It’s one of the greatest “comfort” chapters in much of the world. It’s so popular that many non-Christians also recite it. In fact, some even memorize it.
APPROACH YOUR BIBLE: DESPERATELY
As discussed, the Psalms are a place of refuge for believers.
Many who come here are desperate and looking for comfort. Yet, we should have some sense of “desperation” whenever we come to scripture, because we are not complete nor capable of meeting our own needs. God is!
The Bible is our “owner’s manual” from God. It explains
key systems and relationships. It’s not an accessory. Rather it fills many of our needs for information, guidance, etc. It also provides “survival food” for saints who are aliens in a strange and. Unfortunately, we too often seek spiritual junk food. It’s easy. It’s heap, and it’s filling (for a while).
However, God’s word provides what we most need here and in eternity. So, hat are you going to feed on – Cheetos or the world’s best steak?
Consider these three diagnostic questions to evaluate your own tendencies.
Do I approach the Bible more like it’s a snack or a feast?
Do I go to the Bible willing to hear from God or desperate to hear from Him?
Am I just interested in the Bible, or am I keen to internalize its truths (Smethhurst, 2019)?
WHAT IS YOUR BIBLE VERSION DOING FOR YOU?
Knowing the nature of your version of the Bible can
help you better understand the material you’re reading and how close it is to the original. This includes knowing the difference between actual translations and paraphrases.
1. Formal Equivalence or Literal (word-for-word).
This form of translation takes a word-for-word approach—that is, for each Hebrew or Greek word in the biblical text, the translators have sought an equivalent English word that will communicate the same idea.
This is sometimes called a “literal” translation, but the only true “literal” translations are those in the original language (Hebrew & Greek). You can find both in an English interlinear, which is virtually unreadable due to word order and syntax.
Popular examples of word-for-word translations are the King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the English Standard Version (ESV).
2. Dynamic Equivalence (idea-for-idea).
This category seeks to take a middle road between a word-for-word translation and a thought-for-thought approach. For example, where the biblical text may name a specific cost (100 denarii), this category might say “four months of a worker’s wages” to make the cost more understandable for the reader. The most common dynamic equivalence bible is the New International Version (NIV).
3. Paraphrases.
A paraphrase is a very free rendering of the biblical
text in thought-for-thought approach. In other words, the paraphrase is more concerned with expressing the ideas of the text than the actual words. Two popular versions are The Living Bible, The New Living Translation, and The Message.
Paraphrases may come from the original language or from the text of a modern language translation
(adapted from Valcourt, 2016).
Warning! The further a translation or paraphrase is from the original language the more errors may be introduced. Also, versions will carry the biases of the translators/paraphrasers as well as being influenced by the nature of the documents used. For example, the KJV used far later biblical texts (the oldest being 4th
Century AD). Therefore. later versions removed or changed some passages, because (in part) they used more accurate, earlier texts. Thus, good translations removed material added in later texts not found in the earlier manuscripts.
However, the philosophy of some translators can twist original meanings. For more information on translation, translation theory, and the practical aspects of interpreting biblical literature, I recommend The word of God in English: Criteria for excellence in Bible translation by Leland Ryken. It’s perhaps the best, most readable book I’ve seen in this field.
ASSIGNMENT
– YOU DO THE ANALYSIS (5Ws & the H)
Who is the human author? The audience?
What is the topic and main point?
What happened? What do other versions say?
When was text written?
Where were the author, the audience, others
located? Where does book fit in the scope of the Bible?
Why was the text written? Focused on key issues noted above?
How delivered? Received? Something to be done? Should you respond?
FOLLOWUP
Learning the word is good but application makes that truth real. Remember, Pharisees & demons know God’s truth but don’t apply it as God desires (James 1:22 – Be you doers of the word vs. James 2:9).
How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
How does the truth here affect my relationship with others?
How does the truth here affect me personally?
How does the truth here affect my response to the enemy, Satan?
How do I apply this truth?
Is there a memory verse or verses for you here?
Is there something to share with others?
REFERENCES
Smethhurst, Matt. 2019. Before you open
your Bible: Nine heart postures for approaching God’s word. 10 Publishing.
Valcourt, Stephen. 2016, Oct. 13. “Which
Bible translation should I read?” In Abundant Springs. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020 from https://abundantsprings.church/blog/2016/10/13/which-bible-translation-should-i-read.
PSALM 23 (Day 1)
Welcome to Psalm 23!
It’s one of the greatest “comfort” chapters in much of the world. It’s so popular that many non-Christians also recite it. In fact, some even memorize it.
APPROACH YOUR BIBLE: DESPERATELY
As discussed, the Psalms are a place of refuge for believers.
Many who come here are desperate and looking for comfort. Yet, we should have some sense of “desperation” whenever we come to scripture, because we are not complete nor capable of meeting our own needs. God is!
The Bible is our “owner’s manual” from God. It explains
key systems and relationships. It’s not an accessory. Rather it fills many of our needs for information, guidance, etc. It also provides “survival food” for saints who are aliens in a strange and. Unfortunately, we too often seek spiritual junk food. It’s easy. It’s heap, and it’s filling (for a while).
However, God’s word provides what we most need here and in eternity. So, hat are you going to feed on – Cheetos or the world’s best steak?
Consider these three diagnostic questions to evaluate your own tendencies.
WHAT IS YOUR BIBLE VERSION DOING FOR YOU?
Knowing the nature of your version of the Bible can
help you better understand the material you’re reading and how close it is to the original. This includes knowing the difference between actual translations and paraphrases.
1. Formal Equivalence or Literal (word-for-word).
This form of translation takes a word-for-word approach—that is, for each Hebrew or Greek word in the biblical text, the translators have sought an equivalent English word that will communicate the same idea.
This is sometimes called a “literal” translation, but the only true “literal” translations are those in the original language (Hebrew & Greek). You can find both in an English interlinear, which is virtually unreadable due to word order and syntax.
Popular examples of word-for-word translations are the King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the English Standard Version (ESV).
2. Dynamic Equivalence (idea-for-idea).
This category seeks to take a middle road between a word-for-word translation and a thought-for-thought approach. For example, where the biblical text may name a specific cost (100 denarii), this category might say “four months of a worker’s wages” to make the cost more understandable for the reader. The most common dynamic equivalence bible is the New International Version (NIV).
3. Paraphrases.
A paraphrase is a very free rendering of the biblical
text in thought-for-thought approach. In other words, the paraphrase is more concerned with expressing the ideas of the text than the actual words. Two popular versions are The Living Bible, The New Living Translation, and The Message.
Paraphrases may come from the original language or from the text of a modern language translation
(adapted from Valcourt, 2016).
Warning! The further a translation or paraphrase is from the original language the more errors may be introduced. Also, versions will carry the biases of the translators/paraphrasers as well as being influenced by the nature of the documents used. For example, the KJV used far later biblical texts (the oldest being 4th
Century AD). Therefore. later versions removed or changed some passages, because (in part) they used more accurate, earlier texts. Thus, good translations removed material added in later texts not found in the earlier manuscripts.
However, the philosophy of some translators can twist original meanings. For more information on translation, translation theory, and the practical aspects of interpreting biblical literature, I recommend The word of God in English: Criteria for excellence in Bible translation by Leland Ryken. It’s perhaps the best, most readable book I’ve seen in this field.
ASSIGNMENT
– YOU DO THE ANALYSIS (5Ws & the H)
located? Where does book fit in the scope of the Bible?
FOLLOWUP
Learning the word is good but application makes that truth real. Remember, Pharisees & demons know God’s truth but don’t apply it as God desires (James 1:22 – Be you doers of the word vs. James 2:9).
REFERENCES
Smethhurst, Matt. 2019. Before you open
your Bible: Nine heart postures for approaching God’s word. 10 Publishing.
Valcourt, Stephen. 2016, Oct. 13. “Which
Bible translation should I read?” In Abundant Springs. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020 from https://abundantsprings.church/blog/2016/10/13/which-bible-translation-should-i-read.