Multi-Lingual Question

[Not_Now.Soon]

Some time ago I've heard a critism of the bible being accurate, because of it being translated into many languages. And though I had no doubt that God can guide His word into any language and preserve it's intent and meaning, the critism got my mind thinking about studying the bible from a multi-lingual level. Has anyone here done that. Anyone here able to fluently speak another language and studied the bible in both? If I ever learn another language, I think that's something I think I'd like to do. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it too.

 

[Corn Pop]

The muslims love to say the bible is corrupt, yet for some reason god only speaks arabic, that's why islam is a religion of peace and they all get along, just take a look at the middle east and islamic denominations. They love each other.

The whole word wide hundreds of religions thing is a mess. Look at Christianity thats a joke as well everyone split and divided and arguing over doctrine.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

The muslims love to say the bible is corrupt, yet for some reason god only speaks arabic, that's why islam is a religion of peace and they all get along, just take a look at the middle east and islamic denominations. They love each other.

Honestly, the critism doesn't bother me. In my opinion nothing is impossible for God. And I think God would protect His words to us. What I've learned about some other languages though is that some of them just work differently then our own. Not just grammar, but how people speak and what words mean. For instance I've heard some languages are very specific. Like chinese has a different word for older aunt on your dad's side, compaired to the younger aunt on your dad's side. Very specific. But apparently in some of those languages it's a lot harder to talk about something you don't have a word for. Longer sentences to accomplish the task of describing it then ours. Then on the other spectrum there are languages that are very descriptive but not specific in identifying a word for different things.

It's things like that that make me want to be able to read the bible in French, or Spanish, or German. (Any other language I don't think I'd get good enough to speak fluently. Hard to find other people to speak the language to learning retain it, or the language is so far different in how it's spoken it would be hard to learn.)

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

The muslims love to say the bible is corrupt, yet for some reason god only speaks arabic, that's why islam is a religion of peace and they all get along, just take a look at the middle east and islamic denominations. They love each other.

In a conversation with a Muslim a while ago, I heard him say how the bible isn't reliable. It amazed me after thinking about it how much they believe they can protect their writings in the Quran but have no faith that God can do the same.

 

[Corn Pop]

I believe everything is corrupt in some form and no one has full understanding of anything or any religion or any scripture. All I believe is saved by Gods grace and mercy through Christ and that's all I know and accept.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

I believe everything is corrupt in some form and no one has full understanding of anything or any religion or any scripture. All I believe is saved by Gods grace and mercy through Christ and that's all I know and accept.

... Do you not trust the bible?

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

On a hirarichary of trust, the bible is the top of the list for a trusted source. At least that's my figuring. That's even above life lessons through experience, and through our own understanding. Trust a God's understanding above even our own.

 

[Corn Pop]

I think. I think to much.

 

[Corn Pop]

... Do you not trust the bible?

I think the bible is historically reliable. I have no doubt about it. Theres probably a few minor translation errors but nothing major. As for the context and true understanding that's a different story, who can fully understand text when every word has multiple meanings.

 

[reba]

God's Word
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hey dude whats with your Jesus ? Like man He is the dude who died for you you should hang wiht Him

God Word is the message it is the letter to the world.. It is so much more then words printed on a page.. It is His Word if printed on a Hallmark card or billboard...
My brain is not geared to grasping languages .. struggling with English is enough..

And though I had no doubt that God can guide His word into any language and preserve it's intent and meaning,

Amen

That would be so cool just so cool

 

[reba]

God's Word
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hey dude whats with your Jesus ? Like man He is the dude who died for you you should hang wiht Him

God Word is the message it is the letter to the world.. It is so much more then words printed on a page.. It is His Word if printed on a Hallmark card or billboard...
My brain is not geared to grasping languages .. struggling with English is enough..

And though I had no doubt that God can guide His word into any language and preserve it's intent and meaning,

Amen

That would be so cool just so cool

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

I think the bible is historically reliable. I have no doubt about it. Theres probably a few minor translation errors but nothing major. As for the context and true understanding that's a different story, who can fully understand text when every word has multiple meanings.

I trust God. If He wanted his message to be spread throughout the nations, then I'm sure God would be there while that is being done. Including the times when people grabble to translate the books from one language to another, and try to preserve the meanings of the rods used in the earliest writings available. At least in English, the different translations have very scholarly feel to their introductions. People committed to translating God's words accurately with high degrees in studies of language, scripture, history or other studies to help. It's my opinion that this process is helped with God's blessings and insight. Not just in English, but in every language that the process has been attempted by faithful and committed believers.

If we can not trust the meanings and the words in the bible, what can we trust, Kiwidan? What foundations can we place our hopes on so that we are faithful and place our hopes on God? The only answer I know is to believe in the bible, with the assurance that all scripture is God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, and encouragement.

As for fully understand anything, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide us. Even with multiple meanings to words God is greater then any obstacle, and His promises are sturdy.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

God's Word
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hey dude whats with your Jesus ? Like man He is the dude who died for you you should hang wiht Him

God Word is the message it is the letter to the world.. It is so much more then words printed on a page.. It is His Word if printed on a Hallmark card or billboard...
My brain is not geared to grasping languages .. struggling with English is enough.. Amen

That would be so cool just so cool

Thanks. Languages are hard for me too. I don't know if this would ever come about, but I think it would be really amazing to learn from a whole different framework of understanding. From the language itself being different. It's intresting to read parallel verses from different translations in the same language. I just wonder if anyone on this forum is fluent in multiple languages and studied the bible in more then one language from trusted translations.

 

[WIP]

Honestly, the critism doesn't bother me. In my opinion nothing is impossible for God. And I think God would protect His words to us. What I've learned about some other languages though is that some of them just work differently then our own. Not just grammar, but how people speak and what words mean. For instance I've heard some languages are very specific. Like chinese has a different word for older aunt on your dad's side, compaired to the younger aunt on your dad's side. Very specific. But apparently in some of those languages it's a lot harder to talk about something you don't have a word for. Longer sentences to accomplish the task of describing it then ours. Then on the other spectrum there are languages that are very descriptive but not specific in identifying a word for different things.

It's things like that that make me want to be able to read the bible in French, or Spanish, or German. (Any other language I don't think I'd get good enough to speak fluently. Hard to find other people to speak the language to learning retain it, or the language is so far different in how it's spoken it would be hard to learn.)

Even within those who speak the same basic language there can be issues to overcome. This is why our laws can be so difficult to read and understand and why we need a judiciary to make a final determination or interpretation of a law's application. Certain words from one area of the United States can have different meanings in other areas. Certain words in the US have different meanings than they do in England. Words take on new meanings or slang meanings over time and this can add confusion. I believe this is what the writers of the various versions of the Bible are attempting to overcome as best they can. I can't read Greek or Hebrew or any other language so without certain individuals making the effort to translate the ancient languages into English I would not be able to read the Bible today and there's a very good chance that I would not be a Christian either.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

Even within those who speak the same basic language there can be issues to overcome. This is why our laws can be so difficult to read and understand and why we need a judiciary to make a final determination or interpretation of a law's application. Certain words from one area of the United States can have different meanings in other areas. Certain words in the US have different meanings than they do in England. Words take on new meanings or slang meanings over time and this can add confusion. I believe this is what the writers of the various versions of the Bible are attempting to overcome as best they can. I can't read Greek or Hebrew or any other language so without certain individuals making the effort to translate the ancient languages into English I would not be able to read the Bible today and there's a very good chance that I would not be a Christian either.

There's a lot of truth in that WIP. It's wonderful to be in a society that has access to both being and encouraging being literate to most of the population; and also has easy access to the bible from many different translations to help understand the words to many audiences. Children's bible's to study bibles, to literal word for word bible's, to the more originally written works like the KJV, to more easily read in everyday language and grammar. We really are lucky.

 

[jasonc]

OUR minds are created to learn as much languages as it can.Contrary to my habit of grammar here I can learn another language and I have taken some Spanish.

I do have to know Spanish to read those old maps.Where I live is near what is called Tortoise Hills.

 

[smaller]

I trust God. If He wanted his message to be spread throughout the nations, then I'm sure God would be there while that is being done. Including the times when people grabble to translate the books from one language to another, and try to preserve the meanings of the rods used in the earliest writings available. At least in English, the different translations have very scholarly feel to their introductions. People committed to translating God's words accurately with high degrees in studies of language, scripture, history or other studies to help. It's my opinion that this process is helped with God's blessings and insight. Not just in English, but in every language that the process has been attempted by faithful and committed believers.

If we can not trust the meanings and the words in the bible, what can we trust, Kiwidan? What foundations can we place our hopes on so that we are faithful and place our hopes on God? The only answer I know is to believe in the bible, with the assurance that all scripture is God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, and encouragement.

As for fully understand anything, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide us. Even with multiple meanings to words God is greater then any obstacle, and His promises are sturdy.

The "expressions" of God in creation and the Expression of God Himself INTO this creation remains a Great Mystery no matter what language one attempts to perceive these things in.

Even without written or spoken Word, God Has Expressed Himself in His creation and has written upon the hearts of every man, within our own conscience.

Nevertheless His Jots and Tittles are important. All of them, every jot and tittle, is Held Securely in His Son, His Living Word who has and will continue to "Express" Himself into creation. And this can not be changed by man or by language or by any rending of jot or tittle.

 

[WIP]

OUR minds are created to learn as much languages as it can.Contrary to my habit of grammar here I can learn another language and I have taken some Spanish.

I do have to know Spanish to read those old maps.Where I live is near what is called Tortoise Hills.

Reading your posts has given me a second language.

Okay everybody, back to topic.

 

[WIP]

There's a lot of truth in that WIP. It's wonderful to be in a society that has access to both being and encouraging being literate to most of the population; and also has easy access to the bible from many different translations to help understand the words to many audiences. Children's bible's to study bibles, to literal word for word bible's, to the more originally written works like the KJV, to more easily read in everyday language and grammar. We really are lucky.

I have no reason to not believe that even the KJV was just a translation into the English language of the day for those doing the work. There are many that regard the KJV to be somehow above all others but if the first translation was done today, I somehow highly doubt it would be anything like the KJV.

 

[reba]

Beyond the language the cultures that accompany those languages would cause us to look at Scripture differently