Hebrew Poetry Hebrew poetry is characterized by the use of parallelisms (thought rhythm as opposed to sound rhythm or rhyme). Hebrew poets used many different types of parallelism. Several of the main types are most frequently mentioned are given below. However, there are many subclasses that have not been included. Synonymous (same or similar): A statement and restatement in the same or similar terms. Psalm 3:1. . . O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Antithetic (opposites): The second line expresses the same idea in a negative or contrasting manner. This is rare in the prophets but common in Proverbs and Psalms. Psalm 1:6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Synthetic (completion): The second line adds to the thought of the first line in order to complete it. Psalm 95:3For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. Chain figure (sorites) is another example of synthetic parallelism: Joel 1:4 What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left other locusts have eaten. Climactic (stair step): The thought of the second line expands and reinforces the first; there is a logical progression and building of thought. Psalm 29:1. . .Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Emblematic (picture/imagery): One line uses a word picture to illustrate the thought stated in the parallel line (either before or after), i.e. One line is to be taken literally but the parallel is figurative. Psalm 23:1. . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. External and internal (intertwined parallelism): Two different sets of parallel lines are intertwined. Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Some suggestions for getting the eyes of our understanding opened •Join some internet discussion groups where translators discuss translation problems. This will make one appreciate the difficulty and the room for error in translating. It will also cause one not to be so quick to be dogmatic about what a particular verse really says. The first internet site is for Hebrew studies, the second for N.T. Greek, and the last is for both. One may also join their email discussion lists by following instructions at these web sites. Warning: this stuff is WAY over most peoples heads. But it is very helpful in showing us how difficult it is to make a Bible translation and how much room for human error there is in the translating process. dutchworks.nl/htbin/hpsysadmin --metalab.unc.edu/bgreek/ -- bibletranslation.listbot/ •Look into some of the leading doctrinal issues which divide the body of Christ. Mode of Baptism, communion, tongues, gifts, once-saved-always-saved or not, election or choice in salvation, law versus grace, etc., etc. See where you stand on the issue and then go visit some pastors and leaders from the opposite point of view and really give them a chance to present their side. You might be surprised to find that EVERY side usually has scriptural support for their positions. Then lay your doctrines aside and let the Holy Spirit show you the truth on these doctrinal differences. •Study early Church history from a NON-denominational point of view. Look at this history from the viewpoint of a non-believer. This will help you see why many people in the world want nothing to do with Jesus, NOT because of Jesus, but because of what the church has done in Jesus name. •Read some of the early Christian leaders writings. They can be found at: ccel.org/fathers2/ . Remember, these are translations which have been made sometimes by men whose minds are clouded with their own denominations theology. This OFTEN comes through in their translating. I know that in many of the early church writings the translator mistranslated the Greek word aion and its adjective aionios. They translated this word eternal, everlasting, or forever, when in fact, the words refer to an indeterminate period of time which has an end. This error makes some early Church writers appear to teach everlasting punishment when in fact what they really taught was age-during correction. Origen is a classic example of this. We know he was an avowed universalist, yet some translators misrepresented some of his writings by mistranslating some key Greek words like aion. Read especially the Fathers who wrote and read the N.T. in the Greek. Those church Fathers who read the Scriptures in Latin seemed to be getting something different than those who read the Greek. Clearly, there were MAJOR errors in the Latin versions of the Bible. It had a profound and negative effect on the church. Eventually, Latin was the only authorized language for the Roman Catholic Church which covered all of Europe. It was not until the sixteenth century before the Greek and Hebrew languages would be studied again. As long as Latin ruled in the church, the church was dead. Returning to Greek and Hebrew as the base text and allowing translations into common languages from those languages was the beginning cleaning up Bibles. Weve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. All translations of the Bible have much room for improvement. Books Useful For Deeper Bible Study Internet Sources for New & Used Books Used Books Advanced Book Exchange: dogbert.abebooks/abep/il.dll Alibris: alibris/ BiblioFind: bibliofind/cgi-bin/texis.exe/search.vor? BookFinder: bookfinder/ Used Christian books: tentmaker.org/lists/dealerlist.html New Books: Tentmaker Resources: Tentmakers own online store: Tentmaker Resources Books That Have Greatly Helped Me Understand God and the Bible Better Benjamin by Bill Britton Beyond Jordan By Bill Britton, The Golden Altar of Incense, by Bill Britton The Feast of Tabernacles by George Warnock The Parousia, By J. Stuart Russell, reprinted by Baker Book House, 1990 Redating the New Testament, by John A.T. Robinson, Westminister Press, 1976 Matthew 24 Fulfilled, By John L. Bray, self-published, 1996 The God Chasers, by Tommy Tenney, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 310, Shippensburg, PA. 17257 The Spirit of the Pharisee, by Bill Moss, New Day Presentations, P.O. Box 11, Portland, MO. 65067 Facsimile edition of the Original 1611 King James Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989 Helpful Bible Reference Works: Books Helpful for Understanding Figures of Speech, Idiomatic Expressions, symbols •How to Enjoy the Bible: A Guide to Better Understanding and Enjoyment of Gods Word by E.W. Bullinger, reprinted by Kregal Publications, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 •Figures of Speech Used in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, reprinted by Baker Books, P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516 •Idioms in the Bible Explained by George Lamsa, published by Harper Collins Publishers, 10 East 53rd St., NY, NY 10022 •Gospel Light by George M. Lamsa, published by Harper Collins Publishers, 10 E. 53rd. St., N.Y., N.Y., 10022, 1964 •Hebrew Honey, By Al Novak, C & D International, 1987 •Light Through an Eastern Window, by K.C. Pillai, 1963 •New Testament Light by George M. Lamsa, published by Harper Collins Publishers, 10 E. 53rd. St., N.Y., N.Y., 10022, 1968 •Old Testament Light by George M. Lamsa, published by Harper Rowe, 10 E. 53rd. St., N.Y., N.Y., 10022, 1964 •The Syrian Christ, by Abraham Mitrie Rihbany, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1916 •Strange Scriptures that Perplex the Western Mind, Barbara M. Bowen, Eerdmans Pub., reprinted 1984 •Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus, David Bivin & Roy Blizzard, Jr. Destiny Image Pub., 19884 •The Symbols and types by Kevin Connor, 1992 •The Tabernacle of Moses by Kevin Connor, 1975 •The Tabernacle of David by Kevin Connor, 1976 •The Temple of Solomon by Kevin Connor, 1988 •The Feasts of Israel by Kevin Connor, 1980 •(All the above books by Kevin Connor are available from: Bible Temple Publishing, 9200 NE Freemont, Portland, OR. 97220) •The Tabernacle by Henry W. Soltau, reprinted by Kregal Publications, P.O. Box 2607, Grand rapids, MI. 49501, 1972 •The Temple, its Minstry and service by Alfred Edersheim, reprinted by Eerdmans Pub., 1988 •Types in Genesis, By Andrew Jukes, Longsman, Green, and Co., 1898 History (Church & Bible related) •Introduction to the History of Christianity, Fortress Press, 1995 •History of the Christian Church, Phillip Schaff, Eerdmann Pub., reprinted 1991 •The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, J.D. Douglas, ed., Zondervan, 1978 •Dictionary of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, Zondervan, 1988 •A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Hendrickson Pub., 1994 •The Church Triumphant, A History of Christianity up to 1300, E. Glenn Hinson, Mercer University Press, 1994 •The Christians, Bamber Gasciogne, William Morrow & Co., 1977 •The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion, HarperCollins Pub., 1995 Manners and Customs of the Biblical Period •Manners and Customs of the Bible, by James M. Freeman, Logos Int., 1972 •Jesus and His World, Rousseau and Arav, Fortress Press, 1995 (392 pages, paperback, black and white photos) •The Bible Alive, John D. Wansbrough, Zondervan (256 pages, excellent photograph) •The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Alfred Edersheim, reprinted by Hendrickson Pub., Peabody, Mass. 01961 •Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, by Joachim Jeremias, Fortress Press, 1969 •The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times by Ralph Gower, Moody Bible Institute, 1987 •Machines, Buildings, Weaponry, of Biblical Times, by Max Schwartz, Baker Books, 1990 •Todays Handbook of Bible Times and Customs, by William L. Coleman, Bethany House, 1984 Greek and Hebrew Language Learning Aids (Computer) (See these companys internet sites for latest editions.) •Basics of Biblical Greek, Grammar (includes interactive study aid CD), William D. Mounce, Zondervan, 1993 •Hebrew Tutor Interactive CD, Parsons Technology •Greek Tutor Interactive CD, Parsons Technology Greek and Hebrew Language Learning Aids (Print) •Teach yourself New Testament Greek, Ian Macnair, Thomas Nelson Pub., 1995 •Learn New Testament Greek, John H. Dobson, Baker Book House, 1989 •Greek to Me, Cullen & J. Lyle Story, Harper & Rowe, 1979 •Do It Yourself Hebrew & Greek, Edward W. Goodrick, Zondervan Pub. 1980 •Learn to Read the Greek N.T., Ward Powers, Eerdmans Pub., 1983 •Classical Aramaic: Elementary Book 1, Dr. Rocco A. Errico, Noohra Foundation, 1991 Computer Bible Research Programs •Bibleworks by Hermeneutika Software (probably the best for work in original Bible languages), for PCs •Logos, By Logos Software (Also an excellent original languages program), for PCs •Quickverse by Parsons Technology (more for average Bible study), for PCs •PCStudy Bible by BibleSoft (very good general Bible study program), for PCs •Wordsearch by NavPress (fair general Bible study program), for PCs •Bible Companion, by Loizeaux Brothers (good general Bible study program), for PCs •Sage Digital Software by Sage Software (hundreds of classical Christian works for very little money), for PCs •The Master Christian Library, Ages Software, for PCs, ageslibrary •Accordance by The Gramcord Institute (excellent original languages program), for Macs. •Bible Source for Windows Zondervan Pub. (basic Bible Study Tool) Quality Biblical Videos •Jesus of Nazareth, Bridgestone Multimedia Group •Jesus Gateway Films, (Catholic company, but good film) •A.D. 3 Video Series, Gateway Films, (Catholic company owns it but its good) •The Visual Bible--Acts, 4 videos, NIV, Monarch Home Videos •The Visual Bible--Matthew, 4 videos, NIV, Monarch Home Videos •Peter and Paul, 2 videos, Gateway Films (Very well done, Catholic company) •Abraham, movie by Turner Home Video (Excellent) •Joseph, movie by Turner Home Video (Excellent) •Jacob, movie by Turner Home Video (Excellent) •Moses, movie by Turner Home Video (Excellent) Helpful Charts, Maps, and Timelines •Baker Encyclopedia of Bible Places, John J. Brimson, ed., Baker Book House, 1995 (319 oversized pages, color photos, nicely done) •Charts of the Western Church, Susan Lynn Peterson, Zondervan Pub. 1999 (383 pages, paperback, church history laid out in nice chart form, nice formant) •The Harper Atlas of the Bible, Harper & Rowe, 1987 (Excellent photos, maps, oversized book, new archaeological material included) •Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions, Broadman & Holman Pub., 1993 •Chronology and Background Charts of Church History, Robert C. Walton, Zondervan Pub. 1986 •Chronology and Background Charts of the Old Testament, John H. Walton, Zondervan Pub., 1978 •Chronological and Background Charts of the N.T., H. Wayne House, Zondervan Pub., 1981 One Volume Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias •The Biblical Times, Derek Williams, Baker Books, 1997 (416 oversized pages, color photos, a You were there newspaper style, well done!) •Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, Zondervan Pub., 1999 (815 pages, color photos) •Nelsons Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Pub., 1995 (1346 pages, color photos) •Nelsons Illustrated Encyclopedia of Bible Facts, Thomas Nelson Pub., 1995 (774 pages, few colors photos) •Holman Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991 (1450 pages, color photos) •HarperCollinss Bible Dictionary, HarpersSanFrancisco, 1996, (1256 pages, color photos) •Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible, Eerdmans Pub., reprint 1987, (677 pages, color photos) •The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, Eerdmans Pub., reprint 1887 (1094 pages, black and white photos) •Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, Garland Publishing Co., 1990 (1983 pages, paperback, few black and while photos) Books Comparing Bible Translations •The English Bible: From KJV to NIV, Jack P. Lewis, Baker Books, 1991, (An excellent comparison of major Bible translations) •So Many Versions?, Sakae Kubo & Walter Specht, Zondervan, 1975 (Excellent comparison of modern Bible translations.) •The King James Only Controversy, by James R. White, Bethany House Pub., 1995, (Good look into the King James Only debate) •Words About the Word, by John R. Kohlenberger III, Zondervan Pub., 1987 Serious Reference Stuff The following is part of an article written by James F. Stitzinger entitled STUDY TOOLS FOR EXPOSITORY PREACHING. I deleted some works and added some others. A lot of this material is very heavy reading and some of the works have serious errors in them. But if I threw out all the Bibles I use which have major errors in them, I wouldnt be left with much to read. Many Christian scholars are NOT born from above and most of them are not baptized in the Holy Spirit. This goes for our Bible translations as well as Bible reference works. God uses all kinds of people to bring us to the knowledge of the truth, but if we dont learn to spit out the bones when we chew, we will most likely choke.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:54:05 +0000
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