06-06-2013, 10:10 PM
I agree with Chuck that "the beginning" is a nice translation -- i think "the beginning" sounds beautiful, and that is a key goal - to convey the literal beauty of the Peshitta to those who seek a translation of the text. Another translation of 'ris' is ruler/chief...
Remember that Yahshua is speaking with the chief temple priest who speaks not only Aramaic, but also temple Hebrew. And the Aramaic word in question here, "ris", derives its origin from the very first phrase of the bible in Genesis, "braShyTh". Most people will tell you this means, "in the beginning". Other interpretations exist, such as "at first in principle". See e.g., Hebraic Tongue Restored, by Fabre D'Olivet.
Is the goal to find one answer, or to discover what the possibilities can create?
Remember that Yahshua is speaking with the chief temple priest who speaks not only Aramaic, but also temple Hebrew. And the Aramaic word in question here, "ris", derives its origin from the very first phrase of the bible in Genesis, "braShyTh". Most people will tell you this means, "in the beginning". Other interpretations exist, such as "at first in principle". See e.g., Hebraic Tongue Restored, by Fabre D'Olivet.
Is the goal to find one answer, or to discover what the possibilities can create?