Word Nerd - Faith, Scripture, and real questions for teens

About Word Nerd - Faith, Scripture, and real questions for teens

Word Nerd is a Christian podcast hosted by a teenage Bible enthusiast Lily. In this podcast, Lily explores & teaches Scripture through context, word studies while also discussing theology & thoughtful questions about faith. Word Nerd strives to help teens learn how to read & study the Bible deeply, because the Bible isn't just something we read, it's something we live and obey. Episodes often include downloadable study packs, designed by Lily, to help listeners dig deeper into scripture for themselves. So grab your Bibles, and let's get into it!

Publisher

Lily

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jan 2026

Latest episode

18 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Ep:14 Do Not Judge: What does κρίνω Mean?

   Free Download for this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8io7iFMfAq6PwPqsmBwsx0nVvOmdmqv/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h8io7iFMfAq6PwPqsmBwsx0nVvOmdmqv/view?usp=sharing) “Judge not” might be one of the most quoted, and misunderstood, commands in the Bible. But what did Jesus actually mean? In this episode of Word Nerd, we dig into the Greek word κρίνω (krinō) and look at what Scripture teaches about judgment, discernment, correction, and condemnation. Does Matthew 7:1 mean Christians should never judge anything? What’s the difference between righteous judgment and hypocritical judgment? And how should we correct others without putting ourselves in God’s place? We’ll look at Matthew 7 in context, compare other passages that use κρίνω, and see why understanding one Greek word can make a big difference in how we read a familiar verse. Examine yourself first. Discern wisely. Correct with love. Leave condemnation to God

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Ep. 13 Which Bible Translation Is Best?

   Free Downloads for this Episode: Translation Cards -W/ color accent: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHPvTAkKoo93cShP68eSnLOtteChm2bB/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHPvTAkKoo93cShP68eSnLOtteChm2bB/view?usp=sharing) -Black & White: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s8fus5Fn8EjQ2opeRUx02W4JX4BoLH5c/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s8fus5Fn8EjQ2opeRUx02W4JX4BoLH5c/view?usp=sharing) Translation Spectrum Diagram:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_MLM0roaMrjDGYJVJD982CgP3hEp5fk/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_MLM0roaMrjDGYJVJD982CgP3hEp5fk/view?usp=sharing) With so many Bible translations available, how do you know which one to choose? In this episode of Word Nerd, we compare the NIV, NLT, CSB, NET, KJV, NASB, ESV, and The Message—looking at their translation philosophies, strengths, styles, and possible limitations. We’ll also talk about how to choose a translation for reading and study, why using more than one translation can be helpful, and why you really should read the translators’ prefaces. And yes, one of those prefaces contains dragons. You’ll have to find out which one for yourself. More Resources: Links to prefaces: NIV: https://biblia.com/books/niv2011/article/PREFACE (https://biblia.com/books/niv2011/article/PREFACE) NLT: https://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt2preface.html (https://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt2preface.html) CSB: https://www.blueletterbible.org/bibles/preface-to-the-christian-standard-bible.cfm/1000 (https://www.blueletterbible.org/bibles/preface-to-the-christian-standard-bible.cfm/1000) NET: https://bible.org/netbible/pre1.htm (https://bible.org/netbible/pre1.htm) KJV: https://ccel.org/bible/kjv/preface/index.htm (https://ccel.org/bible/kjv/preface/index.htm) NASB 1995 https://libraries.dbs.org/NEP/Bible/StudyBible/content/texts/ENGNAS/FR0.html (https://libraries.dbs.org/NEP/Bible/StudyBible/content/texts/ENGNAS/FR0.html) ESV: https://www.esv.org/preface/ (https://www.esv.org/preface/)The Message: https://bibleversion.org/bible/versions/modern-english/the-message/the-message-2002-bible-preface/ (https://bibleversion.org/bible/versions/modern-english/the-message/the-message-2002-bible-preface/) Recommended Books: Bible Translations for Everyone--Tim Wildsmith

3. 

   17 Jul 2026

   Ep. 12 Why are There so Many Bible Versions?

   Why are there so many Bible translations? Why do they sound different? And who actually decides how the Bible gets translated? In this first episode of Word Nerd, we explore what Bible translations are, how translation committees work, the difference between formal and functional translation philosophies, and why you can trust your English Bible. Whether you've wondered which translation to choose or have never thought about the process behind them, this episode will give you a solid foundation for understanding the Bible you read every day. In this episode we'll discuss: • What a Bible translation is • Why translations differ • Formal vs. functional translation • Who translates the Bible • Why revisions and footnotes are actually encouraging Resources Mentioned: Daniel Wallace interview: https://youtu.be/06lUxsa0DZY?si=knjEv3vGYOrL-GyL (https://youtu.be/06lUxsa0DZY?si=knjEv3vGYOrL-GyL)

4. 

   10 Jul 2026

   Can There be Light Without the Sun? BENNETT BONUS #1

   Can there be light without the sun? Join Lily and Bennett as they explore a surprising connection between Genesis 1 and Revelation!

5. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Ep. 11 What is the Bible? Why the Bible is καταπληκτικός (Amazing)

   Join me today as we kick off a new type of episode! Most Christians own a Bible. Many read it regularly. But if someone stopped you and asked, “What is the Bible?” how would you answer? Is it one book or many? Who wrote it? Why do Christians believe it is God’s Word? And how should we approach it as we read? In this episode of Word Nerd, we’ll explore what the Bible is, how it came together, why Christians treasure it, and why it is so much more than just a collection of ancient books. We’ll also talk about humility, learning Scripture well, and why approaching God’s Word with an open heart matters. Plus, we’ll learn a Greek word that I hope I pronounced correctly. Ἡ Βίβλος εἶναι καταπληκτική.

6. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Ep. 10 Can you Trust your Heart? A Verse Study on Jeremiah 17:9

   Can we trust our hearts? Welcome to the first Verse Mosaic study! Instead of focusing on a single word, we’re taking a deep dive into one verse: Jeremiah 17:9. Together we’ll explore the context, compare translations, study key Hebrew words, examine cross-references, and discover what this passage teaches about the human heart, God’s perfect knowledge, and the hope of a transformed heart. Jeremiah 17:9 is one of the most quoted verses about the heart, but what did Jeremiah actually mean? Join me as we slow down, study the text carefully, and see what this passage reveals about God and ourselves. Scripture References: • Jeremiah 15:1–3 • Jeremiah 17:9–10 • Proverbs 4:23 • Ezekiel 36:26–28 • Mark 2:8–12 • Psalm 51:10 Downloads: • Work Along page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqjncTbGBSHPXlIOxxJxUS2lP9fgBvyj/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqjncTbGBSHPXlIOxxJxUS2lP9fgBvyj/view?usp=sharing) • Lev (Heart) Word Study Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKXj55uHSyNkRLAjvqKdS3j3fEw53i2v/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKXj55uHSyNkRLAjvqKdS3j3fEw53i2v/view?usp=sharing)

7. 

   9 Jun 2026

   Ep.9 Can Worship be More than Music? An Interview with Ms. Helen

   Can worship be more than music? Download the companion resource here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10i9tnuue6OJqbpVy0wacvuQFin44CARP/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/10i9tnuue6OJqbpVy0wacvuQFin44CARP/view?usp=sharing) In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily sits down with Helen to discuss what praise and worship look like beyond Sunday mornings. Together they explore the meaning of hallelujah, the importance of praising God for who He is rather than only for what He gives, and how worship can become a daily way of life. What if worship is more than a song we sing? What if it shapes our thoughts, words, and actions every day?

8. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Ep.8 Why Biblical Truth is More than Information

   Click here for a free study sheet to go along with this episode! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s77K4DmoLlAX2TFUCS8vzi-JL3GIr1cF/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s77K4DmoLlAX2TFUCS8vzi-JL3GIr1cF/view?usp=sharing) Follow us on Instagram @Wordnerdpodcast What does the Bible mean when it talks about truth? Is truth simply knowing the right facts, or is it something deeper? In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily explores the Hebrew word emet (אמת)—a word often translated as truth, but one that also carries the ideas of faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. Through biblical examples and word study, she examines how emet describes something firm and dependable rather than merely intellectually correct. Along the way, Lily looks at how emet is used throughout Scripture, its connection to faithfulness and trust, and why biblical truth is meant to shape the way we live. Rather than treating truth as information to collect, the Bible presents truth as something that calls for a response. If you’ve ever wondered why the biblical concept of truth feels deeper than our modern use of the word, or if you’re interested in Hebrew word studies and the original languages of Scripture, this episode is for you. Trust what’s true. Let it shape you

9. 

   18 May 2026

   Ep. 7 The Manuscripts Behind Your Bible: A Conversation with Noah Hawkins

   What are biblical manuscripts, and why do they matter for Christians today? In this episode of Word Nerd, Lily sits down with Noah Hawkins for a conversation about biblical manuscripts, textual transmission, papyrus fragments, and how the New Testament was preserved throughout history. Together, they discuss what manuscripts actually are, how scribes copied Scripture, why textual variants exist, and why these topics don’t have to shake our confidence in the Bible. Along the way, they explore common misconceptions about textual criticism, look at real manuscript evidence like Papyrus 48 (𝔓⁴⁸), and talk about why understanding the history behind your Bible can actually strengthen your faith rather than weaken it. If you’ve ever wondered how the New Testament survived for nearly two thousand years, what biblical manuscripts really are, or why scholars care so much about tiny fragments of papyrus, this episode is for you. During parts of the episode, we reference details visible on Papyrus 48 (𝔓⁴⁸), so you may want to pull up the image from the episode post while listening for the full Word Nerd experience. You can see it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x5Bow0BOj9KWxA--GeD3WllZKK0tzZ4h/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x5Bow0BOj9KWxA--GeD3WllZKK0tzZ4h/view?usp=sharing) Buy one of Noah's awesome replicas here! https://sacredtextreplicas.com/ (https://sacredtextreplicas.com/)

10. 

    28 Apr 2026

    Ep. 6 The Kind of Love There’s No English Word For

    Free Hesed study pages below! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptVmXaXrrpLtIMaHDk5T4CMiLpexI1hL/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptVmXaXrrpLtIMaHDk5T4CMiLpexI1hL/view?usp=sharing) What if one of the most important words in the Bible doesn’t have a direct English translation? In this episode, we’re diving into hesed, a Hebrew word often translated as love, but that barely scratches the surface. Hesed is loyal love, steadfast love, covenant love… it’s the kind of love that stays, gives, forgives, and acts even when it’s hard. We’ll break down what hesed really means, where we see it in Scripture, and what it looks like lived out in everyday life—from simple acts of kindness to costly obedience. Because this kind of love isn’t just something we understand, it’s something we live. Because, the Bible isn’t just something we read, it’s something we listen to and obey.

11. 

    18 Mar 2026

    Ep. 5 Talking Proverbs, Wisdom, and Life with My Dad

    “You can either learn from your own mistakes or learn from other people’s.” In this episode, I sat down with my dad to talk about Proverbs and why it’s one of the most practical books of the Bible. We talked about wisdom, applying what you learn, and how to avoid mistakes instead of repeating them, and about the fear of the Lord and what it actually means to grow in your relationship with God because knowing isn’t the goal, living it is. And Proverbs shows you how to actually do that in everyday life. Click below for a free download comparing the 3 types of fools in Proverbs! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gm7Dbnd9tTf9dUvPrEDI7ejYYevu6ME_/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gm7Dbnd9tTf9dUvPrEDI7ejYYevu6ME_/view?usp=sharing)

12. 

    10 Mar 2026

    Ep. 4 Evangelism: Logic, Love, and Living It

    Why should Christians evangelize—and how should we actually do it? In this episode of Word Nerds, Lily and Silas talk about the biblical foundation for evangelism and what it really looks like in everyday life. Starting with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and passages like Ezekiel 2–3, they discuss why sharing the gospel isn’t optional for believers, it’s a responsibility. But evangelism isn’t just about arguments or debates. It’s about character, wisdom, and truth. Lily and Silas explore how Christians should act while witnessing to others, including the importance of the fruit of the Spirit, balancing love with logic, and knowing when to emphasize kindness, evidence, or discussion depending on the person you’re talking to. They also talk about the difference between being nice and being kind, why it’s important to focus on the core truths of the gospel rather than secondary issues, and how passages like 1 Corinthians 9, James 2, and Matthew 10:16 guide the way Christians interact with people who believe differently. Whether you’re talking to a close friend, someone at school, or even a stranger you might only meet once, this episode looks at how love, wisdom, actions, and truth work together when sharing your faith. Challenge for the week: Talk about Jesus with someone—and ask yourself two questions: What would Jesus do? and How would I want to be treated? Referenced in Podcast: Tactics- Gregory Koukl Matthew 28:19–20 Ezekiel 2:1–3 Ezekiel 2:8 Ezekiel 3:17 James 2:14 James 2:2–4 James 2:16 James 3:1–2 Matthew 10:16 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 1 Corinthians 9:27 1 Corinthians 10:23–33

13. 

    6 Mar 2026

    Ep. 3 Did You Really Hear God? Understanding “Shema”

    What does it actually mean to “hear” God? In Deuteronomy 6, the Bible uses the Hebrew word shema — a word that doesn’t just mean listening, but responding with obedience. In this episode, we explore the Shema, one of the most important prayers in Scripture, and see how its meaning carries from the Old Testament all the way to Jesus’ teaching. We’ll look at what shema means in Hebrew, how it’s used across the Bible, and why real hearing always leads to action. This isn’t just about understanding a word — it’s about learning to live it. Here is a free Shema Cheat Sheet that goes along with this episode to help you study and remember what we covered: ⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTlK7u15eRRcvLZElWn-5bpxXMBKKd17/view?usp=sharing⁠ (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTlK7u15eRRcvLZElWn-5bpxXMBKKd17/view?usp=sharing)

14. 

    28 Jan 2026

    Ep. 2 Beyond the Verse: Reading the Bible Well

    How do you actually understand the Bible — not just read it? In this episode of Word Nerds, Lily and Silas dive into the words behind the Word. They talk about why context matters, how people can read the same verse and walk away with totally different meanings, and why the Bible wasn’t written in English in the first place. They break down what “context” really means, explain the difference between reading Scripture carefully versus reading it casually, and introduce beginner-friendly tools for studying Greek and Hebrew without feeling overwhelmed. Along the way, they look at verses that sound strange (or even funny) when taken out of context — and show why meaning changes when you slow down and read responsibly. If you’ve ever felt confused by the Bible, frustrated by conflicting interpretations, or curious about original languages and word studies, this episode is for you. If you want to go deeper, here's a list of Lily's favorite resources: How to Read the Bible for All its Worth- Gordon D Fee No More Boring Bible Study – Faith Womack Bible Knowledge Commentary Walvood & Zuch ( kinda expensive so just use free commentaries on Bible hub) Tyndale Bible Dictionary New Ungers Bible Dictionary Faith Womack’s YouTube channel (Bible nerd)

15. 

    21 Jan 2026

    Welcome To Word Nerd! Ep 1: A Word Study Every Word Nerd Should Know

    Free Word Study PDF We made a word study on shalom to go along with this episode. You can view or download it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKgS5YNCM1wLYdkPjjdTrmlwGRbkez9N/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKgS5YNCM1wLYdkPjjdTrmlwGRbkez9N/view?usp=sharing) Word Nerds is a podcast for teens who want to understand what the Bible actually says. In this episode, Lily explores the Hebrew word shalom—a word often translated as peace, but one that carries a much deeper meaning in Scripture. By looking at the original Hebrew, multiple biblical examples, and the context surrounding each passage, this episode shows why shalom is about more than calm or quiet. It points to wholeness, completeness, restoration, and the way God orders the world. From the Aaronic blessing in Numbers to stories in Genesis and 1 Samuel, Lily walks through how shalom functions in different contexts and why English translations can sometimes flatten meaning. The episode also introduces basic word-study tools, explains why context matters when reading the Bible, and highlights common mistakes people make when studying Hebrew and Greek words. Along the way, listeners are encouraged to engage Scripture thoughtfully, start small in their studies, and see how God’s peace is active—not passive—in both Scripture and everyday life.

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