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In the English translation of the Bible Joseph has always been described as a 'just man'. Dr Bradford discovered that the word 'man' has been added and is not in the original Greek text at all. He also found that the origins of the word translated into 'just' more accurately translates to describe Joseph's position in society- most likely as a scholar who helped teach the Torah and was involved in the judiciary.
Further to this, Dr Bradford re-examined Joseph's position as a carpenter. Again, he concluded there had been a mistranslation and that the Greek word 'tekton'- which describes Joseph's work- more accurately means master builder or architect.
Dr Bradford claims this would explain why Jesus, who would have been brought up in his father's trade, made so many references to building in his teachings.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Jesus as Teacher
A new book by a medical doctor offers some insights into the life of Our Lord based on his independent study of Scripture and history. (The article is secular but may be of interest to persons of faith.) To quote:
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6 comments:
That explains a lot! I did not want to doubt the humble origins of Jesus, but I always felt there had to be more.
I recall reading in the writings of St. Peter Julian Eymard that St. Joseph was the legal heir of the Davidic dynasty, which was one of the reasons it was safer for him to live in Nazareth, far from the Herods.
And of course, Bethlehem, was the ancient seat of the Davidic Dynasty.
yeah, having Jesus be a construction worker/mason/carpenter can't be right, dahling. He had to be one of us, the upper crust...
Only a class conscious Brit could think of such a thing.
Whatever St. Joseph did in the way of earning a living for his family has nothing to do with class consciousness, and no one is intimating that it is what elevated him in the social structure of the day or in sight of God.
St. Joseph was a man who worked with his hands and if his skill and diligence earned him some respect then I do not see it as an issue of class. No doubt he lived a life of holy poverty, giving generously to the poor from his earnings. I am sure he was not wining and dining with Herod.
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