We live in a Greek-based society under a Greek-structured government and taught according to the Greek-model of education. It’s no wonder that we view the world from the Greek paradigm.
This effects every facet of our lives, and directly influences our interpretation of scripture. But did you know there’s a Hebrew world view? There’s a mind set that is shared among the writers of the Bible that differs substantially from our current day viewpoint. I’d like to address the more obvious differences below.
Hebrew View | Greek View |
---|---|
OrderThis applies especially to the idea of creation. Everything God created was good and purposeful. It had order. |
ChaosThe Greek idea of creation originated with the concept of gods waring amongst themselves while humanity was merely a byproduct. This eventually evolved into another theory called the Big Bang – another moment of chaos. |
PurposeThere is purpose behind everything God does. We also are created for a purpose. |
AccidentEverything is the way it is by accident. |
MysteryGod is mysterious and deep. His wisdom is perplexing and His actions, powerful. |
MagicThe world plays with illusion and magic. |
Obedience before knowledgeIsrael is called to first obey, and through obedience knowledge will come. |
Knowledge before obedienceThe world desires to know why first, then if we like the answer, we’ll obey. |
Authority grantedAll authority is granted by God. Yeshua himself is a perfect example of this. |
ControlThe world seeks control and takes it by their own hands. |
Kairos timeKairos is the unexpected moments. These are the times in which God works. The Hebrew focuses on the event, not on it’s timeframe. |
ChronologyGreek views are concerned with chronology and making sure the order of events is perfect. |
RestGod provides rest through the Jubilee, the 7-year sabbatical, the weekly day of rest (Sabbath), and ultimately through His Son. In Hebrew, the new day begins when the sun goes down, and we go to sleep. So we begin each new day in rest. |
FrenzyThe world is a rat race where individuals must move fast to ‘keep up’ with everyone else. The day begins when we wake up and start rustling about to get to work. |
Manages the vertical relationshipThe most important relationship is that between you and the Father in heaven. If you put your efforts there, then He will manage your horizontal relationships (wife, kids, friends, work associates, etc.) |
Manages the horizontal relationshipsThe world focuses on your relationships in the world. |
Love is sacrificeThe word for love in the New Testament is ‘agape’. Classical Greek never really focused on this word. It’s about sacrifice of yourself, of your needs, of your desires, for the sake of others. |
Love is passionIn the Greek view, love is about passion. People begin to collect and acquire those things they love (ie. moments in photos, collector’s items, cars, tools, Facebook friends, etc.) |
TheocracyGod set up a theocratic system of government. He placed a group of priests in charge of the people. |
DemocracyThe Greek system of government is democracy. |
Law established by LawgiverIn the Hebrew worldview God is the Lawgiver. Man cannot question, nor does he have the authority to disobey the law. |
Law established by peopleThe Greek worldview places the law in the hands of the people. They are the one’s to decide which is right and which is wrong. |
Education for the bestThe Rabbinical way is to teach those who excel. Push the best forward in education so that they are the one’s best suited to learn the details of Torah and pass it on. |
Education for allThe Greek view demands education for all. “No child left behind.” is the call of our government. So education is dumbed down to help the uninterested ones. |
Teacher picks studentsThe Rabbinical system has the Rabbi choose his student. Yeshua chose his disciples by uttering the rabbinic term “Follow me”. |
Students pick teacherIn the Greek world, the students choose which teacher they want and often times look for the most lackadaisical teacher from which to learn. |
Conversion is actionIn Hebrew, you are known by your fruits. Your actions speak to whether or not you’re converted. Are you obedient? |
Conversion is cognitiveIn Greek, conversion is a cognitive process. If you just believe in Yeshua, then that is all that matters. Well, we know even the devils believe in Yeshua. |
Importance on what we doThe importance is on what we do. The actions performed carry all the weight. |
Importance on how we thinkIt’s more important on how we think. This is why so many churches display their doctrines which begin “We believe…”. They are concerned more about their cognitive view rather than their actions. |
Prayer prepares for what comesThe Hebrew man prays that God prepare him for what may come. He understands that events are out of his control, but to be firmly rooted in the Word will help him endure. |
Prayer to control eventsThe Greek man prays for safety from events that may happen, or relief from what is currently happening. It is about controlling that which cannot be controlled. |
What you’re sent to doThe Hebrew minded parent doesn’t ask their child what they want to be when they grow up, but rather they ask their child, “What has God sent you to do?” |
What you want to beThe Greek parent will encourage their child to seek that which they desire. The world teaches that the child can do anything they want. |
DenyingThe Hebrew life is about denying one’s self for the benefit of others. |
IndulgenceThe Greek life teaches to indulge one’s self with rewards and self gratification. |
God chooses the ordinaryThroughout the Bible we read how God chose the ordinary people to accomplish the most difficult tasks. These are the people God looks to. |
World chooses the famousThe world glorifies the famous and chooses the most appealing to the public. |
HumilityA Hebrew is taught humility. One must be humble in life. |
PrideThe Greek is taught to be proud of accomplishments and be proud of culture, heritage, gender, etc. |
Truth based on reliabilityThe Hebrew knows God’s Word is truth based on it being reliable. Taking into account the history of God’s relationship with His people and relying upon His promises. |
Truth based on certaintyThe Greek individual seeks certainty in God’s Word and takes measures to prove things against the scientific method or otherwise. Apologetics is a big part of this. |
CompassionIn Hebrew thought, God is compassionate. Though trials may come, God is merciful and loving to see us through to the end. |
ProtectionIn Greek thought, God is about protection. We seek God that He may protect us against trials and tribulations. |
CourageThe Hebrew finds courage in God as he struggles forward in life to fulfill the Creator’s will. |
CautionThe Greek seeks caution and is much less adventurous. |
HolyGod is holy, holy, holy. He is separated from us and our sin, and this is why we need our High Priest, Yeshua to convene on our behalf. We too are called to be holy and set apart. It’s not about being perfect, but being obedient and useful for God’s will. |
PerfectThe Greek world strives for perfection. This is the goal. |
Recognize we have troubleA Hebrew recognizes that trouble will come no matter how obedient we may be. This is how God exercises our faith and commitment. |
TranquilityThe Greek seeks tranquility and focuses on it as the reward for his service. |
RestorationIn the Hebrew worldview it’s about restoration. God is working within us to bring us back to the Garden of Eden. We should be restored in His image. |
RepairIn the Greek, we are broken and in need of repair. |
Let goThe Hebrew let’s go of suffering and tribulation allowing God to exercise His compassion. |
Make doThe Greek’s view is to make do with what you have. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. |
Active waitingHebrews actively wait for the return of Yeshua and His final redemption. Actively waiting is the process by which there is a reliance and trust upon His promises, but action performed on our end continually. |
InterventionThe Greek view would have man wait passively for Yeshua to come as an intervention in his life. |
Work is worshipOur work is worship in Hebrew thought. Everything we do is a form of worship to our Father. |
Work or worshipIt is either work or worship in Greek thought. 5 days a week a man works, and on Sunday he worships. |