Bible Studies/Older scriptures

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Expert: - 12/24/2006


Question
I expect the bible has been changed and altered in a number of different ways, and in a number of different versions over the course of 1000s of years. A friend told me that one of the origional bibles made reference to dragons and other mythical beings. Is that true? Did any bible make such references? (If so that is pretty cool)

Answer
The original books of the bible, written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, spoke to the peoples of their times as well as to us.  It is not surprising that they contained words reflecting their cultures, which included words for mythical beings.  Perhaps, the best known is Leviathan, a mythical sea monster/sepent --  see Psalm 74:14, Is 27:1;; some English translations have used "dragon" for this Hebrew word.  The Greek word for dragon appears in Rev 20:2.
Using the words of mythicals does not imply that the bible teaches that these beings really existed.
Best wishes, James, for a blessed Christmas.

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Edward Bode

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A scholar of Jewish and Christian scripture (biblical studies), I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English. My special interests are the gospels of the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Experience

I have taught at three universities and two colleges. My published works include one book, several articles in scholarly journals, and numerous book reviews.

I hold a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy; a license in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; a license in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.Additionally, I earned a master's degree in English from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of journalism from the same university.

I have been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America for 40 years. I am a former member of Society of Biblical Literature.I have spoken on academic topics to local, national, and international groups.

Education/Credentials
I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English.

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