Translation obstacles occur because the Bible is not written in our native language. Rather, the original Books of the Bible were written in Hebrew, Greek and some Aramaic. If Professional Theologists are not fluent in the ancient languages, then difficulties in interpretation can abound.
Dr. Heiser points out that all translators must interpret at some point, either consciously or unconsciously. His example of 1 Corinthians 7:1b, that translates one word as either forbidding man to touch a woman, have sexual relations with a woman, or even not to marry her sends conflicting messages that must be analyzed and based upon interpretative efforts [1]. Translators in this case must look at the literal interpretation of not touching a woman, and making a decision if it is literal or representative of a more connected relationship. Possibly, in the cultures of old, touching a woman might equate sexual relations, which equates to marriage in most places in that time. Dr. Heister explains that translators in this case must look outside the literalness of one word, and compare it to a broader, generalized context of Paul to see the topic of his writing in order to “color” the picture better [2].
The choice of the type of Bible that a Professional Theologist uses makes an important difference in teaching the things of God. Becker Professional Theology Academy commonly uses and teaches with two Bibles for the general public, the King James Authorized Version (because of its wide dissemination) and the NIV Bible (with a good modern-day translation). But, Professional Theologists must be equipped with knowledge of other Bible translations, as well as equipped with the best reference books that give translations of each word in the Bible. But, it is also the Academy’s position that all Professional Theologists must become fluent in the reading and writing of languages of Biblical Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, (Languages of the Bible), German (Language of the Reformation and Scholars), and English (Most widely diffused language in the world). Latin (words of written science and word derivatives) and Mandarin (words of Chinese, the largest growing mission field) is also encouraged, but not required.
The Academy has strict standards for the development of Professional Theologists concerning the requirements of reading and written fluency in five languages. Speaking fluency of modern-day Hebrew, Greek, and mission field languages should be the goal of all Professional Theologists to develop in their lifetime, but is not a succinct requirement. The Academy is in the process of developing language programs to begin the difficult learning of other languages; but, in final analysis, Professional Theologists must develop strong patterns of daily study that constantly reinforces the different languages they are learning. More about the Academy’s language requirements can be discussed with your student advisor, program mentor, or our language department faculty.
The obstacle of translation could be tagged as the most difficult obstacle to overcome by the Professional Theologist. Typically, most Ministerial Theologists use the reference books and are usually under skilled in language development. They rely upon denominational translations to support their ministry. Academic Theologists, however, are usually very skilled in at least one of the Bible languages, and usually all three, and well-versed in German.
It is important to note that Professional Theologists will not be respected by scholars unless they are able to rise to the level of skill. It is an important measurement in the academic circles, and there is quite a bit of snobbery when it comes to acquiring language skills. Those of high stature in the academic fields not only have great written and reading fluency, but speaking the different languages as well.
But, the development of Professional Theologists by the Academy is not as concerned with the status amongst academicians as much as it is important for the interpretation of the Word of God. It is critical that Professional Theologists are able to read the original manuscripts of God’s writings through men in the languages that He used, so they can teach His Truth. In the end, it is the Word that matters most, and understanding it through the development of different languages is critical!
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Footnotes
[1] Michael S. Heiser, BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources (LOGOS Bible Software), 01:19.
[2] Ibid., 01:49.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
©2014-2015 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved.