Biblical Language Experience...

Time Travel – Paul’s Missionary Journey

This latest tour package includes a tour of Greece, a taste of the ancient Greek language “Koine Greek”. Athens though may not be the best city to learn this ancient sounding Greek, the Koine dialect, but is the best landing site for our flight.

Upon landing at Athens airport, our team got into a big argument because the one team member is “a last minute man” and is getting on the nerve of the other team members. So our team leader decided that before the team can proceed, it is best that the team work out its difference. Thus a research on Matthew 18:15-20 “When a brother sin against you…” 

 

Learning point 1: Beauty of Koine Greek

Greek language is so rich in its expression. “You” in the English is “you”, but in Greek, “σοι” (you singular) or “ὑμῖν” (you plural) depending on its usage; change completely how the sentence is understand. Such beauty.

 

Learning point 2: Matthew 18:18-20

Jesus says in Matthew 18:18-20, have always been quoted out of context. Is Jesus simply giving us a “signed blank cheque” to cash in “whatever” we agreed upon on earth? Or it there more truth to Jesus’ teaching? Understanding Greek helps as key Greek words are researched and clearer understanding attained. The context of Matthew 18:18-20 lied in its prevailing verses 15-17, which talk on the issue of sin. Not just anyone, but a brother within the community of faith.

This helps the team work out our disagreement, understanding each other and accepting each other. We are all different and in our difference generates a beautiful rainbow colour, combining all our different unique colours to create the ‘pure white colour’. Amen.

Therefore, the team have to confront with humility. Forgive each other, a necessity. Reconcile as a family. And then Matthew 18:20 can become a reality, “For whenever 2 or 3 are gather together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Whenever, 2 or 3 are gather discussing about Jesus or the Word of God, Jesus will be there to give us understanding.

 

Next stop à Israel.

The team sail across the Mediterranean Sea to the land flowing with milk and honey: Israel. Disembarking at the seaport in Tel Aviv, at the Immigration and Custom Checkpoint, this sign that reads (וֵלכֹםְ תֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל) – Welcome to Israel.  

            Hebrew is a rather funny looking language, a line here and a square there. And with many dots litter all over the sentence. But this is the language of Yahweh. This is how Yahweh communicates with His people, the Jews. So let’s see what we can learn about this language and people and this culture.

 

Learning point 1: Hebrew, a sound language

Recently, someone shared with me the story of Timothy, how he was a mamzer, an outsider and thus cannot participate in the local synagogue celebration though his mother was a Jew. And how difficult it was for Timothy to learn the Hebrew language because he cannot participate in the celebrations in local synagogue.

Having learned Hebrew, I have doubts over this claim, because the Hebrew language is a sound language. So Timothy can still learned and master his Hebrew language not in the synagogue, but from his mother, who follows the Jewish culture of teaching young Timothy at home, even though Timothy’s father is Greek. That’s why Paul reminded Timothy in his letter so recall the teaching of his mother and grandmother.

Though I now know a little about the Hebrew language, I am still learning, though I think my friend may have heard the story of Timothy wrongly, but I must be humble to point out what I have learned to him as part of our mutual learning experienced.

Learning point 2: Hebrew language and culture

Without understanding the language, cannot understand the culture, cannot understand the actual meaning of their words and phrases. Learning how to search for the meanings of the Hebrew word though burdensome is very useful indeed. The searches give a wide possibility of meaning and application to the word.

 

Upon leaving Israel, our Jewish brothers and sisters send the team off with this song:

Shalom ִִֻֻChaverim (Goodbye, My friend) – שַׂלֹם הַבֶרִם

שַׂלֹם   הַבֶרִם *2   שַׂלֹם   שַׂלֹם   לֶהִתרָהת *2   שַׂלֹם   שַׂלֹם

Shalom    Shalom      *2    Lehitraot          Shalom      Shalom      2*  Chaverim    Shalom

Goodbye, my friend. Have Peace….. Shalom!