Free Download for this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8io7iFMfAq6PwPqsmBwsx0nVvOmdmqv/view?usp=sharing

“Judge not” might be one of the most quoted, and misunderstood, commands in the Bible. But what did Jesus actually mean? In this episode of Word Nerd, we dig into the Greek word κρίνω (krinō) and look at what Scripture teaches about judgment, discernment, correction, and condemnation. Does Matthew 7:1 mean Christians should never judge anything? What’s the difference between righteous judgment and hypocritical judgment? And how should we correct others without putting ourselves in God’s place?

We’ll look at Matthew 7 in context, compare other passages that use κρίνω, and see why understanding one Greek word can make a big difference in how we read a familiar verse.

Examine yourself first. Discern wisely. Correct with love. Leave condemnation to God

Free Downloads for this Episode:

• Translation Cards

-W/ color accent: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHPvTAkKoo93cShP68eSnLOtteChm2bB/view?usp=sharing

-Black & White: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s8fus5Fn8EjQ2opeRUx02W4JX4BoLH5c/view?usp=sharing

• Translation Spectrum Diagram:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_MLM0roaMrjDGYJVJD982CgP3hEp5fk/view?usp=sharing

With so many Bible translations available, how do you know which one to choose? In this episode of Word Nerd, we compare the NIV, NLT, CSB, NET, KJV, NASB, ESV, and The Message—looking at their translation philosophies, strengths, styles, and possible limitations. We’ll also talk about how to choose a translation for reading and study, why using more than one translation can be helpful, and why you really should read the translators’ prefaces.

And yes, one of those prefaces contains dragons. You’ll have to find out which one for yourself.

More Resources:

Links to prefaces:

NIV:

https://biblia.com/books/niv2011/article/PREFACE

NLT:

https://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt2preface.html

CSB:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/bibles/preface-to-the-christian-standard-bible.cfm/1000

NET:

https://bible.org/netbible/pre1.htm

KJV:

https://ccel.org/bible/kjv/preface/index.htm

NASB 1995

https://libraries.dbs.org/NEP/Bible/StudyBible/content/texts/ENGNAS/FR0.html

ESV:

https://www.esv.org/preface/The Message:

https://bibleversion.org/bible/versions/modern-english/the-message/the-message-2002-bible-preface/

Recommended Books:

Bible Translations for Everyone--Tim Wildsmith

Why are there so many Bible translations? Why do they sound different? And who actually decides how the Bible gets translated?

In this first episode of Word Nerd, we explore what Bible translations are, how translation committees work, the difference between formal and functional translation philosophies, and why you can trust your English Bible. Whether you've wondered which translation to choose or have never thought about the process behind them, this episode will give you a solid foundation for understanding the Bible you read every day.

In this episode we'll discuss:
• What a Bible translation is
• Why translations differ
• Formal vs. functional translation
• Who translates the Bible
• Why revisions and footnotes are actually encouraging

Resources Mentioned:

Daniel Wallace interview:

https://youtu.be/06lUxsa0DZY?si=knjEv3vGYOrL-GyL

Can there be light without the sun? Join Lily and Bennett as they explore a surprising connection between Genesis 1 and Revelation!

Join me today as we kick off a new type of episode! Most Christians own a Bible. Many read it regularly. But if someone stopped you and asked, “What is the Bible?” how would you answer?

Is it one book or many? Who wrote it? Why do Christians believe it is God’s Word? And how should we approach it as we read?

In this episode of Word Nerd, we’ll explore what the Bible is, how it came together, why Christians treasure it, and why it is so much more than just a collection of ancient books. We’ll also talk about humility, learning Scripture well, and why approaching God’s Word with an open heart matters.

Plus, we’ll learn a Greek word that I hope I pronounced correctly.

Ἡ Βίβλος εἶναι καταπληκτική.

Can we trust our hearts?

Welcome to the first Verse Mosaic study! Instead of focusing on a single word, we’re taking a deep dive into one verse: Jeremiah 17:9.

Together we’ll explore the context, compare translations, study key Hebrew words, examine cross-references, and discover what this passage teaches about the human heart, God’s perfect knowledge, and the hope of a transformed heart.

Jeremiah 17:9 is one of the most quoted verses about the heart, but what did Jeremiah actually mean? Join me as we slow down, study the text carefully, and see what this passage reveals about God and ourselves.

Scripture References:
• Jeremiah 15:1–3
• Jeremiah 17:9–10
• Proverbs 4:23
• Ezekiel 36:26–28
• Mark 2:8–12
• Psalm 51:10

Downloads:
• Work Along page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqjncTbGBSHPXlIOxxJxUS2lP9fgBvyj/view?usp=sharing
• Lev (Heart) Word Study Sheet:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKXj55uHSyNkRLAjvqKdS3j3fEw53i2v/view?usp=sharing

Can worship be more than music?

Download the companion resource here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10i9tnuue6OJqbpVy0wacvuQFin44CARP/view?usp=sharing

In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily sits down with Helen to discuss what praise and worship look like beyond Sunday mornings. Together they explore the meaning of hallelujah, the importance of praising God for who He is rather than only for what He gives, and how worship can become a daily way of life.

What if worship is more than a song we sing? What if it shapes our thoughts, words, and actions every day?

Click here for a free study sheet to go along with this episode!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s77K4DmoLlAX2TFUCS8vzi-JL3GIr1cF/view?usp=sharing

Follow us on Instagram @Wordnerdpodcast

What does the Bible mean when it talks about truth? Is truth simply knowing the right facts, or is it something deeper?

In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily explores the Hebrew word emet (אמת)—a word often translated as truth, but one that also carries the ideas of faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. Through biblical examples and word study, she examines how emet describes something firm and dependable rather than merely intellectually correct.

Along the way, Lily looks at how emet is used throughout Scripture, its connection to faithfulness and trust, and why biblical truth is meant to shape the way we live. Rather than treating truth as information to collect, the Bible presents truth as something that calls for a response.

If you’ve ever wondered why the biblical concept of truth feels deeper than our modern use of the word, or if you’re interested in Hebrew word studies and the original languages of Scripture, this episode is for you.

Trust what’s true. Let it shape you

What are biblical manuscripts, and why do they matter for Christians today?

In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily sits down with Noah Hawkins for a conversation about biblical manuscripts, textual transmission, papyrus fragments, and how the New Testament was preserved throughout history. Together, they discuss what manuscripts actually are, how scribes copied Scripture, why textual variants exist, and why these topics don’t have to shake our confidence in the Bible.

Along the way, they explore common misconceptions about textual criticism, look at real manuscript evidence like Papyrus 48 (𝔓⁴⁸), and talk about why understanding the history behind your Bible can actually strengthen your faith rather than weaken it.

If you’ve ever wondered how the New Testament survived for nearly two thousand years, what biblical manuscripts really are, or why scholars care so much about tiny fragments of papyrus, this episode is for you.

During parts of the episode, we reference details visible on Papyrus 48 (𝔓⁴⁸), so you may want to pull up the image from the episode post while listening for the full Word Nerd experience. You can see it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x5Bow0BOj9KWxA--GeD3WllZKK0tzZ4h/view?usp=sharing

Buy one of Noah's awesome replicas here!

https://sacredtextreplicas.com/

Free Hesed study pages below!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptVmXaXrrpLtIMaHDk5T4CMiLpexI1hL/view?usp=sharing

What if one of the most important words in the Bible doesn’t have a direct English translation?

In this episode, we’re diving into hesed, a Hebrew word often translated as love, but that barely scratches the surface. Hesed is loyal love, steadfast love, covenant love… it’s the kind of love that stays, gives, forgives, and acts even when it’s hard.

We’ll break down what hesed really means, where we see it in Scripture, and what it looks like lived out in everyday life—from simple acts of kindness to costly obedience.

Because this kind of love isn’t just something we understand, it’s something we live.

Because, the Bible isn’t just something we read, it’s something we listen to and obey.