Immoral or Missionary: Perspectives on the Woman at the Well, with Benjamin Wall: John 4:16-18

Immoral or Missionary: Perspectives on the Woman at the Well, with Benjamin Wall: John 4:16-18

Author: Wheaton College March 23, 2026 Duration: 14:38

A long tradition of reading John 4 has viewed the woman at the well as immoral. How was that reading established? What is its textual warrant? What are alternative traditions? What does all this tell us about the role of assumptions in exegesis? Dr. Benjamin Wall is Professor of Theology and Ethics at South University. His publications include Welcome as a Way of Life and he is currently a resident scholar at Lanier Theological Library working on C. S. Lewis' theological anthropology related to disabilities and mental health. 

Check out related programs at Wheaton College:

B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4sZt6k7 
M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/47XmhqW 


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.
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Exegetically Speaking
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