The Old Testament is primarily in Hebrew (and some Aramaic); the New Testament is written in Koiné Greek — the commercial and cultural language of the Roman Empire. Translations in Vietnamese or English are good tools for most readers; however, etymology and lexical sense can sometimes illuminate a verse: for example, the nuances of “love,” “grace,” and “righteousness” differ between languages.
Do not deify the “original text”
A common mistake is to force a Greek word to define an entire theology. Context, genre, and how the Church has interpreted through the centuries remain the primary framework. Translations with imprimatur, reputable commentaries, and Catechism help us avoid getting lost in “pop etymology” online.
Safe tools for self-learners
You can use bilingual (Hebrew–English, Greek–English interlinear) to see sentence structure; consult Bible Gateway to compare translations; read introductory books on biblical languages that are approved. Learning a few Hebrew/Greek letters helps with proper names — but it is not necessary to live a good faith.
Brief principles
- Always consider entire sentences, entire passages — do not “stop” at a root word.
- Compare multiple reputable translations before concluding “this version is wrong.”
- Ask a priest or a Bible study group when a word causes significant debate.
Illustrative example: one word, many layers of meaning
The Greek word agapē is often mentioned in the context of love on the site; here it illustrates method: when consulting a dictionary, you will see many meanings listed — which meaning is correct depends on the subject, object, and book (Paul’s letters differ from the Gospel of John in rhythm). Similarly, the Hebrew word shalom not only means “greeting” but evokes wholeness, peace, prosperity in covenant; if you only translate one word without considering the sentence, it can easily lead to misunderstanding.
When should you consult an expert?
If a sermon or video places the entire faith on one root word (“Greek says that…”) without citing a responsible commentary, be cautious. Theology students and trained priests are educated in grammar, context, and historical reception — that is a safe layer that self-learners should respect. The site encourages consulting the original as supplementary to approved translations, not as the ultimate authority of anyone.
