Do you think the meaning of the Bible would be clearer in Greek or Hebrew?

Answer 1

I have a copy of the New Testament written in the Original Greek with a straight word for word translation below. It is harder to read but easier to understand. There are things in the KJV that are not (in my opinion) the best translation from the original Hebrew and Greek. Such as the 10 commandments. The commandment thou shall not kill, really translates better to thou shall not murder.
Dashes is referring to the Old Testament. The New Testament was written in Greek

Answer 2

If you are talking about the Old Testament, it would be in Aramaic.
However, even these translations cannot just be applied word for word. Some words have double meanings. Sometimes, even if a word in Aramaic is translated a modern day English word, its usage may have been slightly different. Then you may have to look at other words in the same sentence or paragraph to grasp the true context in which it is being used.

If it were the New Testament, it would be Greek. Once again, it's all about the context in which the words are being used. Plus, Greek may not be as ancient as Aramaic, but is still very complex. For instance, for one English word, there can be up to like 5 variants in Greek, depending on different circumstances.

Wish I could give exact examples, but can't off hand.

Answer 3

The Hebrew scriptures were written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek ( an early Matthew in Aramaic), and if you are expert in ancient Hebrew and Greek, I would say that the scriptures would be clearer in their respective original tongues. But for the average Joe, who barely has mastered English, he better stick with English (or whatever language he has barely mastered).

Answer 4

Just to clear things up, the OT was written primarily in Hebrew (with parts in Aramaic, such as portions of Daniel and Ezra and a sprinkling of "Aramaisms" in other portions). Aramaic was a later cognate language. The NT was written entirely in Koine Greek; evidence of an original Aramaic Matthew is actually a bit sketchy, based on a vague report by one of the Fathers whose name momentarily eludes me. It's certainly possible, but not conclusive. I have studied both. Both are extremely sophisticated and fascinating languages, in very different ways. But, yes, it's a truism that something is always lost in translation. Fortunately, there have been so many translations that we can be fairly certain the obvious mistakes are just that. . . obvious.

Answer 5

I've read some bits of the NT in Greek. And...wow. Greek has a lot more shades of meaning in a single word than English does...and there are a lot of things that could be translated differently. Very differently.

Answer 6

I sure do. theres so many words that were interpreted that lost there true meaning. its all thru the bible I can see it. one man King James had them change things around to suit them and him. not the actually truth. I look at the bible in a spiritual way and try to pray about things to allow me the truth.and it helps.I wish I could read it in the original words in the original language.Yes I really do.

Answer 7

Aramaic is the key, not Greek.

Answer 8

i assume you mean aramaic, not hebrew; but i'd go with that one. since it was first writen in that language, not greek.

Answer 9

yeah, i think that if you could read it that it would have more meaning. it is hard to translate something of that volume and not lose clarity in some parts.

Answer 10

Yeah, if you speak it.