Which Bible?

Which Bible? Brad Reiches Nov 27 2006 01:07AM Monday, November 27, 2006 GodThoughtsWired! "Which Bible?" "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matterof ones own interpretation..." 2 Peter 1:20 About once a week, somebody asks me, "Which Bible translation do you use?"*  Over time that question has resulted in alot of duplicate e-mails, so it finally ocurred to me that it might be worthwhile to publish my answer so...Here it is!  I highly recommend the NASB (New American Standard).  In my opinion, along with the vast majority of true Bible scholars, this is the best of the English, "literal word for word" translations.  This is what I read, study, and preach from.  All GodThoughtsWired! verses are NASB unless otherwise noted. Additionally, I would HIGHLY recommend what is called, The Comparative Study Bible, put out by Zondervan.  It is expensive, but well worth it.  It includes the KJV, NASB, NIV and Amplified versions all in one book.  It give you a marvelous comparison of the differences between these translations.  With this Bible, you can study from the NASB, and at the same time see how the other translations differ. *A Final Very Important Note:  Twenty-First Century, "Seeker-sensitive Christianity" has popularized the use of many different translations.  Dr. Rick Warren, in his highly acclaimed and extremely influential book, "The Purpose Driven Church," encourages all pastors to "read scripture from a newer translation" (p. 297).  He further states in his even more popular book, "The Purpose Driven Life," "It is always helpful to compare translations" (p. 325).  THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TEACHING!  Let me explain.  In "The Purpose Driven Life," Warren uses 15 different translations.  Among them he quotes from "The Message" approximately 98 times.  In almost every case he begins the quote with, "The Bible says."  The problem with this, of course, is that "THE MESSAGE" IS NOT THE BIBLE!  Read what Dr. Eugene Peterson, the author of "The Message," has to say about his own work:  -"The goal is not to render a word-for-word of Greek into English, but rather to convert the tone, the rythm, the events, the ideas into the way we actually speak" (The Message, Introduction, p. 7). -"In a congregation where somebody uses it in the Scripture reading, it makes me uneasy...I would never recommmend it to be used as, "hear the Word of God from the Message."  It surprises me how many do...I like to hear the more formal languages from the pulpit...I did the Beatitudes in about 10 minutes" (Christianity Today, December 23, 2002, bold mine). Can you believe what you're reading today?  The actual author of "The Message" "would never recommend it" being used as the Bible because he knows that it is NOT THE BIBLE, nor did he ever intend for it to be used in place of the Bible.  "The Message" is a useful commentary.  It is really good in some passages and not very good in many others, and NEVER THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.  Yet, Dr. Warren uses it as the Bible and has influenced thousands of other pastors to do the same.  The true word of God WARNS against this kind of irreverent approach to God's word (see Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19).  The reality is that in this day and age the average local Christian book store carries tens of different versions, translations, paraphrases, word for word, thought for thought or "dynamic equivalency" (huhh?), ALL OF WHICH CLAIM TO BE Bibles.  What is also true is that some are excellent representatives of the word of God, while others are...NOT!. So, rather than teaching, "It is always helpful to compare translations," a statement that I believe is dangerous, misleading and WRONG the way Warren practices it, I believe it far more prudent and appropriate to say, "It CAN be an excellent practice to compare SOME of the highly respected translations for the purpose of discerning what God originally said." That's what I do.

The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 3

The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 3

Brad Reiches

Nov 22 2006 10:31PM

I originally published this series December 8-13, 2005.  Because it was published prior to our transition to InJesus.com, it has not previously been available in our archives.  Since December of last year God has added to our numbers dramatically and it is my desire (and I believe "leading of the Holy Spirit") to now make it available to the thousands of our new subscribers, as well as a permanent online resource for the body of Christ at large.  Since the original publication, I've received meaningful testimonies from many pastors and Bible study leaders that the influence of this study has been widespread and significant, even to the extent of influencing the choice of Bible translations.  May our Lord continue to "cause the voice of My authority to be heard," and "Watch over My word to perform it."

Pastor Brad

        

Thanksgiving Day,  2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"The Single Most Significant Word

in the Entire Old Testament!"

PART 3

NASB:  "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice."

NIV:  "I delight in mercy, not sacrifice."

Hosea 6:6

Did you pick up on the difference between the "paraphrased" (thought for thought) NIV:  "I desire mercy, not sacrifice..." and the literal translation:  NASB:   "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice..."  The difference between "mercy" and "loyalty" is RADICAL.  The meaning, and therefore, our understanding of Hosea 6:6 is RADICALLY ALTERED by the Bible we choose to read from.  Is the NIV wrong?  Well, no, not technically.  The problem is,

"No word-for-word translation can be fully 'literal' and still express

 all the nuances of the original language.   Rather, the purpose is to help the reader find the English word which most correctly expresses

the original Hebrew word in that particular context."

-The Complete Biblical Library, Old Testament Study Bible, Daniel-Malachi, p. 7

I would argue that, although both translations are "technically" correct, only one translation is the "inspired word of God."  If "word-for-word" (i.e. New American Standard, NASB) translations have difficulty identifying the "richness" of the Hebrew language, how much more the "paraphrased" (i.e. New International Version, NIV), or (thought for thought) versions.  As we have seen, it is "technically correct" to include "mercy" in the meaning of hesed, but as we are about to see, "mercy" COMPLETELY MISSES the author's intended meaning as understood by the book of Hosea itself, and the specific context of Hosea 6: 1-7.  Indeed, this context clearly shows us that God's concern is with our lack of faithfulness, and/or devotion, and/or loyalty.  Further, the book of Hosea is all about FAITHFULNESS AND DEVOTION AND LOYALTY.

"Go and learn what Hosea 6:6 means" (Matthew 9:13; 12:7)*  -Jesus

And that's exactly what we're doing!  Isn't this fun?  "Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding" (Proverbs 10:23).

*A Curious note:  When you go back to the book of Matthew and reflect on this study of translations, the context of Matthew 12:7 is clear that the best rendering is "loyalty or faithfulness."  However, a close look at the context of Matthew 9:13 certainly seems to allow for a rendering of "compassion, or mercy," nontheless, the one constant in both of these passages is the contrast that Jesus is making with "sacrifice."  The Bible contrasts loyalty and faithfulness and obedience, with "sacrifice,"  throughout scripture (see also, 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; Jeremiah 7:22-23), but the contrast between mercy/compassion with "sacrifice" makes little sense.

Buy Postage The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 3

Buy Postage The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 3

Brad Reiches

Nov 22 2006 10:31PM

I originally published this series December 8-13, 2005.  Because it was published prior to our transition to InJesus.com, it has not previously been available in our archives.  Since December of last year God has added to our numbers dramatically and it is my desire (and I believe "leading of the Holy Spirit") to now make it available to the thousands of our new subscribers, as well as a permanent online resource for the body of Christ at large.  Since the original publication, I've received meaningful testimonies from many pastors and Bible study leaders that the influence of this study has been widespread and significant, even to the extent of influencing the choice of Bible translations.  May our Lord continue to "cause the voice of My authority to be heard," and "Watch over My word to perform it."

Pastor Brad

        

Thanksgiving Day,  2006

GodThoughts Wired!

"The Single Most Significant Word

in the Entire Old Testament!"

PART 3

NASB:  "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice."

NIV:  "I delight in mercy, not sacrifice."

Hosea 6:6

Did you pick up on the difference between the "paraphrased" (thought for thought) NIV:  "I desire mercy, not sacrifice..." and the literal translation:  NASB:   "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice..."  The difference between "mercy" and "loyalty" is RADICAL.  The meaning, and therefore, our understanding of Hosea 6:6 is RADICALLY ALTERED by the Bible we choose to read from.  Is the NIV wrong?  Well, no, not technically.  The problem is,

"No word-for-word translation can be fully 'literal' and still express

 all the nuances of the original language.   Rather, the purpose is to help the reader find the English word which most correctly expresses

the original Hebrew word in that particular context."

-The Complete Biblical Library, Old Testament Study Bible, Daniel-Malachi, p. 7

I would argue that, although both translations are "technically" correct, only one translation is the "inspired word of God."  If "word-for-word" (i.e. New American Standard, NASB) translations have difficulty identifying the "richness" of the Hebrew language, how much more the "paraphrased" (i.e. New International Version, NIV), or (thought for thought) versions.  As we have seen, it is "technically correct" to include "mercy" in the meaning of hesed, but as we are about to see, "mercy" COMPLETELY MISSES the author's intended meaning as understood by the book of Hosea itself, and the specific context of Hosea 6: 1-7.  Indeed, this context clearly shows us that God's concern is with our lack of faithfulness, and/or devotion, and/or loyalty.  Further, the book of Hosea is all about FAITHFULNESS AND DEVOTION AND LOYALTY.

"Go and learn what Hosea 6:6 means" (Matthew 9:13; 12:7)*  -Jesus

And that's exactly what we're doing!  Isn't this fun?  "Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding" (Proverbs 10:23).

*A Curious note:  When you go back to the book of Matthew and reflect on this study of translations, the context of Matthew 12:7 is clear that the best rendering is "loyalty or faithfulness."  However, a close look at the context of Matthew 9:13 certainly seems to allow for a rendering of "compassion, or mercy," nontheless, the one constant in both of these passages is the contrast that Jesus is making with "sacrifice."  The Bible contrasts loyalty and faithfulness and obedience, with "sacrifice,"  throughout scripture (see also, 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; Jeremiah 7:22-23), but the contrast between mercy/compassion with "sacrifice" makes little sense.

The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 2

The Single Most Important Word in the Entire Old Testament! Pt. 2
Brad Reiches
Nov 21 2006 11:02PM

I originally published this series December 8-13, 2005.  Because it was published prior to our transition to InJesus.com, it has not previously been available in our archives.  Since December of last year God has added to our numbers dramatically and it is my desire (and I believe "leading of the Holy Spirit") to now make it available to the thousands of our new subscribers, as well as a permanent online resource for the body of Christ at large.  Since the original publication, I've received meaningful testimonies from many pastors and Bible study leaders that the influence of this study has been widespread and significant, even to the extent of influencing the choice of Bible translations.  May our Lord continue to "cause the voice of My authority to be heard," and "Watch over My word to perform it." 

Pastor Brad

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Wednesday, November 22,  2006

GodThoughts Wired! 

 

"The Single Most Significant Word

in the Entire Old Testament!"

PART 2

OK!  Here we go!  Jesus starts us off by challenging us to, "go and learn what this means:" (Matthew 9:13; 12:7)

"I delight in loyalty (hesed) rather than sacrifice..."

Hosea :6:6a

The key to the beginning of our understanding Hosea 6:6 is the Hebrew word, "hesed."* In my opinion, it is "The Single Most Significant Word in the Entire Old Testament."  Mentioned 245 times, "hesed" carries with it some of the richest meaning in the Hebrew language.

Hesed:*  "devotion, grace, mercy, compassion, steadfast/unchanging love, loyalty, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, lovingkindness."

In regard to the Old Testament usage of the word hesed, it is imperative to carefully note the context in order to best understand the author's intended emphasis of meaning.  The Hebrew language can be so rich that the same word can slightly differ in meaning dependent on the context.**

In certain instances, and in light of its eternal significance,

 it is nothing short of tragic (in my opinion), 

the way certain paraphrased versions of the Bible

have "botched" the translation of  the word, "hesed."
-Pastor Brad

Here are some paraphrased "debacles:"

NIV:  "I desire mercy, not sacrifice..."

THE MESSAGE:  ^"I'm after love that lasts, not more religion..."

NEW LIVING:  ^"I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices..."

And then the more precise "word for word"** translations:

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD:  "I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice..."

ENGLISH STANDARD:  "I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice..."

CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH:  "I'd rather for you to be faithful and to know me than to offer sacrifices."

As we continue to DIG DEEPLY into this issue, be reminded  "The secrets of the Lord are for those who fear Him..." (Psalm 25:14a).

*sometimes rendered, "chesedh."

** "No word-for-word translation can be fully 'literal' and still express all the nuances of the original language.  Rather, the purpose is to help the reader find the English word which most correctly expresses the original Hebrew word in that particular context." -The Complete Biblical Library, Old Testament Study Bible, Daniel-Malachi, p. 7.

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