Jewish Context Bible Blog

Rediscover Scripture’s Jewish Roots

Welcome to the SHEMA blog—your guide to understanding the Bible through its original Jewish context. Dive into teachings on Hebrew words, rabbinic traditions, Second Temple culture, and the life of Jesus as a Jewish rabbi. Whether you’re a pastor, disciple, or curious learner, these articles will equip you to read Scripture with Eastern eyes and uncover meaning often hidden by Western translations. Each post also previews the kind of insights you’ll encounter inside the SHEMA Bible App—where AI and Jewish context work together to transform Bible study into a deeper, more authentic experience.

Latest Articles

Explore Jewish Roots, Hebrew Word Studies & Bible Insights

Bible study group exploring Jewish context

The Problem with Losing Context

Too often, Christians read an Eastern book through Western assumptions—missing parables, idioms, and the rhythm of Jewish life. Without the Jewish lens, Jesus’ radical love and teaching lose their depth. This article unpacks why recovering context changes everything.

👉 Read: The Problem with Losing Context
Honor-shame culture in the Sermon on the Mount

Honor–Shame in the Bible:
From Eden to Israel

From Eden’s garden to Israel’s kings, honor and shame shaped survival, family, and faith. Barrenness was reproach, blessing was dignity, exile was disgrace. To grasp Scripture’s drama, we must see the world where reputation was life itself.

👉 Read: Honor–Shame Culture in the Bible
Teaching rooted in Jewish world of Jesus

SHEMA: Reconnecting You to the Jewish World of Scripture

Discover how SHEMA’s AI uncovers hidden rhythms in Hebrew prayers, parables, and rabbinic teaching. Learn how asking the right questions can open doors into the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual world of Scripture—just as Jesus’ first followers experienced it.

👉 Read: What is Remez? (The Hidden Way Jesus Taught)
Torah scroll becomes one with the Christian Bible

One Story, Not Two

Why the Bible’s “Old” and “New” Testaments are not separate stories but a single covenantal narrative rooted in God’s promises. Learn how Jewish narrative patterns help bridge what Western theology often divides.

Coming soon: Why the Bible’s ‘Empty Page’ Should Be Torn Out
Exploring Hebrew word pictures

Hebrew Word Pictures That Unlock Scripture

Words like *yirah* (awe), *shalom* (wholeness), and *nephesh* (soul) reveal layers of meaning lost in translation. Explore how the Hebrew language’s metaphors and imagery reshape discipleship and help us hear Scripture as its first audience did.

Coming soon: Fear, Awe & Wonder– Rediscovering Yirah

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