Product Description

Reading a translation of any book is just not the same as reading it in its original language and is adequately stated in the phrase "lost in the translation." When-ever a text is translated from one language to another it loses some of its flavor and substance. The problem is compounded by the fact that a language is tied to the culture that uses that language. When the text is read by a culture different from the one it is written in, it loses its cultural context. A Biblical example of this can be found in the Hebrew word tsur which is translated as a rock - "He only is my rock and my salvation, he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved" (Psalm 62:2, KJV). What is a rock and how does it apply to God? To us it may mean solid, heavy or hard but the cultural meaning of the word tsur is a high place in the rocks where one runs to for refuge and defense, a place of salvation. "The Living Words" is an in-depth study into the Ancient Hebrew vocabulary and culture of the Bible replacing the flavor and substance that has been removed from us.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59407 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

Another good title by Mr. Benner......
So far, I have studied most of Jeff's works. This new edition entitled "The living words" is as good, if not better in some ways than his previous book, "His name is One". I'm also glad to see that this book is volume 1, which means there should be more to come.

Jeff has spent years researching both Biblical and ancient Hebrew in order to better understand the writings of the Old Testament, as well as the entire mindset of the writers of both the Old, and New Testaments (remembering that the New was founded from the theology and beliefs of the old). Part of his study has included researching the "mindset" and "culture" of the ancient nomadic Hebrews in order to understand how this lifestyle relates to the langauge of the ancient Hebrews.

In this book, Jeff takes the reader thruogh a series of Hebrew words, and breaks them down to demonstrate to the reader that all words in Hebrew, which are spelled similar are related in their meanings. He also shows how properly analyzing different word forms and meanings is helpful in understanding the mindset behind each word.

For example, in this book Jeff explains how the Hebrew word for family is "Mishpachah", which I'm sure most of you students of Heberew already know. He then demonstrates how the word Mishpachah comes from the verbal root "Shaphach", which means "to join together" or "to bind together". Thus, in the ancient Hebrew mind a family wasn't merely a group of people related by blood, but it was a group of people joined and bound together in life, and with a common langauge and culture.

Another good example is the Hebrew word for "God Almighty" in Genesis chapter 17 is actually "El Shaddai". When translated literally El Shaddai doesn't mean "God almighty", but rather "mighty teets". While this may sound odd, or even offensive to western readers, it actually has a beautiful meaning within the culture of the ancient Hebrews. The teets were used to supply milk to the children, which was crucial for life. Just as how milk is given from a mother to her children in order to feed them, so too God nourishes his children in a very loving manner, similar to that of a mother caring and nurturing her children.

If you are a serious student of Hebrew, and intend to study the Hebrew langauge of the Bible in-depth, then I highly recommend you check out Jeff's works, especially this one. Jeff's works will definately give the student of Biblical Hebrew an eye-opening look at the ancient Hebrew language and culture.

Very informative book
Extremely satisfied with the product. The book gives great insight on Hebrew thoughts and perspectives.

both thumbs up!
Ecellently written, very helpful to those wishing to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of the language in its cultural context -- not dry and didactic, the author is a much a poet and a storyteller as a translator and gives you the "flavor" of the passages he discusses. Highly recommended.