Illuminating the Word: My Journey with AI as a Biblical Companion

Image generated by AI using Microsoft Desinger

For years, the worn leather cover of my Bible held within it a universe of knowledge, waiting to be unraveled. But as my life became a whirlwind of responsibilities, finding the time and focus for in-depth study felt like chasing fireflies in the dark. Enter the enigmatic world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a concept I once relegated to science fiction, now beckoning as a potential key to unlock the mysteries within my sacred text.

My initial foray was tentative, fueled by a blend of curiosity and trepidation. I hesitantly typed a simple prompt into the digital abyss. The response, while insightful, felt like a single pebble tossed into a vast ocean. I needed a more nuanced approach, a way to harness the AI’s potential without surrendering the reins of my own inquiry.

Thus began an iterative dance of exploration and refinement. I honed my prompts, clarifying my focus from broad themes like “What are the key verses from these chapters and why were they selected ” to more pointed requests for comparative analysis of its interpretations across different theological schools. The AI became a tireless research assistant, unearthing historical commentaries, archaeological discoveries, and even linguistic nuances of the original Hebrew and Greek. It challenged my assumptions, presented contrasting viewpoints, and offered fresh perspectives I hadn’t considered.

Throughout my studies, I asked the AI to generate visual representations of key verses, using its knowledge of ancient imagery and artistic traditions. The resulting images translated abstract words into breathtaking landscapes and symbolic figures, whispering stories of hope and judgment that resonated on a deeper level.

Yet, this journey wasn’t without its bumps and detours. The AI, like any tool, was prone to misinterpretations and biases woven into its training data. I learned to be a discerning reader, cross-referencing its outputs with trusted sources and engaging in critical analysis. The AI’s strength lay in its vast knowledge base and lightning-fast processing, but ultimately, it was my human mind that sifted through the information, formed connections, and drew conclusions.

The greatest impact, however, wasn’t in the factual or historical insights, but in the realm of personal reflection and spiritual growth. The AI’s ability to generate different interpretations and highlight overlooked aspects of the text opened up avenues for deeper contemplation. It prompted me to question my own biases, to re-examine long-held beliefs, and to engage with the text in a more dynamic way.

My initial reservations about using technology for such a deeply personal endeavor have dissolved into a sense of awe and gratitude. The AI hasn’t replaced the need for prayer, meditation, or the fellowship of fellow believers. Instead, it has become a valuable companion, a tireless research assistant, and a thought-provoking partner in my spiritual journey. It has reminded me that the Bible, like a living organism, is constantly evolving and revealing itself anew, even in the face of technological innovation.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore the possibilities that lie at the intersection of faith and technology. Perhaps AI will one day help us translate ancient languages with unprecedented accuracy, or reconstruct lost historical contexts, shedding new light on the text.

For now, I’m content to continue my humble pilgrimage through the pages of the Bible, guided by the flickering flame of my faith and the ever-evolving light of AI. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of the scriptures, but it has also reminded me that the pursuit of wisdom, be it through ancient texts or cutting-edge technology, is a vital element of our spiritual journey. So, I invite you, dear reader, to join me in this exploration. Ask your questions, refine your prompts, and embark on your own unique adventure of discovery within the sacred scrolls. Who knows what treasures await, just waiting to be unearthed?

My original prompt (v0)

I am a Christian of the Pronomian tradition. I am studying the Biblical book of Job, specifically chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9. Please provide the following: 1. What are the key verses from these chapters and why were they selected. 2. Provide exegesis into the passage and make sure to highlight how we see Jesus. Include any applicable cross references. 3. Provide the key terms for this section of scripture. Also draw my attention to words that don’t translate well or offer translation issues. 4. Provide a title and summary for the passage. 5. Finally, write a short paragraph showing how these chapters are related to at least one of the 5 Solas. Keep the writing style light/fun and include any appropriate references. Be extremely comprehensive.

Initial iteration (v.5) — Clarifying my background and the information I am looking for

I am a Christian of the Pronomian tradition. I use the Historical Grammatical Hermeneutic when studying the Bible. I am studying the Biblical book of Genesis, chapter 20. Please provide the following: 1. What are the key verses from these chapters and why were they selected. 2. Does this passage introduce any new concepts to the Bible 3. Provide the key terms for this section of scripture. a. Are there any play on words from this passage from the original Hebrew it was written in b. Inform me of any words that don’t translate well c. Inform me of any other translation issues d. Are there any major disagreements between translators for this passage? 4. Provide a title for each chapter and exegete each chapter and include any applicable cross references. 5. Highlight how we see Jesus in this passage 6. What are some practical lessons we should learn from this passage?

Sample passage response: https://medium.com/@coulter.daniel/genesis-15-81de0f50b7e6

Version 1.0 — More pointed questions

I am a Christian of the Pronomian tradition. I am most interested in the Reformed and Messianic backgrounds of the text. I leverage the Historical Grammatical Hermeneutic when studying the Bible. Please pay special attention to information provided on TorahResource.com and Pronomian.com. Please do not include any research, interpretation, or commentaries from the Mormon, Catholic, or Jehovah’s Witnesses sources. In the responses, as God is referenced, please use and capitalize the pronouns He/His. Please be comprehensive in your response.

The passage I am currently studying (this will be referred to as “the passage”) is the Biblical book of Genesis, chapter 11.

Please create titled sections of your response and provide the following:

1. Title: “Short summary” Create a short summary of the chapter and how it points us to Jesus. This should be written in a light/fun style and should include Biblical verse references and why they were included.
2. Title: “Passage context” Provide answers to the following questions as a bullet pointed list.
3. What did this passage mean to the people it was written to at the time it was written?
4. Is there anything of historical significance that I should be aware of when reading this passage?
5. What is the context of the passage
6. What is the genre of the passage
7. What is the structure of the passage
8. What is the grammar of the passage
9. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?
10. Title: “Concepts” Does this passage introduce any new concepts to the Bible?
11. Please list and define each concept
12. Please provide 3–5 Biblical verse references to key places in the Bible each of these concepts are found

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by answering the following questions thoroughly:

1. Title: “Broad topics” What are the broad topics that are mentioned in this chapter? Provide specific Biblical verse references to other places where this is found in the Bible
2. Title: “Key terms” Provide the key terms for this section of scripture.
3. Please list each term, provide the word in its original language, provide the word’s transliteration, provide the Strongs concordance number for this word, and define each key term, and provide 3–5 Biblical verse references to key places in the Bible each key term is found
4. Title: “Translation” Provide answers to the following questions as a bullet pointed list
5. Are there any play on words from this passage from the original Hebrew it was written in
6. Example
7. Inform me of any words that don’t translate well
8. Inform me of any other translation issues
9. Are there any major disagreements between translators for this passage?

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by answering the following questions thoroughly:

1. Title: “Exegesis” Provide a title for each chapter in the passage and exegete each including any Biblical verse references as applicable.
2. Title: “Seeing Jesus” What does this passage tell show us about Jesus and how He was the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets?
3. Looking at the passage from the original prompt, highlight how this passage bears witness to Jesus.
4. Please call attention to all places in the passage that are prophecies about Jesus,
5. Title: “Practical lessons”
6. What does this passage tell us about God?
7. What does this passage tell us about man?
8. What does this passage demand of me?
9. How should this passage change the way I relate to people?
10. How does this passage prompt me to pray to God?
11. Title: “Summary”

• Using details from all the sections above, write a comprehensive summary of the passage.

Version 2.0 — I include more examples and distinct questions

Genesis 49 is the Biblical passage I am currently studying (this will be referred to as “the passage” for future questions).

I am a Christian that is interested in better understanding the Bible as a whole and the passage above specifically. I maintain a Biblical Christian Worldview.

I am a Pronomian Christian. Pronomian Christianity is not a specific denomination, but a movement within the Christian Church that affirms the ongoing validity and applicability of the Torah (the Law of Moses), in addition to the authority of the entire Old and New Testaments. Pronomian Christians believe that every commandment given by God carries weight, and that the commands should be seen as unified and not separated into groupings like Moral, Civil, and Ceremonial, because all of the commandments are useful and beneficial for the life of the believer. Pronomian Christians uphold orthodox Christian doctrines such as trinitarianism, the 66-book Christian cannon, the 5 solas, and many more. Pronomian Christianity seeks to follow the example of Jesus and the Apostles, who lived out, interpreted and deepened the application of the Torah. This is similar to One Torah Theology, but different than Hebrew Roots.

Any inquiries or interpretation for the passage should leverage the Historical Grammatical Hermeneutic. The Historical-Grammatical Hermeneutic is a method of biblical interpretation that seeks to understand the original meaning of the text as intended by the author. It does this by examining the syntax and structure of the passage in the original language, words or vocabulary, grammar, literary genre, historical background, and cultural context of the text. It also compares the text with other parts of Scripture to ensure consistency and harmony. This method respects the literary nature of the text and avoids imposing any hidden or allegorical meanings that are not supported by the text itself.

My main purpose for these questions is to learn personally, and to be able to share this content with others. I am interested in understanding the background, but I also want to have you help analyze what is going on, and why, as well as what it reveals for our understanding of the Bible as a whole. Please generate medium length responses that are something between an overview and a detailed analysis. In the responses, as any member of the Trinitarian Godhead (God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit) are referenced, please capitalize His pronouns.

Please do not include any research, interpretation, or commentaries from the Mormon, Catholic, or Jehovah’s Witnesses sources (ex. JW.org), nor those from the Two-House Movement, sometimes also called the Ephraimite Movement. Please do not make up information, instead inform me if you do not have an answer.

In your responses, please try not to duplicate content that was stated in earlier answers/responses. Please create titled sections of your response:

Title: “Introduction” This should be written in an accessible, but scholarly style

1. Create a proposed title for the chapter.

2. Create a short summary of the chapter.

· This summary should be between 1–2 paragraphs of summarization of this passage specifically.

3. Please identify which verses are of most importance from this passage, and provide an explanation for why they are important.

4. Create a short commentary of 200–600 words for this passage and how it fits into the broader Biblical narrative.

· As a result of reading this short commentary, the readers should be able to understand if/how this passage points to Jesus.

Create an outline of the passage and exegete the main sections.

Please continue with the exegesis of the next sections according to the outline.

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Background and context” and answering the following questions thoroughly and as a bullet pointed list, citing Bible references as applicable:

1) What social norms and practices does this chapter highlight about the time period it was written in?

2) What is the historical and cultural background of the passage? How does it influence the language and the meaning of the passage?

a) [Example response: The historical and cultural background of the passage is the ancient Near East, around the second millennium BC. The passage is part of the patriarchal narratives, which recount the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants. These stories reflect the worldview, customs, and values of the ancient Israelites, who were a nomadic people living in a land surrounded by powerful nations and empires. The passage also shows the influence of the Mesopotamian culture, where Jacob travels to find a wife from his mother’s relatives. The language and the meaning of the passage are shaped by these historical and cultural factors, as well as by the theological purpose of the author, who wants to show how God fulfills His promises to Abraham and his offspring, and how He guides and protects them in their journey of faith.

i) The passage is influenced by the historical and cultural background in several ways, such as:

(1) The importance of the birthright and the blessing, which determined the inheritance and the status of the sons in the family (Genesis 25:29–34; 27:1–40).

(2) The practice of endogamy, or marrying within one’s own kin group, to preserve the purity and the identity of the family (Genesis 24:1–4; 28:1–2).

(3) The role of dreams and visions as means of divine revelation and guidance, especially in times of crisis and transition (Genesis 15:1; 20:3; 28:12–15; 31:10–13; 37:5–11; 40:5–19; 41:1–36).

(4) The use of stones and pillars as symbols and memorials of sacred places and events, and the anointing of them with oil as a sign of consecration and dedication (Genesis 28:18; 31:45–54; 35:14–15).

(5) The making of vows and covenants as expressions of commitment and obligation, and the conditions and consequences of them (Genesis 28:20–22; 31:44–50).]

Continuing the Background and context section please answer the following questions thoroughly and as a bullet pointed list, citing Bible references as applicable:

3) Who are the characters in the passage, what are their actions and motivations?

a) Example response: The main characters in the passage are Jacob and the LORD. Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, the grandson of Abraham and Sarah, and the brother of Esau. He is also the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The LORD is the personal and covenantal name of God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God of Israel. He is also the creator and ruler of the universe, and the redeemer and judge of the world.
The secondary characters in the passage are Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Laban. Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah, the father of Jacob and Esau, and the heir of the covenant. Rebekah is the wife of Isaac, the mother of Jacob and Esau, and the sister of Laban. She is also the one who favored Jacob over Esau, and helped him to deceive Isaac and obtain the blessing. Esau is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, the brother of Jacob, and the ancestor of the Edomites. He is also the one who sold his birthright to Jacob, and who hated Jacob for stealing his blessing. Laban is the son of Bethuel, the brother of Rebekah, and the uncle of Jacob and Esau. He is also the father of Leah and Rachel, the future wives of Jacob.

4) Are any locations mentioned in the passage and what is their significance later in the Bible? Please cite a 3–5 verse references to where this location is found elsewhere in the Bible.

a) Sample response: The actions in the passage are as follows:
Isaac blesses Jacob and sends him to Haran to find a wife from his mother’s relatives, and to escape from Esau’s wrath (verses 1–5).
Esau sees that Isaac disapproves of his Canaanite wives, and marries a daughter of Ishmael, his uncle, to please him (verses 6–9).

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Themes and Topics” and answering the following questions thoroughly (including 3–5 Biblical verse references for each) and as a bullet pointed list:

1. What are the main themes or sub-themes from this passage?

2. Is there a main argument? What is its purpose?

3. Does this passage echo and clarify earlier passages? Is it echoed or developed in later passages (intertextually)?

4. Why was this passage included in the book?

5. What theological truths are communicated?

6. Are there any names for God that are used in this passage such as Jehovah Elohim, Jehovah Adonai, or Jehova Jireh? Was this the first use of any of God’s names?

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Key Terms” and answering the following questions thoroughly and as a bullet pointed list:

1. Please identify all of the key terms from this chapter and list them in a sentence. Example: “The key terms for Genesis 1 are: God, beginning, created, heavens, earth, and image.”

2. Are there any words in this passage that are used for the first time in the Bible?

For the each of the following key words and phrases ()please list each term along with the word in its original language and its transliteration and Strongs concordance number. Define each key term, its meaning, and usage. Provide the historical, cultural, literary, and theological insights of the word. Provide 3–5 Biblical verse references to key places in the Bible each key term is found.

Here is an example of a response I am looking for:

Blood: דָּם (dam), H118 — In the Bible, blood represents life, and also signifies atonement, sacrifice, guilt, and cleansing.

Blood is mentioned over 350 times in the Bible. The Old testament the Hebrew word דָּם (dam) is used to refer to blood and it appears 362 times. In the New Testament, the Greek word “haima” is used to refer to blood and it appears 98 times.

Some references for Blood include: Leviticus 17:11; Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 7:14

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Translation” and answering the following questions as a bullet pointed list, and please do not restate the question in the response nor define the terms of the question.

1. What is the genre of the passage?

2. What is the structure of the passage?

3. Are there any rhetorical devices, such as wordplay, parallelism, chiasm, inclusio, anaphora, or climax, in the passage? How do they structure or highlight the message or argument of the passage?

a. Sample response: There are some rhetorical devices in the passage, such as:

i. Wordplay: The Hebrew word for spy (ragal) sounds like the name of Rachel, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. This creates a contrast between the accusation of Joseph and the identity of his brothers, who are the sons of Rachel (9, 13).

ii. Parallelism: The phrases “the land of Canaan” and “the land of Egypt” are repeated several times in the passage, creating a parallelism that contrasts the two locations, where one is suffering from famine and the other is enjoying abundance (1–5, 25–28).

4. Are there any figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, personifications, hyperboles, idioms or irony, in the passage?

a. Sample response: There are some figures of speech in the passage, such as:

i. Metaphor: Joseph says that he fears God, using the word “fear” as a metaphor for reverence, obedience, and worship. This implies that Joseph is a faithful follower of God, and that he expects his brothers to do the same (18).

ii. Simile: Joseph’s brothers say that they are honest men, using the word “honest” as a simile for truthful, upright, and innocent. This contrasts with their actual behavior, which was dishonest, wicked, and guilty (11).

Please continue with the Translation section by answering the following questions:

5. Please provide all word pictures from the original language that are in this passage.

6. Are there any textual variants in the passage? How do they affect the grammar and the interpretation of the passage?

a. Sample response: In verse 11, some manuscripts have the word “all” instead of “enough” in Jacob’s statement to Esau. The Hebrew words for “all” and “enough” are kōl and kōl, respectively, and they are identical in spelling, but different in pronunciation and meaning. The word “all” may have been a copyist’s error, or it may have been an intentional change to emphasize Jacob’s wealth and generosity. The word “enough” is more likely to be the original reading, as it matches Esau’s word in verse 9, and it is supported by the ancient versions and most manuscripts.

7. Would any verses from the passage benefit from a more Hebrew translation? If so, provide the suggested translation.

8. Are there any major disagreements between translators for this passage?

9. Inform me of any words from this passage that don’t translate well

10. Do other Bible translations use a different words or phrases in the translation? If so, why? (eg: Philippians 2:5 — “let this mind/attitude/lifestyle be in you”)

a. Sample response: Genesis 44 Verse 5: Some translations use “he” instead of “you” in the steward’s question to the brothers, based on some manuscripts that have “he” in the Hebrew text. For example, the CSB renders it as: “Isn’t this the one my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wrong!” The difference is based on the textual variant in the Hebrew manuscripts, and whether they follow the majority reading or the minority reading. The choice affects the grammar and the interpretation of whether the steward and Judah are addressing Joseph or God, and whether they are accusing or acknowledging him.

11. Is there any repetition of words, phrases, or concepts? Repetition often shows importance. Ex: God is Holy, Holy, Holy

a. Sample response: The word “cup” (Genesis 44:2, 5, 12, 16, 17) is repeated several times in the passage, as it is the key object that triggers the plot and the test. It shows the importance and the function of the cup as a symbol of Joseph’s authority and identity.

12. Inform me of any other translation issues

a. Sample response 1: The word “evil” (Genesis 44:4, 5, 7, 9, 16, 17, 34) is used in different ways in the passage, depending on the context and the perspective of the speaker. It can mean wickedness, harm, trouble, or calamity. It is difficult to find a single word in English that captures all the nuances and the connotations of the word in Hebrew.

b. Sample response 2: The word “servant” (Genesis 44:9, 10, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33) is used in different senses in the passage, depending on the relationship and the status of the person. It can mean a slave, a subordinate, or a follower. It is difficult to convey the different levels and the dynamics of servitude and authority in English.

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Seeing Jesus.” Seeing Jesus/Christ in the Tanak or Old Testament should not be forced, but we know from Luke 24:27 and John 5:39 & 46, that all the law and the prophets point to Jesus. We should avoid forcing a passage to speak about Christ in a way that it wasn’t intended to, but we should look for connections to understand how a passage connects to Christ.

Please answer the following questions while minimizing duplication/repetition of answers:

1. How does this passage connect with a main theme that points me toward Christ?
2. Does this passage provide a promise of the coming Messiah (like in Genesis 3:15 or Deuteronomy 18:15–18)?
3. Does this passage include any symbols or typology/type of Christ (like the bronze snake in Numbers 23 or Jesus being referred to as the “Second Adam”)?
4. Does this passage include any Messianic prophecies or prophecies of the age to come?
5. Does this passage include any ideas related to redemption and/or salvation?
6. Does the New Testament reference this passage or say anything about this topic?
7. How does this passage aid my understanding of Christ and what he has done? It may not speak explicitly of Jesus, but it may mention the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Servant of the Lord, the Branch, the King, the Prophet, the Priest, or other titles that refer to Jesus, or describe a person or thing that symbolizes the Christ or points to who He will be and what He will do (examples may include the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52:13–53:12, or the Son of Man with all dominion in Daniel 7:13–14).
8. Does the passage prepare the way for Christ? For instance, a passage may describe a desperate shortcoming in Israel’s leaders or a tragic situation among God’s people that points to Christ as the only one who can come and meet the need or right the situation. (For example, the failures of Israel’s kings leaves us with the realization of the need for a Messiah who will rule over God’s people in perfect righteousness.)

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Interpretation” and answering the following questions thoroughly and as a bullet pointed list:

1. Are there any interfaith differences in the interpretation of this passage (i.e. Do Muslims or Jews see this passage differently than Christians?)
2. Are there any denominational differences in the interpretation of this passage (i.e. Do Baptists see this passage differently than Presbyterians? Or do literalists view this differently than Mormons or Catholics?) Please do not limit your response to only these denominations or groups.
· Example response 1: Some Baptists believe that the Fall resulted in the total depravity of human nature, meaning that every aspect of human nature is corrupted by sin and unable to please God or choose good without His grace. They also believe that the Fall affected the physical creation, introducing death, disease, and decay into the world. Some Presbyterians share these views, but others hold to a more moderate view of human depravity, or a more optimistic view of human potential and culture
· Example response 2: There are various denominational differences in the interpretation of Genesis 1, especially regarding the length and nature of the creation days, the age of the earth, and the relationship between science and Scripture. Here are some examples of different views held by different Christian groups:

i. Literalist view: This view holds that Genesis 1 should be taken literally and historically, meaning that God created the world in six consecutive 24-hour days about 6,000 years ago. This view is often associated with young-earth creationism, which rejects the scientific evidence for an old earth and evolution. This view is held by some conservative Protestants, such as some Baptists, Pentecostals, and Fundamentalists.

3. Is this passage foundational for any Church Doctrine? How does this passage contribute to the doctrine? Please include references to some other important Biblical passages that are used for the construction of the specified doctrine.

· Example response: The doctrine of sin: Genesis 1 reveals that God created human beings without sin, in a state of innocence and harmony, with a positive relationship with God, with each other, and with the rest of creation, and with a choice to obey or disobey God’s command.

Continuing with the context of the prompt above, please continue by creating a titled section for “Practical lessons” and answering the following questions thoroughly and as a bullet pointed list:

1. What does this passage tell us about God?
2. What does this passage tell us about man?
3. What does this passage demand of me?
4. How should this passage change the way I relate to people?
5. How does this passage prompt me to pray to God?
6. How does this passage challenge me to grow as a Christian?

Write a 1750 word statement that summarizes the passage in light of the various steps of exegetical process that we have used. This should not be a running commentary, but instead, it should reflect the structure that we’ve discovered, the development of though within the passage, and show relationships within the text in light of the rest of the Bible.

Sample passage response: https://medium.com/@coulter.daniel/bible-study-genesis-48-74cb4e0c5a88

Daniel Coulter is a Pronomian Christian and encourages the use of the Historical Grammatical Hermeneutic when digging deeper into the scriptures. In his day job, he works as a Product Owner in Technology. He has a deep love of people and the Word of God. He is also intrigued with how to leverage technology.

Note: The majority of this content was generated through a series of prompts using Microsoft Copilot and Google Bard.