What is Paul's Handkerchief?

Paul's Handkerchief combines the latest in biblical scholarship alongside 'coffee with Jesus' activities to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery of our Bibles.

What is the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge?

Few people who start reading the Bible ever finish it. The cover-to-cover challenge is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You will also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement each time.

What is Coffee with Jesus?

Having a coffee with Jesus is about spending quality time with Him. It isn't just Bible study, but a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. The devotionals, quizzes, crosswords and journaling are all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.

What is the F.O.G. Bible Project?

Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G. Bible Project exists to change that: three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Paraphrase, and F.O.G. Family), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance. It is Jean Paul Joseph's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.

Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G. Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars to produce resources designed for falling in love with the Word.

How do I get started?

Join the club, pick a Bible translation and a reading style that fits you, and you're in. From there, the app tracks your progress and helps keep you showing up — day after day, chapter after chapter.

How do I use this website?

This website has three main areas: the Cover-to-Cover Bible Challenge, Coffee with Jesus, and Study Guides. The Challenge helps you finish the Bible, Coffee with Jesus helps you fall in love with Him, and the Study Guides deepen your understanding of what the Word meant in its original context. To open the study features, simply click a verse in the Bible or select Library in the top navigation.

How much should I read each day?

That's up to you, but we recommend starting with a manageable goal and building up as the habit forms. One or two chapters a day is a great place to start, and three chapters a day will take you through the Bible in a year. If you want full immersion, the 6-Track plan lets you read up to six chapters a day across different sections of Scripture at once.

I prefer reading a physical Bible. What do I do?

We agree, and our goal is to eventually offer F.O.G. Bibles in print. In the meantime, you can read from a physical Bible and still use this website to track your progress and access the study features.

What is the 6-Track Bible reading plan?

The 6-Track plan has you read up to six chapters a day from six different sections of Scripture at the same time. It's adapted from Professor Grant Horner's method, and within eight months you'll read the whole Bible at least once, with parts like the Gospels and Psalms read more than once. It's built for deep immersion and takes about half an hour a day. You don't have to read six chapters daily, but if you choose this plan, we recommend at least three. You can also choose another plan on this website, such as the chronological option.

How do XP and ranks work?

Every activity earns you XP, which moves you through seven Hebrew ranks: Talmid, Mechoker, Maskil, Sofer, Moreh, Chacham, and Zaken. Each is named after a biblical word for going deeper into the Word. Beyond Zaken, five gem tiers await: Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond. Each gem is added to your profile once you reach it.

How do I earn my Certificate of Completion?

You'll receive your certificate when you mark the final chapter of your cover-to-cover Bible Challenge as read. It's generated automatically and added to your profile. Free members receive a digital copy, while patrons receive an archival-quality certificate mailed to their door, ready for framing. You earn a new certificate every time you finish the Bible on this website.

How does patronage work?

A one-time gift of any amount earns you the Giver badge and a trial of RabbAI: 3 months, or 12 months for gifts of $50 or more. An active monthly gift of any amount earns you the Patron badge and keeps your RabbAI access going for as long as the gift continues. Give $50 and you'll receive a certificate mailed to your door when you complete the cover-to-cover Bible Challenge. Give $100 and you can sponsor a verse or page of your choice on this website. Your gift fuels this ministry, and we're grateful for your support.

G4706 (σπουδαιότερον)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4706
Original Word: σπουδαιότερον
Transliteration: spoudaióteron
Pronunciation: spoo-dah-yot'-er-on
Part of Speech: adjective
Root / Etymology: neuter of G4707 (σπουδαιότερος) as adverb;
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1360

Where it appears

Loading distribution…

Definition

Strong 1890 more earnestly than others), i.e. very promptly

very diligently

neuter of G4707 (σπουδαιότερος) as adverb;

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4706: The comparative form of σπουδαῖος, meaning "more diligent" or "more earnest." In New Testament usage, it emphasizes an increased level of earnestness or diligence, particularly in contexts of Christian service and ministry, showing intensified commitment and zeal.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπουδαιότερον represents an intensified form of earnestness and diligence, expressing a heightened level of commitment and zeal. As the comparative form of σπουδαῖος, it indicates not just regular diligence but an exceptional or increased earnestness. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where Paul commends those showing extraordinary dedication to ministry and service. Early church fathers used this comparative form to describe exemplary instances of Christian devotion. Today, it challenges believers to go beyond basic commitment to demonstrate exceptional earnestness in their faith and service.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: σπουδαιότερον, spoudaioteron, spoo-dai-OT-er-on
Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + oo (as in food) + dai (as in die) + ot (as in hot) + er (as in her) + on (as in on)
Part of Speech: Adjective (comparative)

Etymology:

From σπουδαῖος (spoudaios) - earnest, diligent
-τερος (-teros) suffix - forms comparative adjectives
Additional -ον (-on) neuter ending

D - Defining Meanings

More earnest
More diligent
More zealous
With greater eagerness

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a comparative form

Translation Options:

"More earnestly" - emphasizes increased sincerity
"With greater diligence" - stresses heightened effort
"More zealously" - highlights intensified commitment

E - Exploring Similar Words

σπουδαῖος (spoudaios) [spoo-DAY-os] - the positive form meaning "earnest" - See G4705
σπουδαιοτέρως (spoudaioterōs) [spoo-dai-ot-ER-ose] - more diligently (adverbial form) - See G4707
τάχιον (tachion) [TAKH-ee-on] - more quickly, comparative form indicating urgency - See G5032

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

For this comparative adjective:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular
Gender: Neuter
Declension: Second declension (comparative form)

Examples:

Finish the Bible

Get Your Certificate

Give a gift of $50 or more and receive a certificate, mailed to your door.

Archival-quality print — ready for framing

Positive: σπουδαῖος (earnest)
Comparative: σπουδαιότερον (more earnest)
Used adverbially: σπουδαιοτέρως (more earnestly)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing increased commitment. Thayer's notes its comparative force in moral earnestness. LSJ documents classical usage showing degrees of diligence. Vine's highlights its application to Christian service. Strong's connects it to intensified effort. LEH traces comparative forms in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in expressing exceptional dedication.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 8:22: "And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent [σπουδαιότερον], because of the great confidence which we have in you."

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Isocrates: Antidosis	"The students became more earnest [σπουδαιότερον] in their studies after seeing the rewards."
Plato: Laws	"The guardians must be more diligent [σπουδαιότερον] than others in protecting the city."
Xenophon: Cyropaedia	"Cyrus showed himself more zealous [σπουδαιότερον] in pursuing excellence than his peers."

N - Noteworthy Summary

σπουδαιότερον challenges us to grow in our earnestness for the King's work. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah's service calls forth increasing levels of commitment and devotion from His followers. This comparative form reminds us that Christian growth involves continually deepening our earnestness and zeal for God's kingdom.

D - Did You Know?

The comparative form was often used in letters praising exceptional service
It appears in ancient Greek athletic contexts describing intensified training
Early church documents used it to describe increasing devotion during persecution

Part of speech: Adjective (comparative)

Tags: comparative, earnestness, diligence, growth, increased-commitment, zeal, Christian-service, ministry, dedication, spiritual-growth, progressive-sanctification, devotion, intensity, Christian-character, exceptional-service

The Coffee Club Explained.

CERTIFICATE

Your Name Here