The issues related to this subject are numerous. Though I intended to present them in one article, as I worked on it I realized the discussion is too lengthy to constrain to a single discussion. I therefore decided to split it up into a 2, or possibly 3 part article. This first article actually amounts to an introduction, and all that is covered here will be referenced or elaborated on in the follow-up articles.
Over the years my beliefs have dramatically evolved. I have the Eternal One to thank for that as He guided me in my studies of His Holy Word. Among the changes I grew to accept were the following.
These seven issues represent only a few of the many truths I grasped as I put aside the numerous false teachings I had been raised to accept from my childhood affiliation with traditional Christianity. I also had to struggle past the stumbling stones (more like a mine field) of Rabbinic traditions I encountered during my ongoing journey towards truth.
So how did I learn these things? What was the secret of the successful realignment and refinement of my faith? What difficult process did I have to struggle through in order to grasp the deepest and most profound truths of Scripture?
Well, there are no “secrets.” It was not “difficult,” and I did not have to struggle. All I had to do was pick up a good literal English translation of the Bible and read! In fact, the primary translation I used was the often maligned King James Version, though I now primarily utilize the New American Standard Bible. There were other Bible versions I used, but every one of them was an English translation. I also used various Bible study aids and publications, all of which were written in English.
At this point you may ask, “So what?”
Well, there are many people today who appear to strongly advance the notion that if a person uses a Bible translation it is virtually impossible to arrive at the truths I came to accept. Unfortunately, they have sown their damaging deceptions far and wide. I, on the other hand, have become absolutely convinced that finding truth is a relatively simple process, which requires little more than reading any good literal Bible translation and having a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, along with possibly other additional Hebrew/Greek Lexicons and study aids. I recommend examples of such material on my “Recommended Reading” page. A basic grasp of history is helpful; however, it is not necessary to grasp what is needed to be pleasing to God. History can provide some excellent additional material if one wishes to further their study; however, it can also provide misinformation since ancient history is, to say the least, hidden behind a fog of biased contradictions. None of my newfound truths resulted from knowing Hebrew. In fact, even though I spent some time striving to learn Hebrew, I eventually stopped because I realized it was a waste of valuable time that could be far better spent studying my ENGLISH based resources.
Because of my firm conviction surrounding the ease with which a person can arrive at knowledge of truth, I have become an outspoken, unapologetic critic of an increasingly prevalent, confusing, and spiritually dangerous view of what is being promoted as a necessary ingredient to grasp truth or, at the very least, as something that is needed in order to establish deeper knowledge of that truth.
This spiritually treacherous view, which I will directly confront in the article you are reading, creates severe anxiety, can lead to grave errors or confusion, is largely based in a particularly extreme brand of ultra-Semitism, and actually complicates the grasp of the simple truth. I consider it to be a very serious issue that has wide ranging potential to damage a person’s faith and grasp of Scripture. The danger to which I refer is the ultra-Semitic promotion of the Hebrew language as being a necessary “key” to grasping truth. I apply the labels Hebrew “language-enforcers” or Hebrew “language-terrorists” to those who promote this confusing and complicated approach to Scriptural study.
What does Scripture say about those who suggest that "knowledge" of Hebrew is necessary and who complicate the simplicity of Scripture? Is finding truth a simple or difficult process? Let Scripture answer these questions.
Looks simple to me! It also looks like those who wish to complicate the study of Scripture are VERY wrong. Of course, Hebrew language enforcers would argue that it isn't "Scripture" unless it is in Hebrew. That elitist mentality represents a primary means through which they confuse and complicate a person's sincere serach for truth.
The reason for my careful selection of the terms “terrorists” and “enforcers” is simple. Throughout the ages religious leaders have used “terror” as a primary tool to exert control over the masses. History is filled with evidence showing just how despotic and demonic religious leaders can be. There is no better example to be found than that of the history of Christianity. Today, fundamental Islam is a good example.
However, physical terror is not the only mechanism available to religious leaders of individuals who wish to control others or elevate themselves. Mental terror, anxiety, is also used. Hebrew language-enforcers definitely utilize a form of mental terror as they exert control or “terrorize” others into adopting their ultra-Semitic doctrines and as they strive to exalt the Hebrew language. Let there be no doubt that their objective is to CONTROL the way a person worships by controlling the way they approach Scripture. If they say otherwise they are either liars or unwitting pawns of language-terrorist leaders, since control of one’s approach to Scripture is THE basic objective they try to enforce. They often generate feelings of anxiety, akin to mental terror, in the minds of those whom they have persuaded into thinking knowledge of Hebrew language and liturgy is necessary. I have seen this mental terror over and over and over in emails I receive from visitors to my Torah of Messiah Yeshua web site.
The Hebrew language terrorists have so elevated the Hebrew language that, in my opinion, they actually worship it! I am being totally serious. They often openly admit to it being “Divine!” They actively engage in language IDOLATRY! Hebrew is not simply considered a language to such people. It is considered by them to be the “Divine" language that a person should know and use if they truly wish to draw close to YHVH. In their minds, anyone who does not embrace the Hebrew language is barred from drawing as close to God as they could if they embraced Hebrew.
I detest the ultra-Semitic elitism and uncaring mind set of those who have elevated a spoken language to the level of blatant idolatry. Yes, what I am opposing is little different that worship of a language, and it sometimes appears that those in bondage to this form of idolatry cannot distinguish God from the Hebrew language. The Hebrew language-enforcers clearly imply that YHVH God is a creation of Hebrew; therefore, I often think that they must feel God would not exists if the Hebrew language did not exist! It is as though, to them, there is no God without the Hebrew language! I do not hesitate to oppose such foolish promoters of confusion, anxiety, and elitism. Some practitioners go to the ridiculous extreme of taking Hebrew names and feel that by doing so they are elevating their spiritual understanding!
Before continuing let me clarify that I am NOT referring to referencing Hebrew lexicons or dictionaries to find alternate renderings of particular words as a person studies. I do that all the time and advise others to obtain good Hebrew and Greek lexicons along with an Exhaustive Strong's Concordance. I present such resources among my list of "Recommended Reading" on this web site. What I am referring to is the fanatical unnecessary use and promotion of Hebrew and the implicit or explicit insistence that a person "should learn Hebrew" to be able to understand Scripture. Anyone who believes or promotes that people "should learn Hebrew," is a Hebrew language-enforcer, since they infer that knowledge of Hebrew is necessary. However, people who promote that Hebrew literacy is helpful, but not really necessary, are NOT Hebrew language-enforcers. There is an obvious possible advantage to a person knowing Hebrew; however, I feel the advantages are minimal and that there are also potential pitfalls.
The following characteristics typify the mind set of the Hebrew language terrorists to which I am opposed. They believe:
To test if you or others is a Hebrew language-enforcer, ask them the following questions. For YOUR own benefit please be honest with yourself in answering them. Only you and the Eternal One will know your answers, unless you share them with others. The severity of a Hebrew language-enforcer condition or influence will depend upon how many “yes” answers given and will range from mildly promoting Hebrew to fanatically enforcing it. Anyone who answers "yes" to a majority of these questions is firmly entrenched in the camp of Hebrew language-enforcers and will probably never leave. They are also likely strong pseudo-Messianic ultra-Semites, which these questions also help to identify; however, there are other more applicable questions suitable for that purpose.
I will show in these articles that:
But first ...
There are those who will accuse me of being anti-Hebrew. To defang such venomous slanderers I emphasize the following:
I realize some will be very offended by what I will be saying. Well, I offer no apology. Those who practice this form of idolatry are usually not the least bit concerned about the anguish they cause others; therefore, I will not show even the slightest hint of condoning their ultra-Semitic, self-exalting, and elitist mind set by apologizing for my opposition to it. They also often follow a pattern of marginalizing and severely reducing the ULTIMATE importance and central role of Yeshua's mission and accomplishments, which is a universal characteristic of ultra-Semites.
My objective in this particular series of articles actually reduces down to arguing the following principle, which I am firmly convinced is true. Please take a few moments to ponder the next highlighted paragraph very carefully. If you can grasp its importance you will understand why Hebrew language enforcement is wrong. Though I will attempt to elaborate in our discussion, I realize my efforts are limited to conveying in written form something that can only be grasped within the spiritual heart. If you truly ponder with sincerity and humility the following statement, it is possible your heart and mind will be opened to the tragic consequences resulting from Hebrew language-terrorism.
As simple and obvious as that statement is, the Hebrew language enforcers seem oblivious to it and show by their rather fanatical embrace of the language of Hebrew that they have not yet grasped the common sense truth it infers. In fact, they are sometimes offended by it.
This question may surprise you. You may be wondering what impact this has upon Hebrew language-enforcers. Actually, if: 1) advancing the Kingdom God, 2) transmitting the Truth, and 3) spreading the gospel (good news) matters to you, then the question of language ranking is VERY important! I submit to you that the three tasks listed in the previous sentence are proven to be low on the list of priorities for ultra-Semitic Hebrew language-enforcers.
I undertook research to discover where Hebrew ranks in terms of usage worldwide. What I discovered is that it doesn't even rank in the top 50 most used languages of the world. In fact, I could not even find it in the top 100.
The data was mixed; however, most sources listed Chinese (actually Mandarin) and English as the top two native languages. Hindustani and Spanish were close behind and in some cases ranked above English. It is obviously a difficult thing to measure. However, when a secondary language was considered, English surged ahead of all others and was shown to be the most spoken and most taught language on earth. Fully one third of the world's population speak English as a second language; therefore, when added to the approximately 400,000,000 people who speak it as their primary language, approximately 2.5 BILLION people speak and read English! Today, if one single language were to be selected as the standard language of planet earth, it would likely be English! The other highly ranking languages are generally limited to a single, highly populated country, such as China and India, which are the two most populous nations on earth but whose languages are rarely spoken beyond their borders or by those not native to those countries. English, however, is spoken in more individual countries than any other language.
Compare that to the less than 10 million that speak Hebrew. I am probably over estimating that number. There are about 6.7 million Jews in the United States and less in Israel. Most American Jews do not speak Hebrew fluently. In fact, I suspect the vast majority of American Jews do not speak Hebrew at all! According to a 1999 Israeli census, the entire population of Israel is approximately 6.1 million. Not all of them are Jews or speak Hebrew fluently. A person can get along quite well in Israel speaking only English; thus, there is really no pressing need to learn Hebrew even if a person lives in Israel.
Ok. I'll be generous to the Hebrew language-enforcers and estimate 10 million people speak Hebrew as a first or second language worldwide. Remember, 2.5 BILLION speak English. So ... let's see ... 2.5 BILLION divided by 10 million ... equals ... oh where's my calculator!! ... ok ... it equals 250.
If you are among the Hebrew language proponents, angered by that estimate and doubt my figures, then let's say 245 times more. I'll even lower it to 240 times more if that will shut the mouths of Hebrew language-enforcers who are crying "FOUL ANTI-SEMITISM! BLASPHEMY! SATANIC ABOMINATION!"
What does this suggest regarding the best language to use in study and advancement of truth? What does this suggest is the best language to use for Bible publication. What does this suggest regarding the enforcement of the little known and rarely spoken language of Hebrew for Bible study and teaching? What does it reveal about congregations who force their members to struggle through use of Hebrew during worship when the primary job is to communicate truth clearly and without confusion? What does it reveal about the hearts of those who wish to enforce the usage of Hebrew as the primary Scripture study and teaching language upon others? Does it show them to be really concerned about the eternal destiny of others? Does it really show them to be concerned with teaching at all! Does it show them to be reaching out to others or demanding others reach out to them! Does it show them to be loving or elitist and self-exalting? Common sense should lead you to the obvious answers; however, I will elaborate later. These simple questions deserve your sincere, deep consideration.
Of course, diehard Hebrew language-enforcers may simply view these statistics as a reason to enforce Hebrew even more strongly, which proves a point I wish to make in this article regarding the state of their hearts and lack of concern for their fellow man.
Hebrew language-terrorists will quickly answer “Yes” to the just posed question. However, when the facts are sincerely viewed without bias the answer is actually shown to be “No.”
I was recently watching a well done documentary on “The History Channel” entitled, “History of the Bible.” It was a lengthy presentation that was surprisingly nonbiased and factual. Obviously, I did not agree with everything presented; however, the information presented was balanced and informative.
During the discussion of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh or Older Testament) a Jewish rabbi made a frank admission. He stated that the meaning of fully 25 percent – one quarter – of all the Hebrew in the Tanakh is not knowable with certainty!
Did you get that? The JEWISH Hebrew literate scholar voiced his firm belief that a significant percentage of the meaning of the Hebrew words found in the Tanakh is NOT able to be perfectly known with absolute certainty! Wow! His statement directly refutes the propaganda spewed forth from Hebrew language-enforcers, since they “enforce” the idea that knowledge of Hebrew removes confusion and allows a person to “correctly” interpret the Tanakh with greater certainty.
One reason for the honest and truthful admission from the Jewish scholar is found in the nature of the Hebrew language itself. Hebrew is a language in which a word may carry numerous legitimate meanings or implications. Even Hebrew experts must often struggle to determine the original meaning of the Hebrew found in the Tanakh. Unless a person knows with certainty what the original author intended to convey, it is difficult to know with certainty which of the Hebrew word’s meaning applies. Therefore, scholars and others who utilize the Hebrew texts are forced to make an educated guess as to what the writer’s original intended meaning was.
The Hebrew language-terrorists often stubbornly reject or refuse to admit the obvious truth just discussed. They also bristle with anger when it is revealed, since they hope to promote the false notion that use of the Hebrew texts clarifies the meaning of Scripture. Yet even they know of the uncertainties of the Hebrew language; therefore, I am fully persuaded that many of them knowingly falsify the truth. In other words, many of them are intentional promoters of falsehood.
Oddly, Hebrew language-terrorists use the multi-meanings nature of the Hebrew language as part of their propaganda to promote it! They actually succeed in selling people the ridiculous notion that the inherently confusing aspects of the Hebrew language makes it more useful! ?? Uhmm? What is wrong with this picture? Common sense dictates that the more meanings a word can have, the more difficult it is to determine the correct meaning. Yet Hebrew language-enforcers implicitly – and sometimes explicitly – claim just the opposite. They violate basic common sense! The uncertainties of Hebrew are made worse by the fact that the language itself has changed since the Scriptures were penned by the alleged original authors.
Hebrew language-enforcers also broadly and loudly proclaim that the Hebrew texts of the Tanakh (Old Testament) represent a perfect transmission of the original authors of Scripture (Moses, David, Isaiah, etc.). They refuse to consider that there is no such thing as a perfectly inerrant and infallible text. A proper discussion of this issue would consume an entire book and there have been many books written on the subject. Those who promote “perfection” in the Hebrew texts are either ignorant or intentional promoters of falsehood. The generally accepted Hebrew texts used today are very reliable; however, they cannot be proven perfect despite the propaganda being sprayed from the Hebrew language-enforcers.
ATTENTION! The fact is that there are no ORIGINAL writings of the Tanakh (Old Testament)! Those who promote today's Hebrew Scriptures as though they are “unchanged originals” since they were first written are intentionally spreading falsehood! I firmly believe with an unyielding faith that the Hebrew Scriptures used today are EXTREMELY reliable and that they fully convey what is needed for mankind to draw closer to the Creator. Nevertheless it would be fantastic if they were unchanged (that every single word is the same) over the 3500 years since they were written, since they were kept and copied by fallible men. However, it is impossible for anyone today to prove such to be the case, and anyone who makes such claims of infallibility for the Hebrew Scriptures is forcing their own bias into a discussion of crucial importance instead of considering the common sense facts and natural tendencies of fallible men.
There are many ways error could have crept (or been purposely interjected) into the Hebrew texts. Note the following quote from one of hundreds of references on the subject.
Although the official text of the Old Testament was transmitted with great care, it was inevitable that certain copyist errors would creep into the texts over the hundreds of years of transmission into thousands of manuscripts. There are several kinds of copyist errors that produce textual variants. Haplography is the writing of a word, letter, or syllable only once when it should have been written more than once. Dittography is writing twice what should have been written only once. Metathesis is reversing the proper position of letters or words. Fusion is the combining of two separate words into one. Fission is the dividing of a single word into two words. Homophony is the substitution of a word for another that is pronounced like it (e.g., “two” for “to”), or the misreading of similarly shaped letters. Homoeoteleuton is the omission of an intervening passage because the scribe’s eye skipped from one line to a similar ending on another line. Accidental omissions occur where no repetition is involved (as “Saul was ... year(s) old,” Sam. 13:1, RSV), or vowel letters are misread for consonants.
Geisler, N. L., & Nix, W. E. (1996, c1986). A General Introduction to the Bible. Includes indexes. Includes a short-title checklist of English translations of the Bible (chronologically arranged). (Rev. and expanded.). Chicago: Moody Press.
The author noted at least seven basic ways mistakes could have entered in, and these represent only a few ways error could have been transmitted.
I would be among the first to state that the Hebrew Texts used today are very, very reliable; however, anyone who believes the Hebrew Texts are a direct, unchanging and perfect transmission of the original authors is living in dreamland and is suffering from what I call spiritual psychosis. Such people must base their claims on unsubstantiated blind faith since it is a proven FACT that there are variations in available Hebrew manuscripts. But Hebrew language-enforcers do not wish to be bothered by facts. The available Masoretic texts, which are today considered the Hebrew Scriptures, were not even fully compiled, and thus the Hebrew Bible was not even completely available, until the middle ages (around the ninth century A.D.).
These are facts Hebrew language-enforcers try to keep hidden and refuse to accept. Like I said, they prefer to live in a dreamland created in their own biased minds. This is why I state in my counter missionary articles how many of the same arguments used by anti-New Testament counter missionaries can be used against the Tanakh (Old Testament). But of course counter missionaries do not wish to apply honesty to their arguments since it may harm their attempts to discredit the New Testament. They apply a double standard to most of their arguments, a fact which I discuss elsewhere in my articles aimed at refuting counter missionaries.
Here is a graphical timeline of the transmission of the Hebrew Text. This is a simplified timeline, thus it does not convey the enormous complexity that truly exists. However, even this simplified timeline shows numerous chances for error or scribal corruption to creep into what we now accept as the “official” Hebrew Texts of the Bible. That “official” texts, known as the Masoretic Texts or Textus Receptus, is identified in the graphic as the “Ben Asher Codices” and came into existence around 900 A.D.
The simple truth is that even when reading the Hebrew texts as a basis for Scripture study a person is still left with having to sometimes guess to arrive at an understanding of what the authors of Scripture wished to communicate. No matter how fluent a person is in the Hebrew language he or she must still choose between various possible meanings of many Hebrew words. To do this the reader draws upon his or her own personal ability to comprehend the message and then makes an “educated” GUESS. In the case of the Hebrew language-enforcers, that guess is often based upon a foundational ultra-Semitic "education" (way of thinking); thus, it is likely that he or she will utilize biased Judaic traditions or other anti-Messianic views as a basis for arriving at an assumption of the intended meaning of the text. Of course, such is not always the case. Nevertheless, due to the large percentage of Hebrew language-enforcers that are ultra-Semitic, it is a sure bet that there will be ultra-Semitic bias entering into their mind as he or she struggles to interpret the text.
As outrageous as it may seem, often the most forceful Hebrew language-enforcers are those who hardly have any skill with Hebrew! They are sometimes rather immature believers who have never really devoted themselves to many previous years of Bible study. Thus, they haven't really given the translations and study aids a chance as they trumpet the message of their newly discovered Hebrew idol. Instead of studying using a language they know, their native tongue, they choose instead to struggle to learn an entirely new language that will take then decades to grasp to the point that would allow them to understand the same as they would if they would just use their own language! They clamp onto the Hebrew bandwagon with frenzied zeal and become evangelists for the Hebrew language! Despite their relative LACK of skill in the Hebrew language AND LACK OF BASIC SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, they arrogantly and ignorantly scoff at the use of translations and elevate themselves into being capable translators themselves! The camp of the Hebrew language-enforcers is filled with self-anointed, self-exalting alleged Hebrew specialists who wrongly see "error" in translations as being all encompassing. !??!
I should also point out that the problem I have thus far addressed is with regard to the possible meanings of individual Hebrew words. The problem is made dramatically worse when the reader must determine the various grammatical structure of those words (verbs, pronouns, and all the complexities of sentence structure). This may not be as big a problem for someone with many decades of Hebrew usage and study; however, even for such people there remains the need to make educated guesses and such choices are still founded upon the individual's own personal bias.
Later I will show how even the world's foremost Hebrew scholars admit uncertainty. Yet I have already presented one example. Remember the scholarly individual mentioned previously who stated that fully 25 percent of the Hebrew meaning in Scripture is not knowable for certain? That individual is a TRUE scholar who is fluent in Hebrew. For him to make such a statement, and also considering that he is a Jewish Rabbi, is truly profound and should serve as a warning to anyone coming under the influence of Hebrew language-enforcers! Imagine the severity of the problem faced by poor naive victims of Hebrew language-terrorists. They are doomed to a state of perpetual confusion, assumption, and anxiety if they succumb to the grossly defective arguments of those wishing to enforce the reading of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Ultra-Semitic Hebrew language-enforcers will automatically, arrogantly, and bitterly scoff at such a notion. Indeed, use of a translation is an abomination to them! They despise translations and wish to enforce and terrorize everyone they can into never again relying upon anything other than the actual Hebrew (which often is really an effort to have people rely upon THEM)! However, common sense proves them to be wrong despite their tunnel-vision stubbornness!
Ok, I have already presented evidence showing that the Hebrew texts are questionable, and even if they present the absolutely perfect, unchanging words of the original authors they still prove difficult to interpret. So why do I suggest that translations are better? At first glance it would seem translations would make the problem worse. Well, actually if a person applies common sense and considers the issue without bias it can be shown that a good translation largely eliminates the primary problem a person may encounter when trying to study from the Hebrew texts.
How is this so?
Ok. As stated previously, the primary problem one encounters when trying to grasp the intended meaning of the Hebrew text is trying to determine which of the possible interpretations of the Hebrew applies. In order to determine this an expert grasp - a truly expert grasp - of Hebrew syntax and vocabulary is needed. The vast majority of those wishing to study from Hebrew text do not possess the necessary skill to properly interpret the text. Even most who consider themselves Hebrew literate probably do not possess the necessary skills. Adding to the problem is the need to possess knowledge of ancient Hebrew. Modern Hebrew and ancient Hebrew are NOT the same! Those who think the Hebrew of today is exactly the same as that used during the time of Moses and prophets are wrong. In fact, the ancient Hebrew may not have been “Hebrew” at all. Instead, Hebrew probably EVOLVED, along with Aramaic, etc., FROM the original Caananite languages of Abraham and Moses. It is extremely doubtful that Hebrew did not change over the past 3500 years. Yet, this is actually a trivial point that doesn't effect the discussion.
So who are the best sources of necessary skill for interpreting the meaning of the Hebrew texts? And when we discover those sources, doesn't it make sense that we should benefit from their knowledge?
The best sources are the TEAMS of highly skilled scholars who comprise the staff of translators for our modern Bible translations! Their skills in interpreting the many nuances of the Hebrew texts far exceeds that of the typical reader of Hebrew texts. Do they differ with one another at times? Of course! Are there instances when they may decide upon an incorrect interpretation? Of course! But those instances almost certainly are less numerous than would be experienced by an individual with less skill; therefore, it is virtually certain that a person is FAR more likely to arrive at a proper interpretation of the texts' intended meaning if they rely upon the TEAMS of highly skilled and relatively nonbiased interpreters than if they were to take it upon themselves to determine the correct meaning.
The fact is that EVERYONE, even the Hebrew language-enforcers, depends upon the scholarship of others. Whenever a Hebrew lexicon or dictionary is accessed, scholarship is being referenced. So, in truth, it is impossible to avoid reliance upon the skills of others. Even the laborious task of learning Hebrew requires reliance upon the scholarship of others. There is no such thing as “unbiased Hebrew” interpretation. However, a good literal word-for-word translation is usually based upon the very best scholarship the world can provide; therefore, the reader of a good English translation benefits immensely from scholarship and skill that he or she does not possess. Thus, the primary problem inherent to reliance upon Hebrew as a basis of study is reliably eliminated.
There are those who feel that since they cannot read Hebrew, their “next best” alternative is to utilize a translation from Judaic publishing centers. Such people distrust any translator who is not “Jewish” or “Judaic.” They wrongly assume a “Christian” or anti-Semitic bias is always present. The Stone Edition Tanakh, published by Mesorah Publications Ltd., is popular among such people who assume they will receive a more “correct” interpretation from the existing Hebrew texts if the translation is performed by Orthodox Rabbinic minds. However, such translators have their own bias, which is sometimes extreme. The quote below is from the preface to the Stone Edition Tanakh. I have placed in brackets [...] explanatory terms. Please note the words I have shown in underlined bold text.
In the Chumash [Genesis through Deuteronomy, often called the “torah”] portion of this work, the translation follows Rashi, the “Father of Commentators,” because the study of Chumash has been synonymous with Chumash-Rashi for nine centuries. In the Prophets and the Writings [the rest of the Tanakh] , however, following the guidance of our great mentors, we are more eclectic. The translation of these Books utilizes all the classic commentators, such as Targum, Ramban, Radak, Ralbag, Ibn Ezra, Kara, Metzudos, Malbim and others. While the translation always follows an authoritative opinion, we tried to choose the interpretation that would best fit the text and be as clear as possible to the reader.
I applaud and respect the publisher of the Stone Edition Tanakh for being honest. I sincerely do. They openly admit that the Stone Edition Tanakh translation is biased and is actually a mixture of translation and commentary. They state:
I once cherished my Stone Edition Tanakh; however, I now realize it may be among the most biased translations that exist! This is particularly true when the commentary filling its pages (especially the separately published, standalone Chumash) is considered.
Strangely, the same people who would blindly state that most translations of the Bible include a Christian bias, seem to accept without much concern the strong Judaic bias of translations such as the Stone Edition Tanakh. But such is typical of the double-standard mindset of ultra-Semitics, many of whom are Hebrew language-enforcers. I now use the Stone edition only as a reference for Orthodox Judaic teachings and as a secondary opinion. I will never again be so naive as to consider using it as a primary source of Scriptural study, since it admits within its own pages to being a biased translation - a fact I verified by comparing various passages to other translations, including the excellent English translation of the Tanakh by the Jewish Publication Society (JPS), and using Hebrew lexicons. Unfortunately, many people still wrongly adopt it among their primary translations to study. I personally know of people who scoff at the idea of using the King James Version, New American Standard version, New Revised Standard version, or any other version besides those from Jewish publishers. Yet they apply a grotesque double-standard and prove themselves to be insincere by accepting the bias of Judaic versions such as the Stone Edition Tanakh.
The point is this: A person is far, far more likely to grasp the intended meaning of the Hebrew texts if he or she utilizes a good translation from the Hebrew. This is true even if they wish to read from today's Hebrew texts of Scripture. The chances of incorrect interpretation are dramatically reduced if a person relies upon the tremendous scholarly skills of the teams of translators responsible for producing today's better literal translations. I present my opinion of what a "good" translation is in an article that disucsses how to choose a Bible translation.
Will the translation be perfect? Absolutely not, but there is no such thing as a perfect translation. Will a literal, word-for-word translation be extremely reliable? ABSOLUTELY! Will the potential for error be FAR less using a translation than it would be if an individual labors through the time-consuming task of trying to interpret themselves? MOST ASSUREDLY! Often the translators are somewhat secular, and therefore do not possess either a Christian or Judaic bias. The best translators are often those who are secular. The translation teams are also generally composed of members who possess wide ranging religious backgrounds; thus, no specific bias dominates.
In Part 2 of this discussion, which I hope to eventually write, I will elaborate on how Hebrew language-enforcers demonstrate a lack of concern for the overwhelming majority of humans. I will also discuss how their mindset clearly complicates and confuses the advancement of truth. There are other issues that I will be discussing, so please stay tuned and be looking for Part 2.