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41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Understanding Biblical Hebrew, February 28, 2010
This review is from: And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning (Hardcover)
Joel Hoffman's book, And G-d Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning, is just invaluable for in-depth study of the Bible, especially in the original language. I had thought the book was going to be some sort of analysis and criticism of the standard translations out there--he does that, mostly in the appendix, but that's not what the book is about. It is really about how to understand Biblical Hebrew. Using linguistics (in a remarkably clear and non-intimidating way), Hoffman describes the different kinds of information conveyed by a Biblical text, and then works out the methodology by which one can best understand the text. No big secret: he argues that context, the comparison of the text with other examples of the same word or phrase, is the only sure way to make sense of a doubtful passage. In the second half of the book, he uses his approach to go after some of the biggest mistranslations in the Bible: "lev" and "nefesh" from the Shema (KJV's "heart" and "soul"), "ratzach" and "chamad" from the Aseres ha'Dibros (NIV's "murder" and "covet" in the "Ten Commandments"), "achotah, kalah" from the Song of Songs (NIV's "my sister, my bride"), "alma" from Isaiah (NIV's "virgin"), among others. In other words you get some really outstanding Torah study, that can really raise your understanding of the Bible.
Just as outstanding book. Really, a necessary book. I haven't been so impressed by a book since first reading James Kugel.
You all have to read it.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reverent and Revealing, August 22, 2010
This review is from: And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning (Hardcover)
Dr. Joel Hoffman, a Jewish professor of linguistics, walks the reader through the world of translation. He brings examples from English and several other modern languages to show just how difficult translation can be at times. If it's difficult to translate from one modern language to another, just try from an ancient (and dead) language to a living one!
His examples are clear, free of unnecessary jargon, and drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures. As a Christian, I wish he had looked a little more at the New Testament (with which he is also quite familiar), but I cannot fault him. He did very well in this book. The one complaint I have about this book is the title. It really looks on the outside as if it were one of those fringe Bible code type books. But I promise you, it's not.
Neither is this book an assault on the Christian (or Jewish) faith in any sense. The author seeks to refine our understanding so that we may be further enriched in reading Scripture. I consider this a must-read for believer and unbeliever alike. In fact, Dr. Hoffman includes concise explanations for his biblical examples so that those not familiar with the Bible can still follow his thoughts.
Overall, the book gives the impression that Bible translators throughout the centuries have done a decent job, perhaps a C+ to a B-, but could do better in some respects. And on certain issues, there is no complete translation and the only remedy is explanation/commentary. The Bible says that God will preserve his word, but folks, that doesn't mean that God's promising to give perfect translations. The Bible (NT) says that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, but that doesn't mean that you as a solo rebel Christian are infallible in your interpretation. I'd just like for everyone to keep that in mind: no translation will ever remove the need for instruction in order for readers to understand.
OK, enough of that tangent. The best thing about this book is that it concisely shows why word-for-word doesn't work, or at least is not the be-all and end-all of translation styles.
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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Lively and Fascinating Read, March 10, 2010
This review is from: And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning (Hardcover)
This is one of those eye-opening books that is thoughtful, provocative, learned, and a whole lot of fun to read. Along the way you gain startling insights into the issues and difficulties of translating not only the words from one language to another, but also connotations, cultural realities. And these insights come to you in an examination of some of the best known and deeply felt prose in English or any language - the Bible. The author, Joel Hoffman is such a natural teacher and guide through what might have been an arcane or dry academic dissertation. But Hoffman turns it into an exciting conversation and a fascinating search for just the right turn of a phrase that can unlock the ancient meaning of the Biblical stories. I highly recommend it. Its like a college course in linguistics taught by a major-league raconteur.
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