As I told you yesterday. You can see that in using a more literal translation the shared parts come together more clearly because there is a greater standardization of the text. The dynamic equivalence versions vary more because of the way they attempt to express the meaning in a more appropriate way in the receptor language. Whereas using a literal version makes it easier to compare the elements because the translation has stuck closer to the original text. You see from the colouring above there are changes and additions. It is clear from a quick glance that Luke’s is the shortest account. He has even drastically shortened the quote from Isaiah. In your examination of this “explanation of the parable” pay attention to everything. Especially the big picture.
- How does each gospel writer start this unit?
- How do they use the quote from Isaiah? What parts are quoted and what parts are omitted?
- What changes do they make to “the parable”? Why? Are there any discernible reasons why they make the changes?
- How do they order the parable in the midst of the other things they have to say?
- What follows the parable and explanation? (You can even look further afield than this. )
- Do you see any changes in Luke’s account itself?
Remember we are primarily using the other gospels to shed light on what Luke included and how he ordered all.
I will leave you for another day to examine yourself before I start to pull it apart. And remember too that we still need to try to solve why the different treatment of 30, 60, 100 / 100 100, 60, 30.
I won’t add anymore at the moment and will let you work on the passage. Have fun. Above all Bible study should be fun and spark your desire to know more. If it doesn’t do that you are not doing it right. Remember the quote from Rob Bell, it’s worth repeating.
If you study the Bible and it doesn’t lead you to wonder and awe then you haven’t studied the Bible.
Rob Bell
It is sinful arrogance to assume that the Truth is always or only what my feeble mind understands it to be.
Rick Warren
We all start from a position of ignorance about the Bible; just make sure you don’t stay in that position. The answer is in your hands. The Bible. Get to know it.
Ian Vail
The main difference between those who are successful + others, is not lack of strength, nor lack of knowledge, but often, lack of will!
Rick Godwin