Surely you have heard …
Summary: Today’s meditation is on how we “hear” the written word in our head.
This passage begins with an interesting phrase in the NIV, “Surely you have heard …”
As always, because I am human and not God, I am limited to writing from a single point of view. At the same time, I am keenly aware of you, Dear Reader, and your point of view. Generally, there are ways to approach these passages from a common viewpoint, but today’s meditation might be an exception.
How do you understand the phrase, “Surely you have heard…”? Personally, my mind goes to the old joke, “No I haven’t heard and don’t call me Shirley!” The next place my mind goes is to a voice that translates this as spoken with a “you’ve got to be kidding me” tone. “Surely you have heard about what was given me … right???” In my head, it sounds like Paul isn’t sure that everyone in Ephesus has heard about him. In all fairness, it is a reasonable assumption. It has been a long while since Paul was in Ephesus, and many things have happened during his absence. In fact, it is likely that more churches have been added, and there are entire groups of people who don’t know Paul personally.
So how do other translations treat this passage? Let’s take a look:
English Standard Version: “assuming that you have heard…” King James Version: “If ye have heard…” Modern English Version: “You may have heard…” New American Standard Bible: “if indeed you have heard …”
While the phrasing in the NIV translations suggests a presumption that his readers “should” be aware of who he is, these other translations use a tone that is more conditional.
Is any of this important?
Maybe not to you or me. But it could be important to someone if they get the wrong idea about Paul. Paul was not egotistical in the sense that he was hungry for human attention. He wasn’t. He had the right idea. He saw himself as a servant of God. (Ephesians 3:7)
Application: When something doesn’t sound quite right to your inner ear, check it out with another translation.
Food for Thought: How does examining other translations of the Bible help or hinder our understanding of the Bible?
How does examining other translations of the Bible help or hinder our understanding of the Bible?
I don’t think that it would hinder our understanding of the Bible. I believe that if you are looking for more wisdom knowledge and understanding then looking up different translations can be very useful. When your looking for answers to build up your relationship with God He will help you because Shirley He wants and desires a relationship with you. If there is a hindering when your searching then you might be searching for the wrong answer, or something that is not like Gods character and you might need a heart check about the question your seeking.
Tim,
Great point about “If there is a hindering…” ! If something doesn’t “click” then it is time for a “heart check” as you say.
Thank you!
How does examining other translations of the Bible help or hinder our understanding of the Bible?
Help – When we read about the Shirley’s and even the Harold’s (Daniel 3:4 😁), it may be initially confusing or take our mind off center. This isn’t nessessarily a bad thing if we are not content in not fully understanding. Something doesn’t sit right so you dig a little deeper, that fortifies your heart and mind in the Word. Different translations are an easliy accessible means to studying Gods Word.
Hinder – In reading different translations we may see what look like contradictions or inconsistencies/omissions (read Matthew 18:11 NIV). This could cast doubt in your heart. All I can say to this is: if you have doubts seek answers. Pray, research, ask a brother or sister you trust. That is a different level of understanding. You may find yourself studying Greek and biblical history/culture. God is faithful and His Word is true.
Well…
At least we know the whole family now!
Shirley and Harold Hinder. Nice couple! 🙂
I like your advice, Chris: “Pray, research, ask a brother or sister you trust.”
Well said!
I think that looking at a variety of translations gives us a wider range of meanings for the word or phrase being translated. And if there is confusion, then some prayer and digging is certainly a good response. There are many resources to help – at least in the US and in English. The Bible hub app has an interlinear that one can check the Hebrew or Greek meaning with a click of a few tabs without having to be a Bible scholar. Sometimes we have to do some work or study.
Rich,
We are indeed blessed with good resources! I use Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible online quite often.
05-04-2023, How does examining other translations of the Bible help or hinder our understanding of the Bible.
As a non believer God sent me to Men’s Bible Study Fellowship. “ I needed a Bible “, so I went to the local Christian supermarket and asked to buy a bible. This wonderful little old lady asked me. What Kind? It was a shocking question and I hand no idea how to respond, so in my typical know it all attitude, I confidently responded. “Give ma any of them, they all say the same thing.”
This lady quietly turned to the bibles, probably had a little smile on her face as she picked out a new bible and handed it to me. I paid her and quickly left the store before anyone saw me.
When I got home, I opened the box and looked at the most beautiful leather bound, book I had ever seen. I opened it up and found I could not understand a word it said. It was my King James, Schofield study Bible, which is today held together with duct tape with notes on most the pages.
I went back to the store, explained my situation and was handed a children’s bible, the Living Bible. We studied the book of John that first year and within six weeks I accepted Christ.
I learned a few very important truths regarding our bibles.
FIRST: The words in our bibles are eternal truths, given to men by the Holy Spirit of God, to record and are preserved for all eternity.
SECOND: These truths are life changing because they are heart knowledge, not head knowledge.
THIRD: Just as God gave us the Bible through the Holy Spirit, He also gives us understanding of the Bible through the same Holy Spirit. Jesus promises us that the “Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14, 26
1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Our studies of Gods word are time with God who will by the Holy Spirit reveal His truths to each of as we need them. I have accumulated 8 bibles, but their are only two I study, because I know they are speaking to my heart.
Ron,
I love the story about your first Bible! I also appreciate your point about the eternal truths in the Bible. No matter which translation one reads, the truths remain the same!