Finding Community in a New Social Unit, with John Walton: Genesis 2:24

Finding Community in a New Social Unit, with John Walton: Genesis 2:24

Author: Wheaton College June 29, 2026 Duration: 11:12

The traditional translations of Gen. 2:24 have the man "leaving his father and mother," "clinging to his wife," and "becoming one flesh." The assumed frame of reference is that of marriage and sexual union. Yet situating that language in its cultural context and noting a Babylonian parallel to one of those phrases points to a corporate frame of reference. Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. He has many volumes in his "Lost World" series along with many other publications, including, Genesis (NIV Application Commentary). He is currently collaborating with Dr. Aubrey Buster in preparing a major commentary on Daniel (NICOT). The first volume on Daniel 1-6 is already available, and the second volume on Daniel 7-12 is on the way.

 

Check out related programs at Wheaton College:

B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/42KEbKC 
M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3Rmomao 


Ever wondered what a single Greek word or a subtle Hebrew nuance can reveal about a familiar biblical passage? Exegetically Speaking, from Wheaton College and The Lanier Theological Library, explores exactly that. Host Dr. David Capes guides conversations with scholars who specialize in the biblical languages. Each week, in a concise seven to eleven minutes, these experts unpack a specific text, demonstrating how a knowledge of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek transforms understanding. This isn't about dry grammar lessons; it's about the tangible payoff of seeing scripture through the lens of its native tongue. You'll hear how a verb tense shifts a parable's meaning or how a cultural idiom deepens a prophetic message. The podcast makes scholarly insight accessible, offering listeners a direct line to the foundational tools of biblical interpretation. Whether you're a student, a pastor, or simply curious about the Bible's depth, these focused episodes provide a regular dose of discovery, highlighting why engaging with the original languages remains a vital and enriching practice for anyone interested in the Christian faith. Tune in for a thoughtful, expert-led journey into the text itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Exegetically Speaking
Podcast Episodes
Nothing Iffy About It, with Philip Graham Ryken: Philippians 2:1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:28
Paul writes to the Philippian believers, "if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love . . . ." Does he doubt that they do? How do conditional sentences work on occasions like…
A Wee Little Man, with Jon Laansma: Luke 19:3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:27
In Luke 19:3, Zacchaeus is unable to see Jesus because he is short. Is it possible that the short person in question is Jesus? Jon C. Laansma is Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek & Exegesis and the Dir…
The Divine Parakletos, with Philip Graham Ryken: John 14:16, 26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:17
In a Trinitarian passage, Jesus (the Son) declares, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another παράκλητος (parakletos), to be with you forever." The understanding of that Greek designation of the Holy Spirit is…
They've Taken the Lord, with Amy Peeler: John 20:2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:21
Some modern translations of John 20:2 have Mary exclaiming, "They have taken away the Lord's body from the tomb." The word "body" is not in the Greek sentence, and its insertion might dampen our sympathy with Mary's prof…
Backpacks, with John Walton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:11
Due to his extensive writing and lecturing John Walton is recognized as a leading scholar on OT backgrounds. His attempts to convey this research to varied audiences, often non-specialists, has led him to search out imag…
Evoking Penelope's Suitors, with Alex Loney: Luke 15:30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:23
When, in one of Jesus' most well-known parables, the "prodigal son" returns, his older brother feels wronged by the warm reception accorded by their father. The charges he lays against his younger brother may be even str…
A Failure to Intercede, with Ellie Paley: Job 42:7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:35
In a recent episode, Dr. Ellie Paley walked us through Job 42:6, Job's final response to God's answer from the whirlwind. The very next verse, Job 42:7, presents the conundrum of how Job, who was just rebuked by God, is…