Day 42: Translation and Accessibility, The Word Made Plain

Scripture
"They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading." Nehemiah 8:8 ESV

"And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans." Colossians 4:16 ESV

Confessional Summary
God did not give His Word to be kept at a distance. He gave it to be understood.

The Westminster Confession of Faith insists that Scripture must be brought into the language of the people: "because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God… therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope" (WCF 1.8).

The Larger Catechism speaks with the same plainness: "all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families: to which end, the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages" (WLC 156).

The Shorter Catechism reminds us that God blesses the reading of Scripture, not only the hearing of sermons: "The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means… of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation" (WSC 89).

And the Heidelberg Catechism rejects "dumb images," insisting that God will have His people taught "by the lively preaching of his word" (Heidelberg Catechism 98).

The Reformers believed God spoke to be understood. They insisted the Bible must be in the people’s language so the church can read it, hear it preached, and be shaped by it.

Reflection
In Nehemiah 8, the people gather. The Word is read with care. The sense is given. And understanding follows.

The Spirit places the emphasis where we might miss it: "so that the people understood the reading." That is not a random detail. It is the aim.

God does not trifle with His people. He speaks so that He may be known, trusted, and obeyed. His Word comforts and warns. It commands and it promises. These are not sounds meant to impress the ear, but words meant to be believed.

Paul assumes this in Colossians 4:16. His letter is to be read among the saints, then carried and read again elsewhere. Scripture is not reserved for a learned few. It belongs to the church. God addresses His people directly, and He means for them to hear Him.

When Scripture stays unopened and unfamiliar, the fault is rarely in God's speech. More often it lies in our neglect. The remedy is not complicated. We return to the Word and ask God for understanding.

Application
We have what generations longed for. The Scriptures in our own tongue. Do not squander it.

Give yourself to steady, reverent reading. Read slowly enough to grasp the sense, rereading when you must, and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate as you go

Come expecting God to deal with you. His Word will expose sin, steady the soul, and strengthen faith. It will call you into obedience. God has not given His Word to sit beside your life, but to govern it.

Prayer
O Lord, I thank You that You have not left Your people without light. Thank You for the mercy of a Word that can be read, heard, and understood. Forgive my neglect of such a great gift. Give me reverence as I read. Teach me. Guard me from haste and wandering attention. Let Your Word dwell richly in me, and make me quick to obey what You have made plain. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.