Deeper Into the Word by Kerri Wyatt Kent

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...credible and desirable as a necessary piece in your library. You can look to Deeper into the Word as a daily devotional or an accessible reference tool."

My Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from Northwestern College, St. Paul, Minnesota also includes 45 required credits of Bible with classes from “Old and New Testament Survey” to “Hermeneutics.” Oh how I could have used Deeper into the Word back in my study days and research papers. I might have even received higher grades. That said, theological training is not a requirement to open up Kerri Wyatt Kent’s newest book and delve into it!

You’d also think being a pastor’s kid would mean I’d know all the intricacies of scripture but alas, I do not and never will. That simple fact should propel me into spending more time with the Word and the words within the Word.

In this day of study Bibles (777 different versions), exhaustive commentaries (thicker than a concrete slab), and colorful resources (more images than content), Deeper into the Word explores 100 of the most important words of the New Testament. Kent takes a non-academic approach to her presentation which makes it digestible for the reader. Questions like, “Why this word was chosen rather than another one?” or ”What are the implications in its original language not seen in English?” and “How can you learn the details of God's Word without knowing Greek?” are thoroughly answered within these pages.

Kent unpacks each word's Greek origins, reveals how the word is used in the Bible offering insights into its significance back in biblical times as well today. The words are listed alphabetically. Each entry is concise and insightful. For those of us who desire to dig deeper, an alphabetical index to the Greek words and a helpful websites appendix are included.
The painstaking and thorough research Kent undertook is evident as the solid foundation for this book. This is one of the reasons it makes Deeper into the Word credible and desirable as a necessary piece in your library.

You can look to Deeper into the Word as a daily devotional or an accessible reference tool. Either way, you’ll find yourself refreshed in this world of meaningless chatter. It is practical and easy to read.

Some words I’d have liked to have seen included but were missing: holy/holiness, meek, sanctification, worship, glory . . . although I’m not complaining about her one hundred.

My personal favorite words from Kent’s insights and research included: care, bless/blessed/blessing, as well as the distinct difference between soul and spirit.

I highly recommend Deeper into the Word for anyone who studies and loves the Word of God. If we’re honest, this should be all of us. Hopefully Kent will consider writing a similar book on Hebrew words in their Old Testament context!

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.