The Nunnally Institute of Hebraic Studies (NIHS) is a nonprofit organization based in Springfield, Missouri, dedicated to enhancing understanding of the Jewish backgrounds of the Bible, particularly focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus. The institute operates under the leadership of Dr. Wave Nunnally and Lacey Nunnally, with a mission to equip followers of Jesus to love, serve, and honor Him by deepening their comprehension of His words, religious practices, language, culture, and teaching methods[1][2].

Overview

NIHS provides a variety of educational opportunities such as Bible seminars held at churches, teaching videos on platforms including YouTube, and research publications designed for both Christian and Jewish audiences. The institute emphasizes immersive learning experiences and biblical scholarship that transform the way participants read and interpret Scripture, enabling them to hear Jesus’ words with enhanced clarity and purpose[2].

Programs and Projects

A key project of the Nunnally Institute is the "ACTS Commentary," a comprehensive 700-page scholarly work integrating references from the Dead Sea Scrolls, Rabbinic literature, Josephus, Philo, archaeology, and geography of ancient Israel. This commentary aims to illuminate the Jewish background of the book of Acts, serving pastors, small group leaders, and students of Scripture. The updated edition of the commentary is planned for release in 2025 in both digital and print formats, supported by fundraising efforts to cover publication costs[3].

Additionally, NIHS offers the Youth Hebrew Summer Intensive (YHSI), an experiential program designed to teach Modern and Biblical Hebrew in a context that connects language learning directly to scriptural application[3].

Leadership and Faculty

Dr. Wave Nunnally, a Professor of Early Judaism and Christian Origins at Evangel University since 2002, leads the institute. With extensive experience living, studying, and teaching in Israel since 1982, Dr. Nunnally brings deep expertise in biblical scholarship, specializing in courses such as Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, and Hebrew language studies[2][5].

Educational Impact

The institute’s teaching materials encompass a wide array of topics, including “The Genius of Jesus,” “Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus,” “Walking after the Rabbi,” the parables and miracles of Jesus, Jewish festivals, Hebrew names of God, and psalms of thanksgiving. These resources, including numerous teaching videos filmed on location in Israel, enrich the biblical knowledge of participants and foster a holistic appreciation of the Old and New Testament contexts[2].

Location and Recognition

Registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, the Nunnally Institute of Hebraic Studies operates out of Springfield, Missouri. It is recognized for its scholarly contributions and partnerships with churches, university campus ministries, retreats, and national conferences, serving a diverse community of learners seeking to deepen their understanding of biblical texts through Jewish cultural and historical lenses[2][4].

This comprehensive approach to biblical education positions the Nunnally Institute of Hebraic Studies as a significant resource for those interested in the intersection of Jewish tradition and Christian Scripture, promoting enriched study and faithful application of biblical teachings.