For those who speak more than one language know the difficulties in translating some words for they do NOT translate. Would it make more sense to learn the original language of a spiritual tradition or religion than to read the one that has been translated several times? Does anyone find it scary that modern man is making their own commentaries/remixes on them and then tell their children it is the same thing?
2007-07-12 02:07:12 · 9 answers · asked by Mo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To begin with I guess it would depend on what word of god is being translated and by whom. For example would a Buddhist be able to translate the word of Mohamed? Or would a Christian be able to translate the word of Buddha, if they didn't have a clear understanding of the original language? Also one would need to consider the the translators level of understanding of the language that any religious text was written in. Words and phrases have different meaning in different languages. Such as mate. In American English the word means a member of a boat crew, where as to the people of Australia it means good friend. This is very interesting question.
2007-07-12 02:19:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
It is good to have a working knowledge of the language and of the customs of the time as well. What we have here is a book that was written over a span of 3500 years which ended 2000 years ago on the other side of the world. There are there are many things in the Bible that we don't understand correctly because of either errors in translation, or our lack of understanding of the customs of the times when and where it was written.
The Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic languages often use figures of speech instead of sentence structure. Even the English language has changed over the past 400 years. Psalm 116:15 is seldom understood because people don’t know what “precious” meant in the year 1611.
There is an apparent contradictions between Mat 27:5 and Acts 1:18 because in our western culture when we think of a hanging, we think to be hung by the neck with a rope, but in eastern to hang oneself would be to impel oneself upon a sharp implement. A poor man would do so on a sharpened stick or the trunk of a small tree and would hang there.
We don't understand these things if we don't educate ourselves.
2007-07-12 11:30:55 · answer #2 · answered by Caveman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is helpful to know the original languages of the Bible, it is certainly not impossible to translate it meaningfully into other languages. In fact, this has been done over and over.
What helps is that the Bible is not composed of exalted philosophical concepts, but of simple, everyday matters and speech that are easy to comprehend. Even Biblical poetry can be understood through a knowledge of Biblical prose, and the context of the times.
The Word of God is for everyone, and as such, it is plain and relevant enough to be translated understandably in all the languages of mankind.
2007-07-12 09:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by בַר אֱנָשׁ (bar_enosh) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was translated for the less educated people to understand it. Reading the original language to people who don't speak that language won't help them. If you want to get the best translation, read different translations ex. New King James then the New American Standard Bible.
2007-07-12 09:24:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I believe if someone desires to learn the original language any text is written in, it would be better. When translating though, you dont lose the overall meaning of something, what you lose is certain emphasis and passion expressed through certain words. If I say "Corazon de fuego", in english it still means "heart of fire", but there is not much passion expressed in the english translation.
2007-07-12 09:25:44 · answer #5 · answered by LosingAllSanity VLOGS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure its good to remix it and reintroduce it. Its kinda like music. When a super hot song starts to fade off the charts ,they release a remix and re-release it to catch not only the fans that liked the original,but to appeal to a new vulnerable group.
2007-07-12 09:13:07 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Anyone who reads the bible in translation has no chance of understanding its real meaning, and has no authority to speak on it at all.
2007-07-12 09:10:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many have learned Hebrew and Greek for this very reason. I am personally acquainted with one such scholar, who tells me that most present-day English translations are substantially accurate.
2007-07-12 09:24:46 · answer #8 · answered by Clare † 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The English translation of Scripture is precise and accurate....
The original source came from the mouth of God.
So I trust it.......it is reliable.....and the Holy Spirit of God who lives & dwells within me confirms it as truth
2007-07-12 09:10:37 · answer #9 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋