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Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently speaks the language in its original form, isn't the Bible not completely accurate. I know it has been translated, but it can only be the translation/interpretation of the meaning, and the the exact words of God as it was meant to be read.
Hi Jon,
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and a few portions in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Kione Greek which was the common language of the Romans Empire.
Kione Greek is not spoken today, but the language is fully known and understood and has been since NT times. There are close to 6000 Greek manuscripts that have been preserved to our times. The Oldest Hebrew texts are found among the Dead Sea Scroll and date to 200 years before Christ.
We can check the modern translations comparing them to the Greek text to make sure they are correct. The King James Version is the most accurate translation in English and is based on the majority texts (close to 6000). The modern translations such as the ASV, NASB, NIV, etc are based on only 3 manuscripts which were found in Egypt and are clearly corrupted copies. That means they are not the original text in many places.
I have an article at http://bible-truth.org/Howwegot.html title How we got the Bible which explains this matter in some detail. If you look at the index about half way down you will see serval subjects that explain how the Bible was preserved and translated.
If you have further questions please write. I can assure you that the KJV is accurate and reflects the original word of God as penned by the forty men God used to record it.
God bless you as you study and live by His word.
Cooper Abrams
http://bible-truth.org
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Answers by Expert:
Cooper P. Abrams III
Expertise
Independent Fundamental Baptist missionary and pastor, ThB, MBS. I began pastoring in 1981, and have taught in churches, a Bible college, and a Bible Institute. I have written numerous articles on various subjects from a biblical perspective and many are posted on my web site Bible Truth ( http://www.bible-truth.org ). Bible Truth receives over sixty thousand visits per month. Since 1998 I have answered Bible related questions via e-mail. My answers are straight forward and biblical. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE -----DO NOT ASK A QUESTION AND THEN NOT READ THE ANSWER! ABOUT FOUR IN TEN QUESTIONS ASKED ARE NEVER READ. I FREELY GIVE MY TIME TO GIVE HELPFUL ANSWERS. OFTEN THE ANSWER WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH AS A HOUR OR MORE TO RESEARCH AND THEN TO FORMULATE THE REPLY. IF YOU SEND A QUESTION PLEASE BE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. MOST PEOPLE DO...BUT ALL SHOULD. THANKS
Experience
I have been a pastor since 1981 and a Independent Baptist missionary church planter since 1986. I have seen the Lord establish four Bible believing churches in Utah. My web site Bible Truth ( http:\\bible-truth.org ) continues to grow presently over 60,000 visits per month. The materials on the web site are mostly written by myself and contain sermons, Bible commentaries, articles on various biblical subjects.
Publications
- Appeared on Grizzly Adams DVD documentary "End Times: How Close Are We?" (http://www.grizzlyadams.com/Public/ChristianDVDs/index.cfm?productID=49).
- Article "Are Mormons Christians" "O Timothy Magazine" Way of Life Literature (http://www.wayoflife.org/files/9959c77e05b303248173195e72476459-60.html)
Education/Credentials
ThB and MBS from Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC
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