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Post by messimom on Aug 31, 2005 22:41:10 GMT -8
Given some of the intense discussions taking place on the board I have a question to pose for those wanting to share. My question is how do you go about a study? Is it just that something grabs you so you go about digging in and finding the answer, or do you just meander through the scriptures doing a new study every time you hit upon something that needs clarifying? And when you start your study what tools do you use; what's the method to your madness? Some of us who are young'uns or some who are new to even the concept of study on their own outside of the pastor telling them to turn to John 3:16...could use the advice of some of you seasoned scripture veterans. Messimom
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Post by Mark on Sept 1, 2005 5:01:22 GMT -8
Many people in the Messianic faith begin their study along along the Parashah. The three year cycle can be found at www.torahresource.com Some begin another systematic approach through the Scriptures. "Our Daily Bread" is a booklet many in the Christian faith use for this purpose. Of the two or three of those booklets I've thumbed through, I've never found anything hostile to Judaism or against the . It may be a valuable resource if it works for you. Another strategy is to begin in prayer- silent meditation in the presence of Adonai, actively worshiping His known character and praising Him for the the goodness that He brings. Keep a pencil and paper handy (but don't busy yourself with writing). Passages of Scripture will float to the surface of your mind which will intrigue you for later study. My occupation is 98% labor and so I can spend a great deal of time in prayer. I keep some paper and a pen in my back pocket and find myself jotting down questions or theological subjects that come to my mind for later study. Some of us have our study pre-assigned to us one way or another. By this forum or a whole host of other contacts, I am busy answering questions and having my understanding of Scripture stretched. Yet, remember, that study (the quest for knowledge) is not the focus of our agenda- it is intimate relationship with the Father, learning to walk as the Son. The most common tool of Bible study these days is e-sword. It can be downloaded for free at www.e-sword.net or you can ask for the CD from them for a $15 donation. While some Bible translations are definitely better than others, I recommend starting with what reads easily for you. If you have grown up with King James and the phrasing of other translations is distracting to you, I recommend reading King James. While there is endless debate over the best translation, they are all at best a translation- they equally miss the flavor, inflection and inuendo of the original languages; yet, in most cases the message and instruction is equally clear. The most modern Christian translation that has not taken liberty against is "The Scriptures" published in 1998. Stern's "The Complete Jewish Bible" is very common and widely used among Messianic believers. Keep in mind that they have their short-comings as well when it comes to the literal nature of the translation. I carry pastel colored proofing pens in my binder which also houses my Bible. If the English word lacks clarity or hinders my understanding of the phrase, I will circle that word and draw a line into the margin where I will write the original word and a short definition. You have to be careful doing this with just a Strong's concordance or Bible dictionary because there are several factors that play into why the translators chose a particular word. Often there are many definitions to one word- we can't pick the definition that best suits our agenda (though our adversaries in the Church do it all the time). There are rules that need to be followed in this form of study; and, as you have questions about specific word definitions, I believe you have resources here that can help. Wow, this has gotten huge. Sorry for my verbosity. Another method of study that I have found very valuable is actually speed reading the text- particularly the epistles and prophets, reading at least two books in one sitting. I'm not suggesting randomly; but when you read a phrase that trigggers a memory from a concept in another book, read them both together in one sitting. You'll be amazed at the contextual flavor that you find. Of course, I recommend reading the works of scholars such as Daniel Lancaster and Tim Hegg- these men in particular because they are willing to correspond with you directly if you have questions regarding their work.
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Post by messimom on Sept 1, 2005 11:04:45 GMT -8
I loved your suggestions and don't mind the verbage at all. Could you expand on the above quote. What would be a proper/complete way of finding a word's true meaning or definition? Thanks Messimom
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Post by Mark on Sept 2, 2005 5:31:09 GMT -8
Hi Mom, First, use what you've got. If you don't know Greek or Hebrew at all, then compare English translations and look fo rconsistency. If you have a Strong's Concordance, use it and don't be afraid to look up the original language in the provided dictionary. My only warning is that Strong's only provides the definition of root words, it does not give tense or mood. Greek and Hebrew are languages that are... well, foreign. They have different rules that govern their usage. Greek is a very articulate and exact language. Word order in a Greek phrase can be random. If I mixed up all the words in an English sentence, it would be nonsense; but in Greek, word order can be jumbled so as to provide emphasis or affect. Also nouns and verbs can be attached to each other to infinitum. In the Pauline epistles, what we sometimes read as a sentence that is nearly half a page long is only four or five words in Greek (just really, really big words). That's why, in the Strong's dictionary you may find two or three definitions associated with a particular word: it is compound. There are many rules that allows Greek to make assumptions without writing things- context is very important. Probably the biggest debate between Messianic Judaism and Christianity revloves around Matthew 5:17-18 about the words translated "fulfilled". One is playroo and the other ginomai. Most Christian theologians will argue that they are synonyms; however, Trench's Rule on synonyms (a Greek scholar in the 1800s) says that when two words which can be defined synomynously are within the same context, it is their difference that is given emphasis. Just like English, a Greek word may have four or five definitions, depending upon usage and context. That's why I give the warning. In most cases, the answer is obvious and has been used correctly by language scholars. Yet, for all of us, we are inclined to give preference to that which we already believe, and that's really dangerous. Specific questions about words are appropriate to bring up and be discussed in this forum when you run across confusing passages. Hebrew is a story-telling language. My favorite description is that in English a picture is worth a thousand words- in Hebrew a word is worth a thousand pictures. Hebrew is built upon the history and culture of the Jewish people. For instance, find any word that means bad or evil or darkness or oppression and you will find, in Hebrew, the name of an Egyptian god. Each word has a visual idea or a mental image that it invokes. For instance, the word ow-lawm (forvever) means, "just over the horizon." When we see "forever and ever" it is like saying, "look just past where you can see, and then a little farther." Not only does each word have its own unique definition, each letter of every word has its own definition, effectively making every word an accrostic. For instance, the word (spelled tet, reish, het) is visualized in this way: tet is a snake that twists around a thing with the idea of holding to and surrounding, reish is the head (of a person) the highest thing, and het is a window or an opening with the idea that it is something to be looked through, to reveal or to expose. Many of the words in Hebrew have their own historical story that goes along with them. For instance, when you say the word "tsaw-eef" (veil), you are in a word telling the story of Rebekah in Genesis 24:64-65 when she saw Isaac at a distance, lighted off her camel and covered herself. Hebrew is technically and structurally less complex than Greek; but you must have a much greater familiarity with the history and culture of the Hebrew people. That's why we gentiles are much more comfortable with Greek. Our perspective of Hebrew will always have a western bent or prejudice. Unless we become Hebrew, we can't fully grasp what the language really implies to its fullest intent. That's also why it is rightly argued in this forum that Greek is of lesser value to the biblical scholar than Hebrew because the language of Hebrew was built and structured as a nation learned how it was to relate with Adonai- as opposed to Greek which is physical and concrete in nature. I pass myself off as a scholar. I want you to know that I am not- only a student. I've never been to Bible school or Yeshiva. I studied under a Greek scholar for fourteen years; but my education is very informal. The Hebrew I know I have picked up out of necessity, trying to understand what the writers meant in the context of the Bible. I certainly yield to others in this forum with respect to Hebrew and very much appreciate folks like Natzar Y'hudi with the knowledge that he brings to the forum. Back to your question- I use proof writing pens (pastel ink so I can still read the text) and circle the word that I believe the English doesn't give credit. Then I draw a line out into the margin and write the definition or something that will help me remember the implication made by the writer. Often, this is done, not during my personal study but while listening to a teacher who is expounding on a word's definition. While I haven't looked at all of his teachings and therefore can't fully endorse him, the fellow who runs the site Biblestudy.org has a good method of marking in your Bible for study at this link www.biblestudy.org/basicart/markbibl.html
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Post by messimom on Sept 2, 2005 8:56:30 GMT -8
Wow! Thank you for that wonderful background on the languages. I took 9 years of Spanish so have experience with a foreign language. But Hebrew and the other picture languages I haven't been able to wrap my mind around yet. I'm going to have to just give in and learn the language. Thank you again for the wonderful insight. It reminds me I still have at least a lifetime of learning to do...better get a move on! Messimom
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Sept 2, 2005 17:49:10 GMT -8
While I agree with Mark's methods, I disagree with the recommendation of the King James. Of all the translations, the King James is probably the worst. There are several problems with the King James translation, one being the language used, and the other being the outright dogma involved. There was even one translation that said "Thou shalt commit adultery." <<< Someone goofed there. Even though it is used by Catholics, the best Christian translation available would be the New American Standard. It is the closest translation that conveys the original thought. However, one could always purchase a and learn to read that. It is not a mere translation like most things are, it is an actual copy of the original. But, I digress. We're not here to argue over translations, we're here to talk about study methods. You may not be Jewish, but you have certainly captured the flavor and essence of the Hebrew language. Well done! It's funny that you say that, because even the best of scholars is still a mere student. Okay, study methods. Mark defined this field really well. The only thing I have to add to that is my study method: I start out by defining a subject that I desire to learn more about (ie... Yeshua's halacha) and then delve in to a deep study of that particular topic. I will cross-reference the verse with many different Bibles checking to see if there's anything in particular that stands out, then I'll look at particular key words in Hebrew, so that I can gain a better understanding of the original meaning of those words. However, that does require knowledge of Hebrew. For those who don't know it, I highly recommend they learn it. It is invaluable when it comes to studying the Scriptures.
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Post by Mark on Sept 2, 2005 20:13:16 GMT -8
While I understand the frustration and agree with the distrust of any English translation, I have to defend the use of good ol' King James for a couple of reasons. First, it's not the worst, though I'll heartily agree that it isn't the best either. There are some good reasons for using it as opposed to one that tends to be more structurally accurate like the NASB. My first contention with NASB and nearly all modern English translations is Mark 7:19. In this text, commentary is added to the words of Yeshua that declare abandonment of . While King James does some pretty negligent (and at times anti-semitic) translating, it doesn't go so far as to insert commentary into the text of Scripture as though they were the words of Christ. The second reason I will continue to recommend the King James is because the study tools which are easily obtainable to common folk like us directly tie to the King James version. I'm speaking of Strong's Concordance of the Bible, and more valuable is Englishman's. While the problems in translation are there in KJV, it is easier to get through them and to the original language than it is with any other translation. In e-sword, the Strong's definitions are actually available right in the text itself. KJV isn't by any means superior. It simply gives the average person more tools at his or her fingertips. I know, I know. Some of you are rolling your eyes or wringing your fists. It could be that this is one of my sacred cows that Adonai has set for the slaughter. We'll see in due time. In the meanwhile, or shoudl I say, Hitherforeto, thou mustest endure mine ignorance with charity of mind and sound edification. Mark
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Sept 5, 2005 11:18:03 GMT -8
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Post by Chizuk Emunah on Sept 5, 2005 15:31:12 GMT -8
^ ^ ^ Yeah, I got a kick outta that too....
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Post by Rick on Sept 5, 2005 21:22:01 GMT -8
Shalom messimom. First and foremost is prayer and simply reading. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart. I would start by making a habit of reading scripture daily. While I don't consider my daily reading as a part of my personal study, I have made a habit of reading every night before bed. I read at least 2 chapters,(usually more), this will easily take you through the entire Bible in a year. I don't use any "schedule" or "daily readings"; I simply read it through, Genesis to Revelation. I read a "different" translation every year. We center our 'family' devotion/study around the weekly -Haftarah, and related Brit' Hadasha verses, but again I don't consider this part of my 'personal' study. Many times, for me, it is as simple as that. Sometimes my children will ask a question that I do not think I have an adequate answer for. Lately I have been comparing 'commentary' from "Christianity" and "Judaism" regarding a particular verse, chapter, or 'Book'; the purpose being to use Scripture to glean the nuggets from both while sorting out the pyrite. Associate studies in Ministry gave me a firm base in "Mainline Christian" commentary, doctrine, and theology. Like Calvin, Wesley, Hodge, Spurgeon, Edwards etc. etc. I have since studied the Talmud and have begun studying the Midrash in order to see the 'other side' of the coin. I do the same, this is usually the starting point for more in depth study. My Hebrew is poor, I am a novice, but I am learning. What is most important is just reading G-d's word, everything else will flow from there. G-d speaks to us in that "still small voice" through his Word. May Adonai bless and direct your reading. Rick
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Post by Mark on Sept 6, 2005 3:22:07 GMT -8
Rick,
Thanks so much for pointing out the importance of prayer and meditation upon Scriptures as such a n intrical part. I'm embarrassed to have left that out; yet stand guilty, acknowledging how insignificant it can be in my own perosnal worship. Yes, worship. It's not an intellectual exercise. It is communion with the Living God. Anything else is simply stimulation and can be acheived just as easily with your average cross-word puzzle.
Thank you for reminding me to adjust my purposes more correctly- not about getting smarter but getting closer.
Mark
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Post by Rick on Sept 6, 2005 6:52:17 GMT -8
Thou art in good company brother, I too tend to refer first to the Kings translation. I don't know if you have read any of G.A. Riplingers books, but he has a couple on the "King James' version that I found very helpful,(I think they are still in print, my copys are quite used). "The Language of The King James Bible" and "In Awe of Thy Word" Another book that is a must read for those "coming out" of the 'Church' is; The "Archko Volume" translated by Drs. McIntosh & Twyman this may be out of print, I have not seen a copy in a long time, I purchased mine from a used book seller. I also am in need of patience and longsuffering in holding fast to the afore-mentioned sacred 'cow'.
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