Lost in Translation

The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures is both immensely important and challenging. It's vital because it allows billions of people who do not read or understand Hebrew to engage with the Hebrew Scriptures. However, capturing the full meaning of the original language is a complex and sometimes impossible task. Hebrew is a rich and nuanced language, carrying cultural, historical, and theological significance in every word. Sometimes, there's no direct English equivalent to a Hebrew word. Inevitably, each translator brings their perspective to the text, which may unintentionally introduce bias. If a translator holds a particular theological view, they might select words that support their interpretation. This is not always intentional, as our beliefs and perspectives naturally influence how we understand and communicate ideas. However, this can sometimes result in translations that reflect personal agendas or specific doctrinal perspectives. For instance, how one translates key passages can significantly affect theological concepts like the nature of God, salvation, or eschatology. This underscores the importance of approaching any translation with discernment, recognizing that it represents an interpretation, not just a straightforward rendering of the original text. In this concise volume, we journey through 15 Hebrew words rich in meaning yet often misunderstood or mistranslated. In their complexity, these words have a significant impact on readers' beliefs, often without their conscious awareness. Each word explored in this book holds an entire world within it, encapsulating profound cultural, historical, and theological nuances often overlooked in translation. Our exploration aims to illuminate these subtleties, enhancing the understanding of these words in their original Hebrew context.