The Peshitta - What is it?

TL;DR:

The Peshitta is an early Aramaic translation of the Bible valued by Syriac churches, but it is not the original Scripture. While useful for historical and cultural insight, true authority rests in the Spirit-breathed Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

what does the bible say?

The Peshitta is an early Aramaic translation of the Bible that is highly valued by Syriac churches, though it is not considered original Scripture. While Aramaic was widely spoken in the Middle and Near Eastern regions during and around Jesus’ time, the New Testament was originally written in Greek, and the earliest Peshitta manuscripts date from the AD 400s. Some traditions, such as the Assyrian Church of the East, claim the Peshitta reflects the original New Testament writings, but most scholars reject this, noting that later Aramaic usage and translation choices obscure certain metaphors and nuances present in the original texts.

The Old and New Testaments emphasize that God’s Word is divinely preserved, perfect, and authoritative (Psalm 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5; Deuteronomy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). While the Peshitta can provide valuable accessibility and insight, it cannot replace the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. Further, today’s translations are far more accurate due to an increase in scholarship over time.

from the old testament

The Old Testament emphasizes that God’s Word is perfect, trustworthy, and divinely preserved (Psalm 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5). Translations, while valuable, may miss nuances or interpretive details present in the original Hebrew texts.
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) was carefully preserved to maintain God’s instructions to His people and warned against adding to or taking away from God’s inspired Word (Deuteronomy 4:2).

from the new testament

The New Testament stresses the authority of God’s original writings. Paul repeatedly relied on the Hebrew Scriptures and, for clarity among diverse audiences, translated and explained them as needed (Acts 8:30-35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
While translations can be useful, the New Testament warns against adding to or misrepresenting God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19) and highlights the importance of adhering to the Spirit-breathed Word of God for guidance and teaching.

implications for today

Aramaic was the prevailing spoken language in the Middle and Near Eastern regions of the world directly before, during, and after Jesus' time on earth. Scholars agree that the New Testament was originally written in Greek. The Peshitta was an important early translation of the Bible.

Some, such as the Assyrian Church of the East, believe that earlier Peshitta manuscripts were translated into Greek to form the New Testament. The Peshitta, they say, reflects the original New Testament writings. Most scholars dismiss such a claim. Of note is that the Peshitta does not relate certain metaphors and word nuances, a common challenge in translations but not original autographs. Additionally, the form of Aramaic used in the writings is of a much later form than the Aramaic language spoken in the first century. In fact, the earliest Peshitta manuscripts date from the AD 400s.

Understanding the history and limitations of translations like the Peshitta reminds us to value the careful preservation of God’s Word while also recognizing the importance of returning to the original languages and context whenever possible. Faithful translations are important because they give us assurance that the truths of God’s Word are accurately communicated to us. God’s Word guides, corrects, and teaches us who God is and His plan for humanity (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

understand

The Peshitta is an early Aramaic Bible translation.
The earliest manuscripts of the Peshitta that have been found are from the AD 400s.
Some claim the Peshitta reflects the original New Testament, but scholars reject this due to translation issues and later Aramaic usage.

reflect

How do you personally rely on translations of the Bible, and how do they affect your study of God’s Word?
How can you ensure your faith is rooted in God’s Word?
How does understanding the careful preservation of God’s Word encourage you to trust its authority in your life?

engage

How can we discern the difference between translations and the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures?
What lessons can we learn about the importance of context, language, and historical background when studying the Bible?
How does discussing the limitations yet accuracy of faithful translations help us have a fuller understanding of God’s preserved Word?