Lecture Notes: Understanding Biblical Terms and Translation

Key Biblical Passages

• Genesis Reference: Abraham's interaction where he tells his young men to stay with the donkey while he and his son go to worship.

  • Question raised: Who is Abraham worshiping?
  • Implied answer: Worshiping God.

• Exodus 18:7 (RSV Translation): Moses meets his father-in-law.

  • Actions described: Respectful greeting with obeisance and a kiss.
  • Question raised: Who does Moses show obeisance to?
  • Answer: His father-in-law.

Key Hebrew Term: "Shaka"

• Meaning and Usage: "Shaka" is the Hebrew term used for obeisance or worship.
  • Often translated as "worship" when referring to God.
  • Translated as "obeisance" or "bow down" when it refers to a man.
  • Example given: Moses "shaka" to his father-in-law.

Discussion Points

• Cultural Translation Differences: The lecture argues Western cultural understanding impacts translation.

  • Belief in modern Jewish/Christian teachings: You cannot worship a man.
  • However, in ancient Hebrew context, "shaka" can mean showing great respect (or worship) to a man.

• Translation Choices:

  • When "shaka" is towards God, it's translated as "worship."
  • When "shaka" is towards a man, translations often choose "obeisance" to avoid suggesting worship of a man.

Critical Analysis of the Text

• Cultural Fabrication: The speaker argues that the concept of worship as only towards a deity is a cultural fabrication not present in biblical texts.

• Scriptural Interpretation:

  • The Bible does not explicitly state that worship is exclusively for God.
  • There is a biblical instruction to "serve" (from the Hebrew "AED") only God, often mis-translated as "worship God alone."

Conclusion

• Translation and Interpretation: Translation choices have a significant impact on religious texts' interpretation.
  • Emphasis on understanding original Hebrew terms and cultural context.
  • The lecture suggests reconsidering how we interpret "worship" and related terms in the Bible.