People often argue over semantics and wording in the Bible, but it has been translated from Greek and Hebrew, to Latin, to Old English to English (let alone other translations in other languages). Given the amount of time and the cultural differences, entire concepts could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Let me a expound a bit into some modern references to this idea so that it is more clear.
Language defines our perceptions of the world, because it is our "ruler" for which we measure and describe our world. In one culture and language I read about recently, "Green" as we know it is actually a teal or greenish-blue to that culture. Were it dictated by a religious authority translated from another language that they are to hold some ceremony with a green candle, they would preform it wrong with a teal one.This, in essence, is that I am getting at. Not only has there been one language hop, but at least 4, 5 if you count old english. So whats the point in arguing over wording?
2007-02-27 03:55:40 · 7 answers · asked by neuralzen 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguishing_%22blue%22_from_%22green%22_in_language
2007-02-27 03:55:59 · update #1
Why argue over the wording instead of the message, that is.
2007-02-27 04:02:33 · update #2
Meaning is derived from wording, yes, but meaning as YOU understand it, not as how the authors intended it, or perceived it in their culture and language. We each live in our own "bubble" of meaning that is slightly different (or greatly!) from other peoples. This is simply what it is to be an individual. But the more time and space you throw in, the more skewed the difference between your understanding of a concept (modeled with your understanding of societies consensus reality) and the authors (modeled with their own very different consensus reality).
2007-02-27 04:08:25 · update #3
I'm sorry, but letting God guide your understanding doesn't seem like it would work because we have Free Will, therefore our choice of interpretation is our own.
2007-02-27 04:30:04 · update #4
But why argue over what kind of gift was given and instead be happy one was given at all! You say it defines how you are to view God, but it doesn't really matter in that you can still go to Heaven even if you don't have a clear concept of this gift. Debating it leads to separatism, and maybe even fighting (look at the Christian Snake Charmers...I realize it's an extreme example, but this is an extreme world).
2007-02-27 04:39:10 · update #5
I agree with you 100%. When people argue about the numbering system of the Ten Commandments or what actual words the angel Gabriel used to address the Virgin Mary I feel we are too focused on the trees as opposed to the forest.
2007-02-27 04:04:45 · answer #1 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only text inspired was the original documents.
The other texts we have are copies or translation or paraphrases.
I think we can trust for the most part the language professionals that have translated the text. But I am not sure I would depend solely on a paraphrase because opinions seep in.
Your right in that I think we got the gist of Christs sacrifice captured.
But there are theological implications based on wording that can have an impact on how you act.
For instance, some believe that Ephesians 2:8,9 say that the faith is the gift. Others say that the Grace is the gift. Big difference.
If you believe faith is a gift, then it can have an impact on how you view God.
My point...Dont just read, study. Use as many resources as you can to help you understand the real meaning behind the original text. Understanding the culture is huge. Understanding the context is huge.
2007-02-27 12:18:22 · answer #2 · answered by 10 Point Shoe-In 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you believe you believe to personal experience, history and faith.
Then you must read with an open heart and try to rid yourself of preconceived notions. Allow God to guide you. While the details may vary I believe God has preserved the basic tenants of his word in the bible.
But you are certianlly right about the loss or mistranslation of many words. We are responsible to do the best we can in finding the meanings.
I like look at historical context, and the meaning as applied to the original readers and the meanings of word and how they were translated too. I may debate over the meaning of something but I am willing to admit that I may not be right either. I respect the other persons point of view.
2007-02-27 12:13:10 · answer #3 · answered by G's Random Thoughts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But the wording IS the meaning. If it has been mistranslated many times how can anyone know what it originally said?
2007-02-27 12:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Each to their own but i prefer to read it in modern English text so i have a NIV version. The content is the same anyway.
2007-02-27 12:15:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The wording does not matter as long as the meaning remains the same
2007-02-27 12:00:54 · answer #6 · answered by PREACHER'S WIFE 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
exactly.
Not to mention that more than a few of these translations were by biased groups.
2007-02-27 12:03:09 · answer #7 · answered by Brundige 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋