Weekly Update – 27th October 2024

This Sunday is Bible Sunday.  We celebrate the Bible and all it brings to us.

As the Bible Society says it is a “big book” and “one of the most famous books in the world which has changed the lives of millions of people”.    According to the United Bible Societies, as of 2023 the whole Bible was available in 733 languages and the New Testament in 1,622 languages.  In total, 5.9 billion people can now read the Word of God in their language.

According to Wikipedia there are over 100 complete translations of the Bible into English, although an app I use has just 74 translations.   The range of difference between each translation, depends on whether it is a strict word-for-word translation from the original Hebrew or Greek manuscript with accurate sentence structure, or a version which seeks to make the translation more readable and understandable in order to convey the underlying thought and meaning to the reader. Or something in between.   An example of a strict word-for-word translation is the King James Version, whilst an example of a translation aimed more to convey thought and meaning is The Message translation, which uses a modern and colloquial style and vocabulary.

Reading a passage of text in two completely different types of translation can unlock some fresh insights and create an opportunity to meditate on the different layers of meaning.  In doing so, a deeper understanding of the text may be appreciated.   An article I recently read made the point that making sense of the Bible is the journey of a lifetime during which time we may question what we read but equally may find we are challenged by what we read.  Reading different versions may help illuminate our journey.

We may discover the Bible through individual prayer and reading, but discovering the Bible as a ‘community’ – hearing, pondering and reflecting on its wisdom together – is a valuable exercise.  With this in mind it is interesting to reflect on the fact that the spread of Christ’s message and teaching in the early Christian communities was primarily person-to-person.

The Bible Society website has some excellent resources for exploring the Bible in many ways.  Check out the weblink: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/resources/collections/new-to-bible/

2 Timothy 3.16-17 tells us “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (The Message version).

Happy exploring!!

Nigel
Churchwarden.