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Lost in Translation: The Aaronic Blessing
You are probably familiar with the English translation of the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26.
The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (RSV)
Notice that many of the words in this translation are abstract words, including; bless, keep, gracious, countenance and peace.
While we modern Western thinkers are comfortable with abstract thought, the Hebrew people were not. The Hebrew language uses words that are filled with concrete imagery that are lost when translated into English.
When we examine each of these words from their original cultural and linguistic perspectives, the message in this passage comes to life.