Wanna perfect example of how gross misinterpretations can arise when reading Scripture?
In the Japanese language, there’s an expression that goes like this: SABA WO YOMU.
“Saba” means mackerel (as in the fish) and “wo yomu” means “to read” (as in to “read a book”).
So literally, this means “to read the mackerel”.
But what in the heck does that mean, right?
Well, what it actually means is “to fudge the numbers” or “intentionally lie about the numbers” like when an executive commits accounting fraud.
And of course, in English, we also have many similar idioms that would make absolutely no sense when translated literally into another language within a different culture.
Consider expressions like “a piece of cake” or “break a leg” or “whatever floats your boat”.
Of course, if you’re a native English speaker, you instantly know what those idioms mean.
But what if you aren’t a native English speaker?
It wouldn’t do you one bit of good if you literally translated those expressions word-for-word now, would it?
Well, it’s the exact same thing when reading the Bible.
The problem is there are way too many pastors, preachers and Bible teachers out there with only a very basic understanding of Hebrew and thus are NOT able to distinguish AT ALL the difference between what are idioms, expressions, poetry, parables and so on in the ancient Biblical literature.
Their loose handling of the many rich idioms in the Bible has resulted in some downright bizarre theology and doctrines being created.
So when you ask me if I should take the Bible literally, my answer to that question is it just ain’t so cut and dry homie.
Because I have to research the original Hebrew (which means I may have to consult a native speaker sometimes) and find the REAL MEANING AND INTENT the writer had in mind WITHIN HIS CULTURE AT THAT SPECIFIC TIME whenever he penned whatever he wrote down.
That’s the only proper way to literally interpret the Bible.
Got it?
And we also have to keep in mind that Hebrew culture (like all cultures in the world) changed and evolved over time.
I mean let’s not forget that the Bible was written over a period of 1400 years.
That means the meaning of a certain word and how it was used in the time of Abraham probably underwent a radical transformation by the time the New Testament arrived when Yeshua burst onto the scene.
We have to take all of this into account when interpreting Scripture.
Bingo, Richoka! You called it exactly as it is. The great, great majority of us gentiles simply just aren’t “Jewish enough” or think like ancient Jews enough to pick up on all, or even many, of the idioms, customs, traditions, laws and practices that must be addressed when reading/studying the Scriptures. And the worst of it is when teachers simply haven’t a clue about what they are teaching much of the time, and don’t even know it. It is a sad thing, indeed.
Cool.