If so much of the bible gets lost in translation how do you have any clue about what its going on about?

Question

I mean so many questions asked here are answered
" Oh thats a problem with the translation God/Jesus didnt mean that."
How are you supposed to understand a book with so many contradictions, seriously?

Answer 1

Well, just how much of the Bible does get lost in translation? While having different translations can help refine the meaning of the passage, I don't think much if any "gets lost", actually. When someone uses the translation argument, I wouldn't normally pay too much attention. Another thing is understanding the passage in its Biblical context, as well as its socio-historic context (not meaning by the latter that it was true in a certain context and not true any more, but the socio-historic contgext can help us to understand the meaning of a passage).
EDIT:
I quickly scanned hmghost... 's answer - I don't think I would completely agree with his view on the Scriptures.
And whoever told him the New international Version was based on the Jehovah's Witness version was absolutely talking through his hat.

Answer 2

The way that Christians look at the Bible is that God did not write it. God inspired human beings, who took the message and laid it out in their own words. The specific words used, then, do not matter. What's important is the message behind them. That's why it's all right if it's translated into a thousand different languages and none of them is exactly like the original. The message, the central idea, still remains the same. Likewise, due to the many authors of the Bible, and due to the fact that it wasn't exactly meant to be a historical or scientific text, there are many contradictions in the Bible. Big deal. These contradictions don't affect the message of the Bible (love, in case you're wondering). If you're focusing on the specific translation and the factual inaccuracies, you've got the wrong idea.

Answer 3

Well, you can believe this One.....I doubt if you can find a contradiction here.


" You shall die in your sins if you believe not that I am He (the messiah)". - Jesus Christ

" I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life; no man can come to the Father except through me". -- Jesus Christ

The problem is you have no relationship with Jesus ...therefore you are not suppose to understand Scripture!
" The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God..for thye are foolishness unto him ...neither can he know them , for thye are spiritually discerned." -! Corin.

Answer 4

That's a good question. Being that the bible was written by 40 different men, and that the times have changed, things have been omitted and mistranslated, it sounds impossible to get anything right, but the message is still the same -- there is a God who loves you and Jesus died for you.

Answer 5

there are no contradictions in the bible, and with the help of the HOLY SPIRIT we can understand things in the bible that a carnal minded person may not understand. Spiritual things are foolishness to those who don't want to believe. So again, i say to you, if you are serious then get a good bible, pray, study, and get into a good bible preaching church and you will get some understanding, if you are not serious and your only intent is to make a meaningless point, then you might as well stop with these questions because they are never going to be answered to your satisfaction. because you are not really seeking truth, you are seeking to prove some kind of point to yourself.

Answer 6

For proper understanding of any sacred scripture we need to know one who understood the true meaning and essence of the teachings of the master. Our soul (the atman within us) always guides us on the right path.

If we have faith in Jesus Christ we need to trust his teachings. And whatever Jesus said was interpreted by many but the translation by any of his faithful followers needs to be trusted.

If you understand the gist of navkar mantra of jainism all would become clear to you.

Truly speaking, Navkar mantra encompasses within itself everything that is desired of a true prayer.

The first prayer of the Navkar mantra starts with "Namo Arihantanam" which means that our first prayer must be addressed to Arihanta... the stage when a human being manifests the end of spirituality. Becoming an Arihanta means one has reached the stage of Nirvikalpa Samadhi... the stage on the path of spirituality when one becomes enlightened after having gained kaivalya jnana. (One gains omniscience forever!)

The stage of Arihanta is one step before becoming a Siddha Purusha (liberated soul). Gaining enlightenment and finally salvation is the requisite of a Siddha Purusha. Every Siddha Purusha leaves the mankind forever after having gained salvation moksha in Hinduism. It is the final point of liberation for our Atman the soul within. For a Siddha Purusha there is no life after reaching the stage of salvation moksha. More here- http://www.godrealized.org/navkar_mantra_in_jainism.html

Answer 7

Ye he who is confused should seek the counsel of the Great Starfish in the Cosmic Ocean of time. Star Alms: 4-5

Answer 8

I believe we are to have faith like children and obey the bible to its fullest and believe and have faith that the holy spirit will guide us into all truth. I know for a fact there are books missing from the bible and its a scary thought but if you trust in god, he doesn't want you to parish, so he will show you the truth.

Answer 9

I depend on the spirit of God to confirm direct and guide me in my reading.

Answer 10

The love. It's the love that matters.

"I saw it! It's all about love!" --a man's last words, after coming out of unconsciousness, exclaiming his revelation to his friend, sitting beside him.