Pertaining to the word “obey”
as found in The Word of God.
We have attempted to avoid using the verb “obey” or its noun, “obedience.” Why?
God’s choice of words are very specific in communicating to us exactly what He wants us to understand. In giving us His Word, He tells us very clearly, “They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47
First, we should note that both Greek and Hebrew express the concept of living God’s Word by using the word “hear” and “hearing”. Hebrew uses the term “sham’a” (gna), which means “hear.” Greek uses the word, “hupakouo” (upakouw), which literally means, “to be under hearing.” Yet, although the Hebrew and the Greek clearly call us to “hear” what our Creator is speaking to us within His Word, the translators often render these terms as “obey.”
Here in the discussions of Take Hold, we are merely trying to be more accurate to the biblical text when we do not translate the original languages as “obey.” We would like to suggest that whenever any one of us as readers make our own definitions of words that God uses which then do not reflect how He is using His own words, there is tragic loss in understanding.
There is more. Many believers relate to God within whatever their own concept of “obey” is. When we do so, we miss out on what we are created to experience within our relationship with our Father, our Creator. He is our Creator who tells us to know Him as Father, as well. As our Creator, He gives us His Word written for us to be able to know who He is and who we are as the humanity that He created humanity to be. When humanity lives as humanity is created to live, then it is truly living! When He created us, He called us, nephesh chaiyah (vhj apb) Genesis 2:7. This Hebrew tells us that we are a life that is living. We are a whole life as it is created to live and living that life. As our Creator, He speaks to us in giving us His Word. Throughout that Word which He has given, He says to us, “shem’a.” Hear the voice of He who created you giving you life that is life.
For these reasons we have chosen to avoid using the verb “obey” and its noun, “obedience.” These words do not accurately convey what the original biblical language terms mean.
We include here an example of how the Scriptures are usually translated and then follow with a more literal and more accurate translation for you to compare.
Deuteronomy 32:45 – 47 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.
They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
A Simply More Literal Translation:
Deuteronomy 32:45 – 47
When Moshe finished speaking all these words to Israel, he said to them: “Put to your minds all the words that I am testifying to you today which you shall command your children to guard to do all the words of this Torah. For it is not an empty (vain) word from you, for it is your life and by this word you will prolong your days in the land you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.
