TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE FROM ORIGINAL LANGUAGES TO THE PRESENT LOCAL LANGUAGES

List of Contents

Introduction

Explain the effects of translating the Bible into African Local languages.

State ways in which the Bible is misused in Kenya today.

Reasons why Bible reading is important to Christians

Ways in which Christians use the Bible to spread the Good news

The meaning of the expression the Bible is the 'Word of God’

Outline the process of Bible translation from the original to the local

Identify any seven literary forms used to write the bible

Give six reasons why Christians read the Bible.

TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE FROM ORIGINAL LANGUAGES TO THE PRESENT LOCAL LANGUAGES

THE BIBLE

Introduction

The word translate means:

• To change something written/spoken form from one language to another without changing the original meaning.
• The following is the development of Bible Translation from its original language to the present:

• The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and a few parts in Aramaic
  • The original (70) translators (Septuaginta) did the first translation of the Bible from the original Hebrew into Greek.
  • This translation was known as the Septuagint.
• The second translation around 4th Century was spearheaded by a Christian scholar called Jerome.
  • This translation was called vulgate.
  • The translation was used up until the 16th century

• In the 16th Century; after the reformation (Religious changes in Europe by Protestants who wanted to break apart from catholic teachings), many countries translated the Bible into their own languages e.g.
  • Translation of the Bible into English (King James Version).
  • Translation of the Bible into German (by Martin Luther).
• During the missionary era, the Bible had to be translated into the languages of people being evangelized.
  • The British and Foreign Bible Society was founded in 1804 to coordinate all the translation functions.
• In East Africa, Johann Ludwig Krapf translated the New Testament into Kiswahili.
• The first translation of the complete Bible into some African language in East Africa was into Luganda in 1896
• In Kenya, the Bible has been translated into the following African languages;
  • ​Kikuyu – 1951.
  • Kamba – 1956.
  • Dholuo – 1963.
  • Kalenjin – 1968.
  • Luhya   - 1957.

Related Questions

Explain the effects of translating the Bible into African Local languages.

1. Bible translation had led to the development of the African languages.
2. It has led to the spread of the word of God to many people/places.
3. Through the translations, people are able to apply the Bible teachings in their lives.
4. It has contributed to improved literacy levels among the Africans.
5. It has led to emergence of African Independent churches / schools.
6. Has led to numerical growth of the church / expansion of membership.
7. The translation of the Bible has made Africans to incorporate their cultural practices in Christian worship.
8. It gives people an opportunity to analyse the bible in relation to their cultures.
9. It has enhanced the development of printing press/bookshops.
10. It has made people to carryout research in African beliefs / practices.
11. Has led to ecumenical co-operation among Christians in Africa,
12. Has led to creation of jobs.

State ways in which the Bible is misused in Kenya today.

1. It is used to take oaths in courts or offices by people who may not be believers / not saying the truth.
2. It is kept in places associated with evil e.g. lodgings.
3. There is distortion of the biblical teachings, misinterpretation / false prophecy.
4. Some use the Bible like an ordinary textbook/reference/teach C.R.E.
5. Used in witchcraft / cults to mislead people.
6. Some people used it to enrich themselves. It is a tool of trade.
7. Some new versions translated have changed the original meaning of the Bible.
8. The Bible is not read for spiritual growth but is kept for display.
9. Some people use the Bible to threaten others / administer curses.

Reasons why Bible reading is important to Christians

1. To help in search of spiritual knowledge
2. It is  read  to increase Godly knowledge
3. Help  Christians learn virtues/  morals hence be role models to others
4. Helps in giving instructions to Christians on how to  live Godly  lives/ it is instructional
5. It is used as the  main reference book by the pastors/ priests/ evangelists during  preaching
6. Used as a guide  on how God expects us to live

Ways in which Christians use the Bible to spread the Good news

1. Reading the bible to others
2. It is used for instructing new converts
3. Preaching/ preaching the bible
4. Used as a textbook in Christians Religious in schools and colleges
5. Used as a basic reference book in general dissemination/ reach for knowledge
6. Christian hymns/ songs are derived from  the bible ( E.g. Psalms, magnificent, benedicts.
7. Distribute bible to individuals/ institutions making them available for all read
8. Translation of the Bible into vernaculars so that people can read/ understand it in their own language
9. Used in taking of oath/ making promises ( e.g. swearing in members of parliament, in law courts)
10. Christians literature  book, pamphlets/ magazines) quote the  bible/ use it to back their teaching/ messages.

The meaning of the expression the Bible is the 'Word of God’

1. The Bible was inspired by God
2. The authors of the Bible wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit
3. The bible deals with God’s revelation to human beings and their responses.
4. The Bible contains the true message of God for daily living
5. God wrote the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets.
6. The Bible is the revealed word of God/God reveals Himself to us through His activity in the Old Testament and in the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Outline the process of Bible translation from the original to the local

• ​The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew.
• The New Testament was originally in Greek.
• The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek.
• The entire bible was translated into Latin by Jerome.
• The bible was translated into European languages (English and German)
• It was translated from English into Kiswahili by Dr. Krapf.
• It has been translated into local languages by the Bible society of Kenya.

Identify any seven literary forms used to write the bible

• Poetry/poems/epics
• Wise sayings
• Narratives
• Legal expression
• Songs
• Prophetic speeches
• Gospels
• Philosophical essays
• Prayers
• Sermon

Give six reasons why Christians read the Bible.

• It provides Christians with moral values.
• It is a source of spiritual nourishment
• It is used in Christian worship.it gives them inspiration/hope
• It helps them to understand their relationship with God and among human beings.
• It is a source of Christian believes/practices/doctrines.
• It reveals God to them and makes them understand the will of God.
• It is a source of knowledge.
• It is the word of God.  The authors were inspired by God.

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