January 13, 2011 – God Didn't Say That

Tennessee Courthouse Displays Translation Mistake in Ten Commandments

As the debate about public displays of the Ten Commandments heats up again (also via the AP), this time in Mountain City in Johnson County, Tennessee, I think it’s worth remembering that most people are fighting over an inaccurate translation of the Ten Commandments. In particular, the original Hebrew of the sixth commandment (fifth for…
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JoelMHoffman January 13, 2011 17

Translation Challenge: Joseph, Pharaoh, and the Servants’ Heads

The Joseph narrative is brilliantly written in a way that few translations capture. One example comes when Joseph, having been thrown in jail, is asked to interpret the dreams of two of Pharaohs’ servants — the butler and the baker — who have also been imprisoned. First comes the butler, and Joseph has good news…
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JoelMHoffman January 13, 2011 8

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Lives

Recent posts from my Ancient Wisdom, Modern Lives:

What in Blazes Are the Ides of March? A lighthearted romp through treachery, betrayal, and murder
Democracy, Oligarchy, and Free Speech An oligarchy replaces a democracy and a public figure is put on trial for his words. History or current events? Or both?
Money and Happiness: A Tumultuous Love Affair Does money make us happy? Yes, except no, because, well, it's complicated...
Why do People Suffer? Five Ancient Answers Timeless and time-tested answers to frame suffering in a better light
Interest Rates Old and New: How High is Too High? A short history of ancient interest rates, in light of a 10% cap on credit-card interest rates proposed in the US Senate by Bernie Sanders and Josh Hawley

Day: January 13, 2011

Tennessee Courthouse Displays Translation Mistake in Ten Commandments

Translation Challenge: Joseph, Pharaoh, and the Servants’ Heads

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Lives

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