Monday, April 16, 2012

Are the Original Languages Important?

Here are four reasons given for the necessity of certain persons knowing the original languages of the Bible (i.e. Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek). They are taken from an article found in the latest issue of Themelios (the whole article is accessible at http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the_profit_of_employing_the_biblical_languages_scriptural_and_historic).

  1. Using the biblical languages exalts Jesus by affirming God's wisdom in giving us his Word in a book (God's Word as foundation).
  2. Using the biblical languages gives us greater certainty that we have grasped the meaning of God's Book (studying God's Word).
  3. Using the biblical languages can assist in developing Christian maturity that validates our witness in the world (practicing God's Word).
  4. Using the biblical languages enables a fresh and bold expression and defense of the truth in preaching and teaching (teaching God's Word).