Sunday, June 17, 2007
Psalm 23 in Hebrew So I bought a Hebrew Bible recently. I don't know enough Hebrew yet to actually read it, but it has an English translation that runs side by side. The English translation is really cool because it is a more literal translation of the text intended for people that speak Hebrew. All of the Bible translations I have read so far have been intended for English (or Spanish) speaking audiences. King James, NIV, NAS, the Message, etc. etc. have all changed the way things are written to make sense in English. Take a look at how Psalm 23 is translated:
The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me to water in places of repose; He renews my life; He guides me in right paths as befits His name. Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me. You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my drink is abundant. Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for many long years. It is familiar yet unique, and contains language that is more modern than even the NIV, without the loose paraphrases in translations like the Message. Reading through this modern English, literal translation will be very exciting. |