Bible Reading Tip #6 Translation Help

Posted on by Matthew Laker

What is the best bible translation to use?

This is a question that often comes up as people study the bible.bible and church

I remember the first time I realized that Jesus probably did not speak to the disciples in the same language in which they wrote the letters of the New Testament. Translation was already taking place, but I believe guided by the Holy Spirit. It was not as cut and dry as perhaps I once thought.

Translating from one language to another is not easy work.

Ken Schenck, Dean and Professor of New Testament at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, writes:

“There is no one correct translation from one language to another. Look at an interlinear. The word order is different from one language to another. The possible range of meanings for words and phrases from one language to another is different, meaning that all translation involves interpretation. You should use multiple translations to get a better sense of the possible meanings and issues of the original. Fallacies: words do not have just one meaning (one meaning fallacy) or one core meaning that plays itself out in every instance of the word (lexical fallacy).” (http://kenschenck.blogspot.ca/2015/01/biblical-paradigm-shifts-1.html)

There is great challenge in translation, but not enough challenge we can’t understand it. We do need to have some grace for the challenge of translation.

I can only speak English, but my French speaking friends have informed me the difference in words used as one translates. For example, on products people are selling or printed material handed out by the city. In translating, one wants to point in the same direction, but one cannot translate word for word from one language to another.

Canadian Bible Society Translation Director, Hart Wiens, gives some pointers as well:

He writes:

“ No one translation that is perfect or best for everyone…”

“As one who has spent my life working in Bible translation I know how often it is impossible to find one way to render the rich and varied message of a Hebrew or Greek text in the Bible. For my own study and meditation, I enjoy reading the Bible in a variety of versions because I find that each one helps to bring the message to light and make it sparkle.”

The best bible translation is the one you pick up. Some will have more of a word for word (this is actually impossible given how translations work; . however some translations do their best.). Some translations are more of a thought for thought, while others paraphrase. I believe each translation has its place.

I grew up using the NIV and still often use that version even today. However, to be honest, that has more to do with tradition than anything else. I do find myself reading other translations in order to gain a better perspective on the bible.

As I close, this may be of interest to you. A quick guide to bible translations from the Canadian Bible Society in their magazine, “Word at Work” winter 2010 edition – http://www.biblesociety.ca/sites/default/files/WAW_Winter2010.pdf

Why Read the Psalms?

Posted on by Matthew Laker

psalmReading the Psalms should be an essential part of your journey with Jesus.

Music and scent have this power to take us to places from our past.  They help us engage the present, and when we bring those together, can give hope for the future.  N.T. Wright shares that the Book of Psalms are a place where space, time and matter come together.  They allow us to draw upon God in the past for the present, and carry us forward into the future.  Historically, the Psalms have played a huge role in the life of God’s people.  They are humanity seeking God, full of emotion and every kind of human experience.

The Psalms are poems, prayers, and songs of a community’s faith journey.

Bob Deffinbaugh has some good basic information here on What is a Psalm?

In his Reflection on the Psalms, C.S. Lewis shares the following:

“What must be said, however, is that the Psalms are poems, and poems intended to be sung: not doctrinal treatises, nor even sermons.” (Lewis, C S (2014-06-25). Reflections on Psalms (Kindle Locations 25-26).  . Kindle Edition. )

“Most emphatically the Psalms must be read as poems; as lyrics, with all the licences and all the formalities, the hyperboles, the emotional rather than logical connections, which are proper to lyric poetry. They must be read as poems if they are to be understood; no less than French must be read as French or English as English. Otherwise we shall miss what is in them and think we see what is not.”  (Lewis, C S (2014-06-25). Reflections on Psalms (Kindle Locations 29-32).  . Kindle Edition.)

Understanding this can help us engage the Psalms in our journey with Jesus.

Here are three reasons to read the Psalms:

1. Every human situation and emotion is found in the psalms.

Found in these poems is almost every human emotion, and many situations we can relate to.  They are raw emotion, a person seeking God in the midst of life.  In return, this helps us along the journey of life.

We have all been there, with no words to say before God, and yet our bodies hurt and scream out to God.  The Psalms can help us to express ourselves to God.

2. They are a conduit to live at a crossroads, where God space and our space come together.

N.T.  Wright drew me in this direction.  They can become a place where we pull the faithfulness of God from the past, to the present, leading to hope for the future.

3. Jesus used them.

The Psalms were a prayer book for the early Jesus followers, and for Jesus himself. There is good historical support for their guidance in the life of the church.

There are perhaps more reasons, but let me encourage you to engage the Psalms for the first time or afresh.   Maybe one chapter added onto your regular reading or   a fast overview read through.

N.T. Wright shares; “The Psalms contain unique poetry expressing the biblical faith in God as Creator, Redeemer, judge, lover, friend, adversary—the whole lot. There is nothing like them. The Psalms go right to the depths of the human emotions—they don’t just skate along the top. They explore what the great promises of God mean and what we do when those promises do not seem to be coming true.”.  .

Engage the psalms and let them guide you in seeking God.

How do you use the Psalms in your journey with Jesus?

Bible Reading Tip #1 A Reflective Reading of the Bible

Posted on by Matthew Laker

A hands-on-approach to developing the discipline of engaging the bible to guide your life.

One individual shared that when he heard I was teaching on something called “Lectio Divina,” he thought perhaps he would not come. It sounded hard and not very practical.  He figured it was Latin and assumed he would lack something.  After the teaching, he shared “I can do this, this is simple.”

An old discipline called “Lectio Divine” is a good rhythm of reading the bible.  Its basic form involves meditating upon a short section of scripture.

The basic method is simple and involves reading through the text a number of times with short bursts of silent reflection.  We set aside the analysis side of life, and come with hope to listen to God’s word for our lives This is not to say analysis will not help, but this practise is more about reflection. Often I find myself combining the two without thinking much about it.

Looking for help with more of an analysis method?  Check out this post.

The readings can be done aloud or silently.  I recommend a combination.

As you read, you are looking at what captures your attention, what words or phrases strike you.  How does the passage touch your story?  What is it calling you to do? During this time, prayer is part of the meditation.

Lectio Divine can be done in a group or on your own, individually.  To some extent, I use this format in my weekly reading of scripture.  The assumption is that God has something to share with us through the regular discipline of engaging the bible.

A path to follow for Lectio Divine:

1. Find a quiet space and time.
2. Bring up the passage and take a few deep breaths.
3. Read aloud the passage.  There is no need to rush here.
4. Silence.
5. Read the passage again and make note of words, phrases, or sentences that stick out.  Perhaps write them in your notebook or journal.  Do not be worried about the why.
6. Silence and prayer.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you why these words caught your attention, what is it he wants you to know?
7. Read the passage again
8. Spend some time in prayer
What might God be saying to you this week?

Bible Study Method – One Way

Posted on by Matthew Laker

 

Engaging the bible ultimately should lead us to engaging Jesus Christ. Otherwise we will never know the value of the bible.

How does the bible guide your life? How do you use the bible in your life as a follower of Jesus? No matter where you are in your spiritual journey with Jesus, the discipline of engaging the bible plays a significant role. It will be one of the great spiritual catalysts repeatedly in your life, as you live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The idea is one of formation.  In all of our lives, there are things that form and shape us.  Paul’s call here is to let the scripture form and shape us.  The words we find in the bible are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.  Listening to God’s voice through the scripture will cultivate our life with God, and direct us to living what we were created for.

Early in my journey, we were taught a method called “Inductive Bible Study. This is a useful method to start with for beginners, but a great one for those who have been on the journey longer.

Here is how I have adapted it in my life, and used it as I engage in the scriptures. Grab a piece of paper, divide it into three columns, and walk through each of the following steps.

Observation

Here you want to ask: What is being said? You are not trying to apply, just answer the question

Some Question to answer:

  1. Who is speaking in the part of the selected text you are working on?
  2. What do you notice in the emotion of the people?
  3. Who is listening?
  4. Where is it taking place?
  5. What does it say about God?
  6. What does it say about following God?
  7. What are the main points

Interpretation:

Here, we are seeking to grasp the meaning of the text. We are looking to understand the meaning of the passage for the people to whom it was written We try to define terms, phrases and sentences. We look at the relationships and implications of the statements. Write out the main points of the text.

Application:

Here, we ask what it means for us today. Using the information from the above two steps, we have gained an understanding of the spirit of the text. We look at what questions we have from the text that were not answered.

I always encourage people to journal as they read God’s word, but you can also lightly do some of this in your mind as you reflect upon the text.

Looking for more help on developing the rhythm of bible reading, check out my series of posts called “Help Me Read the Bible”

When did you first start reading the bible?