“Ever heard of ‘THOU SHALL NOT………………’? Pretty much to the point and impossible to misinterpret!”
Really? After thousands of years has everybody finally reached consensus on whether “Thou Shalt Not Kill” applies to self-defense, capital punishment, “holy wars”, and/or euthenasia? That’s news to me…
I’ve heard that refrain often, but since I don’t speak ancient Hebrew I’m at the mercy of several hundred years’ worth of translators who’ve Englished it as “kill” (certainly, the word “murder” was available to King James’ crack team). If God wants to talk to ME in such a way that I’ll understand Him, I’d ask that He stick to English. He’s omniscient, but I can make no such claim…
Actually, I used to answer people who asked “Why me?” with ‘Because you’re here." I don’t think God is picking on anyone, its just sometimes we’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sooner or later a little rain must fall in every life, but if you stand outside all the time you’ll get wet more often than not.
Actually, at the time the King James was written, the word “kill” was their word for murder. English has evolved as a language to the point where “kill” is used for all different forms of taking a life whether murder or not. If you research the Hebrew and consult experts like John Gill, you will find that it is a command against murder (including, but not limited to, the unjust taking of a life, sinful hatred in the heart, unjustly destroying another’s good reputation, etc.) The Westminster Larger Catechism is a good place to consult if you want the full list. It is certainly NOT a command against war or capital punishment (both of which God explicitly commanded were to be used by the people of Israel in the Old Testament). It most certainly condemns abortion.
Do I understand everything in the Bible? No, I don’t think anyone can fully understand everything in the Bible because it is the Word of God, and God’s understanding is far greater than ours. But a large portion can be understood by those who have “ears to hear and eyes to see”.
Also, remember that there can be errors in translation because it is human beings who are doing the translation work. Also, if you find the KJV difficult to understand with its outdated English, the New King James Version, the Old American Standard, and the New American Standard, are all commonly used versions, and a little easier to follow sometimes.
tigre1 about 13 years ago
Job, again. The Book of, I mean.
chasobrien about 13 years ago
Why does this remind me of Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse Five”?
BillWa about 13 years ago
GOD’s answers are allways correct and pertinant.
Lawrence Stetz Premium Member about 13 years ago
Is that the hand of Scott?
fritzoid Premium Member about 13 years ago
“Ever heard of ‘THOU SHALL NOT………………’? Pretty much to the point and impossible to misinterpret!”
Really? After thousands of years has everybody finally reached consensus on whether “Thou Shalt Not Kill” applies to self-defense, capital punishment, “holy wars”, and/or euthenasia? That’s news to me…
fritzoid Premium Member about 13 years ago
This cartoon itself likely violates the whole “No graven images” thing, so I hope Scott isn’t cast into the darkness for it…
fritzoid Premium Member about 13 years ago
“It means ‘thou shall not murder’…”
I’ve heard that refrain often, but since I don’t speak ancient Hebrew I’m at the mercy of several hundred years’ worth of translators who’ve Englished it as “kill” (certainly, the word “murder” was available to King James’ crack team). If God wants to talk to ME in such a way that I’ll understand Him, I’d ask that He stick to English. He’s omniscient, but I can make no such claim…
Michelle Morris about 13 years ago
Woah!
scarletdebi about 13 years ago
Actually, I used to answer people who asked “Why me?” with ‘Because you’re here." I don’t think God is picking on anyone, its just sometimes we’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sooner or later a little rain must fall in every life, but if you stand outside all the time you’ll get wet more often than not.
garfieldfan2222 about 13 years ago
Actually, at the time the King James was written, the word “kill” was their word for murder. English has evolved as a language to the point where “kill” is used for all different forms of taking a life whether murder or not. If you research the Hebrew and consult experts like John Gill, you will find that it is a command against murder (including, but not limited to, the unjust taking of a life, sinful hatred in the heart, unjustly destroying another’s good reputation, etc.) The Westminster Larger Catechism is a good place to consult if you want the full list. It is certainly NOT a command against war or capital punishment (both of which God explicitly commanded were to be used by the people of Israel in the Old Testament). It most certainly condemns abortion.
Do I understand everything in the Bible? No, I don’t think anyone can fully understand everything in the Bible because it is the Word of God, and God’s understanding is far greater than ours. But a large portion can be understood by those who have “ears to hear and eyes to see”.
Also, remember that there can be errors in translation because it is human beings who are doing the translation work. Also, if you find the KJV difficult to understand with its outdated English, the New King James Version, the Old American Standard, and the New American Standard, are all commonly used versions, and a little easier to follow sometimes.