Dear saints,
An introduction to Bible translations follows these brief facts about MEAT from Walk Worthy ministries.
The Modern Expository Amplified Text (MEAT) is a unique kingdom tool from Walk Worthy ministries to better understand, obey, and please Father God in all respects.
MEAT combines in an understandable text the components of today’s Christian discipleship needs, expository teaching and revelation, amplification and commentary, and the original meaning of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts complied by Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit.
MEAT is not a Bible translation, but only a textual help. We at Walk Worthy in no way suggest that you substitute daily Bible reading and meditation with the Spirit in regular translations such as the literal-formal, word-for-word (NASB, NKJV, KJV, ESV) or dynamic equivalent (NIV, GW). Always and forever study to show yourself approved to our great and holy God.
Let us all walk in a manner of the Lord. One day closer to Home and Him!
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Helpful facts about Bible translations…
Bible translations in the west come in three basic styles: literal, dynamic equivalent, and paraphrase.
Now some folks say there’s just two styles: literal or word-for word, and dynamic equivalent or thought for thought. But since there’s such a pronounced difference in the strictest sense of dynamic equivalents like NIV and The Message, we feel obliged to add the third style for clarity.
The first style is literal like the New American Standard, King James, and New King James versions. These attempt to match each Hebrew and Greek word and phrase with the appropriate word in the culture that receives the translation. Consequently, they’re the longest translations in terms of words.
For example in the New Testament, the phrase “to walk in a manner worthy” (Eph. 4.1, Col 1.10, 1 Thes. 2.12) is translated literally since ancient disciples learned from their teachers through peripatetic learning: walking with the teacher.
The second is the dynamic equivalent like the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT). These attempt to take the idea, doctrine, or concept and use modern terminology that more closely fits the culture.
Using our example above “to walk in a manner worthy,” the NIV translates it as “live a life worthy” since western people don’t walk together anymore due to modern transportation. How sad…
The third is a paraphrase like The Message and Living Bible, and is akin to the dynamic equivalent in some ways. These attempt to only use a vague recollection of the original Scripture and end up with a translation that’s far flung at best.
Again, using our example, The Message renders it as “I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands.” What? This, in our opinion, is the least reliable and harmful of all translation types if used for the main resource of a Bible.
Over the years my colleagues and I here at Walk Worthy and in other kingdom work have hoped for a new and fresh translation of the Bible. Why?
The original Bible is a high context mid-east document given by the Holy Spirit thousands of years ago. It contains minimal information since a) the ancients knew the “context” extremely well, and b) to save space. Our western culture is low context which means true saints want to know every single Bible detail. An adequate modern Bible version might be too large to carry in an automobile due to its size!
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Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,
Marc
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Saints, we’re one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly!
Marc and Walk Worthy are supported in part by the body of Jesus Christ. Please consider donating on a regular basis:
You may view our Archives here: BIBLE TRANSLATION – ARCHIVES; Complete Archives. May our Father richly bless you with His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in order to walk worthy of His name.
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Marc White, Director, Walk Worthy Ministries, www.WalkWorthy.org
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