Psalm 9:13 Lord, see how my enemies persecute me!
    Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death.

Nuances of translation are interesting. The NIV and the Japanese both speak of “mercy” here, but the ESV, which is the English in the bilingual Bible I got most recently, says “gracious.” However, in the rest of the verse, the ESV agrees more closely with the Japanese than the NIV does, saying “See my affliction from those who hate me.” I think this shows the value of reading multiple translations. Even those who are proficient in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic probably don’t have a perfect grasp of the nuances at the time a given passage was written. After all, many English words have changed meaning greatly over the years. For example, when St. James Cathedral in London was first built, the king, being given a tour, said it was “awful!” Today, we would say, “awesome.” The point to remember is that the Bible is very rich and deep, and we need the guidance of the Author when we read it. Language itself is a fascinating study, but most of the time we take it for granted. That’s one of the many attractions of heaven. Every Near Death Experience I’ve heard or read, including from my wife, says that communication there is perfect, with no question of language. I find myself curious about the many things that are easier to say in one language than another, but the answer to that question can wait. For right now, we need to let the Holy Spirit guide us into the meaning we need to receive.

Growing up bilingual with two extremely different languages, English and Japanese, this issue has always interested me. One of my motives for changing from a Chemistry major to an English major in college was my sharp awareness of the importance of language in interpersonal communication. That awareness was inescapable for a Japan MK in East Tennessee! I found I communicated very well with some MKs from Argentina, simply because we were all aware of the limitations of English! As I have written before, I am greatly en­riched by doing my daily devotions in two languages. The bilingual Bible I used for many years was NIV and Shinkaiyaku, but that is now much the worse for wear (Ephesians completely falls out) so a few months ago I bought a new Bible. Not only is the English ESV, the Shinkaiyaku translation was updated a couple of years ago (it’s now in the 3^rd edition) so various places in that aren’t what I’m used to either. Occasionally that doesn’t sit well, with preference for what I’m more used to, but often it stimulates my thinking, and that’s good. My Scripture memory is quite an amalgam, particularly in English, where it goes from KJV to The Message! As I’ve already said, I need to let the Holy Spirit speak it into my spirit, so that His meaning may change me as I need it, transforming me into the likeness of Christ for the glory of the Father.

Father, thank You indeed for the linguistic abilities You’ve given me, and for how they enrich me. May I use them to bless others, expressing Your love and grace to draw them to You, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!