Matthew Chapter 5:8

I was asked recently about different translations of the Bible.  There’s a lot going on in translations, beginning with an oral tradition in one language before being written down in another language (or through two or three languages; in some cases decades or centuries after the actual events).

As we know, some words just don’t mean the same thing in one language as compared to another.  Some scholars will go with the closest word while others will search for the closest meaning.  Some translate with purity of heart while other have an agenda (often, an agenda with good intentions for the time and era–things change with time).  In some places, the translations (and interpretations) are very similar, as in the ones below from five different versions of the Bible.  In other places, there will be big differences.

Then we, as readers, could sit for hours with one passage and savor it and explore it and enjoy it and discuss it…endlessly.

Instead of looking for which one is right or which one is closer to God or better than another, what if we find a version we love and savor it?  If you have a curious side, what about exploring different translations and enjoying those too?

All of the words are quite beautiful (four different translations):

Blessed are those whose hearts are pure; they shall see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.  

This Sunday, we’ll talk about Purity of Heart.  Facebook Live at 9am.

In the meantime, spend some time with these words and feel how they resonate with you and your heart.  Perhaps you are inclined to write these words someplace special to help sustain you and your relationship to God through any challenges you might be facing.