Lost in Translation: Language Matters

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1. Context alters the meaning of words in any language. The Greek word “chairo” is generally translated “rejoice”. Yet, it is with “chairo” that the Angel Gabriel greets Mary when Gabriel comes to announce that Mary will bear the Son of the Most High. When the Roman soldiers dressed Jesus as a king and beat him, they mocked him with the same word. With what English word was the Greek word “chairo” translated in the context of Gabriel’s greeting of Mary and the soldiers' mocking of Jesus? Salutations Hello Greetings Hail

2. The Greek noun "charis", which is derived from the same root as the verb "chairo" (to rejoice), designates some particular thing about which we should rejoice. In most contexts, "charis" is rendered with the English word "grace". Paul includes this greeting in most of his letters: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." Which of the following definitions is not given in Thayer's Greek dictionary for this word? The spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness God's riches at Christ's expense Goodwill, loving-kindness, favor

3. In Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible, "The Message", he translates Luke 6:32-4 in the following manner: "If you love only the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run of the mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." The Greek word "charis", which is usually translated "grace", is translated differently in the preceding passage. Which phrase or phrases in the preceding passage translate "charis"? (Hint: the NIV and NASB translations render the word as "credit".) Pat on the back All of these A medal Charity

4. Ephesians 2:8 reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." In the English translation, there is an ambiguity regarding to which word(s) the phrase "and that not of yourselves" refers. Is it grace, faith or both that is "not of yourselves"? Taking into account the grammar of the passage in the original language, what can be concluded? "That not of yourselves" refers to grace only. "That not of yourselves" refers to both. "That not of yourselves" refers to gift only. It is also ambiguous in the original language.

5. The missing words in the following verse translate a single Greek word, "charisma". In certain contexts, "charisma" can be translated as favor. In Romans 6:23 Paul says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the ______ of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." What are the missing words? earned reward free gift reward for right living wages of righteousness

6. Sometimes the English word used to translate a Greek word has a different shade of meaning or emphasis than the Greek word. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." "Hoped" is a translation of the Greek word "elpizo". What other word is sometimes used to translate the Greek word "elpizo" in the NASB? wish expect desire fancy

7. The missing word in the following verse translates a Greek noun that shares a root with a commonly used Greek verb. An entirely different English word is used to translate the verb than is used to translate the noun. Romans 3:28 reads, "For we maintain that a man is ______ by faith apart from works of the Law." What is the missing word? sanctified saved glorified justified

8. The verb "believe" appears 85 times in the Gospel of John. It shares a common Greek root with a noun generally translated as "faith". How many times does the word "faith" appear in the Gospel of John? 1-10 11-20 more than 20 0

9. Some Greek words have connotations so disparate that no single English word will adequately encompass both connotations. Almost every occurrence of the Greek word "makarios" is translated "blessed" in the NASB. However, in other translations, "makarios" is often rendered as "happy". The Greek "makarios" is translated with yet another word in Acts 26:2, which reads, "In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself _______, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today." What is the missing word? content pleased fortunate lucky

10. The NASB translates the Greek word "eirene" as "peace" in 90 of its 91 occurrences. The one different translation is as "undisturbed". Although a single English word is nearest to the meaning of the Greek word "eirene", the original word has a sense that the English translation does not capture. What additional connotation does the Greek word "eirene" carry that is missing from the English word "peace"? tranquility sobriety superiority prosperity