Ole Dawgs

Series: Hear God 

Mark 4:24 ESV

I don’t recall a time in scripture when the command “pay attention” was used. I am reminded that ole’ dawgs do learn new things.

In Mark 4:24 Jesus said, “And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.’”

The Koine Greek word for ‘pay attention’ is Βλέπετε pronounced ‘blepete’. The initial English translation is generally ‘take heed’. So…yes, pay attention would be appropriate for a 2026 translation.

I am reminded (once again) that all of the things I learned in Seminary about the ancient languages were a great blessing! Mostly we learned to ‘blepete’ to the ancient purpose in the word and be aware of what translation thousands of years later would ‘fit’ best. It sounds easy now, but learning that for the Ancient Hebrew and the Koine Greek languages wasn’t easy.

The words we were translation from the Hebrew in the Old Testament were between 1400 to 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C. And the New Testament Koine Greek was written between 50 to 100 A.D.

Even though the Hebrew is much older, we have help with the translation from the Hebrew people and other ancient texts. As I learned more about the translation of Hebrew I became grateful that they revere the Holy Word.

Even though the Koine Greek (New Testament) translation is more recent, there are significant items to consider when translating the text to English.

Now consider the explanation barely scratches the surface. In Seminary I have a Master of Divinity degree and I majored in Ministry Leadership. The degree required 144 Master level hours. A Masters in English is between 30-36 hours. My Master of Divinity Degree was 144 hours. I do not share that so you can ooo and awe. I share it because there are biblical translators who have 90+ hours for their Master of Divinity and another 50-70 hours for their doctoral work.

Biblical translators need to have one or more degree in philology and/or theology, knowledge of Christian Traditions (past and present), knowledge of English and Russian, and knowledge of Ancient Greek and Ancient Hebrew. That’s just the start and there are many other specific skill requirements as well.

Why did I share all of that?

Obviously to make a point that translating ancient texts is not an easy field.

Years ago I remember when the Qumran Scrolls were discovered by Archaeologists in the 20th Century. I attended a showing of a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls that date back to the

Third Century B.C.E. To 68 C.E. In viewing the scrolls I found it fascinating that Ancient scrolls were made of papyrus which is an Egyptian wetland plant called Cyprus papyrus. Other scrolls were made of parchment which is made from animal skins or leather.

I Find it fascinating that any Ancient scrolls have survived.

What is even more interesting is that the scrolls that have been found. Over 200 Dead Sea Scrolls are Biblical. Other scrolls give us insight into the early culture telling us about community beliefs, unique 1st Century theology, and Apocalyptic (End Time) beliefs.

The point is…pay attention to what has been and will be.

Pay attention because it matters.

The Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts are being held at the Shrine of the Book at the Israeli Museum in Jerusalem today.

If you have the opportunity to visit the museum I highly recommend visiting the Dead Sea Scrolls.

I tend to be sentimental about things but I did shutter and shed a tear when I saw the exhibit.

This Ole Dawg found the scrolls to be worth time viewing. I “heard” the ancient text sing songs  of love from God.

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com