a series of articles that explore the roots of Biblical faith. The story of Moses is too well known to reiterate at length here. But, the story actually begins with Jacob and his extended family numbering around 70 souls in all winding up in Egypt where they settled in the fertile delta area, known as the land of Goshen. We are told that they were there for some 400 years, which is longer than the United States of American has been in existence. Yet, we have no archaeological evidence of their ever being in Egypt. Read more →

Who and/or What is God?

We find it troublesome to accept that God has no beginning. In Isaiah 44:6 God says "I am the first and I am the last and aside from Me there is no other God." It’s difficult for us to understand what God is and therefore even more difficult to understand how He can exist and that He is the sole cause of everything we see. What is God? He is the sole cause of the universe and the reason for our existence. Deuteronomy 4:39 says "God is the Governor of heaven above and earth below. There is nothing else." Read more →

Study Shows Jesus as Rabbi

It is very difficult for us, almost 2,000 years removed from Jesus’ day, to project ourselves back across the centuries of time to a culture and language so totally foreign to the western mind of today. And yet, before we can even begin to understand the magnificent and thrilling words of Jesus, that is exactly what we must do. Read more →