The Imperative of Biblical Languages in Adventist Theological Education: Importance and Implications

Abstract

This article revisited the foundation of why biblical languages are important in the
theological and biblical education of the Seventh-day Adventist Church-operated
colleges, universities and seminaries belting the world. It unveiled the reasons
why the study of biblical Hebrew and Greek are included in the theological
curriculum as essential components of a rounded preparation of the pastor in
handling the word of God. It was the intention of the author to review the
scriptural and historical reflections of biblical scholars in the playing field of
theological studies that includes hermeneutics, homiletics, exegesis, and biblical
criticism. Biblical languages, as a field of discipline, promote a balance approach
to the context of inspiration in the incarnational model revelation. The word of
God in the language of man is a paradoxical truth that calls for understanding the
role of biblical languages in God’s revelation of Himself and His will to finite
mortal beings. This article challenged all who handle the interpretation and
proclamation of the Bible and its contents to consider it as a holy ground in the
exploration of the human mind as the reader wrestles with the reality of God’s
transcendence and immanence.