It’s telling that I received no direct feedback on my previous post
@Dizerner —which only reaffirms what I already suspected: you can have access to all the premium features of Logos and still not know how to use them effectively.
For those who haven’t explored it yet, ChatGPT is an exceptional tool for engaging with Greek and Hebrew, particularly when it comes to parsing grammar, morphology, and syntax. In fact, I would go so far as to say that, in these areas,
it surpasses Logos in both speed and clarity.
If you’re serious about private study and want to better understand the original languages-
especially since the majority of readers and even teachers have little grasp of the grammar and structure underpinning the Scriptures-I encourage you to try it for yourself. It will absolutely enhance your exegetical depth. And English!
That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for preparing sermons. Like any tool, it can be manipulated, and caution is warranted.
But for someone like me, working in a war-torn, under-resourced country, it has become a powerful complement to the traditional tools I already use.
Shame on the lighthearted jokers here, no depth, utter silliness.
Here in South Africa there is a HUNGER for God's word with persecution upon us!
Johann.
Oh, tell me about it!!! Chat GPT is a fantastic resource! I use it for Bible study, as a Latin tutor, recipes, etc.
As for Latin, Chat is a great teacher. When I have problems with something, it explains it. It has helped me greatly.
It also explained concepts and how to do problems in my granddaughter's Physics class. It took her grade up quite a bit.
I was sick the last couple of weeks and had to stay home from church. Not wanting to let the time go by without Bible study, I did some research with Chat. I would read some, and have a question, pose it to chat, and we would discuss it. I will post an example. I was wondering what this phrase meant "they put a branch to their nose"
ChatGPT:
The phrase "they put a branch to their nose" comes from
Ezekiel 8:17, which says:
"Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trivial matter for the people of Judah to do the detestable things they are doing here? Must they also fill the land with violence and continually arouse my anger? Look at them putting the branch to their nose!" (Ezekiel 8:17, NIV)
This phrase is somewhat obscure, and scholars have debated its exact meaning because it is not explained in detail within the text. However, here are the most common interpretations:
1.
One common interpretation is that "putting a branch to their nose" refers to some form of pagan worship or ritual, possibly involving the worship of idols or nature. In some ancient pagan cultures, branches or plants were used in rituals, and this gesture could symbolize participation in idolatry. Since the context of Ezekiel 8 involves the people's idolatry and turning away from God, this could be another reference to their involvement in pagan practices.
2.
Another interpretation suggests that the gesture of putting a branch to the nose may have been a sign of contempt, mockery, or disrespect toward God. By performing this act in the context of idol worship, the people could be deliberately showing irreverence or indifference to God's commands and worship.
3.
In some ancient cultures, certain gestures involving the nose were seen as related to defilement or uncleanliness. Putting a branch to the nose might symbolize a defiling action, showing the people's spiritual impurity and rejection of God’s ways. It could suggest that their idolatry had become a stench before God.
4.
Some scholars propose that the "branch" might be connected to offerings of incense in pagan rituals. In this view, "putting the branch to their nose" could refer to inhaling the smoke or fragrance of incense burned to idols. This would be another expression of idolatry, indicating that the people were worshiping false gods instead of the Lord.
Conclusion:
While the phrase "putting a branch to their nose" is not fully explained in the Bible, it likely refers to some idolatrous or pagan practice that was deeply offensive to God. The overall context in Ezekiel 8 is about the people's widespread idol worship and spiritual corruption, and this action is seen as one of the many detestable things they were doing to provoke God's anger.
There is a whole lot here. I think Chat GPT is an excellent tool to learn from.