Aramaic Text vs KJV Text

Aramaic Text vs KJV Text

Did you know there are over 450 translations of the Bible in the English language alone?

Question: WHICH IS THE CORRECT VERSION.??

Answer: There is NO Correct Version. All the versions are different from the Original (which is Aramaic/Hebrew).

(Note: For those interested to read further, I wrote a post on the "Timeline of Written Translation History" here:

 https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2021/04/timeline-of-written-translation-history.html

WHY SO MANY VERSIONS.?

Because:

a. They have language translation errors and mistakes. This happens when it is translated from 1 language to another language.

b. They have bias translation errors. That means they purposely translate it in such a way to favour their own denomination or community, and to discredit others.

c. Translation errors occur when the translators cannot decide to translate "word for word" or "thought for thought". As a result, there is a mixture of both. Others from other cultures or learning began to interpret the bible words wrongly leading to theological errors.

d. They are translated by a "one-man-show". That means it is the work of ONLY 1 person. It has not been tested by other bible scholars or bible peers. This results in an unscholarly or unprofessional translation, creating more mistakes. E.g.s are "The Message" a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson and "The Passion Translation" by Brian Simmons.

MAJORITY VIEW THE KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) AS MORE CORRECT.

In the christian culture that I was involved, the majority viewed the KJV as the "never incorrect version" or the "authentic version" or the "sanctified version".

Actually, if you just trace the Timeline of bible translations of just the KJVs ALONE, you will find that the translators are trying to cover up their mistakes, with newer and newer editions. Their mistakes and embarrassment are made more pronounced with new archaeological discoveries of old written texts written thousands of years ago.

If you do use Google, you will also find that there have been hundred of articles written and viewed in social media like Youtube, about the hundreds if not thousands of errors in the KJV. They were highlighted according to their own understanding.

COMPARING SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES

Here below I will attempt to compare some (just some, because there are so so many) of the bible texts found in the Aramaic text and those in the KJV text.

It is my attempt to compare the text with the original Aramaic. It is useless to compare translation with translation, that will lead to quarrelsome arguments about who or which is more correct. I will just show you the original and you decide, whether your KJV or other translations have errors or not.

Job 12:6

(KJV) The tabernacles of robbers PROSPER, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.

(Aramaic) The tents of robbers SHALL PERISH, and the assurance of those who incite God because there is no God in their hearts.

Job 31:10

(KJV) Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

(Aramaic) Then let my wife grind (meal) for others and let her BAKE BREAD AT ANOTHER MAN'S PLACE.

Psalm 7:11

(KJV) God judgeth the righteous, and God is ANGRY WITH THE WICKED EVERY DAY.

(Aramaic) God is a just judge and He is NOT ANGRY EVERY DAY.

Psalm 23:2

(KJV) He maketh me to lie down in GREEN PASTURES; he leadeth me beside the STILL WATERS.

(Aramaic) And He makes me to dwell in PASTURES OF STRENGTH. He guides me by REFRESHING WATERS.

Psalm 23:6

(KJV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER.

(Aramaic) Your loving kindness and compassion have pursued me all the days of my life; and I shall live in the house of the Lord for the LENGTH OF DAYS.

Psalm 46:10

(KJV) BE STILL and know that I am God!

(Aramaic) RETURN TO ME and know that I am God!

Isaiah 43:28

(KJV) Therefore I have PROFANED THE PRINCES OF THE SANCTUARY, and have given Jacob to the curse and Israel to reproaches. [meaning God Himself had defiled the princes]

(Aramaic) YOU PRINCES HAVE DEFILED THE HOLY PLACE (the sanctuary); therefore I have give Jacob to the curse and Israel to shame.

Jeremiah 4:10

(KJV) Then said I, ah Lord God; surely THOU HAST GREATLY DECEIVED this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

(Aramaic) Then I said, I implore you, O Lord God, truly I HAVE DECEIVED [meaning Jeremiah had deceived] this people and Jerusalem exceedingly because I have said, You will have peace, and behold, the slain sword reaches as far as the soul.

Matthew 5:3

(KJV)  BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Aramaic) DELIGHTED ARE THOSE WHO SURRENDER TO GOD, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:34

(KJV) TAKE THEREFORE NO THOUGHT for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the eveil thereof.

(Aramaic) Now DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself. Enough for the day is its own trouble.

John 1:14

(KJV) And the Word WAS MADE FLESH, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only BEGOTTEN son of the Father) full of grace and TRUTH.

(Aramaic) And the Word TOOK HUMAN FORM and dwelt (tented) among us; and we say his preciousness (glory), a preciousness like that of an only BELOVED son of the Father, who is filled with loving kindness and JUSTICE.

2 Timothy 3:16

(KJV) All scripture is GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

(Aramaic) All scripture that is WRITTEN BY THE SPIRIT is useful for teaching, correction, right action, and for instruction in justice (piety).

2 Peter 1:21

(KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spoke as they were MOVED by the Holy Ghost.

(Aramaic) For prophecy at no time ever came by the will of man, but hold men of God spoke when they were IMPELLED by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7:18

(KJV) Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not BECOME UNCIRCUMCISED.

(Aramaic) If any man were circumcised when he was called, let him not TURNED TO THE PARTY OF THE UNCIRCUMCISED.

And so on, and so on.

There are thousands of different translations in comparing the KJV and the original Aramaic.

For those interested, there is a book by George M. Lamsa, called "The Holy Bible from the Ancient Eastern Text", and he translated the ancient Aramaic manuscripts to English, beginning with Genesis till Revelation. He said that there are approximately 10,000 to 12,000 vital and major differences between the KJV and the Aramaic text.

Aramaic Idiom - A Thorn In The Flesh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Aramaic Idiom - A Thorn In The Flesh


This phrase "a thorn in the flesh" is an actual Aramaic Idiom that is often used by the Near Eastern people.

In fact, we in the English educated community also use this phrase to mean the SAME thing, as them.


This phrase appears in several bible verses.

Let us look at 2 Corinthians 12:7,


2Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.


The original Aramaic writings read like this:

 

 

 

 

 
Qn: Why did Paul wrote this verse?

Ans: Basing on evidential historical records, wherever Paul went, he constantly met with great opposition, persecution and verbal and non-verbal attacks. Some of the listeners also questioned Paul as a real apostle and went against his authority among the believers. Paul also faced many false teachers, and his many writings of the New Testament books were meant to counter such teachings.

Because of these constant accusations and attacks, they were considered to be a source of irritation, and that's why he used the phrase "a thorn in his flesh".


Other examples of such use of "thorns" or "thorns in the flesh/body" are:


Genesis 3:18 (ESV) ... THORNS and thistles it shall bring forth for you; ...


Numbers 33:55 (ESV) But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and THORNS in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.


Judges 2:3 (ESV) So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become THORNS IN YOUR SIDES, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”



This verse in 2 Corinthians 12:7 is very interesting. It was as if Paul didn't want his readers to misunderstand his Idiom, and so he explained himself by giving a further explanation on the idiom/phrase "a thorn in the flesh".


Side NOTE: Have you heard of the cult of "christian" believers in Philippines, where  they used all kinds of thorns to cut their own flesh (basing on this verse) because they believed that if Paul can be humbled by these thorns (which they believed to be "real" "physical" thorns from plants), so they too can whip their own flesh with thorns to make themselves humble and thus be acceptable by God. (God's acceptance of us has nothing to do with our futile efforts). These are people who believe in Jesus Christ and they numbered in the millions! This is an example of how a wrong interpretation of bible verse using contemporary languages (without looking accurately at the cultural, historical and linguistic relevance), can cause such massive damages and sway millions into danger and grave errors.



Qn: What was the further explanation of the idiom "a thorn in the flesh"?

Ans: Paul said that this "thorn in the flesh" is explained as "a messenger of Satan to buffet me". He meant "A TROUBLEMAKER".

In our modern English, Paul would have wrote "I AM HARASSED OR TROUBLED BY TROUBLEMAKERS."


Qn: What is the meaning "messenger of Satan" in 2 Corinthians 12:7?

Ans: It means a person who is a deceiver and a fraud who teaches wrong teachings and philosophies, to counter-attack on Paul. He is a Troublemaker. He is  a false teacher. His teachings are malicious and meant to harm Paul and to destroy his teaching and authority.

Paul’s thorn in the flesh wasn’t sickness or epilepsy or any other physical illness. It was the people who opposed and irritated him and continually caused him problems!
 

 

So now you know the meaning of "a thorn in the flesh".

HOW DID PAUL USE ARAMAIC IDIOMS IN THE BIBLE?

HOW DID PAUL USE ARAMAIC IDIOMS IN THE BIBLE?



Question: Why am I interested to know about Paul's writings?

Answer: Most of the bible scriptures in the New Testament was written by Paul, so unless you want to throw away the bible scriptures, it is worthwhile to understand what Paul wrote.


There are many many idioms that are used by Paul in his writings.

I want to look at just a passage in 2 Corinthians 6:11-12 (KJV)

2 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV) - O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

2 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV) -  Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.



Let us compare with the original Aramaic Text with interlinear English:

 

MOUTH

Qn: What is the meaning of "our mouth is open unto you".?

Ans: This is an Aramaic idiom meaning: "We have  told you everything".

During the times of Paul, in the Near East, when someone speaks in an honest and straightforward way, just being frankly and clearly, they used the Aramaic idiom "he has a big or large mouth".

Today in our modern English, whether we are using American English or UK English, it would be an insult. A person with a "big mouth" will mean that he cannot keep any secret or someone who talks too much. This is just the opposite of the meaning in the bible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOWELS

Qn: What is the meaning of "ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels".? Why "bowels".?

Ans: Here the original word for "bowels" is the Aramaic word "rahma". Literally translated, the word "rahma" has several meanings. It means "friends", "bowels", "womb", "bladder", "testicles", and the "female sexual organs".

However in this verse, the word "bowels" or "rahma" is used metaphorically to mean "love", "mercy", "kindness", "affection", "compassion", "benevolence", "friendliness", and "tenderheartedness".

Paul used the same word "bowel" or "rahma" in another scripture in Philippians 1:8


Philippians 1: 8 (KJV) - "For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels (or rahma) of Jesus Christ".

In the Interlinear English of this in Aramaic, it says "Surely God is my witness as to what manner I fiercely love you all through the tender love of Jesus the Messiah".



Isaiah said the same word as Paul in Isaiah 63:15

Isaiah 63:15 (KJV) Look down from heaven ... Where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels (rahma) and thy mercies toward me? Are they restrained?


The idiom "the sounding of thy bowels" means "tender affection and love".

What Isaiah is saying is, "turn your affections and love upon me".



Isaiah used the same word "bowel" or "rahma" in Isaiah 16:11

Isaiah 16:11 (KJV) Wherefore my bowels (rahma) shall sound like a harp for Moab.


The idiom "my bowels shall sound like a harp for Moab" means "my heart shall sorrow over Moab".



It is similarly used in love expression in the Song of Solomon in Song 5:4

Song 5:4 (KJV) - My beloved put his hand by the hole in the door, and my bowels (rahma) were moved for him.


The idiom "and my bowels were moved for him" means "and my passions stirred because of him".




This is just a small example of how Paul and others used idioms in their writings, that are meant to be interpreted metaphorically and within their cultural expression.

THE ORIGINAL ARAMAIC UNDERSTANDING OF HELL

 

THE ORIGINAL ARAMAIC UNDERSTANDING OF HELL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JESUS AND ARAMAIC

 

1. If you have read my earlier writings, you will understand that Aramaic was the original language of Jesus. It was a pre-cursor to the Hebrew language. While Hebrew was more commercially used, Aramaic was more domestically spoken and written.

Jesus spoke in Aramaic to his disciples and the common people (many were illiterate, and can only understand Aramaic).

 

2. Jesus used the word "hell or hell-fire" in Matthew 5:22 (KJV) in our English translations. We are going to see what he meant.

 

Matthew 5:22 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pictures here: Taken from : https://www.thearamaicscriptures.com/

 

3. The actual Aramaic words spoken are as above. The spoken word in interlinear English Translation would be "Gehenna dnoora"

 

4. The word "Gehenna dnoora" is an Aramaic Idiom.

 

5. IN Aramaic, "Gehenna dnoora" means "Regret", "Mental torment", "Destruction", "Remorse", "Mental suffering", "Mental agony".

 

6. "Gehenna dnoora" does NOT mean an INFERNO where God burns people forever!

 

7. According to Aramaic scholars, they confirmed that the Aramaic-speaking Church Fathers of the 2nd to 5th centuries AD uses the word "Gehenna dnoora" (English translated as "hellfire") to denote "torment of the mind", and not a fiery place where people are burning forever.

 

8. It was only much later, that the term "hell or hellfire" became translated as a designated place of eternal punishment for the wicked and unbelievers.

 

 

WHAT IS HELL? WHERE IS HELL?

 

1. Some cultures and ancient beliefs taught that it is an underground (middle earth, or subterranean) torture pit where living souls are tormented and burnt for eternity.

 

2. Some beliefs teach that hell is a spiritual place of unending separation from the presence of God.

 

3. These thoughts and concepts of hell as a fiery punishment came from (a) certain misunderstood biblical passages and (b) some cultural and contemporary misinterpretations of early church leaders like Augustine and Tertullian.

 

4. Prior to these concepts of hell, it was NOT conceived or taught as a place where God torments "disobedient" human beings.

 

5. Jesus NEVER taught such an idea, and it was not presumed to be such by his followers. When Jesus used the Aramaic term "Gehenna dnoora", he used it as a common Aramaic idiom that means "mental torment".

 

 

WHERE DID WE GET THIS WORD "HELL" IN OUR ENGLISH?

 

1. The origin of the English word "hell" comes from the Anglo-Saxon (old English language) words "hel" meaning "a hidden place", and "helan" meaning "to hide".

 

2. In our English translated bible, the translators had used the word "hell" to translate from 2 Aramaic terms "sheol" and "gehenna dnoora". And this was wrong.

 

3. "Sheol" and "Gehenna dnoora" are actually two very extremely different Aramaic (and Semitic) terms, yet the English translators had used the word "hell" to represent both.

 

4. "Sheol" comes from the Hebrew word "shalal" meaning "to be still or quiet".

 

5. In those ancient Hebrew days, the Hebrews believed that "sheol" was a place below the surface of the earth where the dead, BOTH GOOD AND BAD, remained there quietly and inactive. (This could be a borrowed cultural belief of the Assyrian and Babylonians that had such beliefs. Remember that the Jews were in captivity and under these over-lording masters for several generations i.e. hundreds of years).

 

6. The ancient Hebrews believed that their dead will wait in "sheol" until it is judgement day for them, the good guys and the bad guys. This term "sheol" is used more in the older text of the Hebrew Tanakh (similar to the Old Testament).

 

 

"GEHENNA DNOORA" IS ALSO A PHYSICAL PLACE

 

1. Yes, I said that "Gehenna dnoora" is an Aramaic idiomatic expression meaning "mental torment", but it is also an ancient "physical place".

 

2. I bring the similar example of our Malaysia term "Jinjang". When we say a person is very "jinjang", it is an idiomatic expression to mean that he/she is "backward", "uneducated", "uncultured". BUT "Jinjang" is also a "physical place" where the Jinjang residents are "gangster-like", "a place without law or order". We have many other idioms like these.

 

3. The physical place of "Gehenna dnoora" means the "Valley of Hinnom".

 

4. During the time of Jesus, the "Valley of Hinnom" was a place outside of Jerusalem where the Jews burned their rubbish!

 

5. But BEFORE the time of Jesus, during the ancient time of the early kings, the "Valley of Hinnom" was a place of sacrifice to the pagan god of the Ammonite (the residents of Canaan) called Molech. Read 2 Kings 23:10 and 2 Chronicles 33:6 (KJV). The physical location of "Valley of Hinnom" is described in Jeremiah 19:2.

 

 

FROM THE BOOK by ROCCO A. ERRICO,

"THE MESSAGE OF MATTHEW: AN ANNOTATED PARALLEL ARAMAIC-ENGLISH GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, "HELLFIRE - GEHENNA", page A-17"

 

[ The name "Gehenna" - "Gei Hinnom" in Hebrew - derives from the infamous valley of Ben Hinnom, southwest of Jerusalem. After the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Assyria made the southern Kingdom of Judah pay tribute. 2 Chronicles 28 tells us that the Judean King Ahaz (735 - 715 BCE) took some precious silver and gold temple ornaments to appease the King of Assyria. Ahaz worshiped and offered sacrifices to idols. In the Valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem the King condemned his son to the flames as a sacrificial offering to pacify the gods.

It was because of these horrible atrocities and practices that the valley, "Gei Hinnom", became a Hebrew term for "hell". During the time of the New Testament, the Hinnom Valley became a place to burn rubbish and the bodies of plaque victims.]

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Our Western trained minds had been brainwashed by modern contemporary wrong translations and have misinterpreted "hell".

 

Review another of my post on "hell":

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2020/04/hell.html

 

 

 

(to be continued...)

 - Later posts will deal with other passages containing the word "hell" in the bible text, and what they originally referred to.

 

 

 

 

Poetry and Idioms in the Bible

Poetry and Idioms in the Bible

The bible is quite poetic in many of its books. The Psalms is full of poetry. Ecclesiastes is full of poetry. Song of Solomon is full of romantic poetry. Poetry is the language of the heart, while factual knowledge is the language of the mind.

The culture of the people that lived during the times when the books of the bible was written is a very poetic culture, and we shall see some of them.

The same can be said of poetry in the Chinese civilization, the Indian civilization and many of the ancient civilizations that have left behind holy writings for their followers.

English itself has gone through much poetry.

"If music be the food of love, play on." This is Shakespeare's poetry in old English in his book "Twelfth Night".

We accepted it as metaphorical poetry. As a language of the heart. We didn't question it like how can "love" digest "music", and through what physical digestion system. Or how can "music" be called "food".

Question: How are we going to distinguish what is poetry and what is not?

Answer: By looking at it through the "lens" and eyes of the Aramaic language and culture.  By doing so, we go back to the ORIGINAL meaning of the poetry, and we will NOT interpret the words according to our Western educated mindset, and definitely not according to the 21st Century "church" organization manner.

Let us  look at one such example:

Let us read Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 in the King James Version.

This  text came to my mind because of the impact of verse 1 that I had when I was in my youth. This is my memorable verse, admonishing me when I was in my twenties.

I will attempt to put in side by side, the King James Version text vs the original Aramaic text (or called the Aramaic Peshitta text), that had been translated into our modern day English via the Errico translation (you can Google this translation and check it up).

Ecclesiastes 12:

1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

Poetry:  In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble,

Aramaic Meaning: the legs begin to tremble,

Poetry: the strong men shall bow themselves,

Aramaic Meaning: the arms lose their strength,

Poetry: the grinders cease because they are few,

Aramaic Meaning: loss of teeth and the ability to chew,

Poetry: those that look out of the windows be darkened,

Aramaic Meaning: the eyes grow dim,

Poetry: And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low,

Aramaic Meaning: the ears become so hard of hearing that the sound of women grinding at the mill is low,

Poetry: he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low,

Aramaic Meaning: have difficulty in distinguishing sounds and the songs of birds startles the individual,

Poetry: and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, (Note: Actually the KJV translation is wrong. The original Aramaic text reads: "and the locust shall multiply",

Aramaic Meaning: your children shall multiply quickly and you will see your grandchildren and great grandchildren,

Poetry: Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,

Aramaic Meaning: before life ends, or before the loss of sexual potency and virility.

Conclusion:

When you understand Aramaic poetry, you have a better translation of the bible, and you will NOT have a misunderstanding of the text of the bible.

I did touch on some of the other poetic texts in other articles, and how misinterpreting them literally have created havoc among the Christian churches and communities.

You can see them here:

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-shaking-of-powers-of-heavens.html

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2020/05/10-reasons-why-people-are-confused.html

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2020/05/how-to-interpret-bible.html

https://advancingtruth.blogspot.com/2019/01/god-coming-on-clouds-in-old-testament.html

Bonus:

Remember when Jacob blessed his sons on his deathbed in Genesis 49:2..?

The Hebrew patriarch Jacob (also called Israel) called his 12 sons to appear before him. He began to bless each and every one of them and prophesied to them concerning their lives and their future generations.

Gen 49:2 (Aramaic version): "Gather yourselves together and hear, O sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father."

Jacob began to speak to each one of them, Reuben, Simeon, Levi and so forth.

When he came to Judah, he began to use Idioms and said:

Gen 49:11-12 (KJV): he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

Huh..?

How do you do that?

You CANNOT understand this verse at all, if you do not read it from the original Aramaic idiom language. Jacob was using Aramaic idioms.!!

Idiom: "to wash one's garments in wine and in the blood (juice) of grapes" and "to have eyes red with wine"

Aramaic Meaning: Judah would have many many farms upon farms of vineyards, and meaning that he would prosper abundantly.

Idiom: "his teeth white with milk"

Aramaic Meaning: Judah would possess many flocks of goats and sheep. He would have plentiful supply of milk.

So what was Jacob saying? Go wash your clothes in wine?

No. Jacob was prophesying that Judah would prosper and succeed through vineyards and livestock.