The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original Perspective
Multiple Meanings
We’ve discussed before the wide range of meanings a Hebrew word can cover,
including positive and negative connotations. This can make some passages difficult to
translate.
Multiple meanings: Just like ambiguous pictures – “My Wife and My MIL” by W.E. Hill
1915
Lack of vowels – example: (mop/map) is helpful – happens at least 40 times in
Job,
Positive/negative – coming to visit, hesed
No marker to indicate the subject/object or reference to whom
Words left out, fill in the blank – especially with poetry
English/Western – which is it, one has to be right (which is the best Bible translation,
which one gets it right? When looking at a variety of options will help us see different
perspectives
Hebrew/Eastern – mystery, sign of the divine, cause for excitement/joy, how are multiple
true?
Goal:
1) Increase awareness of the difficulties Bible translators face and the value that
multiple translations bring.
2) Increase the wonder and mystery of God’s divine Word. Not to limit it, but allow it
to expand our awareness of Him and His grandeur.
Resources for different perspectives/translations:
JC Studies - weekly studies, classes, and more https://jcstudies.com/
Bema Podcast: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/, Marty Solomon, who studied
under Ray Vander Laan who also has many great resources.
Viewing multiple English translations at once: Google Bible reference followed by
“Bible Gateway.” Click on the result that does not also include a translation. Or
use the following link as a formula, plugging in the book (in blue), chapter (in
yellow), and verse (in green).
https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%20118%3A24
Ps 118:24
Baseline: NLT - This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
or ESV - This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Rough literal: This the day Y made/did, we will be joyful (spin) and we will be happy in
it/him
Reflect: How does the meaning/significance of the verse change if it ends in “him”?
Discussion: Love to discuss/debate, do we rejoice in the day or the Lord who made the
day?
Alternate: (NIV - The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.)
See context of verse: stone rejected = cornerstone, God did it, marvelous in our
eyes
Habakkuk 2:4b
Baseline: CSB – (Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity.) But the righteous one
will live by his faith.
Rough literal: And righteous (one) in his faith/steadfastness will live
Reflect: Who does the “his” refer to? The righteous or God? How does this add
significance?
Discussion: Here we have a righteous person yet the possessive pronoun “his” is used.
Who’s faith? It’s by God’s faithfulness and steadfastness that we live. Also God gives us
faith.
Ruth 4:14-15a
Baseline: NLT - Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has
now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he
restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-
in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
Rough literal: And said the women to Naomi, “Blessing Y who did not fail to you a
redeemer this day. And his name will be called out to in Israel. And he will be to you to
restore living body and will maintain/keep/provide/sustain old age (because your DIL
who loves you bore him…)
Reflect: Again, His/he refers to whom? God? The child? What are the implications of
either?
Discuss: Love the double-meaning here, especially as Obed is revealed to be David’s
grandfather, in the line of Christ.
Alternate: ESV - Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left
you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be
to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who
loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”