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NASB | Matthew 16:18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 16:18 "And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. [Eph 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col 1:18] |
Subject: "upon this rock I will build my church" |
Bible Note: Yes, Bivin and others make the mistake in my opinion of going a bit too far with the Hebrew (or “pet theory” as you called it.) Bivin in his book even states something to the effect that you can not understand the Gospels apart from putting them back into their Hebrew context. This statement could have been stated better, such as; "Understanding the Hebrew language, idioms, and Hebraic culture and teachings common during Jesus time adds considerably to our understanding of Jesus words as I (Bivin) will show in this book. In fact, many of our inabilities to understand difficult words of Jesus can be solved from this study." That way of stating things may not be agreed upon by all, but it doesn't make it seem as though one can not understand the Gospels apart from knowing Hebrew which is just not true. You are right in saying we must examine the text as we have it. I'm not sure that the theory states that they could not "think" in Greek; but if they spoke Hebrew as their main language, then use of another language will be effected (usually). And yes, God is more than able to convey His message in any language. Even apart from any knowledge of Hebraic culture, the full force of the message is clear. And finally you state that the JP site says, ". . . the most effective way to approach a passage from the synoptic gospels is, first, to put its Greek text into Hebrew, . . ." This is their opinion, not doctrine. Also they say “most effective way” and not “only way.” People may have serious problems with the approach, but then others have problems with Calvin's approach and still others with Armenian’s approach. All in all, I think their study adds considerably to a continued discussion and search for an accurate knowledge and understanding of God. MJH |