Translation, Interpretation, and Reading in Color (Part 2)

Last time we examined the question of whether or not it is worthwhile to learn Greek and Hebrew. I argued that yes, it was worthwhile, because it increases our awareness of linguistic structures, it opens valuable resources to us, and removes a layer of interpretation from our reading. There is another reason, however, that learning Greek and Hebrew is so beneficial—and in my mind, this is the icing on the cake.

Fourth and finally, it is worthwhile for students and pastors to learn Greek and Hebrew because of the richness and joy that it provides. One pastor described it as ‘reading in color.’ What he meant was that the textures of texts—that is, the shades of meaning, the subtler nuances of language—were now immediately apparent, rather than coming to light through the arduous use of linguistic tools. A student or pastor who is absolutely proficient in Greek and Hebrew will be able to complete his exegesis with relative ease (and, probably, joyful ease). Yes, reading in the original languages can be joyful—it should be joyful!—and not toilsome labor.

Reading the Words of our God should always be a delightful exercise, but slothful, sinful minds will always be distracted by difficulty. Difficulty is responsible for much sluggardly exegesis in this fallen world and especially in this age of laziness. Learning Greek and Hebrew will be difficult, I assure you, but I believe that proficiency in these languages will provide great light from God’s Word, and such light often tends to illuminate and drive away even the gravest of difficulties. The difficulty of this learning is real, and not imagined, but it will yield such rewards as are fitting for those who endure great difficulty for God’s name (2 Tim. 2:3-6).

If what was once laborious became elementary (with a righteous ease), would you not think that was worthwhile? For the rest of our lives we will spend time in the exegesis of Scripture in one language or another. Why not make that language Greek or Hebrew? Even if learning these languages took you ten years, you would have them for the rest of your life!

Admittedly, Greek and Hebrew are not for everyone. The investment of time and effort to learn these languages is great, and even greater if one wishes to master them. Not all people have the opportunity to do such things—for some, it is simply not possible. But does not that make it even sweeter a goal for anyone who can?

Being able to read the Bible in the original texts, as nearly as we are able to produce them, is no small treasure. The Word itself is a treasure because it is our source of knowledge about our Invisible God. How precious it is, then, to have ease in understanding when we pick up the Scriptures! May God grant that we all, as many as are able, will invest the time and effort so that we too can ‘read in color.’ May it please Him!

--Dean of Admissions