Translations of the Bible

Chapter 15 – How to make accurate observationsOne of the key steps when it comes to making accurate observations is identifying first where one lacks. Lack of acquaintance with the bible, depending too much on source material, and observing in a distracting environment are all major reasons why many observation attempts fall short. The reason for observation is to find important information in a passage, evaluate the information, and create an analysis on the scripture. Some elements that are looked for in observation are “elements of structure, relationships, parts of speech, and grammar” (Cartwright, Hulshof, 2019 p. 91). This allows us to start asking the questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how which is discussed more in detail in future chapter 17.Chapter 16 – How to use multiple translations of the BibleEach translation of the bible undergoes strict analysis and has a translation committee behind it. Many verses are the same between multiple translations and committees, however the are bound to be a few verses, words, or phrases that differ between each one. The goal of observing multiple translations is to be able to identify details in passages that may need to be studied further. There are many steps that can be taken when making observations across multiple translations: “Stay Simple,” “Use Three to Five Translations,” “Choose translations that cover the full spectrum of translation types,” “Choose a base text as the standard comparison,” and “color code your work” (Cartwright, Hulshof, 2019 p. 96).Chapter 17 – How To Ask QuestionsAsking questions is an excellent way to start moving past just reading the Bible but truly being able to understand it. Who, what, where, when, why and how are all important questions that need to be asked by those that read it. Most of the questions are self explanatory in either the reason it’s asked or what the answer will be. The question of why is the hardest yet likely the most important to understand. Why can be difficult as not in the question but in deciphering the answer. The answers to each of these questions can have crossover with each other which is okay as all the answers are true.Chapter 31 – Apply: How to Live Out What You LearnThe last and final step when observing, studying, and analyzing scripture is learning to apply it to ones life. There have been many thought out and discussed suggestions on how to apply what is learned to ones life such as: asking nine questions as they relate to numerous relationships of your life, creating an application nerative, and comparing your needs to the needs of the Bible passage (Cartwright, Hulshof, 2019, p.176). There are four questions for application: Duty – what should I do, Character – who should I be, Goals – what should I pursue, and Discernment – how can I distinguish truth from error? By asking these questions, either consciously or subconsciously, “We are being shaped and molded into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit as he works through the Word of God” (Hartwrgith, Hulshof, 2019 p. 179).References:J. Cartwright, C. Hulshof, Everyday Bible Study, Second Edition, 2019