Chris Palmer

I love to read and have always been fascinated with etymology, so it was only natural that I wanted to read Chris Palmer’s book, Greek Word Study: 90 Ancient Words That Unlock Scripture. I am so glad I did.

Palmer takes ninety words from the Bible, and not just profound words. He explains them in-depth, to include writing the word in Greek and citing a Bible verse using the word, too (and writes the Bible verse in Greek!).

I remember learning in church how one word in the Bible could come from a word with several different meanings. For example, Palmer does a marvelous dive into the origins of the Greek word “parre̅sia.” Both the terms “parre̅sia” and “ise̅goria” were used for “free speech.” Ise̅goria meant the right to speak in public; parre̅sia meant the right to say whatever you want when you speak in public. Parre̅sia is the word translated as “confidence” in Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. It had come to mean saying what needed to be said even when it was not popular to do to do so by the time it was used by the writer of Hebrews. Of course, this is just a microcosm of the explanation as there is one chapter devoted entirely to the word. Word lovers will savor this book!

Each chapter will help you better understand the Biblical concept of the words as they were originally meant and will pull you deeper and deeper into the Bible. The book is written in a straightforward, uncomplicated way that does not require any prior or current knowledge of Greek. Plus, as an added bonus, there is a Greek to English, English to Greek index.

Greek Word Study is a must-read for anyone wishing to learn more about Greek and the Bible. It is a motivating, encouraging and inspiring book. I know I will be frequently rereading it.

I received Greek Word Study: 90 Ancient Words That Unlock Scripture from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.… (mais)

I love learning the meaning of words so I was excited to read this book. The author has ninety words that he translates from Greek so we can understand the real meaning when it is used in the Bible. The first chapter grabbed my attention right away. I have studied about the armor of God many times, but as I saw the word panoplia I began to see how powerful that word really is. It clearly states in scripture that we are to put on the full armor not just parts of it. The illustration the author uses about soccer players was very visual. When we go into battle against the enemy we need to be prepared. Soccer players are required to wear certain equipment before they are allowed on the field. God wants us to be ready with everything we have which includes the entire armor of God.
The book is well written and gives scriptures references for the Greek words. I felt like the Bible was starting to take on a deeper meaning for me as the words were broken down so that I could truly understand what they meant in scripture. Each chapter touches on a word and I decided I needed to start taking notes. I love my journal that was gifted to me by a very special friend and it is perfect to use for this study. Now I can go back and refresh myself on the meanings and get a better picture of what the words are referencing.
I loved chapter twenty when it talks about grieve. The Greek word for grieve is lypeite. I was so sure this was going to be talking about us grieving for someone. The author uses God to show us how He is grieved by the way we talk about others by being bitter, gossiping or cursing. I have never really thought that doing these things would sadden God but He doesn’t like us to talk about each other in ways that hurt and bruise by our words. The author explains how talking like this can divide the Body of Christ. God created us and when He hears us tearing each other down, we are allowing the enemy to destroy God’s creation. I know I need to be more loving in my words. This chapter has opened my eyes to think of others more and to remember that God grieves when His children speak unkindly to each other.
I would recommend everyone grab a copy of this book. It is not something you want to rush through. Each chapter has nuggets of wisdom, illustrations to help understand the words and scriptures where the word is used. It is a source of information that helps us identify the meaning of the word and how it is used in scripture. I will be going through this study many times as I want to grasp the meanings better. We are all a work in progress and this study showed me I still have much work to understand what God’s Word says.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mais)

As a lover of words and languages, reading has always been my favorite pastime, and I am one of those people who reads the dictionary for fun, always looking to add to my vocabulary. I took Latin in college and fell in love with it, especially due to the fact that it forms the foundation for so many of our English words. As soon as I saw the title of Chris Palmer’s “Greek Word Study”, signing up to review it was a no-brainer; last year I read and thoroughly enjoyed his book “Letters From Jesus,” so I enthusiastically dove into this new offering.

Because I wanted to study and savor each of the 90 terms that Palmer discusses, it took me much longer than usual to read this book, and it is one that I can unequivocally say I will be rereading. I very much appreciate Palmer’s deep yet easy-to-understand teaching about each word, presenting both the word and the Scripture first in English, then in Koine Greek (the original language of the New Testament), followed by a relevant contemporary story or application and an explanation of what the Scripture and the particular Greek word mean in Biblical context. With an emphasis on inflection, he makes connections between familiar verses and the culture of the time, demonstrating how the original early church audience would have understood the words and stories.

Some of the words that Palmer writes about in “Greek Word Study” that fascinate me the most involve how we need to conduct ourselves as Christians and our relationship with the Lord. He instructs that “panoplian”, for instance, refers to the whole armor of God, and while discussing “execheo” (sound forth), he exhorts that “If you aren’t already, believe God to make you a Krakatoa for the kingdom.” Considering that the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 exhibited the loudest sound known to history, this is an incredible hint at what God can do through us. Likewise, with “poiema” (workmanship), he references Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 1:20, pointing out that “By using poiema in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes a connection between those who are in Christ and the creation account in Genesis.” One more example is particularly timely; “nepho” means sober-minded, and Palmer teaches that we need to take God’s Word into account in all that we see, hear, and do. “So, mix your media intake with the Word.” I think that this is always sage advice, and never more so than in this present time!

One relatively minor quibble I have is that Palmer writes that “Humans have inhabited Crete for at least 130,000 years”, which goes against the basic tenet of young earth creationism. That issue aside, however, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in studying Scripture more deeply and gaining a greater understanding of early church culture. Those who enjoy languages will find “Greek Word Study” of particular interest, but no knowledge of foreign languages, Greek or otherwise, is necessary. At the end of the book, there is both a Greek-English and an English-Greek index of all of the terms studied for additional reference. I hope that our words echo those of Solon the Athenian: “I grow old always learning many things.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.… (mais)

I'm a theo-nerd, so this was a great book for me! I often go to various sources when studying to teach, speak, or write to find Greek meanings of words in Scripture.

The Greek Word Study defines the Greek word and includes an illustration that helps you understand the meaning and context, and then continues explaining the meaning.

This is a great resource for anyone who is interested in delving in a little deeper and understanding the meanings of Greek words.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing from Chris Palmer. I was not required to provide a positive review. Thoughts in my review are my own opinion.… (mais)