Podcast
What in the Word?
Hosted by Presented by Logos · EN
"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.
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42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why in the Word? | A Behind the Scenes Recap of Season 1
Jun 11, 202500:13:07Tap to summarizeWhat in the Word? wraps up a rich and thought-provoking first season. In this special finale, host Kirk E. Miller turns the mic on himself, as Matt Barrios, the show’s producer, leads a reflective interview covering lessons learned, favorite passages, surprising insights, and behind-the-scenes moments.From tackling tough texts like Genesis 6, 1 Corinthians 15, and the Canaanite conquest to unforgettable interviews with scholars like Carmen Imes, Lynn Cohick, and Mike Horton, this recap offers a meaningful look back—and a peek forward at what’s to come in Season 2.Explore more: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-season-1-recap?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social
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Is the Song Allegorical? | Fellipe do Vale on Song of Solomon
Jun 4, 202500:47:27Tap to summarizeWhat’s the Song of Solomon really about? Is the Song a literal love poem, an allegory of God’s love, or something in betweenIn this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Fellipe do Vale to explore the interpretive challenges of one of the Bible’s more difficult books. They examine the Song of Song's character dynamics, imagery, and theological purpose as wisdom literature.Discover how the Song contributes to a biblical vision of love and redemption.Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-song-of-solomon?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Outline:00:00 Introduction: The Song of Solomon Debate00:57 Meet Dr. Felipe Devele01:25 Felipe's Journey and Specialization02:30 Diving into the Song of Songs04:03 Overview and Challenges of Interpretation06:17 Historical and Theological Context10:52 Debates and Interpretations20:34 Marriage as a Metaphor in Scripture24:09 Exploring the Song of Songs24:50 Biblical Imagery in the Song of Songs25:49 The Garden and Temple Imagery29:13 Human and Divine Love in the Song of Songs31:30 Edenic Imagery and Redemption39:57 The Power of Love and Its Theological Implications43:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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What Does It Mean to Work Out Our Salvation? | Lynn Cohick on Philippians 2:12–13
May 28, 202500:53:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, Lynn H. Cohick joins Kirk E. Miller to unpack Paul's exhortation in Philippians 2:12–13.What does it mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? Does this imply salvation is earned? How do we reconcile Paul’s call to action with his insistence elsewhere that salvation is not by works?Together, Kirk and Lynn explore the passage’s literary and theological context, its implications for how we think about salvation and sanctification, and how this text shapes the Christian life.Explore more: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-work-out-your-salvation?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer:Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction to Paul's Teachings on Salvation00:28 Show Introduction and Listener Engagement01:03 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lynn Cohick01:39 Dr. Cohick's Background and Work03:59 Context of Philippians and Paul's Relationship with the Philippians08:47 Analyzing Philippians 2:12-1310:44 Understanding Salvation in Paul's Writings18:03 Theological and Ethical Implications of Salvation23:11 Working Out Salvation: Practical Insights26:23 The Whole Body Experience of Salvation27:30 The Process of Sanctification28:16 Community and Salvation29:14 Unity in the Church32:35 The Role of Citizenship in Philippians39:18 Fear and Trembling in Salvation43:12 Grace, Works, and Salvation50:30 Practical Applications and Teaching52:22 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Did Jesus Falsely Predict His Return? | Jeannine Brown on Matthew 16:28
May 21, 202500:58:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by New Testament scholar Jeannine Brown to explore one of Scripture’s most challenging passages: Matthew 16:28. Did Jesus mistakenly predict his return?Together, they examine various interpretations—such as the transfiguration, the resurrection, Pentecost, the fall of Jerusalem, and the second coming—and discuss the most compelling understanding of Jesus’s words. Tune in to gain clarity and learn how to apply and teach this often-misunderstood verse.Learn more and explore special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-did-jesus-falsely-predict-his-return?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline: 00:00 Introduction to the Controversial Passage00:57 Meet Dr. Jeannine Brown02:45 Diving into Matthew 16:2803:56 Context and Interpretive Challenges13:42 Exploring Different Interpretations18:33 The Transfiguration View23:18 The Resurrection View23:34 Pentecost and the Coming of the Spirit28:15 The Spread of the Kingdom28:55 Exploring the Elusive Pentecost Idea29:15 Mission's Discourse and the Son of Man29:55 Witnessing in Jerusalem and Beyond31:02 Destruction of the Temple and Daniel's Prophecy33:54 Interpretations of the Son of Man's Coming37:53 Daniel's Vision and Jesus' Vindication51:21 Practical Significance and Teaching Recommendations57:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Where Did Satan Come From? | Phillip Cary on Genesis 3
May 14, 202500:52:27Tap to summarizeIf God is good and created all things good, where did evil come from? In this episode of What in the Word?, Phillip Cary joins Kirk E. Miller to explore Genesis 3 and the origins of evil.Where did the serpent—this cunning adversary and deceiver—come from? And how could Adam and Eve, who created good and without sin, fall into its temptation? What does the Bible teach about God’s relationship to evil?Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-where-did-satan-come-from?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialEpisode outline:00:00 Introduction to the Cunning Serpent00:18 Meet Dr. Phillip Cary00:25 Support and Subscribe01:01 Introduction to the Show01:23 Dr. Philip Carey's Background02:40 The Origin of Evil in Genesis03:46 Reading Genesis 3:1-705:05 Philosophical and Theological Issues of Evil06:29 Augustine's Perspective on Evil11:18 Corruption and Deprivation15:58 The Problem of Evil16:48 Historical Viewpoints on Evil17:16 The Serpent and Satan18:14 Revelation and the Fall of Satan25:19 Exploring the Invisible Heavens26:50 Augustine's Interpretation of Light in Genesis28:38 The Fall of Satan and the Origin of Evil37:17 The Role of Free Will in Sin41:27 Adam, Eve, and the Serpent: A Deeper Look48:55 Practical Takeaways for Christians50:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Is the Creation Story Literal? | Vern Poythress on Genesis 1:1-2:3
May 7, 202501:03:52Tap to summarizeHow should we understand the Bible’s Creation story in Genesis 1:1–2:3?In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Vern Poythress to explore the genre, interpretation, and theological intent of Genesis 1:1–2:3. They discuss various interpretive models—such as literal 24-hour days, the literary framework view, day age theory, and more—while addressing questions of history, science, and the meaning of the “days” of creation.Tune in as we reflect deeply on how Scripture portrays God as the sovereign, wise, and beneficent Creator.Learn more about this episode and get special offers from Logos: https://logos.com/grow/witw-creation-story-genesis-1?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Genesis00:25 Welcome and Show Introduction01:01 Guest Introduction: Dr. Verne Pores02:52 Context of Genesis Chapter 107:38 Theological Significance of Genesis10:41 Interpretive Challenges and Modern Context16:21 Different Interpretations of Genesis 120:23 Framework and Day-Age Views24:32 Analogical and Mature Creation Views30:47 Relevance of Genesis Across Cultures33:10 Sponsor Message and Additional Views35:31 Different Views on Creation36:44 Interpreting Genesis 1: Genre and Literalism37:57 The Genre of Genesis: Nonfiction Hebrew Prose41:34 Genesis 1 vs. Ancient Near Eastern Myths46:08 Personal Views on Creation Days56:08 Practical Significance and Preaching Genesis 101:01:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
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Is It Wrong to Want to Be Rich? | Malcolm Foley on 1 Timothy 6:6–10
Apr 30, 202500:53:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What in the Word?, Malcolm Foley joins Kirk E. Miller to discuss the challenging passage of 1 Timothy 6:6–10. Together, they unpack Paul’s warnings about the desire for wealth and consider how the love of money is described as a root of all kinds of evil.Dr. Foley—pastor, scholar, and author—helps us think biblically about wealth, contentment, and how the church can resist the cultural pull toward materialism.Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-desire-for-wealth-1-timothy-6?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts01:17 Meet Dr. Malcolm Foley02:05 Diving into 1 Timothy 6:902:36 Context and Contentment04:41 Warnings Against Wealth06:06 The Love of Money09:48 Historical Interpretations of Wealth24:26 The Love of Money and Its Consequences26:33 Different Translations and Interpretations31:19 Theological Implications of Wealth43:33 Practical Applications for the Church51:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Is Jesus Inferior to the Father? | Michael Horton on John 14:28
Apr 23, 202500:48:59Tap to summarizeIs Jesus really less than the Father? In this What in the Word? episode, Kirk E. Miller is joined by theologian Michael Horton to tackle John 14:28, where Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I.”Does this verse contradict Jesus divinity and equality with the Father? What did Jesus mean in context—and what have Christians historically believed about this passage?Together, Kirk and Mike explore multiple interpretations explanation, including Arianism, eternal generation, the state of Christ’s humiliation, eternal functional subordination, and more. They conclude with practical insights for teaching and applying this deeply theological text.Learn more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-john-14-28?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:54 Guest Introduction: Dr. Michael Horton02:39 Context of John 14:2803:24 Jesus' Upper Room Discourse05:20 Theological Implications of John 14:2810:53 Orthodox Interpretation of John 14:2817:52 Alternative Interpretations and Debates26:14 Exploring Social Distinctions and Hierarchical Roles26:45 Understanding Heresies: Modalism and Subordination28:58 Logos Bible Study Platform: Enhancing Your Scripture Study29:43 Diverse Views on the Trinity and Eternal Generation30:40 Theological Implications of Eternal Generation33:10 Practical Applications of Theological Concepts38:57 Jesus' Redemptive Mission and the Role of the Holy Spirit44:06 Teaching and Preaching: Equipping Others to Read the Bible47:53 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Is Paul Describing a Believer or Non-Believer? | Joseph Dodson on Romans 7
Apr 16, 202500:58:37Tap to summarizeDoes Romans 7 describe the experience of a believer struggling with sin, or is Paul referring to something else entirely? Many in Protestant traditions assume that Paul’s use of “I” in this passage reflects the believer’s ongoing struggle with sin. But others challenge this view with strong exegetical arguments.In this episode of What in the Word?, host Kirk E. Miller is joined by Joseph (Joey) R. Dodson, Craig L. Blomberg Endowed Chair of New Testament at Denver Seminary, to explore one of the most debated passages in the New Testament: Romans 7:7–25. Together, Kirk and Joey examine key interpretive questions, compare different viewpoints, and discuss how Romans 7 fits into the broader context of Paul’s argument in Romans 6–8.Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-romans-7-believer-or-unbeliever?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode Outline:00:00 Introduction to Romans 7: The Internal Struggle00:14 Debating Paul's Experience: Preconversion or Postconversion?03:18 Understanding Romans 7 in Context10:15 Reading and Analyzing Romans 7:13-2512:11 Historical Interpretations and Debates17:34 Different Views on Paul's 'I' in Romans 727:23 Israel's Experience and the Law29:49 Debating the Purpose of the Law31:01 The Christian Experience and Inner Conflict34:18 Arguments for Pre-Christian Experience36:46 Paul's Perspective on the Law and Sin39:45 The Role of the Holy Spirit and Christian Life53:35 Practical Applications and Teaching Tips
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When Did Jesus Preach to Spirits in Prison? | Thomas Schreiner on 1 Peter 3:18–22
Apr 9, 202500:54:57Tap to summarize1 Peter 3:18–22 is one of the most challenging passages in all of the New Testament. What does it mean that Jesus “preached to the spirits in prison”? Did he descend into hell? Was he speaking through Noah in the past, offering the deceased a second chance at offering salvation, or something else?In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with renown New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner to explore the various interpretations, as well as their practical significance.Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-jesus-spirits-prison-1peter3?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=socialDisclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.Episode outline:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:07 Meet Dr. Thomas Shriner03:06 Context of 1 Peter 3:18-2208:06 Reading and Analyzing the Passage10:16 Debating Interpretations: The Augustinian View18:50 Debating Interpretations: The Second View28:03 Exploring the Augustinian View29:00 Introducing the Third View: Christ's Victory Over Demonic Powers30:00 Analyzing the Phrase 'Made Alive in the Spirit'32:10 The Significance of Christ's Resurrection and Ascension35:04 Understanding the Spirits in Prison47:15 Practical Significance and Application of the Passage53:42 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
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