Key Passages:

Ezek. 3:5 – Hebrew not a difficult language (!)

Luke 24:27, 44 – NT references to the OT as Scripture

2 Kings 18:26 – Aramaic vs. Hebrew, a matter of understanding

cf. Ezra 4:8-6:18 – The Aramaic section of Ezra

cf. Dan. 2:4-7:28 – The Aramaic section of Daniel

cf. Mark 5:41 – “Talitha cum”-Jesus to little girl

cf. Mark 15:34 – “Eloi, Eloi…”-Jesus on the cross

John 19:20 – On the cross: Hebrew (Aramaic?) Latin, Greek

Acts 21:37 – Paul speaks Greek

Acts 22:2 – Paul speaks Hebrew (Aramaic)

Rev. 22:18-19 – Warning against making deliberate changes

Key Questions:

1. How is oral communication better than written? How is it worse? Why do we rely so heavily on written communication?

2. Parts of Scripture are in Hebrew, parts in Aramaic, parts in Greek. Does this help us understand which language is the language of heaven?

3. Does the power to translate mean the power to interpret? If so, does using a variety of translations help?

4. What necessity or advantage is there in learning the original biblical languages? Can the nonexpert trust the experts?

5. What is the purpose of new translations? Why do believers so often resist the introduction of new translations?

6. Does the use of translations in the Bible help us understand the proper use of translations in our day?

7. What is your favorite translation and why?

8. Why do some modern translations remove parts of Scripture (e.g. the doxology as part of the Lord’s prayer)? Isn’t that dangerous?