Do Jews and Christians read the original version of their scripture instead of translation?

Question

Translations can take away from the meaning of the original text.

Answer 1

SOmetimes when you tranlsate it won't take away the meaning! But i wish the bible was in an original language! Maybe GreekAs for the Jews, they read in Hebrew!

Answer 2

There are people out there who can read either Greek or Hebrew, sometimes both. But most people don't have the time to learn theses languages and so rely on translations.

But what many don't realize, they don't have to know these languages in order to use a concordance. I know a little Hebrew myself and no Greek at all, but with the use of a concordance, its not a hinderance.

But I do agree about translations, much meaning can be lost in the translation. Not all versions are true, but some are better than others. Ones like NASB and KJV are always good though not perfect. The NIV - horrible! Stay away at all costs!

Answer 3

Having spent a considerable amout of time with the family of my first wife, who was Jewish, and most are quite conversant with the original language of the Torah, in fact part of their formal education is the learing of the Hebrew language as much of the religious practice is conducted in that language.

As for christians, most are certain that the word of God is unchanging and that translations don't change the meaning of the text. This is, of course, in complete opposition to the way language works. That being said, most have NOT read the bible in its original languages, most would not even take the time to learn the languages to do so as they do not see it as being necessary. The first five books of the Old Testament were written on Hebrew. The rest was originally written in Greek, same with the New Testament, since at the time Greek was seen as the language of the educated. AFTER the conversion of Rome to Christianity the entire bible was translated into the Official language of the Holy Roman Empire, the language we all know now as Latin. So in order for a Christian to read the bible in its original languages they would have to learn all three languages (Hebrew, Greek and Latin). And simply put they just don't see the point. Too bad too, because the information lost in translation is worth knowing.

Answer 4

Very few people would be able to read the original scriptures, as they were written in various languages, including ancient Greek, Aramaic, Latin etc.

You're right though, some of the original meanings have probably been lost via mis-translations, either accidental or deliberate.

Answer 5

most religious jews read hebrew (and some aramaic) so we read the scriptures in the original.
I have only met like 3 christians in my life who speak hebrew, so I don't see how they can study the "OT" in the original. (its actually rather funny, considering some of hte common and gross mistranslations in christian bibles.)

Answer 6

My Hebrew is rusty and my Aramaic is even worse, but I am learning and getting better bit by bit.

Answer 7

We Jews do.

Answer 8

Yes, I know.