Why is the interpertation of the Bible different from literal English?

Answer 1

The Bible is a written Literary work of Old Hebrew and Old Greek Poetry known as Parallelism.
Since this writing is based on Parallelism it is written in an art form. The artist uses the resourses of language as a painter uses color and texture to show pictures or concepts: then places these words in parallel structures. Repetition is seen throughout these books and is a mark of this poetic form.

This type of art form presents concepts: a character name bears a meaning and sets the standard for the picture being presented in the story. Look for double meanings such as: the name Dan is a pun meaning, cost: it is like naming a child Bill for the cost of the hospital bill. Look for double meanings throughout the stories, words and concepts.

We are all familiar with the story of the ugly duckling. We know the tale is about a child rather than a duck. The story is a parallel or parabel, one thing laid side of another and point for point the meaning is matched. This is concept poetry.

While language changes over time, words take on different signficance with each new generation, concepts told in stories seem to remain stable.

Parallelism is mostly written in prose rather than meter.
The Old Testament is Old Hebrew poetry and the New Testament seems to be Old Greek Poetry, [The Passion Play] * but all is set down in Parallelism. It is the form that says this is poetry.

There are four basic elements in writing:
Fiction and Drama
1. character 2. plot 3. atmosphere 4. theme
Essay
1. subject 2. thesis/statement 3.argument
4. conclusion

Poetry
1. Typographical [ What does it look like? ]
2. Sonic [ What is the sound?]
3. Sensory [It harangues.]
4. ideational [it evokes empathy.]


This change of focus on the resources of language creates the difference of interpretation that you asked about.

A fifth element known as fusion belongs to all types and answers the question "What effect does the story have?" For instance the four Gospels effect is seen in Acts. Also the effect of the Torah is seen in Deuteronomy. This is the fifth element or the second law.

*The Passion Play is a tetralogy: a group of four dramatic pieces presented consecutively on the Attic stage at Dionysiac festival. Matthew , Mark, Luke and John.

Though this is a play, it is written in the form Parallelism.

Answer 2

When translating from one language to the next the literal translation often does not express the idea of the text. Sometimes it's necessary to expand on the meaning of a word to make it clear in English. The Hebrew and Greek languages are more pictorial, meaning the words were designed to generate a mental picture. English is a more exact language where descriptive words are required.

Answer 3

Sometimes it's hard because of the different languages.
For example in the greek there are many different words for "love". In English there's the one.
Is this what you mean? The Translation?
†

Answer 4

Not sure if you're asking about 'interpretation' or 'translation'
.
Some translations of the bible - particularly the King James - were written ages ago and not in modern day english.

Answer 5

Because it is only translated in English. It suffices for the most part, but to delve into the Hebrew and Greek of it is to understand it's meanings and concepts better.

Answer 6

the meanings of words evolve...
bad means good
cool means hot
hot means cool
up means north
down means south
language is not static except for dead languages-like Latin-because over time we evolve.
some words that used to have meaning no longer do because we simply don't know--what is a Leviathan anyway?
now a leaches are almost never used in medicine but it used to be a relied upon medical practice to get your "humors" in balance
antibiotics were unheard of 2000 years ago, MAGIC was miracle 2000 years ago

Answer 7

I have a better question... what on earth do you mean?