Jewish Christians and Reading the Old Testament in the Original

There is a widespread misconception that 'Jewish Christians' exist as a distinct group. However, there is no such group. Anyone, be they Jewish or Christian, can read the Old Testament in its original languages, should they choose to do so. This article explores the possibilities and limitations for reading the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic, as well as the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts.

Readability for Non-Jews and Christians

Anyone who can read Hebrew and Aramaic can, indeed, read the Old Testament in its original form. At least, they can read the earliest versions that are available to us—at least, we know of them.

Learning Biblical Hebrew is Key

While it is possible for anyone to read the original texts, the understanding of these texts may be limited without additional context. Learning biblical Hebrew, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, can greatly enhance one's ability to comprehend the Old Testament in its original language. However, it is a considerable undertaking. One must be prepared to immerse themselves in this linguistic journey and mix it with a thorough understanding of commentaries and interpretations.

Scholarship and Interpretation

The Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, is predominantly written in Hebrew or Aramaic. Aramaic was the common language of Jews during Jesus' time and is still spoken by a small community of Jews to this day. Similarly, Hebrew remains a vital language in the Jewish world, though many modern Jews may not be fluent in it. So, while this can be an obstacle for some, it is certainly within the realms of possibility for others.

Hebrew as Part of Jewish Education

A basic knowledge of Hebrew is an integral part of Jewish religious education. In many Jewish communities, the teaching of Hebrew is so ingrained in the curriculum that it even has its own name: bar/bat mitzvah. After the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony, however, much of what is learned during these formative years is often forgotten. Nevertheless, for those who have been through this process, reading the Old Testament in Hebrew is a feasible and enriching experience.

Insight from Jewish Interpretations

For those who convert to Christianity later in life and are proficient in Hebrew, reading the Old Testament can provide a unique perspective. Jewish interpretations of Old Testament stories often differ from those commonly found in Christian traditions. For example, the common Christian interpretation of the Book of Genesis is that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because God was angry at their homosexual behavior. In contrast, the Jewish interpretation suggests that God was upset at their cruelty to travelers, a viewpoint that resonates with other cultures in the region.

Historical and Contextual Considerations

It is crucial to consider that we do not have access to the original texts as they were written. The versions of the Old Testament we possess today, such as those from the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, are not identical to the current canon. It is impossible to know with certainty how much they differ from earlier versions, as we lack definitive information about their content and nuances hundreds of years before the time of their discovery.

Questioning the Existence of 'Jewish Christians'

The term 'Jewish Christians' is a redundant concept. One cannot be a 'Jewish Christian' in the traditional sense because the philosophies and practices of Judaism and Christianity are fundamentally different and largely incompatible. However, this does not prevent anyone from reading the biblical texts in their original languages. Learning Hebrew and Aramaic provides a richer understanding of these texts and their contexts.

Conclusion

Whether you are a Jew, a Christian, or someone with no religious affiliation, it is possible to read the Old Testament in its original languages. The endeavor requires dedication and a willingness to engage with historical and cultural contexts. Learning biblical Hebrew is a gateway to a deeper understanding of these texts, which are pivotal to both Jewish and Christian traditions.