Do We Lose Something In Translation?
by Cheery Blossom (67)I am writing this in hopes that I will get some feedback.
When Jesus was preaching by the lake of Geneserat, He entered into Simon Peter’s ship, and sat and preached from there. Luke 5:3KJV. The thing that particularly got my attention, was the fact that Jesus told Peter to let down his nets(plural) Luke 5:4KJV Now when he had left speaking, He said unto Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets (plural) for a draught. First, Simon Peter complained that they had been fishing all night, and hadn’t caught anything. Then, he said “nevertheless, at thy Word, I will let down the net (singular)” Luke 5:5KJV.
Then, in verse 6, we are told they caught so many fish that the net broke. It appears that Peter did not have faith enough to lower all of the nets, and, because of not following specific instructions, his net broke.
Compare this with another instance in John 21KJV, where Jesus told the disciples to cast their net (singular), on the right side of the ship. They caught 153 large fish, and yet the net was not broken. Why was this fact mentioned? Perhaps, from remembering Peters experience, when he let down one net; when he had been told “nets”. This time, Jesus used the word net, in the singular, and the net did not break, even though it was so full of fish, the disciples expected it to break!
I see many great lessons in these situations. One lesson, Christ expects total obedience for things to go smooth in our lives. He still blesses us with partial obedience, but helps us to see the difference, and strive to do better. It also shows us the loss we receive if we disobey Him. I Samuel 15:22KJV And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
This incident also reminds us of the scripture which says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33KJV This is a lesson which we all need to learn. Following Christ is much greater than seeking for our work to supply our needs. When we seek Him with our whole heart, he blesses us with material gain. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.
To me, this drives home the importance of seeking the mind of Christ. Romans 8:6KJV The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 KJV For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 12:2KJV And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ephesians 4:22,23,KJV That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Philippians 2:5 KJV Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Now that I have made use of these Scriptures for my own edification, I checked several other translations. Some translated Luke 5:3, 4 in such a way that I would never have gotten this “lesson” from it. One or two translations stated that Peter actually lowered the nets (plural) which gives no contrast to what Jesus said, and what Peter did. One translation states that Simon did as Christ commanded.
Now, if the new translations are correct, why the broken net in Luke, and the amazement of the disciples in John 21, because the net was not broken? It seems to me, that one little “s” (or lack of it) could change the whole impact of the two accounts. I feel that there can be a great lesson in being “sold out” to “Christ in the KJV, where I lose that impact in those that drop or add an “s”
One good thing, perhaps, we are commanded to “Search the scriptures………………” John 5:39 Well, the many translations have led me to really search, and seek God for the true meaning.
Have a great day!
Many are the lessons,
Which we often miss.
Not searching for the answers
In such a time as this!
Article submitted Thursday, February 04, 2010 & read 221 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Brian Farrell(336)(34 days 7 hours ago.)
Such an excellent article. Thank you for sharing this incredible insight from the Lord. I also agree with your admonition for each of us to study God's word in depth. We need to seek Him first, and receive from Him through the Holy Spirit. But, the Lord also wants us to dig in and use some of the tools that are out there- commentaries, language lexicons and dictionaries, multiple translations and so forth. We need to always be seeking His direction first as we study, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and really digging into a study, the meaning of the Scripture comes out and we are truly understanding God's word. Again, thank you and Lord bless!"I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Ps. 119:162)."Respond to this comment
» left by Verna Mull (34 days ago.)
Thanks for your kind critique. God is SO GOOD, ALL the time. Keep studying His Word
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» left by Lance Ponder(123)
I never knew about the nets/net thing. That is a fascinating insight. Thanks so much for bringing this to everyone's attention. I really enjoyed this article.Respond to this comment
» left by Verna Mull from Apache Junction, AZ (30 days 9 hours ago.)
Thanks, Lance,
Isn't it amazing the things we don't see after many times of reading the same thing? I am so amazed at the Word of God!! We'll never live long enough to grasp half of the lessons that are there. I think many times, when something is revealed to us, it is something we need to stencil into our lives, something that we are so far from accomplishing!
Are you any relation to Jimmy Ponder? (singer)
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