Comments on: No Greek or Hebrew? A Tip

By: Jared

Jared — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:47:32 +0000

Having sat under Dr. Dale Wheeler at Multnomah Bible College, I really appreciate this. I truly value the time I spent under him, and, almost every day, he pounded this into us. He told the story of a first year Greek student who preached that a child wasn’t a person until it was grown because the Greek word (teknon) was neuter gendered.

I, too, am thoroughly irked by many modern teachers who take liberty with how they think we need to interpret words in the Greek they hardly understand themselves (mostly due to cultural, historical and literary context), like ekklesia and agape.

By: danonstuff

danonstuff — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:27:23 +0000

G’day there,

I’ve got to say that I’m really encouraged by your blog and your passion for promoting a high view of preaching. I’ll definitely be reading further posts…

As one trained in both greek and hebrew, I have struggled with issue in the past. It’s not just that I am in no way equal to the guys on the translation committees which publish our english versions, but using words like ‘literally’ or ‘the greek/hebrew word here’ can non-verbally communicate to those to whom we minister that they are unable to enjoy the depths of God’s word without a working knowledge of the original languages.

However, at times, while the translation captures the sense, it also obscures something else (e.g. 1 Sam 16:1 – the LORD sees a king for himself; most EVV go for chosen). Have you found any ways in bringing out this richness without undermining people’s confidence in their own reading of Scripture?

Keep up the good work

By: dalehill47

dalehill47 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:10:36 +0000

I agree with this sentiment thoroughly, as I have friends who have gone this way into controversial doctrines. The ‘literal meaning’ was their springboard.
A preacher/teacher would do well to invest his/her money in biblical translations for comparison of texts, rather than in original language tools. I am not against the use of Strong’s at all with that statement. The Hebrew/Greek Dictionary, however, has been used (misused?) by a multitude, most of whom are not skilled with the English language, let alone ‘original’ languages.
No, we would be better teachers if we could explain more simply what the Scripture says by making application to our modern life. This is most important for those of us who still use the King James Version, which has many archaic terms in our own tongue.
Let us become first and foremost masters of communication. Let us understand where our particular flock is in their comprehension and their ability to understand words. Let us help them to understand the words that they have before them, rather than try to change the words they already have difficulty with.
Dale
http://PracticalBibleTeaching.wordpress.com

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:59:57 +0000

Thanks, Peter.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s also important to remember that a ‘literal’ translation isn’t necessarily any better than an accurate, appropriate translation. ‘Literal’ translations can often completely obscure what is actually being said!

Assuming ‘literal’ is better, is like explaining to someone that ‘understand’ literally means to ‘stand under’ someone or something.

It doesn’t.