Imagine reading and learning from the Torah as a "modern person" in 33 A.D.? Think about how English has changed from the 1600's to 2026. Perhaps with the mass availability of the written word, it changes even faster. There are precious ancient texts that can be lost if we do not learn how to read them and preserve them. As our country turns 250, our founding documents are not as easy to read as they once were, but they are no less important.
Jewish children still prepare for their bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah with Hebrew lessons. They read from the Torah in their service and celebration. It is pretty special to see. Imagine reading it as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. In the USA, we are big on memorization through VBS or Wednesday night programs. When I led teens at church, we would choose a life verse at the beginning of the new school year. Some of those are still so dear to my heart and hearing what the teens chose each year.
I started my life learning from the Kings James Version of the Bible, but the New International Version changed my ability to read and understand God's word. Today, the NLT and ESV compete as my favorites, but my childhood memory verses are still in my head the way I learned them. One, in particular, I never truly understood until a modern translation (Romans 12:1 in KJV). As an adult is one that I treasure having written on my heart.
This was my lent verse for today:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. -Proverbs 3:5-6
It made me think of a more "modern" interpretation from King David to Paul. His letters to the Roman church often brought Old Testament passages to life and into clarity. Read Psalm 22 and 23. With the crucifixion and resurrection in the rearview mirror, how different they read. This passage has the same heartbeat as Proverbs 3:5-6.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.-Romans 8:28
I know some translations are better than others. I encourage looking at many when a passage is confusing then seeking out the original Hebrew and Greek (blueletterbible.org). It is like a treasure hunt for word lovers.
Have an amazing day.
Today, I am grateful for "modern translations."
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