Why should Christians—especially pastors and Bible teachers—bother with biblical languages today? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Cowan, Oak Hill College’s new tutor in Greek and New Testament, to explore the real value of learning Scripture in its original languages.Andrew reflects on how Greek first came alive for him, how it has deepened his devotional life, and why slowing down in the text changes everything. Together, they address the most common misconceptions: Is it too time-consuming? Can y...
Why should Christians—especially pastors and Bible teachers—bother with biblical languages today? In this episode of Deep Roots, Jonny Reid sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Cowan, Oak Hill College’s new tutor in Greek and New Testament, to explore the real value of learning Scripture in its original languages.
Andrew reflects on how Greek first came alive for him, how it has deepened his devotional life, and why slowing down in the text changes everything. Together, they address the most common misconceptions: Is it too time-consuming? Can you ever become proficient? Don’t modern translations and digital tools make languages unnecessary? What if you think you’re “not a linguist”?
They also unpack practical examples from Colossians, Revelation, and John 1 that show how Greek and Hebrew reveal nuance, structure, and richness that translations inevitably flatten.
Whether you're a ministry leader trying to keep your languages alive, a student considering theological training, or simply an interested believer who wants to understand Scripture more deeply, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that God’s Word is worth the effort.
Topics covered:
- Why Andrew first fell in love with Greek
- Spiritual impact of reading Scripture slowly
- Four misconceptions about biblical languages
- Whether modern translations make Greek/Hebrew unnecessary
- How not to misuse “a little Greek”
- Textual examples: Colossians 1, Revelation, John 1
- How to start learning Greek or Hebrew today
- How pastors can revive rusty language skills
- Tools: Daily Dose of Greek, Alpha with Angela, reading groups
- Why God’s Word is worth the effort
Resources mentioned:
- Exegetical Fallacies – D.A. Carson
- Daily Dose of Greek
- Alpha With Angela (YouTube)
- Greek/Hebrew reading groups & refresher retreats at Oak Hill College
00:00 – Intro: Why Study Biblical Languages Today?
02:00 – Andrew's Journey Into Greek & Hebrew
06:30 – How Languages Deepen the Way We Read Scripture
12:00 – The Four Big Misconceptions
18:30 – The Danger of Knowing Just a Little Greek
24:30 – Key Payoff Example: Colossians 1:28–29
31:30 – Greek, Grammar & Theology
40:30 – The Bigger Picture: Structure, Wordplay & Nuance
48:00 – How to Start Learning Greek or Hebrew
55:30 – Reviving Rusty Languages for Ministry
01:03:00 – Resources, Community & Learning Support
01:10:00 – Final Answer: Because the Word of God Is Worth It
01:14:00 – Oak Hill’s Training Pathways & Close
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