It's All Greek to Me--Paying Attention to Scripture Interpretation

The New Testament was originally written in the precise language of Greek, but translators through time have substituted poor English meanings or intentionally chosen the Greek word that weakens or wobbles the interpretive message.  For example the Greeks have nine different words to describe different types of “love,” from the sensuous eros to the perfect love:  agape.  Given the multitudes of Christian splinter religions since the Reformation and the numerous faulty translations—some intentional, others not— it is imperative that Catholics  research and study the most reliable commentaries of the Word.  Furthermore, the title “theologian” does not confer automatic knowledge and understanding.  

 
For that, the Church Fathers and Doctors, numerous Popes, saints, and other holy persons have been studied and most often dependably incorporated into homilies, writings, and other presentations.  Also, the Catholic Catechism of the Church serves as a gauge.  If something is not looking or sounding “orthodox,” definitely research the matter.  Truly, there should be no Biblical dupes in 2026, but that is not the case, so prayer and discernment are always necessary.  The reflective question might well be, “Am I seeking my will or God’s Will by reading and studying the Bible?”

 
For instance, recently a friend shared a Facebook post that read:  “The word “homosexual” didn’t appear in English bibles until 1946.  Before that, the Greek word “arsenokoitai” was often interpreted as referring to sexual exploitation or male prostitution.  A translation decision, not divine command, has influenced decades of discrimination.”

 
The poster may have been sincerely ignorant or intentionally conniving, but that does not matter.  As noted, Greeks are renowned for their versatile and precise language that specifically denotes meaning as applied to context, as well as expression or action.   Like the types of love, the types of behavior between two persons of the same sex also employed specifics.

 
Two strong action Greek words are easily retrieved for the thoughtful Christian seeking the whole truth, as described in the Old and New Testament about two males engaging in same sex relations though the Bible writers did not use such modern phrases.  (Even homosexual is a contemporary word.)  Kinaidos comes from the union of two words with respect to two males engaged in sexual acts together meaning “move” and “shame.”.The negative connotation of the word is purely insulting and condemning, according to one source (highdefinition.com).  Obviously, though it is well known that young male Greeks (and in other cultures) may have explored these relations, they certainly would have been appalled that such unions constituted authentic relations, let alone marriage.  The other Greek word, arsenokoital was widely used for reference to same sex behavior. (1 Corinthians 6:9-1).

 
Unfortunately, likely thousands have been deliberately ill informed because of social media, so it is incumbent on parents, educators, and Church leaders to address these pitfalls that mislead, confuse, and prompt misbehavior.  Readers and viewers need be aware that single hit postings, such as the one mentioned above,  often share partial truths, but when viewed carefully, spread falsehood and controversy.

 
This brings the point back to the necessity of reliable Biblical scholarship. As emphasized in the Vatican II document, Constitution on Divine Revelation, (Dei Verbum), while “access to Sacred Scripture should be widely open to the Christian faithful…the Church with motherly concern sees to it that suitable and correct translations are made into various languages, especially from the original texts of the sacred books.” 

 
Among the criteria for dependable interpretation is that content and unity be given close examination; the Church Tradition be known and applied; and that interpretation does not contradict what  is theologically certain.

 
St. Augustine’s works and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica rank high for in-depth knowledge of truth, along with expositions by St. John Henry Newman and other Saints, past and present.

 
One translation and interpretation I often reference is Cornelius a Lapide, a Flemish Jesuit priest (1568-1637).  A most capable teacher of Sacred Scripture, his commentaries on nearly every book in the Bible are frequently referenced for clarity and truthfulness, as they also translate the Hebrew and Greek.  They are “celebrated for their extraordinary breadth, weaving together patristic, medieval, and contemporary interpretations into a single continuous exposition.” (lapide.org) 

 
More contemporary Biblical scholars like Dr. Scott Hahn and the late Dr. Paul Thigpen (hope his presentations on the Gospel of John are regenerated); Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict the XVI (and other Popes); and sources at the Avila Institute are recommended.  Space does not permit listing them all but there is a plethora of leading theologians and apologists including G.K Chesterton, so prominent in the Academies bearing his name across the country. 

 
Being acquainted with these prominent sources is critical to a reliable balance in knowing the whole Bible; the intersection and progression from the Old Testament to the New Testament; and as understanding reflects the Magisterium.   As is shown by social memes like that described  above, Scripture is too often misused to bolster self will.  Intentional searching for what God desires in our lives takes effort.

Notable Biblical scholars often possess several Bibles for both literal interpretation and application.  Among the recommended is The Didache Bible (DID-uh-kay) that reputedly interweaves quality catechesis with Bible reading.  The Word on Fire Bible can be added for emphasis on application and encountering Jesus Christ, the Person.  Scholars have praised The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition for accuracy and readability,  and the New Jerusalem Bible is touted for the same facets.

 
The bottom line goal is that when you find the Bible is all “Greek” to you, or worse, you even suspect that the meaning (or accompanying commentary) is manipulated or distorted, you can confidently converse with the Holy Spirit and others with respect to the Word’s Love and Truth.