Complete Translation!

It can be challenging to translate something from one language to another. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right word to adequately express a concept contained in the word of one language to precisely convey the same idea in another. Exegesis is done on words of the Bible in an attempt to find the way they were originally used (or were being used at the time of the writing) in order to better understand what the writer was trying to get across. To understand the original meaning helps in properly applying the concept to life today. When we understand that Jesus spoke in Aramaic, that the Gospels were written in Greek and then we read those words in English, perhaps we wonder about the PRESERVATION of the original meaning. Between English translations of the Bible there is often variation in wording or phrasing and sometimes quiet markedly so. Though I do not consider all translations of equal quality, often keeping the context of the passage in mind and not allowing it to overshadow other Scripture -- but rather seeing how all of Scripture fits together -- we can generally come away with a clear understanding of the truth being conveyed.

Perhaps what we need to be most concerned about is whether or not the “complete translation” is being PRESERVED in our life. To spend time daily reading through the Scriptures is definitely a good thing. Being able to give Biblical responses to questions relating to God’s Word is also excellent. However, we have fallen far short of “complete translation” when we fail to PRESERVE the true meaning in the manner in which we live.

As Jesus was confronted with some who would not accept Him and the message He preached, He noted…
“(39) YOU SEARCH the Scriptures because YOU THINK that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, (40) yet YOU REFUSE TO COME TO ME that you may have life.” ( John 5:39-40 ESV)

In the pursuit of attaining eternal life they searched the Scriptures. They were well studied. They knew what the Scriptures said. They were familiar with the Law and thought their knowledge would bring them to eternal life. However, they did not allow that knowledge to move them toward the One who came to provide their eternal salvation. Jesus went on to state that if they believed Moses, they would believe Him because Moses had written about Him. ( John 5:46)

Remember Jesus’ exhortation toward translating the word to life.
“Everyone then who HEARS THESE WORDS OF MINE AND DOES THEM will be like a WISE man who built his house on the rock.” ( Matthew 7:24 ESV)

How does our life read? Have the Scriptures lost something in translation between the written page and the manner in which we live? What will others learn if our life happens to be the only Bible they read? Reading to gain a knowledge of the Scriptures is important, but there is a sense in which we need to read to be read! If people are able to begin to read us like a book, may it be God’s Book. As Jesus’ walk on earth was as “the Truth” ( John 14:6) and the “Word” in the flesh ( John 1:14) may we strive to share that likeness as His disciples.

Have a great day LIVING AS EXCELLENT READING MATERIAL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Living