Jesus was from a small, rural town in Galilee in which everyone spoke Aramaic. Jesus spoke or at least understood three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
While Jesus didn't speak Hebrew as a conversational language, he
certainly understood it when it was read out loud in the Scriptures.
Aramaic was the common language of the Eastern
Mediterranean during and after the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and
Achaemenid
empires (722–330 BC) and remained a common language of the region in
the first century AD. In spite of the increasing importance of Greek,
the use of Aramaic was also expanding, and it would eventually be
dominant among Jews both in the Holy Land and elsewhere in the Middle
East around 200 AD and would remain so until the Islamic conquests in
the seventh century.
The
New Testament most likely was written in Aramaic and later translated
into Greek, then into English. With each translation the original
meaning of the Aramaic words lost something in translation. A good
example is Matthew 5:39
Most Christians have been taught that "turn the other cheek" is a probihation again self-defense.
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
~ Matthew 5:39
Apparently, Jesus Did Not Oppose Self Defence
Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.
~ Luke 22:36
What is the meaning of "turn the other cheek?"
A closer look at Matthew 5:39 with spiritual understanding may reveal greater insight. The word "right" in Greek Transliteration: dexios.
Pronunciation: dex-ee-os. The primary meaning is "right" or "the right hand." However, it also carries the meaning of a place of honor or authority.
But I tell you, do not be unwise and trade insults when dealing with an evil person. Whoever "slaps you in the face," turn and walk
away from that person.
In modern English, we might say, "After 30 years of loyal service to the company it was slap in the face to be downsized."
There
are many other Scriptures that are misunderstood or taken out of
context. Paul gave Timothy some sound advice. We would be wise to heed: Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2 timothy 2:15
To learn more about what Jesus said and did, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/
