© ROBERT MORNING SKY 2008 -
GOD & THE BIBLE
STUDYING THE BIBLE
There have been literally thousands of scholars and believers who have spent their lives studying the Bible. They have been, and they are, devoted to their efforts and in most cases, devoted to the contents of the scripture.
The following examples are the result of over two thousand years of study, analysis and interpretation by literally thousands and thousands of intelligent and highly devoted scholars.
For your consideration...
LECTIO DIFFICILIOR
In an article attempting to refute the works of one controversial scholar, conservative
Bible scholar Shmuel Ahituv, professor of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
at Ben-
This is very important to know: In translating the Bible, the principle by which scholars must translate words and verses is lectio difficillor. This is a rule that requires that the translator to choose the more ‘difficult reading’ over the simpler one. Why?
Because the more ‘difficult reading’ conveys the miraculous and the mysterious ways of God. God’s miracles lie in the confused translation, not in the more sensible one. This is the Way of the Lord say the Bible scholars.
The principle of ‘Occam’s Razor’ does not exist in Bible translation.
‘SOFTENING EMBARASSING STATEMENTS’
During one of the most difficult times known as the ‘Exile’, the ancient Israelites were taken from their homeland and were forced to adapt to the ways of ‘foreigners’. It was a difficult time full of trials and tribulations. From the book, Illustrated Manners and Customs of the Bible:
“After the Jews returned from Exile, they formed communities of scribes to preserve and circulate the Scriptures that had become so precious to them.”
These scholarly men were later called the Masoretes (from the word masorah meaning ‘tradition’).
“Although the scribes were careful to preserve the text, they sometimes made changes to soften embarrassing statements. For example, they often changed Jehovah (Yahweh) to ‘the name’ or ‘heaven’…”