without understanding ancient Hebrew or Koine Greek?
2007-02-12 08:02:22 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it is possible overall, if you have an English translation that takes into account ancient copies of the Bible (and even fragments of Scriptures) that were found in modern times.
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and some Aramaic. It is generally accepted that the New Testament was written in common Greek (in a somewhat Semitic way). Some have suggested that some of the original books in the New Testament might have been in Aramaic too before the Greek translations. Sometimes it is noticeable that the language that Jesus actually spoke (Aramaic) is used at times when he is quoted in the New Testament, even in English translations of the Bible. Some people mistake these as quotations in Hebrew when they are actually in Aramaic.
Back to your main question: Yes, I think you can understand the Bible if you know the version you are reading was at least partly relying on ancient versions found in modern times, and the translators and Bible scholars were reputable.
2007-02-12 09:55:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, in that case you would have to depend on those who do understand.
I think I have a certain understanding of the Scriptures, but I am not continually reading them in Hebrew or Greek. I have at times studied the New Testament in Greek, but for many years I have been reading in a modern language (the one I happen to be using at the time. At present it is French). When I have doubts, I compare translations. Those translators have a much better knowledge of Greek than I can ever hope to have.
Some time aI should get back into my Greek though. Hebrew too.
2007-02-12 08:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All scripture was written in Hebrew. Therefore if we can't gain what we need from a translation, we are all lost. By comparing different translations, then occasionally going to Strong's lexicon to look up the range of meanings of significant words... and most especially by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us so we will be able to do those things pleasing to YHVH.-- Yes! The Messiah has promised that if we choose to do His will, we will understand the "doctrine".
2007-02-12 08:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Get the book "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" by Rick Renner.
This guy does it every day.
Not a plug, just an answer to your question.
2007-02-12 08:05:55 · answer #4 · answered by DanjoHart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
And as with all ancient languages, there are obscurities there which make ANY translation a matter of opinion. Sometimes we simply *don't know* what a word means, exactly.
2007-02-12 08:07:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. Any translation of any text always loses the depth of the original as there are always words and concepts that do not translate well.
2007-02-12 08:05:55 · answer #6 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes to the words ...the Life Styles ???
2007-02-12 08:06:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not completely. some things, we will never understand.
2007-02-12 08:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not possible.
2007-02-12 08:05:27 · answer #9 · answered by mphermes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋