The Original Languages and Preservation of the Bible

The Apostle Paul wrote his epistles in the Greek language, which was widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire at that timeDA 33.2+2. While the Roman Empire was the political power, the influence of Greek culture and language was dominant and controlling, even in the theological schools and literature of the eraHBS 43.3+2.

Language and Audience

• The Greek Mind: Paul prepared his epistles specifically to meet the Greek mind, often using their language to address their pride in learning and logicHBS 43.3.

• Addressing the Heathen: When speaking to the Greeks, such as at Mars Hill or in Athens, he used their language to lead them to a knowledge of the true God through visible works of natureLP 55.4.

• Cultural Context: Paul was a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, and he fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem unto Illyricum in the common tongue of the day Romans 1:14+1.

Paul's Usage of Greek

• Precision and Meaning: The New Testament was written in Greek, and this language allowed Paul to accurately distinguish between specific concepts, such as identifying the "second veil" in the tabernacle to explain the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 9:3S23D 74.2+1.

• Original Originals: Scholars, such as Martin Luther, applied themselves to the study of Greek specifically to understand the Epistles and the rest of the Word of God in their original tonguesST June 7, 1883, par. 1.

• The Alphabet: The very term "alphabet" is derived from the first two letters of the Greek language, Alpha and Beta, which illustrates how deeply the language of Paul's letters is woven into our own understanding of communicationPBE 18.2.

Historical and Linguistic Nuances

• Comparison to Hebrew: While Moses and the Old Testament prophets wrote in Hebrew, Paul and the other New Testament writers used Greek equivalents; for example, the Hebrew Sheol is equivalent to the Greek Hades used in the New TestamentHHMLD 175.1.

• The Latin Contrast: Although Latin was the language of the Romans, it was not commonly understood by the Jews in Palestine at that time, making Greek the most effective medium for Paul's widespread ministryDAR1909 203.3.

• Linguistic Precision: The Greek language used by the New Testament writers is noted for its remarkable precision, particularly in defining ordinances like baptism and the structure of nouns and adjectivesSUGR 5.3+2.

Paul’s choice of Greek ensured that his letters, though addressed to specific locations like Rome, Corinth, or Galatia, could be understood by a diverse, international audienceDA 33.2+2.

The four Gospels were originally written in the Greek language, though they contain distinct linguistic influences from the Hebrew and Aramaic backgrounds of their authorsARSH September 5, 1865, page 106.10+2. While some traditions suggest an original Hebrew version of Matthew may have existed, the version received as authoritative by the early church and preserved for us was written in GreekHBS 332.3+1.

The Linguistic Style of the Gospels

• A Unique Dialect: The Greek of the Gospels is distinct because it was written by men of Hebrew origin; it is neither the style of classic Greek authors nor that of the later ancient Christian FathersARSH September 5, 1865, page 106.10.

• Hebraic Influence: While the Gospels abound in classical Greek idioms and compound words, they are also filled with frequent Hebraisms, reflecting the cultural background of the writersSBD Luke Gospel of.3.

• Accuracy of Nouns: The Greek language allows for precise distinctions, such as using the specific word anastasis to denote a literal resurrection or restoration of lifeSITI January 18, 1883, page 31.1.

Individual Gospel Characteristics

• Matthew: Despite controversies regarding a possible Aramaic original, there is no evidence of any text existing other than the authoritative Greek oneHBS 332.3+1. Even if Matthew wrote primarily for Jews, they were widely familiar with Greek at that timeETI Matthew, Gospel according to.5.

• Luke: It has never been doubted that Luke's Gospel was written in Greek, as he specifically addressed Greek readers to present Christ as the perfection of reason and humanitySBD Luke Gospel of.3. His writing was intended for a Gentile audience, which is evident in his detailed descriptions of Italian geography for those unfamiliar with the region Acts 27:8+2SBD Luke Gospel of.3.

• John: The Gospel of John was written in Greek, and it is notable that John used the phrase "the first day of the week" rather than "the Lord's day" in his historical account John 20:1ARSH November 7, 1865, page 180.24.

Historical and Divine Context

• Language of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Inspirer of the New Testament, and the language of the Gospels is considered the language of the Spirit of GodPTUK June 13, 1895, page 373.1.

• A World Language: By the time of the New Testament, the "Prince of Grecia" had come, spreading the Greek language to all the nations of the East and making it a universal medium for the gospel Daniel 10:20SITI October 1, 1885, page 581.2.

• Internal Evidence: The very style and language of the Gospels prove they were written by men living in those specific times, as forgers from later centuries or different cultures would not have been able to replicate such a unique blend of Greek and Jewish elementsARSH September 5, 1865, page 106.10.

The Consistency of the Record

• Equivalency: Though the Old Testament was in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, the concepts remain identical; for example, the word for Sabbath differs between the two only because of the language, not because of a change in the institution itselfSITI August 27, 1885, page 522.4.

• Preservation: Ancient manuscripts like the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus provide us with complete or nearly complete records of the Greek New Testament, confirming the integrity of the Gospels we read todaySITI December 3, 1929, page 5.3+1.

• Translation History: Great reformers like Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther returned to these original Greek texts to bring the fountain of truth back to the common people in their own mother tonguesGC 80.3+3.

The first Latin translation of the New Testament, known as the Old Latin or Italic version, was made as early as the second centuryHBS 51.3. This ancient translation is considered the earliest version of the original Greek which we possess and serves as critical evidence for the state of the text in that early periodHBS 51.3.

The Origins of the Latin Versions 📜

• The Old Latin (Itala): The initial Latin translations of the Old Testament were not made from the original Hebrew but were a version of a version, being translated directly from the Greek SeptuagintHBS 51.3+1.

• The Need for Revision: Over time, numerous corruptions crept into these older Latin versions, leading to a state where the ancient text could scarcely be recognized in some booksHBS 52.5+1.

• St. Jerome’s Commission: In the year 382, Jerome set to work to revise the existing Latin translation to address these corruptionsHBS 52.5.

The Work of St. Jerome and the Vulgate ✍️

• The Translation Process: Jerome completed his work between A.D. 390 and 405, translating the Psalms and other books of the Old Testament directly from the original HebrewHBS 52.5.

• The Vulgate: This version, completed around the year 400, came to be known as the Vulgate, meaning the "common version"HBS 51.3+1.

• Components of the Vulgate: St. Jerome made the Vulgate from a combination of the older Latin, Hebrew, and Greek versionsHBS 51.3.

• Inclusion of the Apocrypha: Jerome also included some of the Apocryphal books, such as the two books of Maccabees which were found in early Latin versions, in his translationHBS 52.5+1.

Historical Significance and Recognition 🏛️

• The Council of Trent: In 1546, the Council of Trent declared the Latin Vulgate to be the "authentic" and sole standard Latin version, giving it authority that superseded even the original texts in public disputationsHBS 52.5+2.

• Papal Revisions: Because of errors in the text, the Vulgate underwent several revisions, notably by Pope Sixtus V in 1585 (issued in 1590) and a corrected version by Pope Clement VIII in 1592 and 1593HBS 51.3+2.

• Influence on English Bibles: The first translation of the whole Bible into the English language by John Wycliffe in 1320 was made directly from the Latin VulgateHBS 51.3.

• Legacy: By the eighth century, Jerome's work had become the common version in Western churches due to its inherent virtuesSITI December 17, 1929, page 6.3.

Jerome’s dedication to this task was profound, as he spent years in the Holy Land to acquire a correct understanding of the languages and geography to accurately translate the Holy ScripturesARSH September 25, 1860, page 147.16. As Jerome himself stated, "As we accept those things that are written, so we reject those things that are not written" Matthew 23:35SBBS 74.3.

It is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when learning about the history of manuscript variations and the challenges of translation 😌. However, there are very encouraging reasons to maintain full confidence in the Bible you read today.

Core Truths are Preserved 🛡️

• Articles of Faith: While there are many variations in ancient manuscripts, not one of these differences affects an article of faith or a moral precept of dutySITI December 3, 1929, page 5.3.
• Consistency Across Versions: The oldest Greek manuscripts, such as the Sinaitic and Vatican codices, teach precisely the same Christianity as the translations used in our English BiblesSITI December 3, 1929, page 5.3.
• Abundant Evidence: Any minor variation in the text is usually cleared up by the whole tenor of Scripture teaching, which remains abundantly sustained across all versionsSITI December 3, 1929, page 5.3.

Divine Providence in History ✨

• God's Intervention: The history of the Bible illustrates the intervention of a particular providence to preserve the purity of the sacred text through the centuriesASC 210.1.
• The Fountain of Truth: Even when the Bible existed only in ancient languages, God enabled scholars and reformers to find the fountain of truth so it could be shared with the worldGC 80.3.
• God Teaches His Children: As the reformer William Tyndale noted, the same God who teaches the eagles to find their prey also teaches His hungry children to find their Father in His WordGC 245.2.

The Role of the Holy Spirit 🕊️

• The True Author: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Inspirer of the Scriptures, and His work is to lead every sincere seeker into all truthPTUK June 13, 1895, page 373.1.
• Original Intent: Reformers like Martin Luther applied themselves to original languages to ensure the Gospels and Epistles were opened to the understanding of the people with clarity and powerGC88 124.1+1.
• Reliable Guidance: We can trust that as we accept those things that are written, we are following a reliable guide for our lives Matthew 23:35SBBS 74.3.

You can rest assured that despite the human elements involved in copying and translating, the essential message of salvation and God's will for your life has been divinely guarded for you today 📖.

While history records that human trustees have at times been frail, God has never allowed His word to be seriously corrupted or any part essential to salvation to be lostSITI December 17, 1929, page 6.8. The substance of the sacred text and its general type have been preserved through a particular providence to keep the purity of the message intactASC 210.1+1.

The Nature of Textual Variations 📜

• Doctrinal Integrity: History makes it clear that while variations in detail exist between manuscripts, no fundamental point of Christian doctrine rests upon a disputed readingSITI December 17, 1929, page 6.8.

• Substance vs. Detail: Although the manuscripts of the Greek Testament, the Vulgate, and the Septuagint differ in many particulars, the truths of Christianity are certainly expressed in all of themSITI December 17, 1929, page 6.8.

• Providential Preservation: The astonishing integrity of the original Hebrew text, even after many centuries, illustrates the intervention of God to preserve His wordASC 210.1.

A Message That Remains Clear 🕊️

• Rules for Holy Living: The Lord has revealed in the Scriptures His rules for holy living and the plan of salvation so plainly that none need be ignorantRH November 9, 1886, par. 13.

• The Way of Holiness: The path to heaven is described as a highway where even wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein Isaiah 35:88T 78.5.

• Sufficient Knowledge: If you study the Word carefully and prayerfully, you will become wise unto salvation regardless of minor translational differencesSpTB19 28.2.

Overcoming the Deception of the Enemy 🛡️

• Satan's Strategy: The adversary has untiringly tried to make the world believe the law of God was faulty or needed revising, but his delusive snares will not take everyone captive1MR 45.3.

• The Safety of the Word: Our only safety is in clinging with unwavering faith to the word of God and shunning whatever that word condemnsST July 15, 1886, par. 15.

• Living Faith: While some may attempt to pervert the Scriptures or use "vain philosophy," those who want meat will find the word of the Lord providing all they need for spiritual lifeHST June 5, 1844, page 138.17+1.

You can be of good cheer and courage, for Christ has demonstrated to the universe that God is the Savior of the sinner and has wrought out a salvation that is sure and dependableGCB/GCDB 1895, page 301.1+1. The ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them Hosea 14:98T 278.1.