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James 1:2 - tishmishta
#1
Shlama,

Perhaps this has been discussed in the past. Wasn't sure which board would be the most appropriate one to post this in. In examining the Aramaic text of James 1, verse 2 compared to the Greek, it appears we have a difference in how one particular word is presented, namely, the word for "worship."

The Aramaic term "tishmishta", Jewish Aramaic: "t'shma`ishta" (colloquial understanding being "worship [with] listening"), is used in James 1:2. My ancestors used this word "tishmishta" (or rather "t'shma`ishta") to mean "living one's service to Alaha" (in other words, everything we do in life is to be of service to Alaha).

The Greek uses "????????????????" which basically means "religion," and I don't think English translation can carry the fuller understanding over well enough to give a proper Semitic view of what is being said by James.

The English "worship" seems to be the better choice here I think.

Shlama,
Ya'aqub Younan-Levine
Ya'aqub Younan-Levine
Aramaica.org
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#2
Shlama Akhi Yaaqub:
I'm sure that you mean James 1:27. To do honour to the WORD of Alaha this entire verse is shown. It's a literary gem. Please elaborate more, Akhi Yaaqub, on the intrinsic origin and context of [font=Estrangelo (V1.1)] F4m4t[/font]

For obedient ministry which is pure and holy before Alaha the Father is this:
[font=Estrangelo (V1.1)]Yh 0dh 0b0 0hl0 Mdq F4ydqw Fykd ryg F4m4t[/font]

to visit the orphans and widows in their afflictions,
[font=Estrangelo (V1.1)]Jwhxclw0b Flmr0w 0mty r9sml[/font]

and that a man keep his soul from the world without blemish.
[font=Estrangelo (V1.1)] 04lw= fd 0ml9 Nm h4pn $n0 r=mlw[/font]

I've used John Wesley's translation as a starter and replaced service with obedient ministry, and true with holy. Perhaps the phrase obedient ministry captures the intrinsic meaning of [font=Estrangelo (V1.1)] F4m4t[/font]. I've also replaced himself with his soul.

Perhaps James Murdock comes the closest in his translation.
For the worship that is pure and holy before God the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and that one keep himself unspotted from the world.

Perhaps the Greek ???????????????? translated into English, religion, from the Latin religio had a deeper spiritual meaning about 700 years ago.

exerpt from Wikipedia:
The ultimate origins of Latin religio are obscure. It is usually accepted to derive from ligare "bind, connect"; likely from a prefixed re-ligare, i.e. re (again) + ligare or "to reconnect."
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion</a><!-- m -->

Shlama,
Stephen
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#3
Shlama Akhi Stephen,

Yes, you are correct; looks like I made a mistake in the verse number. I actually meant 1:26. Murdock,"And if any one thinketh that he worshippeth God, and doth not restrain his tongue, but his heart deceiveth him; his worship is vain."

The Aramaic word is "tishmishta." In my family's codex the word is written "tshmaishta" with a marginal note that says "tishmishta." ?????????????????????? (which appears to be the same as verse 27).

My comment was mainly in reference to how I think the word "worship" would be a better choice than the word "religion" (Greek, King James). The word "religion" doesn't quite catch the full intent.

The marginal note in Biblia Peshitta says, "Indicating service or ministration, but not to worship (or worship at a service), in the work of God, but to a lifestyle that is truly worship of the Lord."

This is how I have always understood this word, "everything we do in life is to be of service to Alaha." But this may be to cultural influence?
Ya'aqub Younan-Levine
Aramaica.org
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#4
Shlama Akhi Kabiba:
Indeed, much is lost in translation from a Semitic language to Latin and Greek based English. Translation of the New Testament from Aramaic into English, or for that matter, the * Romantic languages as well, it is a great asset that one's mother tongue is lashon aturi. (language of the Assyrians/Aramaic) We westerners often stumble when attempting to articulate specific nuances in the New Testament. It's just now that I dare to translate with any confidence. I love the way Aramaic can be articulated into English. The translation of the Aramaic Peshitta into the present vernacular is the crowning glory of the English language. It's a daunting task and an awesome responsibility that must be solemnly accompanied by fervent prayer.

* Romantic languages are Latin based. There are five, namely, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Romanian. note- the geographical spread of these languages is strongly representative of continental Europe, or if you will, The Holy Roman Empire.

That to say this. Such meaningful words as [font=Estrangelo (V1.1)] F4m4t[/font] or [font=Estrangelo (V1.1)] F4y 0m4t[/font] (sp.) must be noted and properly translated so as not to lose the context of the Apostle James' admonition.

Shlama,
Stephen
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