The Modern New Testament

Here is the description form ChristianBooks.com:

"George Lamsa translated into English directly from the Peshitta, a very early Aramaic version of the Scriptures. While some of Lamsa's renderings should be approached with caution, others usefully explain mideastern customs and figures of speech."

 

Some claim the Peshitta text is more accurate than any of the Greek texts. I don't know if it is or not.

One thing I do know about Lamsa's version is that it makes some unusual renderings. For instance, we have all heard that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Lamsa's version, he claims that the words for "camel" and "rope" are almost identical - thus he renders the phrase as it is easier for a rope to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven...

 

Not sure if that is correct, but "rope" seems to make more sense.

 

The Peshitta is an early version of the New Testament in Syriac, an Aramaic dialect/language. Most New Testament scholars believe that it is a translation of the Greek New Testament, but a few New Testament Scholars believe that the Greek New Testament was translated from the Aramaic. There are also many variations of this second opinion.

There is another translation of the Syriac that is older than Lamsa’s translation but available for a free download in the free E-Sword downloadable Bible study program that many of us on this message board use. This is the literal translation of the Syriac Peshitta (Peshito) version New Testament by James Murdock. This free download can be found at E-sword.net. http://e-sword.net/

 

Craig, Don't ya just love that e-sword.net? The price is certainly right and they seem to keep adding more and more. That is where I first found a "readable" version of the KJV1611 printing.

 

For Bruce Metzger’s thoughts on Lamsa and his translatlion and claims, see:

http://www.bibletexts.com/qa/qa023.htm

 

NO.