Textual Notes to v3.3
People often ask what versions I use. Unless I am analyzing the source languages I use the New King James Version as a base, and then correct the names and terms to the Hebraic forms. My reason for this is simply that the New King James Version is easy to read, and whenever it does not portray the necessary information, I refer to the source languages. All words in (brackets) are mine.
When referencing the source texts, I will usually use the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT) for the Tanach (Old Testament), and the Peshitta Aramaic for the Renewed Covenant (New Testament). However, in some places I will also use the Shem Tov (ST) Hebrew Matthew, as the Church Fathers tell us that Matthew was originally written in Hebrew, and the Shem Tov may descend from it, as it contains some insights that are not found in any other Matthew manuscript.
Sadly, the ‘inspired original’ manuscripts do not seem to be extant today. The Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT), the Peshitta Aramaic and the Shem Tov Hebrew Matthew all seem to incorporate at least some degree of scribal error or corruption in their present forms. I have not had time to dig in to the Peshitta Aramaic at the time of this writing, but to the best of my ability at this point in time it looks to be a very high quality backwards translation from the Greek. However, even though I do not believe any of these texts to be the inspired originals, I use them, because they represent the best things we have available in a Semitic tongue today.
In this book I show why the Renewed Covenant (NT) must have been originally inspired in a Semitic tongue; yet when it will help illustrate a point I will also refer to such Greek source texts as the Septuagint (LXX), the Bibleworks Greek Text, and others. When appropriate I will also use the Mageira (MGI) translation of the Peshitta Aramaic, with the names corrected to their Hebraic forms. Text is copied from PC Study Bible 5, Bibleworks 8, and from the Hebrew Masoretic Text.
Finally, I have chosen to use the Hebraic names and terms, for reasons I hope will be clear by the time you finish reading it. The Creator Yahweh (Yahuweh) tells us all throughout Scripture that He is very zealous for His name, and He promises to greatly reward those who know and use His name.
Tehillim (Psalms) 91:14
14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.”
The Edition v3.3 is a special edition. I am issuing it as a temporary measure, until I have time to revise it completely for the fourth edition. I am always looking to improve my studies. If you have questions, or if you have constructive suggestions as to how to make these studies better, please write me and let me know, at servant@nazareneisrael.org.
May YHWH bless you for proving all things.
In Yeshua’s name,
Amein.