Abstract:
Based on translation problems, this paper proposes to demonstrate the
relevance of using the original languages in exegesis. This paper is divided into three
chapters. In the first chapter we sought to deal with the knowledge of the Hebrew
language, presenting its history, characteristics and peculiarities. This first
information will lead the reader to perceive the various differences which this
language has with regard to the Western languages, thus leading the reader to
understand a little of the work demanded to translate the Old Testament. Besides
this, there is an explanation about exegesis and how the original languages are
important in this process. The pastor or theologian who uses the original languages
as instruments in his/her exegetical studies will have a deeper theological content,
being less superficial in their sermons. These people will be able to step on surer
ground with biblical languages. The second chapter presents a comprehension about
translation and its difficulties. It also presents an explanation about the linguistic
signals. For one cannot carry out a good translation without having this subject in
mind. The linguistic signal will show us that the concepts which we have today about
certain words are not the same which the original hearers of the sacred scriptures
had more than two thousand years ago in the East. The same chapter intends to
present and explain the four types of existing translations. The paper ends with the
third chapter, which brings as case studies, nine biblical texts containing some
translation problems, such as paronomasia, onomatopoeia, euphemism, meaning
ambiguities, possible mistakes in the translation and words which have no
satisfactory equivalents in Portuguese. This paper does not intend to show that those
who know the original languages and use them will have all the answers in exegesis.
The point here is to present to the academic community, exegetes, preachers,
among others, some points which give the original languages a great importance in
exegesis, inviting them to leave the surface of the sacred text and thus, begin to dig
into them 2, since the treasure, which can represent the real intention of the sacred
writer, is not always on the surface, but within the text. The reader of this paper will
have the perception that Hebrew is a fascinating, instigating and challenging
language, because it brings other proposals of meaning and of intention of the text,
deconstructing thoughts and even biblical doctrines. Faced with all the responsibility
which the theologian, exegete, biblicist and pastor have with regard to the academic,
ecclesiastical community and with all of society, to bring answers to the various
issues referring to the Sacred Scriptures which arise every moment, there is no
denying the importance of this work and its proposal.
