How to use the Original Language

Introduction

As we mentioned earlier in this course the Bible is translated. It was not written in English, Jesus did not read the NIV, or even the Authorised Version.

It is great that we have English translations, and many of them, as that enables us to read the Bible, to study, and apply it. I’m not talking about giving up our English translations and only reading Hebrew and Greek. So what do I mean by “use the original language”?

I mean on occasion, look up words and phrases, try to understand the original intentions. The reason for this is that while our translations are good, getting a sense of the original will help us to gain further insight and application. This all makes sense when we stop and consider that there are numerous English translations and there are differences in word choice. Such differences indicate that the original language had a word or phrase that we do not have a direct equivalent for. Therefore going back to the original will allow us to think about the extra meanings that may have been lost in the translation we are reading

In this post we will be looking at the New Testament and therefore looking at Greek. This is not a lesson in reading Greek, rather this aims to equip you with some simple tools to start engaging with some of the original language.

Useful tools

There are some very useful tools when it comes to using the original language. Hopefully this list will help.

1. An inter-linear Bible

2. A concordance such as Strongest Strong’s

3. An expository dictionary such as Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

4. https://www.biblestudytools.com in general and the online concordances https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/

5. https://eu.stepbible.org/ which will provide direct access to the original language in many cases with clear definitions and useful context.

Jesus teaching on worship

Let's look at a practical example.

When we read the account of Jesus meeting the woman at the well in John chapter 4 there are lots of words that are worth closer inspection. This is also an excellent passage to use all our other techniques on.

For now let’s consider a couple of words that are key to this account.

John 4: 1 - 26

What words or phrases are key in this story, perhaps some of the following jumped out at yo, maybe others caught your attention.

• Water

• Living water

• Eternal life

• True and truth - these, in Greek, convey subtly different meanings

• Worship

• Spirit

As I’m reading a passage when words seem significant, or when a word seems like there could be other choices, or where I think the meaning is not really clear, I will look up the original text to try to gain more insight.

Technique - the how to

How do I look this up? There are a couple of tools that are vital for this; a concordance such as Strongs, and an expository dictionary such as Vines. An interlinear Bible can also be helpful. I have a Greek - English New Testament and this helps to see the Greek words in context and check if the same word is used in different places.

As a step by step guide here’s what I do:

1. Look up the English word in the concordance - this is easier if the concordance is for the English translation you generally use, a good thing to check when buying your concordance.

2. Take the reference number and find the Greek word. The concordance may give some small explanation which can be useful.

3. Knowing the Greek word I then look up the English word in the expository dictionary. This shows all the Greek words used and I can find the meaning of the one I’m interested in.

4. Read the passage again with this definition in mind and see how this changes my understanding or response.

It’s really very simple, and the benefit is far greater than the effort put in.

Let’s have a go

Continuing with this story in John 4, consider the words that seemed significant as you read it. Look those up in a concordance. If you don't have a physical copy there are plenty freely available online, for example https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/

Now re-read the passage in light of the meaning you have just discovered. Does this speak to you in a new way, does it challenge you in any way? Write down your thoughts, and share them with someone you trust.