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Al Garza

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Humanities, Graduate Student

Bar-Ilan University, Land Of Israel And Archeology, Graduate Student

Colorado Christian University, Biblical studies, Graduate Student

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Al Garza is the founder and director of The Hebrew Institute: Hebrew New Testament Studies and Black Belt Theology. He is an Associate Master Scholar graduate in the Linguistic Context of the Bible from Hebrew University's Institute of Biblical Studies, Israel. Al Garza has also completed the certified program in Biblical Archaeology from Bar-Ilan University and holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies in Second Temple Jewish Literature and a Master's in Biblical Studies Exegesis from Colorado Christian University. He is also certified in Jewish Studies-Culture and Context, Hebrew Studies, and New Testament Jewish Studies from the Israel Bible Study Center in Israel.

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Videos by Al Garza

Hebrew New Testament MSS: Looking at 1Cor. 12:3

Dr. Al Garz will be uncovering the understanding of 1Cor.12:3 from the unseen Hebrew New Testamen... more

34 views

Papers by Al Garza

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament

Explore the linguistic roots of early Christianity with Al Garza's new book, "The Search for the ... more Explore the linguistic roots of early Christianity with Al Garza's new book, "The Search for the Language of the New Testament." Based on over ten years of detailed research, this insightful work examines the roles of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek during the times of Jesus and the apostles, shedding new light on the original texts of the New Testament. "The Search for the Language of the New Testament" delves into the linguistic foundation of the New Testament texts, highlighting the pivotal role played by Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Recent scholarship and historical analysis suggest that Hebrew was likely the mother tongue of Jesus and the apostles, complementing the previously recognized use of Aramaic and Greek. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the early Christian texts and translations examined throughout the discussions, such as those by Jerome and Augustine, who worked with these languages to articulate the doctrines and narratives central to Christianity. The exploration reveals how the Hebrew language, alongside Greek and Aramaic, significantly influenced the formulation and dissemination of the New Testament, leading to a multilingual body of scripture that encompassed the theological and cultural nuances of early Christian communities. This complex linguistic backdrop underscores the depth and breadth of early Christian texts and shapes our understanding of their development and transmission.

Psalm 110:1: The LORD said to?

Colorado Christian University, 2024

My Master's Thesis: Psalm 110:1 stands as a cornerstone in biblical interpretation, with its sign... more My Master's Thesis: Psalm 110:1 stands as a cornerstone in biblical interpretation, with its significance reverberating throughout both ancient and contemporary theological discourse. This Capstone paper delves into an exhaustive analysis of Psalm 110:1, exploring its multifaceted interpretations, theological implications, and historical contexts. The study encompasses a comprehensive examination of the verse in its original Hebrew, alongside its translations and interpretations in various ancient manuscripts and early Christian writings. Through a meticulous review of the works of scholars, church fathers, and theologians spanning different epochs, the paper elucidates the diverse understandings of Psalm 110:1, particularly concerning the identities of the characters involved, their relationship, and the theological assertions it engenders. Furthermore, it investigates the intertextual connections between Psalm 110:1 and other biblical passages, shedding light on its broader theological framework. Drawing on insights from both Jewish and Christian traditions, the paper navigates through the nuances of interpretation, tracing the evolution of thought surrounding Psalm 110:1 from antiquity to modernity. Ultimately, this study aims to offer a comprehensive synthesis of scholarship on Psalm 110:1, illuminating its enduring significance in shaping theological discourse and understanding divine identity.

The House of Hillel: Paul's Training About Human Free-Choice

Colorado Christian University, 2023

This paper explores the profound influence of Hillel the Elder's teachings on the Apostle Paul, p... more This paper explores the profound influence of Hillel the Elder's teachings on the Apostle Paul, particularly in the context of human free will and ethical choice. Hillel, a seminal figure in Jewish history, is celebrated for his contributions to Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy, emphasizing humility, personal responsibility, and the importance of ethical reciprocity. The paper delineates how Paul, educated under Gamaliel, Hillel's grandson, integrates these Jewish ethical principles into his Christian theology, emphasizing individual moral agency within the framework of divine grace. The comparative analysis demonstrates how Hillel's and Paul's teachings advocate for the significance of personal choice and responsibility in pursuing righteousness, bridging Jewish and Christian ethical frameworks. This examination highlights the continuity of moral and ethical thought from Judaism to Christianity and underscores the timeless relevance of free will in theological and ethical discourse. The paper provides a compelling argument for the lasting legacy of Hillel's teachings through the lens of Paul's letters, offering insights into the foundational values that underpin both faith traditions.

JESUS IS LORD? FINDING THE NOMINA SACRA

The New Testament, composed over two millennia ago, is a foundational text for the Christian fait... more The New Testament, composed over two millennia ago, is a foundational text for the Christian faith, comprising the teachings, narratives, and letters that form the basis of Christian theology. These letters or symbols are known as "Nomina Sacra," a Latin term that translates to "sacred names" or "sacred words." Nomina Sacra is a distinctive feature of the New Testament—a collection of select, abbreviated words and names that appear throughout the text. These abbreviations take on a unique form, often consisting of two or more letters with a line drawn over them, such as ΙΣ for "Jesus" and ΘΥ for "God."

Unraveling the Interpretation of Acts 13:48: A Refutation of Reformed Calvinism

In the intricate world of theological debates, certain verses in the Bible often become focal poi... more In the intricate world of theological debates, certain verses in the Bible often become focal points for discussion and disagreement. One such verse is Acts 13:48, which has been a key text in the ongoing debate between proponents of Reformed Calvinism and those who hold different theological perspectives. This paper will look into Acts 13:48, carefully examining the Greek pluperfect tense and its implications to refute the Reformed Calvinist interpretation.

Unlocking The Word of John 6:44: A Refutation of the Calvinist Interpretation

The Gospel of John is full of profound theological insights, but it is also a book at the center ... more The Gospel of John is full of profound theological insights, but it is also a book at the center of intense debates and discussions over the centuries. One verse that has garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of the Calvinist theological framework, is John 6:44. In this paper, we will explore John 6:44 and its surrounding context and provide a refutation of the Calvinist interpretation that limits the drawing of the Father to the elect alone.

Colorado Christian University, 2023

Genesis 6:1-2, nestled within the sacred text of the Bible, has long captivated scholars, theolog... more Genesis 6:1-2, nestled within the sacred text of the Bible, has long captivated scholars, theologians, and believers alike with its cryptic narrative. These two verses are a focal point in the Book of Genesis, introducing the enigmatic tale of the Nephilim, the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." This paper embarks on a rigorous journey to dissect the multifaceted nature of Genesis 6:1-2, exploring its theological, historical, and cultural significance while delving into the myriad interpretations that have arisen over millennia.

Through a comprehensive examination of ancient Hebrew texts, early Christian exegesis, and diverse theological traditions, we aim to shed light on the profound questions raised by these verses. What is the identity of the "sons of God"? Who were the "daughters of men"? What is the true nature of the Nephilim? Were they divine beings, fallen angels, or extraordinary humans? Furthermore, we will investigate the broader implications of these verses on the theology of the Hebrew Bible, its impact on later religious traditions, and its enduring relevance in contemporary religious discourse.

Pauline Epistles General Epistles, 2023

This is one of my final papers for the MA program in Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation at Colo... more

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament Part 2 of 3

Greek culture has had a significant impact on Israel since Alexander the Great invaded the countr... more Greek culture has had a significant impact on Israel since Alexander the Great invaded the country at the end of the fourth century B.C.E. Despite differing opinions on the influence of Hellenism on religious writings, literature, and day-today life in first-century Israel, it is generally recognized that many locals spoke Greek. Greek was only spoken by a small percentage of the citizens of Hellenistic cities and by a few government employees and clerks.

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament Part 1 of 3

This is part 1 of a series of papers on "The Search For The Language Of The New Testament.

Hebrew Gospel of John Sample

The Hebrew Institute of Semitic Studies, 2022

The first edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John is from eleven Hebrew manuscripts discovered at th... more The first edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John is from eleven Hebrew manuscripts discovered at the National Library of Israel. Scholars have not studied the manuscripts because the manuscripts were not previously known to the public until now. A collection of about 4000 Hebrew New Testament manuscripts that contain the entire New Testament is currently being translated into English. The gospel of John will contain textual variants from eleven manuscripts of John. It will also include the Hebrew names and places from the Hebrew manuscripts. This is the first eclectic critical edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John.

Thiss.org

PSALM 110:1a: "The LORD said to ?" Book Sample.

Al Garza makes a case for the Hebrew Adonai instead of Adoni in Psalm 110:1a. In this book, Dr. G... more Al Garza makes a case for the Hebrew Adonai instead of Adoni in Psalm 110:1a. In this book, Dr. Garza draws upon Hebrew sources, Jewish sources, early church fathers, and ancient Semitic languages to provide an overview of all evidence that supports a straightforward reading of Adonai in Psalm 110:1a opening. This book is endorsed by well-known Semitic Scholar Dr. Michael Brown.

"According to Jewish tradition, if Psalm 110 refers to David, it was written by a court poet who referred to David, the king, as “my lord” (Hebrew adoni). According to a Christian reading of the text, as reflected in ancient Greek and Syriac manuscripts, the passage referred to Jesus the Messiah, with David referring to Him as “my Lord” (Hebrew adonai). Which tradition more accurately reflects the original Hebrew text? Which group, Jewish or Christian, changed the original vocalization to fit their own theology? In this clear and concise monograph, Dr. Al Garza makes the case for adonai, my Lord, being the original reading, thereby pointing clearly to the divinity of the Messiah. Is he right? Dig in for yourself, weigh the evidence carefully, and make an informed decision".-Dr. Michael L. Brown, author of the 5-volume series Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus.

Updated: Hebrew New Testament MSS Cataloged Online From The National Library of Israel. 06/28/2023

The PDF is a list of Hebrew New Testament manuscripts from the National Library of Israel. It wil... more

Submission to Academia Letters A Textual Look At Hebrew Matthew 1:16 and Matthew 9:25

In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband o... more In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband of Mary, while Luke appears to have Joseph, the husband of Mary. So, what is the problem? The problem is that both genealogies do not go back up to King David the same. There are apparent contradictions between both that have been pointed out for centuries. But two Hebrew manuscripts that were discovered show something different. One Hebrew manuscript is at Oxford, while the other is at NY Jewish Theological Seminary. These are two independent manuscript witnesses. Both Hebrew text has in Matthew 1:16, "Joseph, the father of Mary." That means Luke records Joseph, the husband, while Matthew records Mary's father. Both parents of Jesus go back to King David, making Jesus a direct blood descendant. Without these two separate Hebrew Matthew manuscripts, one can argue that Jesus is not the Jewish Messiah. Without Mary's genealogy, Jesus is not a direct blood descendant of King David. Since Joseph is not biologically Jesus' father, there is no direct bloodline to King David without Mary. Clement of Alexandria also believed that Jesus' genealogy in Matthew ended with Mary being the fourteenth generation. "And in the Gospel, according to Matthew, the genealogy which begins with Abraham is continued down to Mary, the mother of the Lord."3 Without both Hebrew Matthew's genealogy, Matthew only has thirteen generations and not fourteen, as recorded in Matthew 1:17. Clement seems to have been looking at a possible Hebrew Matthew or a Greek Matthew that contained "Joseph, the father of Mary" and not the husband. Let's look at how one foremost Greek New Testament textual scholar explains the modern variants of Matthew 1:16. Bruce Metzger explains the vari-Academia Letters preprint.

Jesus is Lord (Adonai)

Academia Letters, 2021

Scholars and teachers of the Bible have widely debated if Jesus is God or simply a human being ch... more Scholars and teachers of the Bible have widely debated if Jesus is God or simply a human being chosen by God to be the Messiah. Using only the Greek New Testament, one can see that Jesus is called in Greek, kurios, or master in English. In the Greek Old Testament, the word kurios can refer to God as YHVH, while in Hebrew, Adonai is used to identify only YHVH. In Hebrew, if someone wanted to see a person as master or my master, they would say adon or adoni. They would never call a human being Adonai, which is only reserved for YHVH. The question now remains, do the Hebrew New Testament manuscripts refer to Jesus as Adonai, Adon, or Adoni? If they call Jesus Adonai, then we can determine that the Greek word kurios is referring to Jesus as LORD or YHVH in the New Testament and not simply Master or Lord. Let us start with the first Hebrew gospel, Matthew. As we showed in earlier chapters, some of the early church fathers believed that Mattew was written first and in Hebrew. We must look at the Hebrew Matthew with vowel pointings because both Adonai and Adoni are spelled the same in Hebrew and are only identified by the vowel markings. In Matthew 7:21-22, we read in English, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?" (ESV Translation) In the Greek New Testament, you will see Κυριε Κυριε, which is the same as kurios. According to Strong's definition, "κυριος, kurios, koo'-ree-os. From κυ ρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr.

NEW TESTAMENT HEBREW MSS BEHIND THE GREEK

A Textual Look at “Emmanuel” and “Talitha Kumi” in Hebrew Matthew.

JESUS' HEBREW GENEALOGY IN MATTHEW

Jesus In The Hebrew NT Texts, 2020

In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband o... more In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband of Mary, while Luke appears to have Joseph, the husband of Mary. So, what is the problem? The problem is that both genealogies do not go back up to King David the same. There are apparent contradictions between both that have been pointed out for centuries. But two Hebrew manuscripts that were discovered show something different. One Hebrew manuscript is at Oxford, while the other is at NY Jewish Theological Seminary. These are two independent manuscript witnesses. Both Hebrew text has in Matthew 1:16, "Joseph, the father of Mary." That means Luke records Joseph the husband while Matthew records Mary's father. Both parents of Jesus go back to King David, making Jesus a direct blood descendant.

"Yeshua" In The Hebrew Gospels

"Jesus" In The N.T. Hebrew Texts. , 2020

Looking at the name "Yeshua" in the N.T. Hebrew gospels that were discovered.

Jesus is Lord (Adonai): A Textual Study of Hebrew New Testament Manuscripts

Sefer Press Publishing, 2020

This chapter is taken from Dr. Al Garza's new book, "Jesus" In The N.T. Hebrew Texts, available a... more

Hebrew New Testament MSS: Looking at 1Cor. 12:3

Dr. Al Garz will be uncovering the understanding of 1Cor.12:3 from the unseen Hebrew New Testamen... more

34 views

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament

Explore the linguistic roots of early Christianity with Al Garza's new book, "The Search for the ... more Explore the linguistic roots of early Christianity with Al Garza's new book, "The Search for the Language of the New Testament." Based on over ten years of detailed research, this insightful work examines the roles of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek during the times of Jesus and the apostles, shedding new light on the original texts of the New Testament. "The Search for the Language of the New Testament" delves into the linguistic foundation of the New Testament texts, highlighting the pivotal role played by Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Recent scholarship and historical analysis suggest that Hebrew was likely the mother tongue of Jesus and the apostles, complementing the previously recognized use of Aramaic and Greek. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the early Christian texts and translations examined throughout the discussions, such as those by Jerome and Augustine, who worked with these languages to articulate the doctrines and narratives central to Christianity. The exploration reveals how the Hebrew language, alongside Greek and Aramaic, significantly influenced the formulation and dissemination of the New Testament, leading to a multilingual body of scripture that encompassed the theological and cultural nuances of early Christian communities. This complex linguistic backdrop underscores the depth and breadth of early Christian texts and shapes our understanding of their development and transmission.

Psalm 110:1: The LORD said to?

Colorado Christian University, 2024

My Master's Thesis: Psalm 110:1 stands as a cornerstone in biblical interpretation, with its sign... more My Master's Thesis: Psalm 110:1 stands as a cornerstone in biblical interpretation, with its significance reverberating throughout both ancient and contemporary theological discourse. This Capstone paper delves into an exhaustive analysis of Psalm 110:1, exploring its multifaceted interpretations, theological implications, and historical contexts. The study encompasses a comprehensive examination of the verse in its original Hebrew, alongside its translations and interpretations in various ancient manuscripts and early Christian writings. Through a meticulous review of the works of scholars, church fathers, and theologians spanning different epochs, the paper elucidates the diverse understandings of Psalm 110:1, particularly concerning the identities of the characters involved, their relationship, and the theological assertions it engenders. Furthermore, it investigates the intertextual connections between Psalm 110:1 and other biblical passages, shedding light on its broader theological framework. Drawing on insights from both Jewish and Christian traditions, the paper navigates through the nuances of interpretation, tracing the evolution of thought surrounding Psalm 110:1 from antiquity to modernity. Ultimately, this study aims to offer a comprehensive synthesis of scholarship on Psalm 110:1, illuminating its enduring significance in shaping theological discourse and understanding divine identity.

The House of Hillel: Paul's Training About Human Free-Choice

Colorado Christian University, 2023

This paper explores the profound influence of Hillel the Elder's teachings on the Apostle Paul, p... more This paper explores the profound influence of Hillel the Elder's teachings on the Apostle Paul, particularly in the context of human free will and ethical choice. Hillel, a seminal figure in Jewish history, is celebrated for his contributions to Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy, emphasizing humility, personal responsibility, and the importance of ethical reciprocity. The paper delineates how Paul, educated under Gamaliel, Hillel's grandson, integrates these Jewish ethical principles into his Christian theology, emphasizing individual moral agency within the framework of divine grace. The comparative analysis demonstrates how Hillel's and Paul's teachings advocate for the significance of personal choice and responsibility in pursuing righteousness, bridging Jewish and Christian ethical frameworks. This examination highlights the continuity of moral and ethical thought from Judaism to Christianity and underscores the timeless relevance of free will in theological and ethical discourse. The paper provides a compelling argument for the lasting legacy of Hillel's teachings through the lens of Paul's letters, offering insights into the foundational values that underpin both faith traditions.

JESUS IS LORD? FINDING THE NOMINA SACRA

The New Testament, composed over two millennia ago, is a foundational text for the Christian fait... more The New Testament, composed over two millennia ago, is a foundational text for the Christian faith, comprising the teachings, narratives, and letters that form the basis of Christian theology. These letters or symbols are known as "Nomina Sacra," a Latin term that translates to "sacred names" or "sacred words." Nomina Sacra is a distinctive feature of the New Testament—a collection of select, abbreviated words and names that appear throughout the text. These abbreviations take on a unique form, often consisting of two or more letters with a line drawn over them, such as ΙΣ for "Jesus" and ΘΥ for "God."

Unraveling the Interpretation of Acts 13:48: A Refutation of Reformed Calvinism

In the intricate world of theological debates, certain verses in the Bible often become focal poi... more In the intricate world of theological debates, certain verses in the Bible often become focal points for discussion and disagreement. One such verse is Acts 13:48, which has been a key text in the ongoing debate between proponents of Reformed Calvinism and those who hold different theological perspectives. This paper will look into Acts 13:48, carefully examining the Greek pluperfect tense and its implications to refute the Reformed Calvinist interpretation.

Unlocking The Word of John 6:44: A Refutation of the Calvinist Interpretation

The Gospel of John is full of profound theological insights, but it is also a book at the center ... more The Gospel of John is full of profound theological insights, but it is also a book at the center of intense debates and discussions over the centuries. One verse that has garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of the Calvinist theological framework, is John 6:44. In this paper, we will explore John 6:44 and its surrounding context and provide a refutation of the Calvinist interpretation that limits the drawing of the Father to the elect alone.

Colorado Christian University, 2023

Genesis 6:1-2, nestled within the sacred text of the Bible, has long captivated scholars, theolog... more Genesis 6:1-2, nestled within the sacred text of the Bible, has long captivated scholars, theologians, and believers alike with its cryptic narrative. These two verses are a focal point in the Book of Genesis, introducing the enigmatic tale of the Nephilim, the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." This paper embarks on a rigorous journey to dissect the multifaceted nature of Genesis 6:1-2, exploring its theological, historical, and cultural significance while delving into the myriad interpretations that have arisen over millennia.

Through a comprehensive examination of ancient Hebrew texts, early Christian exegesis, and diverse theological traditions, we aim to shed light on the profound questions raised by these verses. What is the identity of the "sons of God"? Who were the "daughters of men"? What is the true nature of the Nephilim? Were they divine beings, fallen angels, or extraordinary humans? Furthermore, we will investigate the broader implications of these verses on the theology of the Hebrew Bible, its impact on later religious traditions, and its enduring relevance in contemporary religious discourse.

Pauline Epistles General Epistles, 2023

This is one of my final papers for the MA program in Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation at Colo... more

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament Part 2 of 3

Greek culture has had a significant impact on Israel since Alexander the Great invaded the countr... more Greek culture has had a significant impact on Israel since Alexander the Great invaded the country at the end of the fourth century B.C.E. Despite differing opinions on the influence of Hellenism on religious writings, literature, and day-today life in first-century Israel, it is generally recognized that many locals spoke Greek. Greek was only spoken by a small percentage of the citizens of Hellenistic cities and by a few government employees and clerks.

The Search For The Language Of The New Testament Part 1 of 3

This is part 1 of a series of papers on "The Search For The Language Of The New Testament.

Hebrew Gospel of John Sample

The Hebrew Institute of Semitic Studies, 2022

The first edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John is from eleven Hebrew manuscripts discovered at th... more The first edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John is from eleven Hebrew manuscripts discovered at the National Library of Israel. Scholars have not studied the manuscripts because the manuscripts were not previously known to the public until now. A collection of about 4000 Hebrew New Testament manuscripts that contain the entire New Testament is currently being translated into English. The gospel of John will contain textual variants from eleven manuscripts of John. It will also include the Hebrew names and places from the Hebrew manuscripts. This is the first eclectic critical edition of the Hebrew Gospel of John.

Thiss.org

PSALM 110:1a: "The LORD said to ?" Book Sample.

Al Garza makes a case for the Hebrew Adonai instead of Adoni in Psalm 110:1a. In this book, Dr. G... more Al Garza makes a case for the Hebrew Adonai instead of Adoni in Psalm 110:1a. In this book, Dr. Garza draws upon Hebrew sources, Jewish sources, early church fathers, and ancient Semitic languages to provide an overview of all evidence that supports a straightforward reading of Adonai in Psalm 110:1a opening. This book is endorsed by well-known Semitic Scholar Dr. Michael Brown.

"According to Jewish tradition, if Psalm 110 refers to David, it was written by a court poet who referred to David, the king, as “my lord” (Hebrew adoni). According to a Christian reading of the text, as reflected in ancient Greek and Syriac manuscripts, the passage referred to Jesus the Messiah, with David referring to Him as “my Lord” (Hebrew adonai). Which tradition more accurately reflects the original Hebrew text? Which group, Jewish or Christian, changed the original vocalization to fit their own theology? In this clear and concise monograph, Dr. Al Garza makes the case for adonai, my Lord, being the original reading, thereby pointing clearly to the divinity of the Messiah. Is he right? Dig in for yourself, weigh the evidence carefully, and make an informed decision".-Dr. Michael L. Brown, author of the 5-volume series Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus.

Updated: Hebrew New Testament MSS Cataloged Online From The National Library of Israel. 06/28/2023

The PDF is a list of Hebrew New Testament manuscripts from the National Library of Israel. It wil... more

Submission to Academia Letters A Textual Look At Hebrew Matthew 1:16 and Matthew 9:25

In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband o... more In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband of Mary, while Luke appears to have Joseph, the husband of Mary. So, what is the problem? The problem is that both genealogies do not go back up to King David the same. There are apparent contradictions between both that have been pointed out for centuries. But two Hebrew manuscripts that were discovered show something different. One Hebrew manuscript is at Oxford, while the other is at NY Jewish Theological Seminary. These are two independent manuscript witnesses. Both Hebrew text has in Matthew 1:16, "Joseph, the father of Mary." That means Luke records Joseph, the husband, while Matthew records Mary's father. Both parents of Jesus go back to King David, making Jesus a direct blood descendant. Without these two separate Hebrew Matthew manuscripts, one can argue that Jesus is not the Jewish Messiah. Without Mary's genealogy, Jesus is not a direct blood descendant of King David. Since Joseph is not biologically Jesus' father, there is no direct bloodline to King David without Mary. Clement of Alexandria also believed that Jesus' genealogy in Matthew ended with Mary being the fourteenth generation. "And in the Gospel, according to Matthew, the genealogy which begins with Abraham is continued down to Mary, the mother of the Lord."3 Without both Hebrew Matthew's genealogy, Matthew only has thirteen generations and not fourteen, as recorded in Matthew 1:17. Clement seems to have been looking at a possible Hebrew Matthew or a Greek Matthew that contained "Joseph, the father of Mary" and not the husband. Let's look at how one foremost Greek New Testament textual scholar explains the modern variants of Matthew 1:16. Bruce Metzger explains the vari-Academia Letters preprint.

Jesus is Lord (Adonai)

Academia Letters, 2021

Scholars and teachers of the Bible have widely debated if Jesus is God or simply a human being ch... more Scholars and teachers of the Bible have widely debated if Jesus is God or simply a human being chosen by God to be the Messiah. Using only the Greek New Testament, one can see that Jesus is called in Greek, kurios, or master in English. In the Greek Old Testament, the word kurios can refer to God as YHVH, while in Hebrew, Adonai is used to identify only YHVH. In Hebrew, if someone wanted to see a person as master or my master, they would say adon or adoni. They would never call a human being Adonai, which is only reserved for YHVH. The question now remains, do the Hebrew New Testament manuscripts refer to Jesus as Adonai, Adon, or Adoni? If they call Jesus Adonai, then we can determine that the Greek word kurios is referring to Jesus as LORD or YHVH in the New Testament and not simply Master or Lord. Let us start with the first Hebrew gospel, Matthew. As we showed in earlier chapters, some of the early church fathers believed that Mattew was written first and in Hebrew. We must look at the Hebrew Matthew with vowel pointings because both Adonai and Adoni are spelled the same in Hebrew and are only identified by the vowel markings. In Matthew 7:21-22, we read in English, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?" (ESV Translation) In the Greek New Testament, you will see Κυριε Κυριε, which is the same as kurios. According to Strong's definition, "κυριος, kurios, koo'-ree-os. From κυ ρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr.

NEW TESTAMENT HEBREW MSS BEHIND THE GREEK

A Textual Look at “Emmanuel” and “Talitha Kumi” in Hebrew Matthew.

JESUS' HEBREW GENEALOGY IN MATTHEW

Jesus In The Hebrew NT Texts, 2020

In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband o... more In every known translation of the book, Matthew, regarding Matthew 1:16, has Joseph the husband of Mary, while Luke appears to have Joseph, the husband of Mary. So, what is the problem? The problem is that both genealogies do not go back up to King David the same. There are apparent contradictions between both that have been pointed out for centuries. But two Hebrew manuscripts that were discovered show something different. One Hebrew manuscript is at Oxford, while the other is at NY Jewish Theological Seminary. These are two independent manuscript witnesses. Both Hebrew text has in Matthew 1:16, "Joseph, the father of Mary." That means Luke records Joseph the husband while Matthew records Mary's father. Both parents of Jesus go back to King David, making Jesus a direct blood descendant.

"Yeshua" In The Hebrew Gospels

"Jesus" In The N.T. Hebrew Texts. , 2020

Looking at the name "Yeshua" in the N.T. Hebrew gospels that were discovered.

Jesus is Lord (Adonai): A Textual Study of Hebrew New Testament Manuscripts

Sefer Press Publishing, 2020

This chapter is taken from Dr. Al Garza's new book, "Jesus" In The N.T. Hebrew Texts, available a... more

The Word Who Became Flesh

January 1, 2020

"The Word Who Became Flesh" is taken from my book "More Than A Rabbi" and can be found at Amazon.... more

Hebrew Matthew Chapters 1 and 2 Sample Updated 2022

Sefer Press Publishing

The sample rough draft of Hebrew Matthew chapters 1 and 2 attempts to compare the Hebrew Matthew ... more The sample rough draft of Hebrew Matthew chapters 1 and 2 attempts to compare the Hebrew Matthew MSS available today with more being discovered. The format chosen is English with Hebrew variants listed within the Hebrew MSS as noted.

This is part of a larger attempt to translate and study the 4000+ Hebrew New Testament MSS I recently found from around the world.

THE FIRST SATAN: UNDERSTANDING SATANS, DEVILS AND DEMONS

"The First Satan" is a book every Bible believer needs to read. Satan has been misunderstood base... more "The First Satan" is a book every Bible believer needs to read. Satan has been misunderstood based on pagan and Jewish mythology. "Who are the Nephilim and the sons of God?" "Does Isiah and Ezekiel say Lucifer fell from heaven?" "Where did Angels come from?" "Who are the Cherubim and Seraphim?"

These questions are all answered and more. Discover the truth about the origins of Satan, Devils and Demons. Separating truth from mythology.