Biblical Interpretation or Study - Greek or English or both?

[Jason0047]

How we understand the Bible is key to our faith. Can we have faith by ignoring our own language and by going to a language that we do not really know? I am not in doubt that God can teach us Biblical Greek. However, most times people look to the Greek words while trying to ignore the words in English. For they repented in hearing the Word in English and not the Greek. Why do they cast off their initial acceptance of the Word in English? I believe it is because Seminaries have sold many people on the lie that you can't know your Bible unless you study the Greek. I don't believe God ever told me within His Word to study another language in order to understand His Word. On the contrary, God's Word claims that it would be perfect and preserved for all generations.

Am I against the Greek? By all means no. Greek was the original language in which the New Testament was written. But I don't speak Biblical Greek and I don't have Paul or the other apostles to correct my Greek (If I or another scholar did get it wrong). There is no way for me to know the Greek, unless it lines up with the English. For I believe God preserved His Word in our world language of today (i.e. the English). If not, then God's Word has failed to keep a promise and that is just not possible. So I trust in God's Word (i.e. the KJV) in my own current language. I trust it because it has never let me down. For it has always brought forth good fruit within my life.

What say ye?

 

[RedTent]

How we understand the Bible is key to our faith. Can we have faith by ignoring our own language and by going to a language that we do not really know? I am not in doubt that God can teach us Biblical Greek. However, most times people look to the Greek words while trying to ignore the words in English. For they repented in hearing the Word in English and not the Greek. Why do they cast off their initial acceptance of the Word in English? I believe it is because Seminaries have sold many people on the lie that you can't know your Bible unless you study the Greek. I don't believe God ever told me within His Word to study another language in order to understand His Word. On the contrary, God's Word claims that it would be perfect and preserved for all generations.

Am I against the Greek? By all means no. Greek was the original language in which the New Testament was written. But I don't speak Biblical Greek and I don't have Paul or the other apostles to correct my Greek (If I or another scholar did get it wrong). There is no way for me to know the Greek, unless it lines up with the English. For I believe God preserved His Word in our world language of today (i.e. the English). If not, then God's Word has failed to keep a promise and that is just not possible. So I trust in God's Word (i.e. the KJV) in my own current language. I trust it because it has never let me down. For it has always brought forth good fruit within my life.

What say ye?

What I think is that you are speaking from what you know and understand, and you have a lot to learn about language and interpretation. In your concluding statement of trust in what you have learned, I would bet you would resist learning anything more about this than you know, you are completely satisfied with the fruit it has brought.

I love learning all I can about my Lord and Savior, including the language and thinking of the first ways God spoke to man. I even find the history of how people began to think as men like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle changed the way men thought and how it relates to even bible interpretation, and the way the Hebrews reacted to this new way of thinking.

 

[Jason0047]

That's the problem, unless the Spirit is guiding you, or unless you can confirm the Greek with a viable source like with the English, or by confirming the Greek with Paul or the other apostles, you really can't know what the Biblical Greek says because there is no way for you to know a dead language.

 

[crossnote]

That's the problem, unless the Spirit is guiding you, or unless you can confirm the Greek with a viable source like with the English, or by confirming the Greek with Paul or the other apostles, you really can't know what the Biblical Greek says because there is no way for you to know a dead language.

On the other hand it is a shame we would have to rely on a diluted language such as English compared to Greek.
I think the study of Greek, although not complete/perfect, is a step in the right direction in filling in the language gap.

 

[dcontroversal]

Why not use all of the tools available to get the best understanding that you can get!......Galatians chapter 1:6-7 (another) used twice...two different words with two different meanings.....yet translated another......................

and you seem to have it backwards as the following represent a flawed approach and the second one on the list is not necessarily true and sets forth a broad stroke based upon opinion......

There is no way for me to know the Greek, unless it lines up with the English


I believe it is because Seminaries have sold many people on the lie that you can't know your Bible unless you study the Greek

 

[dcontroversal]

On the other hand it is a shame we would have to rely on a diluted language such as English compared to Greek.
I think the study of Greek, although not complete/perfect, is a step in the right direction in filling in the language gap.

I agree with this as well.....

 

[JackH]

you really can't know what the Biblical Greek says because there is no way for you to know a dead language.

Try Dynamic Immersion. You know, that Rosetta Stone software they advertise on TV.

Egyptian hieroglyphs could not be deciphered until discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

I can't wait until they discover those tablets of stone mentioned in Exodus. Somebody will figure out what is written on them, dead language or not.

 

[dcontroversal]

On the other hand it is a shame we would have to rely on a diluted language such as English compared to Greek.
I think the study of Greek, although not complete/perfect, is a step in the right direction in filling in the language gap.

Not to mention that we CAN know Greek and what it says in Greek........normally people who post posts like the OP teach things that can be contradicted by the ORGINAL LANGUAGES that the bible was written in while placing stock in a translation/transliteration that was made by Episcopal priests!

 

[Ukorin]

Latin is a dead language, yet we are confident of it's definitions, because it has ever been in use.
"Dead language" means not used in common speech. It does not mean that it is useless, or that it is no longer understood and definable. Dead does not mean lost.

Koine Greek never died. Scholars and peasants alike have kept this language fresh and alive.
Who told you that people aren't fluent in Koine Greek? I have a course coming up where the whole class is done in Koine.
Just because you are not fluent, doesn't mean that the language is not perfectly understood in all of it's nuance by others.

By the end of next semester, I am expected to be fluent in Koine.

 

[The_highwayman]

How we understand the Bible is key to our faith. Can we have faith by ignoring our own language and by going to a language that we do not really know? I am not in doubt that God can teach us Biblical Greek. However, most times people look to the Greek words while trying to ignore the words in English. For they repented in hearing the Word in English and not the Greek. Why do they cast off their initial acceptance of the Word in English? I believe it is because Seminaries have sold many people on the lie that you can't know your Bible unless you study the Greek. I don't believe God ever told me within His Word to study another language in order to understand His Word. On the contrary, God's Word claims that it would be perfect and preserved for all generations.

Am I against the Greek? By all means no. Greek was the original language in which the New Testament was written. But I don't speak Biblical Greek and I don't have Paul or the other apostles to correct my Greek (If I or another scholar did get it wrong). There is no way for me to know the Greek, unless it lines up with the English. For I believe God preserved His Word in our world language of today (i.e. the English). If not, then God's Word has failed to keep a promise and that is just not possible. So I trust in God's Word (i.e. the KJV) in my own current language. I trust it because it has never let me down. For it has always brought forth good fruit within my life.

What say ye?

But God has told you to learn another language when studying his word!
The Bible says in 2 Tim 2.15:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

And this means to understand the Hebrew and Greek as much as you can. There are simply too many online tools and study aides available today that gives even a novice in Hebrew and Greek, proper understanding.

Take for instance the word, WORD in the NT, it has 2 very different meanings in Greek. The English only definition does not even come close to the original meanings in the Greek.

Another example of this would be doing word studies on Names and places in the OT, for instance 2 Sam 5.14-16 lists all of David's sons.

A few of their names are very powerful and have helped me gain incredible insight into the word.

Elishama = "my God has heard"
Elishua = "my God is salvation"
Eliadah =" my God knows"
Eliphalet = "my God is deliverance"

It is up you on how you study, but I have learned that at lest looking at words in the Hebrew and Greek give me a better understanding and deeper revelation of the texts.

FOr the record, the KJV was not the first Bible translated into English, it was the 1599 Geneva Bible and the Geneva Bible has better translation than the AV 1611 KJB

 

[directline2iam]

How we understand the Bible is key to our faith. Can we have faith by ignoring our own language and by going to a language that we do not really know? I am not in doubt that God can teach us Biblical Greek. However, most times people look to the Greek words while trying to ignore the words in English. For they repented in hearing the Word in English and not the Greek. Why do they cast off their initial acceptance of the Word in English? I believe it is because Seminaries have sold many people on the lie that you can't know your Bible unless you study the Greek. I don't believe God ever told me within His Word to study another language in order to understand His Word. On the contrary, God's Word claims that it would be perfect and preserved for all generations.

Am I against the Greek? By all means no. Greek was the original language in which the New Testament was written. But I don't speak Biblical Greek and I don't have Paul or the other apostles to correct my Greek (If I or another scholar did get it wrong). There is no way for me to know the Greek, unless it lines up with the English. For I believe God preserved His Word in our world language of today (i.e. the English). If not, then God's Word has failed to keep a promise and that is just not possible. So I trust in God's Word (i.e. the KJV) in my own current language. I trust it because it has never let me down. For it has always brought forth good fruit within my life.

What say ye?

You are absolutely CORRECT.
The Greek was put into the English language for people that read and understand English. I was brought up reading and writing English and understanding it. Why on earth would I need to go to a Greek language to understand a word or phrase or sentence that uses the same meaning in English? That almost sounds like ....pride....I know Greek so I understand the English Bible but you only know English so you don't understand the English Bible. How STUPID.
The good part is, the Father gives understanding in all languages of the written Word.
Where does it say you have to learn Greek or Hebrew to understand the English word salvation.
Do you have to go to college to learn that word?

 

[posthuman]

i wish i could read both Greek and Hebrew. i understand that any English language Bible i read is a translation -- and looking at various translations it is easy to see that not all agree on some fine points. so i know the meaning isn't always clear in my language as it is in the Greek or Hebrew, if i understood those languages.

i trust that what Word God has seen fit for me to read and know is His own, and the Spirit He gave me is well able to interpret and give understanding. i don't believe one needs to be a language scholar to properly read the Bible -- but i believe it is an advantage in understanding to have that knowledge.

i wish i could fluently read the original languages. did i already say that? i did. it bears repeating. if i ever attend a seminary, i think that would be my primary purpose there - with the goal of deeper understanding.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
and with all thy getting get understanding.
(Proverbs 4:7)

 

[Ukorin]

You are absolutely CORRECT.
The Greek was put into the English language for people that read and understand English. I was brought up reading and writing English and understanding it. Why on earth would I need to go to a Greek language to understand a word or phrase or sentence that uses the same meaning in English? That almost sounds like ....pride....I know Greek so I understand the English Bible but you only know English so you don't understand the English Bible. How STUPID.
The good part is, the Father gives understanding in all languages of the written Word.
Where does it say you have to learn Greek or Hebrew to understand the English word salvation.
Do you have to go to college to learn that word?

When discussing something like say: the meaning of "wine" in the context of Jesus' first miracle;
understanding the Greek clarifies the English, and eliminates possible misunderstandings of the English.
It is not necessary for understanding salvation, but helpful in growing and in clearing up misunderstanding that occurs.

When someone says "the wine was unfermented, because an Old English dictionary says "wine" can refer to both fermented and unfermented juice", it is appropriate to bring up the Greek definitions. Pride is not involved, only learning and growing in Grace and knowledge of our Lord.

 

[Nick01]

English is fine. Greek is illuminating, especially when there is dispute about what the English means (which is fairly rare), but is not necessary. Obviously, though, for people to translate from Greek to English, they have to understand the Greek (or Hebrew, for that matter)

 

[Ukorin]

More problems seem to come from not understanding the Elizebithian language of the KJV than come from not understanding Greek.

 

[directline2iam]

When discussing something like say: the meaning of "wine" in the context of Jesus' first miracle;
understanding the Greek clarifies the English, and eliminates possible misunderstandings of the English.
It is not necessary for understanding salvation, but helpful in growing and in clearing up misunderstanding that occurs.

When someone says "the wine was unfermented, because an Old English dictionary says "wine" can refer to both fermented and unfermented juice", it is appropriate to bring up the Greek definitions. Pride is not involved, only learning and growing in Grace and knowledge of our Lord.

No it isn't appropriate to bring up the Greek definition, nor is it necessary to use a dictionary, all you need do is read more scripture on the word wine...Like Noah getting naked because of getting drunk on wine.......etc etc. New wine bursting old bottles...etc etc.... It's quite clear Jesus made an alcoholic beverage called wine. He's no amatuer, He used only the best grapes.

 

[Ukorin]

No it isn't appropriate to bring up the Greek definition, nor is it necessary to use a dictionary, all you need do is read more scripture on the word wine...Like Noah getting naked because of getting drunk on wine.......etc etc. New wine bursting old bottles...etc etc.... It's quite clear Jesus made an alcoholic beverage called wine. He's no amatuer, He used only the best grapes.

Lol, you have me there. Scripture interprets Scripture.

 

[crossnote]

More problems seem to come from not understanding the Elizebithian language of the KJV than come from not understanding Greek.

Or even Jimmy Carter's English.

 

[The_highwayman]

You are absolutely CORRECT.
The Greek was put into the English language for people that read and understand English. I was brought up reading and writing English and understanding it. Why on earth would I need to go to a Greek language to understand a word or phrase or sentence that uses the same meaning in English? That almost sounds like ....pride....I know Greek so I understand the English Bible but you only know English so you don't understand the English Bible. How STUPID.
The good part is, the Father gives understanding in all languages of the written Word.
Where does it say you have to learn Greek or Hebrew to understand the English word salvation.
Do you have to go to college to learn that word?

HOW STUPID.....

Hosea 4.6 says, my people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge.

DO NOT be that person.

Who said anything about college, when there are so many free resources that can give you the Greek and Hebrew meaning of the word.

 

[The_highwayman]

More problems seem to come from not understanding the Elizebithian language of the KJV than come from not understanding Greek.

Which is why I prefer the 1599 Geneva Bible.