Lost in Translation The Jerusalem Temple as a Den of Ravenous Wild Beasts!

Summary

In this episode of 'Lost in Translation', the host explores the misinterpretation of biblical texts, focusing on Jesus's cleansing of the temple and the phrase 'den of thieves'. The discussion delves into the original Greek and Hebrew meanings, arguing that the temple was likened to a 'den of violent ones' rather than thieves, reflecting Jesus's opposition to the sacrificial system. The video challenges traditional views, suggesting that both Jesus and the prophet Jeremiah intended the temple as a 'house of prayer for all nations', not a place of bloodshed.

Takeaways

• 📜 The speaker is discussing mistranslations in the English Bible, focusing on a specific verse from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus quotes Jeremiah.
• 🕊 The phrase 'den of thieves' is a mistranslation and has led to misunderstandings about the original intent of the temple.
• 🦅 The Greek word 'spalon' and the Hebrew word 'lez' are more accurately translated as 'cave' or 'den' and 'violent ones' rather than 'robbers'.
• 🐑 Jesus' criticism of the temple as a 'den of thieves' is interpreted as a reference to the sacrificial system, which he opposed.
• 🗡 The term 'Leas' in Greek and 'Paritz' in Hebrew are associated with violence and rebellion, not merely theft.
• 🌍 Jesus is believed to have intended for the temple to be a 'house of prayer for all nations' rather than a place of animal sacrifice.
• 📖 The speaker suggests that interpolations by Priestly scribes have altered the original messages of texts, particularly regarding sacrifices.
• 🔍 The analysis of Jeremiah 7 and Isaiah 56 reveals a potential discrepancy between the original messages and the added emphasis on sacrifices.
• 🦇 The term 'den of thieves' is revisited to argue that it refers to the temple being turned into a place of violence, akin to a lair of wild animals.
• 🕋 The speaker points out that the original purpose of the temple, as expressed in Solomon's prayer, was for prayer and drawing near to God, not for sacrifices.
• 📝 The video concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding the original context and intent of biblical texts, especially in light of potential mistranslations and interpolations.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Lost in Translation' miniseries?

The main theme of the 'Lost in Translation' miniseries is to clarify the mistranslations and misinterpretations of texts from the English Bible, focusing on verses that have been commonly misunderstood due to translation issues.

Why does the speaker believe the phrase 'den of thieves' is a mistranslation?

The speaker believes 'den of thieves' is a mistranslation because the original Greek word 'spalon' means 'cave' and 'leas' refers to 'violent ones', not thieves, indicating a place of violence rather than theft.

What does the speaker suggest as a more accurate translation for 'den of thieves'?

The speaker suggests that a more accurate translation would be 'a cave of violent ones' or 'a lair of wild animals that rip apart their prey', emphasizing the violent nature of the actions taking place in the temple.

What biblical figures does the speaker discuss in relation to the temple's true purpose?

The speaker discusses Jesus and the prophet Jeremiah in relation to the temple's true purpose, highlighting how both figures criticized the sacrificial system and its transformation of the temple into a place of violence.

According to the speaker, what was the original intent for the temple as described in the scriptures?

According to the speaker, the original intent for the temple was to be a 'house of prayer for all nations', not a place of sacrifice or violence.

What does the speaker argue about the historical accuracy of sacrifices in the Torah?

The speaker argues that the historical accuracy of sacrifices in the Torah is questionable, suggesting that Priestly writers may have interpolated passages to include sacrifices that were not originally intended or commanded.

What is the significance of the word 'parat' in the Hebrew context of the temple?

The word 'parat' in Hebrew means to break apart, shatter, or shred, and its use in the context of the temple signifies the violent act of animal sacrifices, which the speaker suggests was not the original purpose of the temple.

How does the speaker interpret Jesus' actions in the temple as described in Mark 11:15-19?

The speaker interprets Jesus' actions as a symbolic act against the sacrificial system, suggesting that Jesus was blocking the entrance to the temple to protest its transformation into a place of violence and commerce, rather than prayer.

What does the speaker believe about the role of scribes in the biblical texts?

The speaker believes that scribes, particularly those who were part of the Priestly class, may have altered or added to the biblical texts to support their interests in maintaining the sacrificial system and the temple as a place of commerce.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between the temple's purpose and the concept of justice and righteousness?

The speaker's view is that the true purpose of the temple is closely tied to the practice of justice and righteousness, with the temple being a place where people can turn to God in prayer and seek forgiveness, rather than relying on sacrificial rituals.

How does the speaker connect the ideas presented in the script to the broader themes of the Bible?

The speaker connects the ideas by drawing parallels between the criticisms of the sacrificial system by Jesus and Jeremiah, the prophetic vision of a future where sacrifices are not necessary, and the emphasis on prayer and righteousness as the core of religious practice.