Word Nerd

I’m a big word nerd AND a Bible nerd… so I get really excited about digging into the meaning of Bible passages, especially now that I’m learning Biblical Hebrew … 

I’m taking some Bible classes at a local theological seminary… We did a deep dive into Psalm 23 both in my Psalms class and in my Hebrew Exegesis class…translating from the original this week and it is so powerful!!  …especially when understanding the original Hebrew… 

The KJV, while beloved, doesn’t really do it justice…   Here is a bit of what stood out to me most… (there are a few other things as well… but that’s for another time)…

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalms 23:6)

For one, the word “mercy” is an incorrect translation … the Hebrew word is חסד(hesed) – which is “steadfast love”, “faithful love,” “loyal love”… basically the all-powerful, ever-present love of God… (there are other Hebrew words that actually mean “mercy” such as רַחֲמִים “rachamim” and חנך “chanan,” and mercy is only a small fraction of what hesed is all about),)… 

And from what I understand the word “follow” is an incorrect translation – the Hebrew word רדף (radaf) means to pursue or chase (which is usually what an enemy would do… but in this case it is goodness and steadfast love that are pursuing us) which is a much more active and lively word … rather than a passive tagging along behind kind of thing…

I will continue posting tidbits of inspiration and learning periodically …