High and Low Context: Cultural Context of the Biblical World

[@FeHearts]

As someone who speaks two languages I can assure everyone that meaning can easily be lost in translation.

[@xxxmmm3812]

I moved abroad many times and thus have learned 6 different languages, the meaning absolutely gets lost in translation and theres no way around this

[@richaellr]

I have traveled to many planets, visited many galaxies, thus have learned 23 vocal languages, 8 movement languages and 2 mind languages. I can assure that meaning is impossible when translated.

[@hukes]

As someone who speaks three languages, I third this.

[@BasquiatSama]

Tell that to KJV onlyists.

[@charlesrankin1190]

@@BasquiatSama What the hell is the deal with KJV onlyists, anyway? It's incredibly illogical.

[@deluxeassortment]

I have to say, you put me in my place. Gave me something new to think about. The conquest is something I've used to justify my negative view of the Bible, and was probably the first thought that began my deconversion. I'll be doing more research based on your information!

[@skwills1629]

There is no such thing as Decponversion. Modern day Atheism tries too hard to frame itself as the opposite of Religion, and inventing the word Deconvert to say you left Religion is silly as its just not what happened. Modern day Atheist Philosophy i often more Childish than Reasonable. its generally more interested in fuinding fault with the Bible or Christianity than understanding things.

[@deluxeassortment]

@@skwills1629 And I often find Christians like to tell me all about what my life is like and why I am who I am. At least I'm here trying to learn, and you're being judgment and arrogant.

[@toddfordr8218]

@@skwills1629 Deconversion is defined as a loss of faith. It's a real word and very much a real thing. Your views on atheism assumes they, like Christian's, have a shared world veiw. Aside from not believing in God they dont. I'm not an atheist but I'm not Christian either. As a young man I called myself a Christian, but contradictions between different denominations and within the bibles themselves, resulted in a loss of faith in Christianity as a whole. A lot of Christians will condemn a non sinner based on whether or not they beleive in Jesus. There veiw is simple, your either in or out. If your not a member your with Satan. The politics of Roman rule is Democracy the theology of Greek Roman's is Christianity and they were both created at the same time. The old testament borrows from the Jewish theology and marries it to Pagan system of idolatry (Crucifix) and worshipping the dead (Jesus).

[@skwills1629]

@@deluxeassortment Mate, my Judgmental and Arrogant Attitude is just me not beleiving the whoel Deconversion rubbish. Its not a condemnation of you personally. If yur hear to learn, don't judge others and say they are judgmental before you get to know them better. You'll fuind me far less Judgemental than yiou are, I would imagine.

[@skwills1629]

@@deluxeassortment Incidentally, if it is Judgemtan and Arogant for me to deny Deconversion exists, then I have to be Judgemental and arrogant. I'm not trying to uinsult you, but I also don't really Think Atheism is the opposite of Relgiion, and don't Think framing everything about Atheism as Anti-Religion is healthy. Thats not mean tto be arrogant or Judgemental, but if it is, I must be by nature. I do not accept that Atheists are the opposite of Religious. I do not accept the need to frame everything about Atheism as the opposite of Religion. I do not Think the word Convert is itself a specifically Religious term. In the end, you are shaming me for being Judgmental and Arrogant because of what my views are. To not be Jusdgemental and arrogant, I can't question the Atheist Natrrative. Even though the same Atheists question the "Religious" narrative all the Time. And witrh much harsher terms used.

[@backtothescriptures6592]

By far the best apologetic library

[@commentconnoisseur1001]

Patreon?

[@backtothescriptures6592]

@@commentconnoisseur1001 Yes I only support IP on patreon since I don't have much money but it's so worth it

[@JHohenhauser]

I agree, but he takes man's word over God's

[@interpretingscripture8068]

@@JHohenhauser how so?

[@JHohenhauser]

@@interpretingscripture8068 It was a meme. Watch IP's debate with Gman for the *context* .

[@AitorAxat]

Man, imagine if someone published a new version of the Bible with the context for every passage, it would be insane. But it would solve a lot of problems.

[@pathosserene]

There is, Dr. John Walton & Dr. Graig Keener released a cultural context Bible in NKJV and NIV which are both available on Amazon with historical context information for every book of the Bible

[@matthewschardtii1338]

@@pathosserene Wow, I might buy that

[@ea-tr1jh]

@@pathosserene What is it called? And is it just OT?

[@JHohenhauser]

So you're saying Joshua was basically the first to use the Ben Shapiro *DESTROYS* meme?

[@Abishekep]

🤣🤣

[@MirroringTruth]

See. It's a Jewish thing. >.

[@crishealingvtuber8626]

Not fond of seeing that name, honestly.

[@flashmanfred]

@koolwhip 64 Ben Shapiro suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkkssss

[@Technoshirt]

Hannibal Traven you are objectively right, but nobody did ask for that particular opinion.

[@121jakethesnake]

I just have to say thank you IP. You have helped me leave my atheism and accept God into my heart. Keep up the good work buddy!

[@Miatpi]

Really? That's wonderful! Welcome home brother.

[@dinhoantonio5529]

Good Keep it on,Our new brother in Christ.

[@eastsideapologetics6147]

Wow that’s awesome

[@sygarte1]

Great video, as usual. I like to say imagine the Biblical writers were all from Brooklyn, where exaggeration is the normal method of communication, and what's said sometimes means the opposite (ex. "I asked you a million times to do that thing. Oh, and btw, I'm glad to hear your kids are doin good". Meaning: Do what I asked you to or your kids suffer. High context indeed.

[@stephengarrett4193]

Very interesting. Thanks for that example!

[@anthonyd6555]

Another example of high context in contemporary culture are memes.

[@marcfofi688]

Wow, didn’t even think about that

[@maxalaintwo3578]

No kidding. Sneedclave moment

[@personjfreak]

I've struggled with the concept of annihilation in scripture. Clearly there were children in Jericho whom had never done an evil thing. And I always questioned how Rahab had heard about the Israelites and their victories if none were left behind.

[@vinnynj78]

Ancient kingdoms were tied together through intricate trade networks and the Levant was a highway of trade for three continents. News traveled along these networks just as easily as goods. The Israelites had been in the wilderness for 40 years so an entire generation would have grown up hearing about this crazy group of people out in the desert somewhere that had bested one of the most powerful nations in the world at the time and for some reason only seemed to be getting larger and stronger in an area that should not have had the resources to sustain it. Rahab herself says as much. In fairness all of that took place before the conquest and before the "utter destruction" rhetoric that was associated with those cities.

[@fredheiberg2377]

Awesome video. I was trying to explain this to someone recently...this really nails it

[@MikeWinger]

Well done. Thank you

[@MAP2023]

Mike Winger Hello Mike! Have a nice day brother.

[@samuelthomas9036]

Yes Interesting but also opens up the word of Got to yet another type of criticism... I completely disagree with the Joshua narrative God clearly had told the Israelites to totally destroy certain people's I mean think about samuel the prophet hacking up a king that was not supposed to be left alive I think it's much safer to teach an read Gods word in the most literal way possible an stay hermunuticly hygienic!

[@eew8060]

@@samuelthomas9036 Or...or don't try to put the bible in some rigid hermeneutic. So yes, some peoples were exterminated. But don't carelessly apply that standard to every passage when you see other peoples clearly were NOT exterminated.

[@samuelthomas9036]

@EE. W. YES THat would be assumed by any one that was interested in an accurate reading of the text!

[@samuelthomas9036]

W for ME personally I'd rather err on the side of literal than allegorical I do believe we should take everything into consideration whenever we try to understand Gods word including historical an cultural background! I believe that broadens your understanding of a passage but shouldn't necessarily change its literal meaning.... I hope you understand what I'm trying to say lol

[@accabb2487]

You can always tell ones sincerity by their willingness to allow for missing context. A low sincerity culture may, for example, quote mine statements about faith which supply their agenda, while ignoring the actual texts that speaks of it.

[@dougvanminnen7537]

I have struggled for a long time about the Joshua account of supposed genocide. your explanation makes perfect sense, in this case the term "annihilate" is a play on words. And as you eluded to we still do that today. It's also good to see that other ancient cultures would also write about their conquests the same way as opposed to the Bible being centered out all the time. Your knowledge and Videos are invaluable for people like me always wanting to question things and search of answers regarding the Bible.

[@auntpurl5325]

Brilliant! I just looked up the Greek word for "to take captive" and one of the possible definitions is "to defraud" -- while this doesn't change the general understanding I had of the text, it sure did enrich it. I am much more engaged than I was before. Thank you so much for this video. So encouraging.

[@ReasonedAnswers]

Wow. This may well be the best video I've ever seen on understanding how to interpret the Bible (and that is saying a lot as I've seen many). I had known about you for a long time, but never really checked out the content before now. I was inspired to finally do so by your interview with David Wood yesterday. I will definitely be checking out a lot more now. You have a new subscriber.

[@NadaVerse]

@InspiringPhilosophy ...You adhere to what we Eastern Orthodox call *The Fullness of Understanding* ....Well Done.

[@lucienlagarde8093]

Amen sister

[@clark5363]

Mike!! Bro this is on another level. I am just tickled pink over your OT series. This IS AWESOME!!!!!

[@InsaneWhiteKId]

"The foundational principles sin, attonement, and resurrection." You forgot the most important one brother. You forgot love. Never forget love. Jesus said it was most important and our only real commandment. John 3: 16 "For God so LOVED..." he gave us attonement. I wish you peace and love! Keep doing good work brother!

[@villainousssb533]

Came at suggestion of Mike winger. Really enjoyed the vid. Be good to give to a bible study group actually.

[@clark5363]

Villainous SSB mike and Michael are the pb & j of our modern day Bible study.

[@ea-tr1jh]

Me too

[@esauponce9759]

Mike Winger is the man. 👌

[@crishealingvtuber8626]

I think that Mike, just as many theologians here on youtube, is knowledgeable when it comes to Christianity, but quite ignorant about many other topics. It's like he's a different person when he talks about anything else.

[@DarthCalculus]

Apparently the tradition of puns from pastors goes all the way back to Paul

[@theisticlogos2539]

LOL. Good one

[@iceman4660]

This is good stuff. My eyes have been opened and lots of fog moved away. I've just finished a book that highlights how our current culture presuppositions can inadvertently result in mis-interpretation of scripture. Laodicea was cited as an example.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like the way you print out the text of people you are quoting it's much easier to see and understand.

[@michaelzane3823]

So in simple terms, some text can have references only the reader familiar with the language/culture would understand.

[@kingscrave418]

Amazing video as always, you never disappoint

[@5BBassist4Christ]

The Joshua idea concept felt a little off to me. Using total destruction to describe a sports game makes sense, because you know they're not really fighting and killing each other, while as using such language for battle is counter-intuitive, because it is the goal to destroy each other. "They slaughtered the other team" makes sense because you know it's not a killing game. "They slaughtered the other army" doesn't make sense any more than saying "They completely shut out the other team" on a game where both teams scored (because to shut out means to not allow the other team to score a single point). Also, the score you showed about the game (20-17) wouldn't be what anybody would consider a "massacre" in sports terms. That was actually a close game. So associating that with "They left no one alive, neither woman, children, nor animal" is like saying, "This phrase could just be an 'And they won the battle' statement, rather it was a close battle or a heavily one sided battle." I can agree, however, that it was a form of exaggeration. A better example would be 1 Samuel 30:17. "And David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled." Two hypoberlies are used here: "David slaughtered them" -but we know it wasn't David alone, but David leading his men in slaughtering them. And the second: "Not a man of them escaped" -this one is immediately contradicted by the following line that 400 of them escaped. Nobody above the age of 10 is that bad of a writer to create such a contradiction within a single sentence, so we must not assume it is a contradiction, but rather a form of speech that more of means "David's enemies didn't stand a chance. 400 men escaped (probably at the beginning of the battle), but everybody else who stayed and fought or waited too late to run were killed."

[@nohandle257]

Except Joshua reached young adulthood in Egypt. A culture proven to use extreme exaggeration and hyperbole to describe military victories.

[@petery6432]

@@nohandle257 Yeah, the Sports Analogy isn't perfect, it's simply meant to demonstrate a concept in a basic form.

[@adrianvarela8890]

thanks for sharing.Very useful.

[@danielrenos1647]

Kent hovind must watch this video.

[@jameskolan9195]

Good choices on the football analogy. GO STEELERS!!

[@fallen1world294]

Great video, though I think Revelation 3:16 makes the same point regardless how you make it make sense. "I will vomit you out of My mouth." Likely referencing those in Matthew 7:22 who will call him Lord but practice lawlessness therefore be told to depart, for He does not know them, which goes back to Jesus constantly saying "If anyone love me, they will keep my commandments. He will keep my Word. And my Father will love him.", "Abide in me and I'll abide in you.", Etc. So I take it as "You being lukewarm will bring forth that which I have guaranteed prior if you make me want to vomit you out." 1 John 2:3-6 tells us that if we claim to know Him and do not keep His commandments, we are liars and the truth is not in us. So that's who I take it as Jesus was referencing in Matthew 7:22 when He says "Depart from me, for I do not know you, you who practices lawlessness" and is the warning in Revelation 3:16

[@droe2570]

Except he's not saying in Rev. "Depart from me I don't know you." He's saying, "make yourselves useful in your community."

[@JohnBaskette]

I appreciate this a lot. I was reading Exodus this morning and observed what seems to be an example. The fifth plague was sickness put on all the livestock of the Egyptians where “all the livestock of the Egyptians died”. But later in the same chapter hail falls and slays every beast left in the field. And later on the 10th plague, the first born of the cattle die. The time frame is too short for the Egyptians already impoverished by the other plagues to have replaced their livestock. It seems that hyperbolic language such as you described may have been employed here also.

[@garmbeliblis]

I encourage you to check your premise on the time allowed between the plauges, it is not clear within the Exodus account how much time lapsed. It is very possible that it was 6 months, two years, five years? Such time would give the wealth of Egypt time to purchase new livestock and to forget the punishment of God while keeping the slaves.

[@glutinousmaximus]

Well, the problem is the sheer lack of evidence for Exodus - period. Outside of the biblical account there is *nothing* to corroborate any of it. Whereas the 'Babylonian exile' DID happen - the Babylonians wrote about it themselves, though the Jewish account is more 'heroic' of course.

[@turnagealfonso]

We Xtians have to admit there is only little/slight evidence of Exodus, secular history anyway. There has been recorded Eqyptian evidence that they captured or conquered Ancient Israel from certain Pharaohs. I do not know if historians confirmed what the Pharaohs stated.

[@defendingchristianity1061]

You are the best ! God bless you IP :)

[@joshuavincentparrella6853]

This has been seriously helpful Michael! Thanks for posting yet another informative vid!

[@eswn1816]

Good job I taught this in College (in China) Sadly, your chart left out the two highest context cultures (withing large countries) on our planet: Korea... and, #1 = Japan! Japan is enigmatic, even to the Chinese. Also note: Modern globalization is rapidly changing these extremes.

[@tjq7888]

Seems it took you toooo long to make this video... congrats bro.. worth it... This video must be seen by the low context atheist culture

[@mathieuvanleeuwen7127]

In the end, we'll all come home.

[@margaretmcguire3241]

I believe the Lord gives understanding where we may lack understsnding. But, I totally agree knowing the culture brings forth total understsnding without question or refuting the true understanding. Similar to *Romans **8:26* *Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered* Thank u & God bless!

[@gleasonparker1684]

The high context scenario makes a lot of sense and that we are still dependent on the Holy Spirit to understand some of the deep things of God and still dependent to be able to explain them in a way that others will understand and which they will benefit from.

[@reubenlyimo]

Gman should listen to this

[@1stGruhn]

In other words, the text isn't as perspicuous as many want it to be. Its almost as if communicating is difficult... especially over many thousands of years... Calvin said it best: scripture is God's condescension to His people. Its the same reason Aquinas said that it is fitting for scripture to include metaphor and analogy: not all truths can be said in a straight forward way. The 4 fold meaning of the text, while it can be misused, needs to be maintained to adequately understand the full depth.

[@adamropp4757]

Understood. The problem many see with this seemingly accurate observation is that why would an all knowing/powerful God give us his word in such a way that is confusing and difficult for future generations when peoples eternal salvation is on the line? This in all honesty points towards scripture being man made and not divinely inspired.

[@1stGruhn]

@@adamropp4757 First off, it is well established in Christian theology that salvation is at least initiated by God (the reformation's main stance is that it was an act of God through grace which is sufficient to accomplish the work of salvation in your life: so God initiates and completes the work of salvation which then transforms you as a person). This is not accomplished by our understanding of biblical texts but, the result of salvation is what grants us a better understanding of scripture. It is perfectly compatible with Scripture to say that one who has no knowledge of the Bible can be saved: precisely because salvation is by grace, and as a gift, God can give it to whom he pleases. Even faith is a product of grace. The Bible gives a clearer account of the truth than what is available to us in creation but creation is sufficient to hold us morally accountable. Grace is a power or attribute that has been gifted us by God, how, no one really knows. But I have found it very much like maturity and understanding. It would be arrogant to take credit for the dawning realization of something as if I were responsible for my own intelligence/wisdom. Sure I may have contributed to its increase but only after I saw it as something desirable to increase. If I never had the desire to increase it I wouldn't have sought to try. Grace is that which makes God desirable and what spurs us to the effort of seeking that desire's satisfaction. As such, truths have been landed upon in many cultures. But we are constantly dependent on God's grace for real wisdom about ultimate reality. And that is what the Bible points towards, ultimate reality from one who knows it. If it is true that sin corrupts understanding then that is the real reason why it is so difficult to understand communication. It is quite possible to have the correct perspective muddied by an abundance of alternatives: its not that we can't know the truth, its that we often don't want to.

[@rrose9161]

High vs low context seems to be similar to centralized vs decentralized ( if history is anything to go by high context cultures are screwed because of vital information being lost)

[@zaceishen7974]

Sure, there are many things, especially ones that spark controvercy or doubt that are explained by basic knowlege of the original text. However, the core focous of the entire bible, the salvation of man from his sinful condition, soley by god of christ Jesus' blood sacrafice on the cross, is crystal clear. The kjv translation is inspired and as accurate a translation in english as is possible!

[@gleasonparker1684]

God says it's in the heart of a king to search things out so what he's saying to us takes time sometimes a lifetime to begin to understand what a great God we serve.

[@PatrickHutton]

I wonder where Esperanto sits on the the high to low context culture scale?

[@AveChristusRex]

The 'high context' isn't lost. It's the faith once delivered to the saints. One may not read the Bible in any light other than the faith. And that faith has been passed down century through century.

[@markstevenpandan890]

Passed on in the one true Church--the Catholic Church

[@AveChristusRex]

@@markstevenpandan890 Yep. And history demonstrates that.

[@burlbird9786]

@@juanventer5145 orthodox churches *are* already catholic 😉

[@markstevenpandan890]

@@juanventer5145 Yes. Law of non contradiction. Either only Catholicism is true and everything else is wrong or Catholicism is false.

[@markstevenpandan890]

Because God said so (Mt 16:16-19, 1 Tim 3-15).

[@Ephisus]

Sokath, his eyes uncovered.

[@laurawofford-brown4351]

Brilliant. Thanks. God bless.

[@jesharrell9748]

As soon as I saw this, I said out loud: "Oh, here he is: startin' some mess." :) Now I shall enjoy the mess.

[@graceoverreligion2509]

In our language when I read, "so we may become the righteousness of God" we understand it differently than the American understanding. Where in America they say it to mean imputation, in our language it means material proof of said quality. Say, an artwork is an artist's brilliance; or an ordered and prosperous city is a governor's righteousness. So when a king grants his people freedom, and he is seen as righteous and just, the people in their freedom attaining it by grant then becomes the righteousness of said king.

[@collinlea8343]

Bruhhh you blew my mind

[@quad9363]

Bringing up the hyperbole of sports journalism was quite helpful in understanding how similar phrasing could be used in reference to battles. Great video, Michael.

[@leeebbs722]

Context? YES.... Speculation about the culture at that time? NO!

[@SylvEdu]

Speculation is never bad unless you forget that it is speculation.

[@leeebbs722]

@@SylvEdu Wrong answer. That approach may be fine for all other texts, but NOT when dealing with the Word of God.

[@eew8060]

Well how else would we discover what the bible cultural context was, unless we speculate? We weren't there...

[@SylvEdu]

@@leeebbs722 This isn't your ordinary everyday ignorance... this is advanced ignorance... You, sir, are very mistaken. The Word of God is subject to the same speculations and skepticism that everything else is. The difference between the things of God and the things of the Devil, is that the things of God are true and will survive the speculations and skepticism.

[@leeebbs722]

@@eew8060 Wow, that's how people get led astray.... first let me say a big "DUH!". You do not speculate, you simply say you do not know, instead of risking lying about God's Word.

[@ethanbergen3217]

I knew I liked you IP but bringing up the Steelers destroying the ravens put the cherry on top.

[@Jazalena]

Love this video so helpful thank you

[@carlknaack1019]

There are multiple degrees of Jewish law. There are the symbols for the daily walk, there are the symbols of Christ’s resurrection, and there are extrapolations upon them by historic Rabbis. This is also a part of the lost cultural context.

[@dosmastrify]

5:50, I've heard this too. But think about it. What parent would ever say I wish that my kid just hated me outright instead of only sometimes hated me

[@dan4Jesus2012]

Absolutely brilliant IP - I've liked :-) God Bless you!

[@garmbeliblis]

A pushback on the Joshua account, to explore the high context within scripture of the established promised Land: judgement of the nephalim by Ryan Pitterson. The man is an attorney who lays out a very compelling context of the work of God through Israel that is woefully absent in standard Evangelical presentation. Methuselah as a picture of the grace of God in the antediluvian world is remarkable.

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

There were no Nephilim in Canaan. That comes from one verse, Numbers 13:33. But wait let’s stop for a minute and ask who exactly is giving this report? It doesn’t come from Moses, let alone God, but the ten spies of Israel who didn’t want to initiate the conquest, despite Joshua and Caleb saying they could conquer the land. That should be the first clue to tell us we are relying on the report of unreliable witnesses. The prior passage even says the ten spies gave a bad report. The text treats their testimony as exaggeration and fear-mongering in contrast to the more reliable report from Caleb and Joshua. The next thing to remember is the Nephilim are not included in more reliables report of the inhabiting of Canaan in other places like Deuteronomy. Considering it was the fear of the Nephilim that led to Israel having to live in the desert for 40 years you think they would not have been so easily missed or forgotten later on. What is probably happening is the 10 spies are exaggerating the reports to scare Israel into not attacking the inhabitants of Canaan, by drawing back on the collective memory of this heroic and prideful warriors. This should be obvious in the claim there were like grasshoppers to them. If we have to take this literal we should expect giants over 100 feet tall. This is clearly an exaggeration by anyone’s standard. Kenneth Matthew notes, “When we consider the evidence of Deuteronomy’s recollection of the Canaanite peoples, it is better to understand the allusion to the Nephilim therefore in Numbers 13 as figurative, cited by the spies because of the violent reputation attributed to “Nephilim” from ancient times.”

[@wishyouthebest9222]

@@InspiringPhilosophy Peace be with you, brother. I have a request wich should be beneficial for all. Could you do a video about books you would recommend for all who want to strenghen their abilities in doing/using debates, philisophy, history, theology and apologetics? I would really appreciate it and many others aswell. God bless your family and your ministry. May our Lord use us all to preach the good news, so many might be saved and truly live for ever and ever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[@garmbeliblis]

@@InspiringPhilosophy Thank you for putting a thoughtful reply together. You are correct, the evidence for the Nephilim themselves is scant and from unreliable source (10 spies). If you'll review my comment, it was not that there were Nephilim proper in Canaan. It was that a book by the title of 'The Judgement of the Nephilim' by Ryan Pitterson is useful for exploring the high context expansion of the conquest account. It is clear that there were giants in the land, and the giants were both rebellious against the Most High and opposed to Moses and subsequently Joshua, and that there is tremendous inter-textual context from Abraham's time in Canaan and the return to Canaan by the Tribes. I found your video useful, thank you for putting it together.

[@johnrockwell5834]

Whats bizarre is that even if polygamy is prohibited. It seems there was regulation pertaining to it. Like marital rights and inheritance and the entitlement to equal treatment.

[@johnrockwell5834]

Its perfectly understood.

[@JayDee284]

Finly hit a 100K good job mate.

[@Dimanto22]

The Near East and most of Asia today are still very high-context cultures. In Europe only Italy (divided in to north and south, the south being closer to Greece in terms of being high context) and Greece can be seen as high context culturally but compared to the Near East and Asia pretty low.

[@user-io7oh8kk1b]

Great video, many interesting things to think about, however I don’t agree with the “Here lies Jim” portion. I think most people would read “Here lies Jim” on a gravestone as an indication that Jim was lazy. Not that he lied to his wife. Unless the phrase “He lies like a dead man” or something similar, is a geographically specific usage, like soda vs. pop or sub vs grinder.

[@ItachiUchiha-kb2vh]

This is apologetics teaching at its worst. Saul was punished for letting some of the livestock and women and children live. He literally lost his kingdom for it. There is no other way to interpret it. There is a deeper flaw in this argument. Most people have sufficient context because of the range of words we use and range of stories we have. Even on TV and comics, like "Lazarus Pit" used to heal any ailment in Batman has the reference from the Bible or Nephilim and people born to angels and humans also has reference from the bible as well. The word sad has so many synonyms like dejected, crestfallen, doleful and so on, so context can be explained better in some ways. Printing Press and now medium like KZbin effectively allow us to express more complicated thoughts and ideas. Like Tolkiens Lord of the Rings, Shakespeare's works, even Hunger Games for that matter would not be understood without understanding the context. Context is a lot more sophisticated now, not only because of the range of words but also range of situations, modern history, modern developments, and modern ideas and so on. Like what does the word "space travel mean now? More fundamentally, after the printing press came along, everybody had access to plenty of stories, writing and even a lot of Modern theology evolved with the advent of the printing press. Modern-day protestant Church had been possible because of the Printing Press as well, Luther's teachings spread far and wide because of it.

[@NewYorkCityStreetPreachers]

I totally get what you're saying, but did you see the chart model of the higher contexted cultures vs lower ones? It was difficult for me to put into words for years but there's something about the higher side that appreciates the Hebrew context more. When you try to introduce these things to a Westerner, they have absolutely no concept of what you're speaking about. Often you have to start at whether a god can/should even exist. Some ideas are much easier for the Easterner to comprehend and accept. Think about the adulterer in the OT that polluted the entire city...or the awl in the ear...or even something like stoning a murderer. These are generally repulsive to us, but for those in the East, probably, but not as much. Even the Saul idea, honestly this needs to be thoroughly explained to someone in the West. For me, I used to ask God, "why would you punish him for offering you a gift? You're his father, right? Shouldn't you at least congratulate him for his charity?" It's clear to you as to why it's wrong (and praise God for that, it's been revealed to me as well), but nuance is extraordinarily hard to transmit to those raised on humanist/semi-Roman philosophical values. Late comment but just some food for thought...

[@telperionthesilver9139]

How do you guys find all these sources. Do they reference each other a lot, or are there places that compile lists of the scholarly work that is out there. Alternatively, do you just do all the work and find them for yourselves. Also, I hear people like you guys talk about scholars who are high up in their fields. Is that your personal analysis of them, or are they officially acclaimed to be of that standing.

[@prateeksvoice]

God bless you brother. This is such a blessing 🙂

[@bufficliff8978]

Chronically online are high context

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like the slight music in this video not too oppressive.

[@jedibattlemasterkos]

I figure the truly best way to visualize ancient cultural norms and customs is with a Star Trek-like holo suite or a movie LOL 🖖😅👍👽

[@gleasonparker1684]

One reason the 10 spies gave such a bad report about there being Giants and such in the land was because they did not want to go into the land so exaggerated the heights of the man and all the difficulties where as the two spies Caleb and Joshua gave a good report which was probably the true report.

[@CatLover7112]

Extremely helpful.. Thanks

[@graceoverreligion2509]

And when Paul said, "Christ became sin for us" the american would say, Christ somehow absorbed sin, embodying sin of some sort. But if I shouls understand it the way we speak locally, it simply means, the Christ, and everthing that idea contains has an affect similar to how sin affects a person -- a kind of unseen animating force or inclination to behave, act, and live a certain way.

[@williamwrightjr.2765]

Wait, you're saying the Pittsburgh Steelers will annihilate my Baltimore Ravens? Never! Go Ravens!

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

Ha!

[@jonson856]

Great video Michael. I have a question. Does this mean there was no genocide in the Bible, ever?

[@ibook6037]

No if the bible says there was some ass wipping you bet it was

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

No, because God never commanded anyone to wipe entire races based on ethnicity.

[@ibook6037]

@@InspiringPhilosophy well upon what was based?

[@johnnyhaigs243]

>Deuteronomy 20:17 Though I agree with the conclusion that the Israelites never killed all of the Canaanites, but instead subjugated to later assimilate them, which would lead to the downfall, as God had promised in Numbers 33:55.

[@leonarduskarolusiuliustant7498]

@@johnnyhaigs243 I think Numbers 33:55 is talking about the Canaanite peolpe they didn't defeat and subjugate

[@denissonmontas7867]

For a future video could you please go in depth analysts of Mathew 22:30 where says " the resurrected should neither marry or be given in marriage ".

[@scottb4509]

I love the comparison between low and high context cultures. I've tried to explain contextual variation in cultures to people all the time and most just don't understand it. ignorant presentism is a big issue in today's society. Good video. I don't necessarily agree with your interpretation of Lev. 18:18. If you look at the broader context surrounding that verse it is in fact talking about literal sisters and kinsmen of your wife, and not just other women in general. The whole chapter is about who the men could and couldn't take as their sexual partners. If they had a first marriage that they consummated, they couldn't take that wife's sister or daughter or aunt or mother or granddaughter to also be their sexual partner. Uncovering of their nakedness was a symbol for consummating a marriage or taking them as a sexual partner. The marriage itself was not prohibited per-se, but the consummation of the marriage was prohibited. the issue most run into when discussing polygamy in ancient Hebrew cultures is that several times we find God literally condoning it and making rules and laws surrounding the practice of polygamy. Many today are either disgusted by polygamy or don't understand how marriages in the ancient world were more political than romance based, so they project today's culture onto that of the ancient Hebrews saying, "today it is not a good thing therefore God would never have allowed it let alone condoned it back then". However, they have to either twist or ignore a bunch of scriptural evidence to hold to that idea.

[@scottb4509]

@Abraham Girt Your mocking condescension of the Mormon faith is noted, but your ad hominems are showing nothing but your childish ignorance, and blatant disregard for logic, reality, and sophistication. If you have an alternative argument, now would be the time to make it, otherwise you just look the fool attempting to discredit an argument based on the assumed characteristics of the person making the argument. You know nothing about me nor what I believe to be true. I never offered any of my beliefs only biblical contradictions to those beliefs given in the video. The video ignored much of the context of the doctrine yet attempted to arrive at a conclusion regardless of context, which ironically is what he was trying to teach people not to do in the very same video. I really like the content of the channel and am gladly following the channel for more content. But don't for a second think that I'm not going to point out a contradiction or error when it is so plainly presented before us. I don't do it to say how bad the video or creator is but to offer a different perspective and possibly more incite so that the error or contradiction can be corrected and everyone can learn truth rather than blindly following what one man in a video has said and expect to know everything. I find it sad that so many people are converted to the information giver rather than to the information itself. people make mistakes. and that is okay as long as everyone is willing to rally around them and help them make the corrections. If they are going to put themselves out there to be educating the masses then we should expect them to make fewer mistakes than usual, but we shouldn't be afraid to correct those mistakes just because they are set on a pedestal. And it is the childish and inane rantings from keyboard warriors like you that make it all the harder to have everyone learning actual truth together, because you have nothing positive to add only criticism of others, and what they may or may not understand to be true. Try to use logic and history and truth to prove me wrong or go back to your mom's basement and leave discussing intellectual and philosophical topics to those who have something of actual value to talk about. Don't be a Troll just because you can. it only makes you look like an ass.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Was the conquest a game? Or deadly confrontation when these people were spoiling the land? .They did kill these people, did they not?

[@galoobigboi]

And your point is?

[@johnnyhaigs243]

They didn't kill all the Canaanites in Canaan, however they were commanded to and were warned what'd happen if they didn't.

[@Actuary1776]

Yes they killed some of them, not all of them because embellishment was the norm of the day. Why a Christian thinks murder is on some sort of sliding scale is beyond me though.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

@@Actuary1776 Of course murder is a sliding scale if you define it as merely, A prrson who takes away the life of another." Its a scale because God asks us to reason. It is the same reason Jesus healed on the Sabbath.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

@@galoobigboi They killed people, they werent playing water polo. Thats all. Dont mi d read me to mich. I am a fan of this channel.

[@craftymining8587]

I came at suggestion of mike winger too

[@thegalacticfederation4007]

Off topic question but when it comes to cancer and mental disorders that some are born with, why does God allow them to be born with such conditions?

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

He didn't promise this life was perfect. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5qTmIOlpt2SmLM

[@adamropp4757]

The problem many see with this seemingly accurate observation is that why would an all knowing/powerful God give us his word in such a way that is confusing and difficult for future generations when peoples eternal salvation is on the line? This in all honesty points towards scripture being man made and not divinely inspired. I wish this were not the case, but I can’t lie to myself.

[@backtothescriptures6592]

Will you ever make a video explaining the slavery in the old testament?

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

Matt yes

[@jordazmo19]

Check out Mike Winger

[@backtothescriptures6592]

@@jordazmo19 Thank you

[@jordazmo19]

@Abraham Girt there's plenty i disagree with Mike Winger about, but to say that he isn't as well read is to say that YOU aren't because his doctrine and biblical understating is exceptional.

[@carlosatreides5653]

Excellent video as always. You obviously have done the research. Thank you for your work.

[@eugengolubic2186]

Excellent as always! Do I really have to add more? More of your videos needs to be shared.

[@missybe3238]

This is really clear and easy to understand. Keep up the the amazing work you are doing. Educating us poor mortal. LOL I would love to hear your view on the "Do not be unequally yoked to an unbeliever" when it comes to marriage (which is what preachers use it for today).

[@APR4U]

Very good work 🙏 Keep it up 🤗 seek and you will find 😇 APR4U 🇺🇸

[@mayaportland8805]

This is best

[@waitingandwatching9328]

Thanks IP for the info .....despite the fact that I am still with Ken as it relates to Genesis. 😊👊👍

[@junked5214]

I agree with your point in general, but the analogy and defense of Joshua was so bad it derailed the whole video. If you told me one sports team destroyed another sports team, I know through context that one team won and dominated the game. But if you tell me one warring nations military destroyed another nation I would think it was meant very literally. You know because of the context.

[@robertdelrosario139]

Great content as always, Michael. Could you do a vid on the supposedly 'Amalekite Genocide'? It is the one command in the OT that I struggle with because it seemingly have a Divine command to kill innocent children....or is it just another hyperbole? Because God could kill innocents because He is Lord of all, and do His angels who are higher beings (which could be compared with people killing cattle) but commanding humans to kill fellow innocent humans does not seem like something Yahweh would want. I want to hear your take on this. God bless you and keep up the Lord's work.

[@bornjusticerule5764]

AWESOMENESS. thanks for sharing man. so many "Christians” need to see this video.

[@Thehaystack7999]

Would we say that apocalyptic scripture is mainly written in high context?

[@cmk5724]

But if Leviticus is banning polygamy, how can one explain Exodus 21:10? And if the passages saying that Israel left nothing alive that breathed when the conquered Canaan are figurative, how does one explain commands by God to kill every living thing in places like Deuteronomy 20?

[@Archangel657]

Great work!

[@Papasquatch73]

So Moses changed his mind from writing Ex 21:10 and Lev 18:18. I don’t think so. So if this is in question maybe genocidal passages in the Bible are not hyperbolic

[@SomeRandomDude000000]

That doesn't follow.

[@RM-fs8ub]

Am beginning to realise that at Speaker's Corner, both sides are sometimes speaking past each other due to not understanding the context of biblical texts...christians aren't up quite to par in terms of modern day christian scholarship. We come to an ancient text loaded with 21st century based presuppositions and try to stretch it to our proportions.

[@ΜάριοςΠαππάς-η1φ]

I am sorry to write that but I think two of the four examples you are using here to provide an insight into the meaning of low- and high-cultural context, are unsuitable because because you misunderstand them - because you assume that the view of the Bible is that monogamy is correct and that the law was abandoned. Both teachings are not biblical and you impose your world view on the Bible. The fact is that much of the evidence that the text provides us points towards the fact that polygamy is the norm in the Bible, not a condemned exception There are even laws that force men to marry the wives of their brothers if they die without having children (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). Also, each interpretation that is used to "prove" that the Mosaic law somehow became invalid, can't be really sustained because the narrative to the question of the validity of the Mosaic law is very clear - the law is valid until the end of times and Jesus himself was very clear on that question in endless passages. The passages you are quoting are not passages that argue against the law but deal mostly with the question of whether Gentiles have to first become Jews ritually in order to be saved or if they are already under the grace of God before they follow the law perfectly and consciously.

[@Actuary1776]

Μάριος Παππάς Well said.

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

No where in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 does it say to marry the widow.

[@ΜάριοςΠαππάς-η1φ]

@@InspiringPhilosophy I am quoting from the King James Version: "5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband' brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband' brother unto her." And so forth. The point I wanted to make is that it is really necessary to massage the texts as John Walton and others do it and how you present it in order to open the way to the true intention of the author. But we have to be careful to not read anything into the text that isn't there. I think that it is clear that the Books of the Bible do not assume a monogamous society and also not a monogamous nature of men. I don't know if it is interesting for you because I think we agree that Scripture is the last word if proper understood, but just to give you another opinion - even Martin Luther wrote on that topic and concluded: "I confess that I cannot forbid a person to marry several wives, for it does not contradict the Scripture. If a man wishes to marry more than one wife he should be asked whether he is satisfied in his conscience that he may do so in accordance with the word of God. In such a case the civil authority has nothing to do in the matter." Luther, Martin. De Wette II, 459, ibid., pp. 329-330 Best regards

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

This only says to give them a child, not that the brother should marry.

[@Actuary1776]

InspiringPhilosophy Dude

[@babloojai6553]

if you don't mind could you please tell me which microphone do you use?

[@InspiringPhilosophy]

blue yeti

[@babloojai6553]

@@InspiringPhilosophy thanks

[@friendlyfire7509]

@ InspiringPhilosophy 11:17 wow, that's a rough one for me, I def need to study more; should I study more greek?

[@tejloro]

It's pronounced lay-odd-uh-SEE-uh

[@brotherchrisrco1125]

Brother, I like you dig with Kent Hovind with the "guru" statement. lol I also like and agree with your reading of Rev 3. I've always herd it read as lukewarm as like milk. I guess that's ok, but your reading makes perfect sense. Having said that Brother, I disagree with the genocide understanding. I do agree with Heiser when it comes to the nephilim. They had to wipe them out. They had to go. Great job though, we need to read Scripture in it's "Contexts"...

[@mathieuvanleeuwen7127]

crucial info (for me, at least)

[@nyrdybyrd1702]

Re "Receivers are expected to know the cultural norms or context to understand the message in its fullness" (1:20): By whom?. God?

[@jaybirdjetwings7516]

As a non believer this channel is defiently one of the most intellegent and rational among Christians

[@stevenrivard9246]

There are tons of good, rational, intelligent Christian resources available Jaybird. Would you be interested in looking at some to balance against all the atheist secular content you watch online? If so, let me know. I'd be glad to share with you.

[@jaybirdjetwings7516]

@@stevenrivard9246 Yeah forsure dude!

[@stevenrivard9246]

@@jaybirdjetwings7516 Great. Feel free to message me... steve _ rivard 333 AT live DOT ca

[@jaybirdjetwings7516]

@@stevenrivard9246 Hey I tried typing that in but nothing, is that your Google gmail?

[@stevenrivard9246]

@@jaybirdjetwings7516 steve_rivard333 AT live DOT ca OR.. sprivard1093 AT gmail DOT com look forward to hearing from you.

[@laurawofford-brown4351]

Does he not mean don't follow the Pharisees? otherwise are there not feasts and festivals.