Bible Study With The Bishops: Language And Context

Reading Plan Text for April 10: John 8:31-38

I read three languages other than English: French, German and Spanish. I speak German passably, French a bit, Spanish and American Sign Language poorly. Language is rich in subtleties and even things not so subtle. Without being immersed in other languages and their cultures, once we progress past the basics, we miss many of the things we take for granted in our native language. Words, and even whole expressions, simply do not translate. So when I read Burridge's comments about the Greek text of John's Gospel, and wishing I could read that ancient language, I have to wonder how much even the best scholars miss when interpreting the texts for us. Then I imagine how much harder it must be for those trying to read, translate, and interpret the ancient Hebrew and Aramaic of our Old Testament scriptures.

In today's passage Jesus comes as close to telling a Parable as he does in John--at least according to Burridge. He tells his listeners that a slave has no permanent place in the household while a son does. Many of his listeners probably make the connection with Isaac and Ishmael, especially since they claim descent from Abraham.

Poor Ishmael. He always seemed to get the short end of the stick. (And how does that expression translate, or not, into other languages! But I digress.)

It is fairly clear to us, 21st Century Christian readers steeped in the context of 2000 years of Christian interpretation, that Jesus' discourse is intended to say that he is the Son of God who will set us free. It isn't clear to those listening to him in this passage. And even with those 2000 years of interpretation, I often wonder how clear it is to us today.

Just how clearly can we understand what Jesus is saying when we read his words in a language he did not speak, read, or write?

Peace,
Jeffri