Christians generally believe that our Bible translations are sufficient. It is not strictly necessary for us to read the Bible in the original languages. The message of salvation, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles are clear and perspicuous. Perspicuous is a technical term used by theologians to summarize the idea that the Bible is clear and easy to understand. The Bible is perspicuous because special knowledge, teaching, or interpretation is not necessary for us to understand the core teachings of Scripture.

So why, then, is there a benefit to learning to read Scripture in the original languages. Of course, the main reason is that we do not wish to be dependent on the translation and interpretation of any individual theologian or translator. It is not uncommon to encounter people who present their knowledge of the biblical languages to support their particular nuanced interpretation of Scripture over another alternative position. It is not possible for a lay person to meaningfully engage in these types of discussions without also having an understanding of the biblical languages.

Reading the Bible in Greek is not just about theology and debate. There is often also a simple poetry to the biblical text; a double meaning that cannot easily be communicated or appreciated unless we read scripture in the original language.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes (kathairo, καθαίρω) so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2, NIV)

You are already clean (katharos, καθαρός) because of the word I have spoken to you. (John 15:3, NIV)

In Biblical Greek, the word (kathairo, καθαίρω) which we translate as “prune,” also has the basic meaning of “clean.” . So the original listeners and readers would see a clear connection between verse 2 and verse 3 that is obscured by our English translation. When the father prunes the branches, he is cleaning them. When Jesus teaches the disciples, they are being made clean, because they are being pruned.

English readers who don’t readily see this connection, aren’t likely to fall into a theological misunderstanding. The English text is clear and perspicuous. However, reading Scripture in Biblical Greek makes it clearer to us why Jesus would choose to link the word picture of “pruning a vine” with the word picture of “being made clean through the word.”