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Following are the major versions of the Bible prominent among the students of the Bible. This open our eyes into the great work the men of God has done for the glory of God.
1. The Septuagint (LXX)
The Septuagint is called the Bible of 70 (LXX), because the tradition says that in the 3rd century B.C 70 men took 70 days to translate the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek. This version of the Old Testament was used by Jesus his disciples.
2. The Latin Vulgate
Vulgate is a translation of the entire Bible into Latin by Jerome about A.D.400. It was the only Bible the English people posses for centuries. The Bibles in the English Language were translation of this Latin Version rather than from the original Hebrew and Greek. It was the first Bible to be printed in A.D 1450.
3. John Wycliff’s Version
John Wycliff was the first person who translated the Bible into English in A.D.1382. This translation was not from the original languages. Copies of it were made by hand because printing was not invented until A.D. 1450. Wycliff was excommunicated of the church and his translation was contempt because he had made the Bible available to English men in his own language.
4. William Tyndale Version
In A.D. 1525 William Tyndale had made a more accurate translation into English from the original Hebrew and Greek. Printed copies of this Bible soon poured into England. For this by the order of the R.C. Church Tyndale was burned.
5. The King James Authorized Version
K.J.V was translated in 1611 A.D. by the order of King James I of England. 54 scholars compared all the manuscripts available before translating this book. Though in later years more accurate revised editions have appeared, this still is the most familiar to the English speaking people every where.
6. Malayalam Translation of the Gospels
A copy of the Syrian Bible was discovered in Kerala by Dr. Claudius Buchanan in A.D. 1806. No version of the scripture was available in Malayalam for over 18 centuries. In A.D. 1811 four gospels were translated by Timapah Pillai and Philippos. Mr. Pillai oversaw the casting of Malayalam type and printing of the four gospels. Paper was provided by the British and foreign Bible Society. Pillai went on to translate the rest of the New Testament which was never published.
7. Malayalam New Testament
The completed translation of the New Testament by Bailey was published by the Bible Society in A.D. 1829. The printing was undertaken at Kottayam, on a press constructed by Bailey with type caste by him. He completed the translation of O.T. after which he had to return to England due to ill health.
8. Malayalam Old Testament
Bailey came back in 1835; he continued the revision of the Old Testament and it was published in A.D. 1841.
9. John Nelson Darby’s Version of the Entire Bible (1845-1882)
J.N. Darby was born in England. He is generally known as the chief founder and the early leader of Plymouth Brethren. He translated the N.T into German and French. He assisted in translating the Old Testament in both French and German and also in English.
10. Dr. H. Gundert’s Malayalam N.T.
Dr. Herman Gundert, a German missionary in Basal mission based at Thalassery, published a new translation in 1854. This translation was intended to meet the needs of North Malabar.
11. First One Volume Malayalam Bible
A one Volume Bible containing both the Old Testament and New Testament was published in 1867.
12. American Revised Version
American Revised Version is a revision of the King James Version made by 83 English and American Scholars began in 1870 and completed in 1901. This was needed because of the change in the meaning of some of the Old English words and because of the discovery of more accurate ancient manuscripts.
13. Union Version of the Malayalam Bible
The Holy Bible containing Old and New Testament. Union version was published in 1910. This was a joint effort of the several missions, who went on to carry out the corrections in Bailey’s translation of the Old and New Testament.
14. Revised Standard Version
The N.T was completed in 1946. And the entire Bible in 1952. It is a weak and obscure translation. Especially in the Old Testament.
15. The Revised Union Version of the Malayalam Bible was published in 1962.
16. Good News for Modern Man was published in 1966. This was one of the paraphrased one.
17. Jerusalem Bible was published in 1966.
18. The New American Bible was one of the R.C. revision published in 1970.
19. The Living Bible was a paraphrased version published in 1971.
20. The New American Standard version was one of the best translation available today and was published in 1971.
21. The New International Version (NIV) was published in 1973.
22. New King James Version was a revised version of KJV published in 1982. (O.T was in 1980, and N.T was in 1979).
23. The Hosanna Bible ( Malayalam) was published in 1983.
24. New Malayalam Translation was published in 1994 a translation from the Syrian Preshitha (Jacobit Church)
25. New India Bible Version (Malayalam). N.T. was published in 1995 by International Bible Society.
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The name comes from byblos, which denoted the papyrus plant that grew in marshes or river banks, primarily along the Nile. Writing material was made from the papyrus plant by cutting the pith of the plant in one foot strips and setting it in the sun to dry. The strips were then laid in horizontal rows with rows of vertical strips glued to the horizontal rows in a criss-cross fashion similar to the way plywood is constructed today. The horizontal rows were smoother and became the writing surface. Sections of these strips were glued together to form a scroll up to thirty feet in length. Eventually, the plural form Biblia was used by Latin-speaking Christians to denote all the books of the Old and New Testaments.
A. Scripture
Another term used for the Bible is the word, "Scripture," from the Greek grafh, meaning "a writing, that which is written." The plural is used collectively of the sacred writings as a whole, the Scriptures (i.e., the Old Testament, Matt. 21:42; 26:54; John 5:39; Rom. 15:4). The singular is sometimes used of the sacred writings as a whole (Rom. 4:3; John 7:42) and sometimes of a specific passage (Mark 12:10; 15:28; Luke 4:21). In the New Testament this term is used exclusively of the Scripture.
In the Old Testament this writing was recognized as carrying great authority (e.g. 2 Kings 14:6; 2 Chron. 23:18; Ezra 3:2; Neh.10:34). The "writings" of the Old Testament were eventually collected into three groups called the law, prophets, and writings (or psalms). This was originally organized in a twenty-four-book division beginning with Genesis and ending with 2 Chronicles. It contained the same books or content as the present thirty-nine book arrangement of the Old Testament, but with a different arrangement and division. These writings were formally combined into Old Testament canon. The statement, "the Scripture says," is equivalent to "God says" (cf. Rom. 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; Gal. 4:30; 1 Tim. 5:18). To stress the character of these writings as sacred and unique, they are also described as "holy" or "sacred" (Rom. 1:2; 2 Tim. 3:15), and stated to be "inspired of God," literally, "God-breathed." Consequently, with God as the author behind the human authors, the Bible is both profitable and authoritative. The noun form, scripture, occurs fifty times in the New Testament (used mostly of the Bible) and the verb form, often found in a form meaning "it is written" or "it stands written," is used about ninety times.
B. The Word of God
"The word of God" is another title used of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. This expression highlights the nature of the Bible as the revelation of God in written form as well as its source; it is the revelation from God. The Greek term used is logos, which means "a word as embodying a conception or idea, speech or discourse." But it is also used of the "revelation of God, of God’s word, God’s command." In Mark 7:13, "the word of God" is used of Moses’ command regarding honoring father and mother and is seen as equivalent to the phrase, "the commandment of God" (vs. 8). In Matthew 15:6, this expression is used specifically of the Law of Moses. In John 10:35, it is used of the Old Testament and further defined as Scripture. In Hebrews 4:12, the "word of God" is used of all Scripture, referring to both the Old and New Testaments.
C. The Oracles of God
Another term used of the Bible, especially of the Old Testament Scripture, is logion, a diminutive form of logos meaning, "an oracle, divine response or utterance." It is used of Scripture in Romans 3:2 and Acts 7:38 where it is translated oracles. In Acts 7:38 the Old Testament law received on Mount Sinai is referred to as the living oracles.
D. Testament
A less common term for Scripture is the word testament. The Greek word is diaqhkh, "covenant, testament, will." This term is used to distinguish between the Old and New Covenants, the Old Testament and the New Testament. In particular, the word is used in dealing with the specific, unique covenants of Scripture, but since these covenants are contained in God’s revelation, it is a synonym of the Scripture. Paul wrote about the "reading of the old covenant" (2 Cor. 3:14).
E. The Law
Another term often used in the New Testament for the Old Testament Scripture is the law. On the principle that the most authoritative part gives its name to the whole, sometimes the expression the law refers to the entire Old Testament. Under this principle and because the whole of the Old Testament is authoritative as God’s Word of instruction to men, Jesus quoted from Psalm 82 in John 10:34 and referred to it as the law. In John 12:34, the multitudes answered Jesus and said, "We have heard out of the law that the Christ is to remain forever." Here again the law is used of the entire Old Testament for the passages in mind included other portions like Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 9:7, and Ezekiel 37:25, and the first five books of Moses.
F. The Law and the Prophets
Another expression used for the entire Old Testament is the law and the prophets. This particular expression looks at the Old Testament from the standpoint of its divisions-the law, the prophets, and the writings. Compare Matthew 5:17; 7:12; Luke 16:16; Romans 3:21. also Luke 24:27, 44.
G. Other Terms Used of the Old Testament
Psalm 19:7-9 presents us with a number of synonyms in a six-fold description of God’s special revelation, the Word of God. It is called law, God’s revealed direction, or will; testimony, a witness of God’s person and purpose; precepts, a general term for the responsibilities of God’s people; commandments, God’s authoritative words of instruction; fear, reverential trust that the Word produces in God’s people; judgments, specific directions relating to different human circumstances.
Psalm 119, where devotion to the Word of God is the dominant theme, has even more terms used for the Word of God. The multiple terms used by the Psalmist convey the truth that the Word of God contains all we need for the life God wants to give us. At least nine different terms may be seen in Psalm 119-law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, and path. Focusing on eight of these terms, the NIV Bible Commentary comments:
The psalmist uses eight words for God’s law:
1. "Law" (torah) occurs twenty-five times. In the broad sense it refers to any "instruction" flowing from the revelation of God as the basis for life and action. In the narrow sense it denotes the Law of Moses, whether the Pentateuch, the priestly law, or the Deuteronomic law.
2. "Word" (dabar) is any word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. It is a general designation for divine revelation.
3. "Laws" (mishpatim) pertain to particular legal issues ("case laws") that form the basis for Israel’s legal system. God himself is the Great Judge.
4. "Statute(s)" (eduth/edoth) derives from the word that means "witness," "testify"; "testimony" is often synonymous with "covenant" (cf. 25:10; 132:12). The observance of the "statutes" of the Lord signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant between God and Israel.
5. "Command(s)" (mitswah/mitswoth) is a frequent designation for anything that the Lord, the covenant God, has ordered.
6. "Decrees" (huqqim) is derived from the root for "engrave," "inscribe." God reveals his royal sovereignty by establishing his divine will in nature and in the covenant community.
7. "Precepts" (piqqudim) occurs only in the book of Psalms and appears to be synonymous with "covenant" (103:18) and with the revelation of God (111:7). Its root connotes the authority to determine the relationship between the speaker and the object.
8. "Word" or "promise" (imrah) may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised.
Types of Literature used in the Bible
History - Genesis, Acts
Law - Leviticus and Deuteronomy
Poetry - Psalms, Song of Songs, Job, Lamentations
Biography - Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Autobiography - Joshua and Daniel
Philosophy - Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs
Letters - Romans, Galatians, Ephesians
Drama - Job
Romance - Song of Solomon and Ruth
Materials Used for Writing
The ancient people used various kinds of materials for writing. Writing and keeping records are very common before and during the time of Moses. The people knew writing even before 3500 B.C. following are the common materials used for writing-
1.Stone: The carved stones were used for keeping records (This was common in Egypt and Babylon). A substantial part of Hebrew O.T. was found as inscribed in stones.
2.Clay Tablets: It is evident from archaeological discoveries done in Assyria and Babylon that clay tablets were common writing material during that time. Clay Tablets were engraved with sharp instruments when it is tender and then dried making it a permanent record. This was cheap and durable. These tablets were rectangular in shape.
3.Wooden Tablets: In Greece this was the common material for writing. These inscriptions were traced out from Egypt and Palestine.
4. Animal Skins: During 2550-2450 B.C. the use of animal skin became popular and widespread. Carefully cured skins of sheep or goats were sewed together to make the rolls of varied sizes.
5. Parchment: Parchment is a name given to prepared skins of sheep, goats, antelopes and other animals. These skins were shaved and shaped in order to produce more durable writing surface. Paul instructed Timothy to bring Parchments 2 Tim 4:13.
6. Vellum: Vellum is the name conferred to the writing material made of calfskin. The writing on dyed vellum was usually in gold or silver letters. Vellum was used for making material for writing New Testament copies for over 1000 years.
7. Papyrus: By second and third century A.D, the skin roll gave way to papyrus. This is a plant used for making material for writing. This plant grew in abundance along the Nile Delta in Egypt as also in the shallow lakes of Syria. It still grows in Israel.
During the end of first century and the beginning of second century A.D papyrus roll was replaced by papyrus codex. A papyrus codex is similar to that of a book, which is more convenient for using.
8. Paper: The use of paper is also traced back in the history of China. Chinese used paper as early as second century B.C. The secret came to light only when the Arabs captured some Chinese prisoners who were skilled in the making of paper in the 8th century.
Wax tablets, Potsherd, gold, silver, copper, lead, bone, and linen were also used for writing but was not significant.
Writing Instruments
1. Chisel - An iron instrument to engrave stones
2. Metal Stylus - A three sided instrument with a leveled head, the stylus was used to make incursions or inscriptions into clay tablets.
3. Pen - Reed pen was used for writing on Papyrus about 6 - 16 inches in length.
4. Ink - Was usually a compound of Charcoal, gum and water.
Questions
1. What are the important titles used for the Bible?
2. What kind of literature do we find in the Bible?
3. What are the instruments used to write the Bible?
4. What are the materials used for writing the Bible?
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General Introduction to the Bible
Bible, the inspired word of God is necessary and profitable for our spiritual life. To get the maximum profit out of it we need to learn it as we ought to. For that we need to study it systematically. Here we are looking into How the scripture came into existence and what are the ways in which it is in existence.
Importance of the Bible
1. The Bible is the basis of our beliefs. Though we believe that the Bible as our mode or standard of faith, some doubt some of the statements in the Bible. The first reason is that they are affected or influenced by the modern ideas. And was unable to go back to the time period when it was written. The second reason is that they are fallen people and their understanding is not and will not be perfect.
2. The Bible is important because it is necessary to mould our behavior. Though the Bible contains the history of the universe and mankind, it is not merely a historical book. This book has the ability to mold or form the character of its readers. Many people came to attack it, but they have changed their minds by the influence of it.
3. The Bible is important because our worship is centered on scripture. Worship is the main aim behind the creation of man. God wants mankind to worship Him. The method and time of worship is clearly documented in the Holy Scriptures.
Central Character
The central character of the Bible is Jesus Christ. He is the greatest wonder of the Bible. No other religion or group or book offers a living savior.
The Theme of the Bible
God’s plan for the redemption of man through Christ.
General View of the Bible
Total number of books - 66
Old Testament books - 39
New Testament books - 27
Total chapters in the Bible - 1189
Old Testament chapters – 929,
New Testament chapters - 260
Total number of verses - 31173
Smallest chapter in the Bible - Psalms 117
Biggest chapter in the Bible - Psalms 119
Smallest verse in the Bible – Exodus 20:15
Biggest verse in the Bible - Esther 8:9
The origin of the term Bible
Title: The English title Bible is derived from two Greek words -BIBLOS and BIBLION. The meaning of the word is the Book. In the Septuagint (the Greek Translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) we see the word TAIS BIBLIOIS in Daniel 2:9. Here the meaning is Books. BIBLOS is the singular form.
The Greek word BIBLOS is used to refer a plant Papyrus which was used as a writing material. This plant was very common besides the river Nile in Egypt during eleventh century B.C. The church history testifies that the Bible is mentioned as TA BIBLIA- The Book; even from the very beginning of second century A.D. John Chrisostom was the first one to use this name for the Holy Scripture.
Actually the name Bible came from French. French language copied it from Latin. Latin Language accepted it from Greek. This is the well-known name in the world today.
Old Testament and new Testament
The Bible is divided into two parts according to the nature and style of the message, Old Testament and the New Testament. The meaning of the word Testament is the law or the covenant. It is derived from the Latin word TESTAMENTUM.
In Latin Vulgate (the Latin version of the Hebrew Bible), Jerome used the word TESTAMENTUM to refer this division (Old and New Testaments). In the Hebrew Bible the word used for the covenant is BERITH. The meaning is Standard or root. The exact English word for BERITH is covenant. The Greek word for Testament is DIATHEKE (2 Corinthians 3:14).
Old Testament speaks of the Birth, growth and election of the people of Israel. And the New Testament speaks of the life and saving work of Christ. Old Testament is the covenant of God with the people of Israel through Moses and the New Testament is the covenant of God with human race through Jesus Christ.
Languages Used in the Bible
Hebrew: The Old Testament was written in Hebrew Language. We have many references to this Language in the Scripture. a. It is called as Language of Judah (2 Kings 18:26-28;Isaiah.36:11; Nehemiah. 13:24). b. Language of Canaan. Isaiah 19:18. And New Testament also refer to this in Revelation.9:11;16:16.
The Hebrew alphabets were derived from the Phoinesian language and it has 22 letter. The Style of writing is similar to the Arabic and Aramaic, ie, is from right to the left. In Genesis 14:13 we see the first reference to the Hebrew people. The meaning of the word Hebrew means the one who speaks Hebrew means the one who speaks Hebrew language.
Greek: It was the international language at the time of Christ. The captivity periods of Jews caused their rejection of their mother tongue and the acceptance of the Greek Language. The New Testament was written in KOINE GREEK (The word KOINE refers to the spoken language and the literary form of it). This is what we see in Gospels.
Aramaic: Was the common language of the Near East until the time of Alexander the great (6th century B.C. to 4th century B.C). We see some of the Aramaic usages in the Bible. In the Old testament -Name of a place- Gen.31:47; a verse in prophetical books-Jeremiah. 10:11; two important references in Writings- Dan.2:4-7:28;Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26. In the New testament-Talithakoomy- Mark 5:41; Ephada- Mark 7:34; Elohi, Elohi, Lamma Sabakthaani- Mark 15:34; Abba- Mark 14:36; Maranatha- 1 Cor. 16:22. And the names Mamon, Golgoda, Thomas, Akaldama etc. are also Aramaic Words.
Egyptian: Gen 41:45- Sapnath Paneh, Abrek= Kneel down.
Babylonian & Assyrian: Belsassar (Dan.1:7) Tartan, Rubasaarees, Rubsakke (2 Kings 18:17).
Persian :Satrap (Ezra 8:36); Esther 3:12; Dan.3:2.
Questions
1. What is the central theme of the Bible?
2. What do you know about the origin of the Bible?
3. What are the Languages used in the Bible?
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