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Should I learn Hebrew and Greek?

John of Japan

Well-Known Member
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Often the issue is not a lack understand of the languages but theological and philosophical differences that lead men in what they do with the translated text.

For example -

When some look at the Old Testament sacrificial system they see a prescriptive example of what God would do in terms of a Sacrifice (God killing His Son as an appropriate...as the only suitable...sacrifice).

But others look at that system as descriptively foreshadowing what would happen in God's plan. God would provide a Lamb and men would slaughter that Lamb.

My point is translation is one part - a vital, but not only part - of understanding Scripture. We can agree on translation and even meanings of words while arriving at very different conclusions.
I agree. It would be foolish of me to say that all you need to do to exegete is translate.
 

JasonF

Member
Ok, honestly I am not sure my mind is up to it, though I think in my 20's it may have been, but stress and anxiety has taken a toll, and meds, who knows.

But at 38 and not living near a Bible school or Seminary, what all material or method do you all recommend? If your most recommended is expensive, what also would be the less expensive alternative as money is tight at the moment.

Thank you.
 

Piper

Active Member
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Last edited:

Van

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I am not sure if the OP said "why" anyone should learn Greek and Hebrew. However, many Christians believe learning one or both of them is needed to gain a sound understanding of God's word. People have various gifts, and some are more academically inclined. It probably would have been a waste of my time, and those involved in teaching me, to have attempted to learn foreign languages. If I was gifted at all academically, it would have been more on the math, statistical analysis side, then language arts.

If a person has invested in learning one or more of the original languages used in God's word, I expect nearly 100% of them will say it is absolutely necessary.

OTOH, people can go a long way toward gaining a sound understanding of God's word through careful and prayerful study using their native language tools available, such as exhaustive concordance, reverse interlinear, lexicon, commentary and training in bible study methods.
 

JasonF

Member
I have to look up what most of all that is, but for Bible study methods, what do people recommend. I saw the book under In PDF format, Rightly Dividing the Word on this site I was shared a different resource from here,

In Print
 

37818

Well-Known Member
@JasonF
Personally I currently us a MySword Android App, for Greek and Hebrew look up were needed. In 1968 I was using a printed Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.
 

Van

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I have to look up what most of all that is, but for Bible study methods, what do people recommend. I saw the book under In PDF format, Rightly Dividing the Word on this site I was shared a different resource from here,

In Print

If you are referring to:
1) Exhaustive Concordance, it is a book based on a particular translation, I have one for the NIV, that lists all the words found in that version of the bible, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. So if you have chosen a version to be your primary study bible, you need to purchase an Exhaustive Concordance for that particular version.

An example of how to use the Exhaustive Concordance: Say I say without reference the bible says things happen by chance. How could you acting as a noble Berean, check whether or not my claim is true? You simply look up "chance" in the concordance, and see everywhere that word is used in that translation. In less than a minute or so, you would know which verses to read to verify or falsify my claim.

2) Reverse Interlinear, it is a book that presents the translation in English, and above or below provides the Greek or Hebrew, or Aramaic word translated. Some even parse the word, telling you the grammar, such as verb, active, present, etc. This aid can be found on line.

3) Lexicon, provides the original word mean or range of meanings, and some of the English words used to translate it. You can use it like a dictionary or biblical words.

4) Commentaries are found on line and are useful for finding the range of understandings of the published scholars for each verse. Some translations provide commentary within their translation such as the NIV and NLT and are useful to finding at least one understanding or interpretation of what the verse seems to be saying.

5) My training in how to use these and other aids was provided in a bible study class given by the Pastor of our church. If you are not working with a group of believers, you are vulnerable to going off the deep end.
 

JasonF

Member
I did start going to a church recently but for my studying I am not studying everything with other people but I am posting here questions and such?
 

Van

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I did start going to a church recently but for my studying I am not studying everything with other people but I am posting here questions and such?
This is not the place to learn how to study scripture. Talk to your pastor about someone mentoring those thirsting for the pure gospel by teaching how to use study aids to study the bible.
 

Piper

Active Member
Site Supporter
If you are referring to:
1) Exhaustive Concordance, it is a book based on a particular translation, I have one for the NIV, that lists all the words found in that version of the bible, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. So if you have chosen a version to be your primary study bible, you need to purchase an Exhaustive Concordance for that particular version.

An example of how to use the Exhaustive Concordance: Say I say without reference the bible says things happen by chance. How could you acting as a noble Berean, check whether or not my claim is true? You simply look up "chance" in the concordance, and see everywhere that word is used in that translation. In less than a minute or so, you would know which verses to read to verify or falsify my claim.

2) Reverse Interlinear, it is a book that presents the translation in English, and above or below provides the Greek or Hebrew, or Aramaic word translated. Some even parse the word, telling you the grammar, such as verb, active, present, etc. This aid can be found on line.

3) Lexicon, provides the original word mean or range of meanings, and some of the English words used to translate it. You can use it like a dictionary or biblical words.

4) Commentaries are found on line and are useful for finding the range of understandings of the published scholars for each verse. Some translations provide commentary within their translation such as the NIV and NLT and are useful to finding at least one understanding or interpretation of what the verse seems to be saying.

5) My training in how to use these and other aids was provided in a bible study class given by the Pastor of our church. If you are not working with a group of believers, you are vulnerable to going off the deep end.

Good words brother. Your whole post is great.

You do not NEED Greek or Hebrew, but if you can, I'd recommend it.
 

Earth Wind and Fire

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Hello,

We had a teacher today who got into the Hebrew meaning of things.

I am wondering if it would be good to learn the original languages?

What i would like if you are willing is with your answer please tell me not only if you think i should, but if you personally know them and your experience with how that has affected your recommendation.

Also please provide for informational, not debate here please, purposes on whether you believe the Textus Receptus / Majority Text or the Critical Text is more accurate. I think i am using the correct terms, but it has been a long time since i studied about the manuscripts.

Though it was completely foreign to me and I was raised more in the way of believing the Critical Text, growing up with the NIV as the version used, my personal research lead to the conclusion of the Textus Receptus and Majority Text being the most accurate. However I don't want a huge debate on that issue here please, though you can make what comments you like that you feel would be useful. I do want to know which you believe is more accurate as it may have influences on your recommendation.

I do not believe all people in all languages should use the King James, but i believe it is still the most accurate English version, ,(and when recently comparing versions realized i should use a dictionary even if i used NASB, NIV, or NLT etc), because of the manuscripts it is based on for both Testaments and because of the literal translation method as opposed to dynamic equivalence, and love the transparency with words in italics and how they used thee and ye, not because it was the way they spoke at the time, as the preface shows that they didn't, but because it was the most accurate way to translate it.

I may need to brush up on manuscripts and all of that, however, while many things can be helpful, I'd like to spend my time on what will be most valuable. Is it better to read sermons and doctrinal works and commentaries, which I want to do regardless but the point is i might do more of that with the time spent on learning original language or studying manuscripts history or what not. Or maybe i should spend more time just reading the Bible.

One question or concern is would i even know enough to get the right meaning out of the original languages? I don't think we should have each person pointing at the Bible and saying all translators are wrong and this actually translates as such and such.

I have looked at various translations to see the meaning of some verses. Is this better than learning the original.

I think there is a dictionary type that was recommended that gives the meaning of the Greek words and so on is that good enough, or what should one do?

Thank you
Let’s put the horse in front of the cart first shall we? Do you have the need,?the will to & the burning desire to learn these languages?
 

JesusFan

Well-Known Member
I have to look up what most of all that is, but for Bible study methods, what do people recommend. I saw the book under In PDF format, Rightly Dividing the Word on this site I was shared a different resource from here,

In Print

Would say learn both Hebrew and Greek if you fell called to be a teacher or a pastor, as those languages would be a great benefit to you, but if you choose this route, pick one or the other to master first!

If going to be a lay person, would suggest getting Dr Mounce Greek for the rest of us
 

JasonF

Member
Could you help me understand what the difference would be with learning the languages and looking at like Strong's Greek words definitions for each word in a verse? Or is it just that you can't really read it freely by looking up Strong's Greek words in another source by clicking teach spot, as maybe just reading smoothly helps give more meaning?
 

Piper

Active Member
Site Supporter
Looking at Strong's is like Kindergarten. Learning it yourself is like Going to high School.
 
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