The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original Perspective
Original Surprises
Heather Kiffe
TEI August 2025
1. Hebrew language and translating
a. Difficult and holy endeavor not to be taken lightly
i. Some things don’t translate well (macho = several English ideas wrapped up
into one word)
ii. Style or structure of language communicates, lost in translation
1. Ps 119, Word order, and more…
iii. Range of meanings: Positive/negative, literal/figurative
iv. Learn about culture through language
1. Value story-telling, connection
2. Picture/visual, not abstract but go back to concrete ideas
a. Deliver – close in hand
b. Slow to anger – long nostrils
3. Interactive – words missing, double meanings
b. Place and value for everything: Studying English Bible and gaining insight from
original languages
2. Today we will discuss two verses, surprising and deeply meaningful when read in Hebrew
3. #1 – Name that verse (book and chapter)
a. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. (NIV)
i. (not the surprising part) Mercy or unfailing/faithful love, lovingkindness = חסד
Hesed, nothing like it in English
1. 3 English ideas wrapped up into one:
a. Emotion: Deep love
b. Action: Active, moves toward and will act on behalf of loved
one
c. Commitment: Devoted, endures forever through all things
2. Resource: https://bibleproject.com/videos/loyal-love/
ii. What does it mean for goodness and mercy (hesed) to follow you?
1. My imagination: flowers sprout up, puppy?
2. Look at other places “follow” is used. Can you find it (the idea)? (NIV)
a. Hosea 8:3 - But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will
pursue him.
b. 1 Sam 2:28b - The king of Israel has come out to look for a
flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
3. “Follow” (רדף) to pursue, chase, hunt (running after)
4. Plug it in. What does that mean to you? How does it shape your
understanding?
So, what does that say
or mean to you?
The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original Perspective
Original Surprises
Heather Kiffe
TEI August 2025