Musing –What might be lost in the Greek translation of a Hebrew Bible?

Hebraic Musing –What might be lost in the Greek translation of a Hebrew Bible?

Today’s culture in our Western world is Greek oriented; in contrast to the Hebrew culture of the Israelites.  How might that affect our understanding of the original Hebrew Scripture, the foundation of our Christian faith?  What are some contrasting differences between Greek-think and Hebrew-think? *

Greeks admire the holiness of beauty; Hebrew-think seeks the beauty of holiness. “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalms 29:2  KJV & NKJV

Greek culture is known for great thinkers who try on their own to determine the meaning of life, trusting their own discernment!   Our Hebrew-based Bible reminds us to look to the God of the Bible for the meaning of life. 

Greek language is peaceful, harmonious and static; Hebrew is a vigorous, passionate, explosive and energetic language.  In Hebrew sentence structure the verb comes first and the noun at the end of the sentence. 

Greek life was controlled by fate, something that will inevitably happen in the future.  They worshipped fictional gods and added gods by proclaiming persons to be gods (like Hollywood stars?).  Our Hebrew Bible provides a way to change outcomes in our lives by repenting and turning to Our Lord.  There is hope for a believer.

Pleasure was the supreme goal in life, as the Greeks indulged in physical pleasure.  The body was free to indulge in sexual pleasure with no consequences.  Do we see that now in our Western culture!   But Romans 12:1 tells us to “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Greek life focused on competitive contests like athletic, poetry, drama, male beauty contests, singing, riddle-solving and drinking.  Life’s meaning focused on defeat of another.  Victors were elevated to the status of god.  Hebrew and Greek cultures collided in 171 BC when Greece began to rule Israel.  Athletic competition was totally foreign to the Israelites; athletic competition appeals to a man's competitive nature.**   By contrast -- “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

Hebrew reasoning is full of paradox and opposites.  The Hebrew mind accepts truths on both sides of a paradox.  To the Greek, there is always tension; either you are right or wrong, good or bad, winner or loser, etc.  Could this be why many Greek-trained theologians have assumed that Paul used linear reasoning which means either Torah or grace, not both?  The Old Covenant had to be eliminated to allow for the New Covenant.  How can Greek-think possibly deal with puzzling passages like – Mark 10:31 “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”; Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”;  and 2 Corinthians 12:10, weak and strong?***

Science evolved from the Greek focus on man’s understanding of the visual, seeing and observing, leading to reasoning, judgment and understanding resulting in scientific conclusions.  “Looking” in the Bible usually leads away from God and into trouble.  “Hearing” draws people closer to God and listening is the primary sense used in Hebrew to develop interactional relationships with God and with others.

Greek culture built on the idea of leader-follower or teacher-student.  This model predominates in our churches today in the role of the pastor-congregation where many clergy wear pompous garbs which promote worship of “clergy” over the “laymen” (two words not found in the Bible).  

Biblical Hebrew people are urged to care for others, especially neighbors, orphans, widows and strangers.  Israelites did not discuss the needs of under-privileged; they took action to help others.  Farmers provided gleaning opportunities; grain is left behind for the poor to harvest. 

Interesting perspective – Quote from Johanna Hocker who ministers in China – “I am amazed at the faith of the Chinese people who have not been influenced by Greek culture.  The Chinese recognize and accept the words of the Bible as truth and are willing to go to prison or die for their faith.  In contrast, people in the US who have attended church since childhood are still asking basic Bible questions.  They believe, but are not sure what they believe, after being fed a diet of Greek-based theology.”  

 Point to ponder

What think you?  Is our Western-think more Greek-based or more Hebrew-based?

How does Greek-think contrast with what we hear the Lord calling us to do and to be?

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified…” 1 Corinthians 1:22

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                  February 13, 2018

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*    Inspired and excerpted from Johanna Hocker’s “Culture Clash for Bible Believers”  January.29, 2018

** Organized sports began as a form of worship; athletic contests were religious festivals honoring Zeus.  Our Super Bowl is a classic Greek event; fans admire competitors’ athletic talent, strength, brutality and endurance. 

*** How can linear Greek-think deal with John 1:29 where Jesus is the “Lamb of God”, but in Rev. 5:5 He called the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.”?  He is both; He died as the Lamb of God and will judge as the lion of Judah