READING AND PRAYING GOD'S WORD AT
HOME
Christians are the
body of Christ, so the best way to study scripture is in community. This Home
Bible Study is intended to give practical help to
those who are
unable to join a group. It is designed to help beginners to study the
Bible and also to give a firm foundation in Scripture for more experienced
readers.
Click
on any page in the table of contents listed below. When
you finish reading a topic, go to the next one listed at the bottom of
each page you are reading. You may also go back
to the table of contents and choose another topic. When
you finish the Home Bible Study go to another page of
DAILY WORD OF
LIFE.
READERS COMMENTS AND
QUESTIONS
WHAT DO THESE ABBREVIATIONS MEAN?
Dear Kay, Thank you
for your WEB site on the computer. I have been looking under BIBLE
CONCORDANCE and TRANSLATIONS. Before, I have been using the COMPLETE
CONCORDANCE TO THE BIBLE, by Thompson and Stock (1946) Douay Version while
looking up two different words: SEIZE and SEIZED. They gave a total of 28
places, 20 of which were found. For the following, make this make sense to
me as to where they might be located in the Bible. SEIZE: Ba. 1 Ma.,
SEIZED: 1 Pa. & 2 Pa., 2 Ma., I gather these are Old Testament
related, but where are they located? While studying theology, I took more
of Systematic Theology, rather than Bible Study. Thank you for your time
and concern. 1 Thes. 5:17, Fr. Ed
Dear Fr.
Ed,
My you do need a newer version of the Bible. May I suggest the New
American Catholic Study Bible or the New Revised Standard Version? Both of
these are up-to-date translations and have great study notes. The names
you are looking for are Ba (Baruch), Ma (I & II Maccabees), Pa (This
is the very old Septuagint Greek title Paralipomenon meaning "things
omitted," which is used in the Vulgate for the books of I & II
Chronicles). The reason these older translations are on the Internet is
due to copyright problems of newer versions. I hope this is helpful to you.
I have a new book titled, "What Every Catholic
Needs to Know About the Bible." Thank you for your question. I will
add it to my website information. Blessings, Kay Murdy WHAT
ARE THE NAMES OF GOD IN THE BIBLE?
Madam Murdy you are the gift of God to me. Indeed
I am a catechist in my place, I am teaching in the secondary school. Madam Murdy
I will ask again some favor to you, because of some questions I didn't give excellent answers for them, so Madam Murdy
I need your help. What are the names of God in the
Bible and what do they mean? Love in Christ, Roger
Elohim
This name for God appears 2,570 times in the Old Testament and
35 times between Genesis 1:1 and 2:4 The name "Elohim" speaks of
God's mighty power and strength. We would expect it to appear often in the
opening verses of Genesis because God's power as Creator is depicted
there.
Yahweh
This is God's personal name. It is what He calls Himself (see
Ex. 3:15). It is composed of a four-letter Hebrew construct roughly
equivalent to our YHWH. The name occurs 6,823 times in the Old Testament.
The ancient Hebrews regarded this name as being so sacred that they even
refused to pronounce it, substituting the word "Adonai" (Lord)
whenever it appeared. Jewish scholars who copied the Hebrew Bible, carried
this same deep respect for the name "Yahweh." Before a scribe
would copy it, he would go to his chambers, bathe, and put on a clean
robe. In some chapters, such as Deuteronomy 28, he would have to go
through this cleansing ritual 40 times!
The name "Yahweh" is more personal than "Elohim." It
describes God in His relationship with His people--His presence with us
and His interaction with us. "Yahweh" expresses the love of God,
His concern for the sins of His people, His pledge to keep His covenants,
and His promise to redeem.
Adonai
This name, which is used for God some 300 times in the Old
Testament, is made up of two parts: adon, which means "Lord" or
"Master," and the ending ai, which means "my." Thus
the name "Adonai" could be translated "my Lord" or
"my Master." It suggests the relationship between the Sovereign
Master and a submissive servant (see Gen. 15:2,8).
WHAT ARE YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR BUYING A BIBLE?
Kay, One more question --
I am getting asked by my group who want to get Catholic Study Bibles
for Christmas...what are good choices? Can you speak to this? Do
you have a favorite? Also, do you know of a paraphrase which would be
in easier language? Old and New Testament? Thanks ever so much
for your input. I appreciate it more than you know. In Christ's Love,
Pam
Hi Pam,
I think the best
study bible for Catholics is the New American Catholic Study Bible,
Oxford University Press, NY. It has great reading guides for all the
books of the bible are cross referenced in the margins of each
book. There are good footnotes and maps, plus a Sunday and
weekday lectionary guide showing where the readings are used. You can buy
expensive or relatively inexpensive versions. I would be
careful of a paraphrase in any version. What you get
is the author's interpretation of what the text means to him or her, not a translation of the original
languages in which the books were written. A simple and more accurate version is the
Good News Bible, which has been around for some time. It is written
in today's English but is faithful to the original languages. Hope
this is a help. Don't hesitate to ask if you have other
questions. Kay
WHAT ARE
SOME RESOURCE SUGGESTIONS FOR LECTIONARY
BASED BIBLE STUDY?
Kay, I really
love your web sight and can see that you love sharing scripture. Because
of that I am wondering if you might be able to give me a few suggestions.
I teach a group of ladies that have been through a Christ Renews His
Parish retreat weekend. We have been meeting for a few years now.
I have decided that maybe lectionary based discussion and life application
is the easiest way to go. No one seems to have the time to do
questions or answers. I have already tried most of the suggestions on your
web site, and in fact, have given all the ladies subscriptions to the Word
Among Us. However, I need something with a "little" more
meat and background for myself to use for study preparation. So, my
question is can you think of some book I could purchase that would explain
connect the Sunday readings to each other, also that might footnote references
to the catechism. Then, I would also like to have some
commentary/discussion on the 2nd reading. Maybe something that had a few
reflection and personal application questions. Thank you for taking the
time to read this. God bless your day. Pam
Dear Pam,
Thank you for your kind
words. I facilitate a lectionary based scripture program on
Friday mornings after morning mass in my parish St. John Vianney. We
meet for a half hour for coffee and refreshments that people take turns
bringing. Then I give the background of each reading in turn. After each
one I open it to personal application and also the church and world
today. We do this for one hour and this seems to be adequate. For
background I use Foundations in Faith (Separate Manuals for Cycles A,B,C),
published by RCL, Resources for Christian Living 200 East Bethany Drive,
Allen, Texas 75002-3804; Call: 800-822-6701, or FAX 800-688-8356, around
$40 per manual. It has complete background to all the readings,
including the Psalms, background to Church doctrine with connections to
Catholic culture (art, saints, prayers etc.). It has complete lesson
plans for RCIA dismissal that can be adapted to your group needs. I also
find the Paulist Liturgy Planning Guide helpful. It is published by Paulist
Press, 3031 Fourth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1102 (Separate Manuals
for Cycles A,B,C, $18.95 each.)
It has complete background to all the readings,
including the Psalms, Homily Helps, Liturgical Notes,
Music Connections and Catechetical suggestions. Wishing you
well with your group. I think you have chosen the right course. Trust in
the Holy Spirit's guidance. Blessings, Kay
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE
Hello
Kay Murdy, I love your website. It is so informative. My
schedule doesn't allow me to be involved in a bible study group. I visit frequently. I had one
question. I was wondering what the E is in SPACE. I know it is
listed as experience but I don't know what type of experience it is
referring to? Thank you & God Bless, Stephanie
Dear
Stephanie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I'm glad that you are
benefiting from my home Bible study. Thanks for asking about the
"SPACE" acronym (See Understanding
the Bible). Sometimes when I write something you assume everyone
knows what I mean. Your question helped me to clarify it better. I redid
it as follows:
S - Is there Sin God wants me to confess?
P - Is there a Prayer God wants me to pray?
A - Is there an Action God wants me to take?
C - Is there a Change God asks me to make in my life?
E - Is there an Experience in the text that I can claim as my own?
Does that sound clearer? If not, maybe you can suggest a better way for
me to say it. Please come visit my site often, and also check out the
Daily Gospel Readings for the weekday and Sunday liturgies. Blessings, Kay
Thank
you for your bible study and scripture readings - love it and many many
thanks - will be back to visit site soon - Nella
I really
enjoy your daily bible readings. It has gotten me into reading the bible
more each day. I would like to suggest that you give a bible lesson on the
Gospel which is more used during that season. For example this season
seems to be Matthew. I like your bible lessons you have on the internet
but would like to have more lessons on one particular book and also like
the questions and you have to really study or search for them which is
great because you learn more. If you ever write a book on each book of the
New Testament please let me know. I will get it right away. I like you
style of writing. I got the 90 days for Lent and Easter and really have
enjoyed it each day and also your daily bible reflections. Thanks for
helping people to learn more about the Bible and God. Keep up the good
work. God bless you and your family. Carolyn
What a wonderful idea! I am an Adult Faith Formation Director at St. Anthony's in Oxnard, CA. This is an excellent reference to challenge and refresh myself and others in basic biblical information. I love praying the scriptures...this adds a different dimension.
Blessings...Cynthia
Your on-line Bible Study
is just what I was looking for. I have added it to favorite sites. Thank you very, very much.
God Bless You, Fred
I really appreciate your Bible Study lessons. I look forward to the next ones. They are easy to understand and very informative.
Sr. Susanne, Sacred Heart School
I've been reading your web page today and I wanted to tell you that I
love the Bible Study portion. I find it easy to read and understand and I especially enjoy the question and answer portion.
Love, Sharon
Thank you very much for this program. I thought you would never have the time in the day to do
this. May our
Mighty God Bless you abundantly. I love your home Bible study program. For what I read so far (overview of
the Old Testament part one and two), it is just right for me. Is it part of your plan to teach the Bible by book and chapters?
God Bless, Ly
I found it
just right. I learned I needed to use my bible to complete the questions
and it did not take too long, which can be a problem. Thank you very much
for doing this and may God Bless you. Joan
I agree with
Joan. Keep up your excellent work and may the Lord bless you. Paola
It was very pleasant reading and informative. The material was just right
for me, not too overwhelming but educational and interesting. Thank you Kay for all that you are doing for God's people.
God Bless, Mary
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"What Every Catholic Needs to Know About the Bible"