Why Modern Bible Translations Distort Ancient Thought

love this! thank you so much

already got the book and was reading right when this email came! love the timing of yahweh

So what does "Place it in the ears of Joshua." Mean? My understanding is Recite would mean to speak it aloud. The KJV uses rehearse, and the NiV uses hear. The Hebrew word (sum) to put, place, set, appoint, make. I know it's important to speak things, Just like He spoke the world into existence. So when I read this verse I get from it that, not only was his word written down, but it was spoken as well. Is this not what this verse is saying?

I think you are correct .

It's interesting that with today's tecnology you actually CAN place the word in someones ears through ear buds. Lol!

Thanks for all of your studying and sharing with us. Its a game changer.

'Now that's what YHUH's talkin about!'

Thanks for this Jeff. Really enjoy reading your articles/books. Couldn’t agree more.

Your exactly right Jeff,

This is why when reading the NT though a Hebraic lens we understand Salvation is by Gods Covenantal Faithfulness (Emunah) so we can rest in because it is Finished, whereas via a Greek lens we see Salvation as contractual and dependent on our faithfulness (emunah).

This is why doctrinal distortions that confuse many Christians on salvation, law and grace, election and predestination, and OSAS (because of a Greek-influenced lens) are fully resolved when viewed through the Hebraic lens.

Paul warned of a different Gospel...

Greek lens = Christ Crucified + contractual (my faith, my belief and my enduring faithfulness)

Hebraic lens = Christ Crucified + His Faithfulness alone (+ nothing)

Thank you, Jeff. You are absolutely right, and I even think your words perfectly match the words of God: "To the teaching and to the testimony!" (Isaiah 8:20).

The Western world—can I even call it a civilization anymore, given the latest developments?—has deviated far from the course God set for us through His compass for our minds and hearts. As a result, there is no longer any true midbar in our thinking or living. The ancient Hebrew mindset saw the midbar not as chaos (wilderness), but as a place of divine order, harmony, and balance—where God's Word (davar) speaks clearly, just as in a beehive everything functions in perfect arrangement.

We have lost this inner place of order and exchanged it for wilderness, and God's Wisdom for mental lies and disease. This way we lost and need to find the quiet, open space where we can truly hear Him speak, away from the noise and distractions of modern life. We must intentionally go out, seek it again, and return to it. Only there can we rediscover His order and find our way back to the ancient paths.

Thank you for reminding us of this profound truth and showing us where to START.
God bless you and your work for His Kingdom!.

So God was expressing his desire that Joshua know, understand and be able to recall those events? It wasn't simply about Moses doing something perfunctory, i.e., writing and speaking, but ultimately about Joshua absorbing and assimilating the words and their wisdom and implications?

I just want to say I appreciate you Jeff, the grace you have been given, and everyone who commented. All of it is confirming and refreshing! Thank you 🙏🏾

I agree with place, it for as to hear, shma is to take action on what is being spoken. This same concept applies to all of the instructions of Y’hoshu’a the Natzirite, for us to do, and apply the lifestyle of our Saviors behavior as our life, He said to “Go and to Do.” Therefore our Saviors will was placed in our ears, “Shma”.

YHW the Father also validates this when on Mt. Sina when He made a covenant with His people and Shma oh Israel, and to DO. He placed the instructions of life in their ears.

To all of you that commented: May our Heavenly Father continue to guide you and protect and prosper you, May His truth live in your hearts and minds as you walk the path that leads to life. Amen

Someone once told me, that to be a good leader you have to be a good follower! We follow our Savior, and Jeff has opened my mind into a culture and understanding of those words that were spoken so long ago.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Shalom

Well said.

The concept of placing something is that it remains there – one of Newton’s Laws of Motion. The ‘recited’ word could just waft past without being grasped – Joshua may have his mind on other things. The problem is not the Hebrew; it is the English translation. Another plausible translation could be, “Make sure Joshua knows and understands.” That would involve him reciting it back to Moses.

Trying to interpret Hebrew Logic with Greek Logic is like a Rugby League football team playing a Rugby Union one; each using their own rules… … they are almost the same.

The Holy Spirit is not a boring Teacher.

Shalom Jeff,

To inscribe it to Joshua’s understanding. That’s what I first read it as….

Thanks for all you do!

I just signed up I am really very excited. Praise YAHWH. I wond wouldnit have something to do with the Hebrew word Hear? To hear is to do. In Gods mind if we hear it WE DO IT. WE OBEY immediately

This is one of many examples why I like reading Jeff Benner content. He brings a Hebrew perspective on our Bibles which I see as vital in us becoming Hebrew in the eyes of the Lord. Shalom