Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“ You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, April 15, 2019
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
Why does the Bible use so many archaic, bizarre words in its translations? Dunno about you, but the last time I used the word “extol” I believe was the last time I read this passage from Psalms out loud, which must be . . . oh, I dunno . . . 15 or 20 years ago. Maybe when I was in seminary. Who knows.
Merriam-Webster online has great information about the word extol, well beyond its simple definition which is to “highly praise.” It probably has a Latin root and was first used in the 15th century.
Why English translations choose to keep it is beyond me, actually. But I do know this—mere words are woefully incomplete as descriptions of 1) God’s work for us, or; 2) Humanity’s relationship and emotions for God.
In that sense, maybe it is best that we use as many words as possible, even the archaic, bizarre ones.
What do you think? Should English translations of the Bible keep old words, or try to express things more simply?
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