The Hebrew Yeshua vs. the Greek Jesus

Some books of the New Testament were first written not in Greek as commonly known to the Bible readers. They were first written in Hebrew (which Jesus spoke). Some of them were translated from Hebrew to Aramaic and from Aramaic to Greek. So Greek was not the first language but the third language. The author submits convincing evidence for this understanding. [The Author Nehemia Gordon holds Bachelor's degree in Biblical Sciences and Archaeology and Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Hebrew University, Jerusalem. He does not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. But his approach and attitude towards ancient texts clearly establish his reverence for the Creator and for the Scriptures.]

This intriguing book challenges the authorised assertion that the Gospel of Matthew was written in Greek. Using both his own analysis and the work of other scholars, Nehemiah Gordon a Keraite Jew and Hebrew scholar demonstrates the possibility that the Gospel of Matthew has Hebrew origins.Narrated in the conversational style of the author, this short book is essentially the script for an exuberant and enthusiastic presentation given by Gordon (and available on YouTube). It provides some useful examples to support his case, clear references and a helpful glossary, so is well worth the physical copy.Readers should be aware that the introduction pitches the investigation with an unnecessary undertone of a conspiracy theory that could obscure the academic detective work. In some cases, the "misinterpretations" of Jesus'/Yeshua's teaching that Gordon presents have, to an extent, been rectified by more modern bible translations such as NRSV. By referencing popular but arguably flawed English translations of the Bible (KJV, NIV) Gordon's case could be made vulnerable. These are weaknesses most students of biblical exegesis would at least acknowledge, if not avoid. Nevertheless his explanations of Pharisaical Judaism are valuable and illuminating for Christians and, in demonstrating Hebrew word play, his case for a Hebrew origin remains strong. I found his approach refreshing and welcome his enthusiastic challenges to established ideas.

This is an academic book and you need to know some things about the Holy Bible to appreciate it, like it was written two thousand years ago by people who followed the Man called Jesus. It is scholarly but it is not heavy and not uninteresting. Basically the book opens up on an interesting piece of history. There were four writers of Jesus' life: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. All their writings are in existence in ancient Greek, but the earliest records talking about Matthew's gospel said, he wrote his Gospel in Hebrew. It is with interest that a Jewish scribe seems to have preserved it-but also corrupted it!!!! Nehemia Gordon unpicks the pieces to reveal his best attempt to give a comparative study between the Greek and Hebrew scriptures to ascertain what was in the original writings of Matthew- a must read for theologians, Biblical translators, first century Judean and New Testament historians.

Interesting. Well researched and presented. Though I do think that people (experts if you will) tend to over complicate the Lords message unnecessarily. The Lord God is Love.

Great book, amazing author - highly recommend.

excellent but would need to be read a few times.