Friday, November 28, 2025

Psalm 127:3 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."  

(LSB)"Behold, children are an inheritance of Yahweh, The fruit of the womb is a reward." 

(CSB)"Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward." 

(NRSV)"Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." 

In Psalm 127:3 we have an unusual occurrence.  Two Bible translations (ESV,LSB) that do not usually use gender neutral language have "children".  On the other hand, two Bible translations (CSB,NRSV) that do regularly use gender neutral language have "sons".   

Friday, November 14, 2025

How Tall Was Goliath?

 Goliath was a champion of the Philistines who fought against the army of Israel.  David defeated Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50).  

(1 Samuel 17:4)"And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span." (ESV) 

A cubit was about 18 inches and a span was about 9 inches.  The Old Testament manuscripts differ on the height of Goliath.  The Masoretic Text (Hebrew text) has six cubits and a span (9ft. 9in.) and this is followed by most translations (ESV,LSB,NIV,CSB,NKJV).  On the other hand, the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament), a Dead Sea Scroll (Qumran manuscript), and Josephus (Jewish historian) say Goliath was four cubits and a span (6ft. 9in.) and this is followed by the NRSV and NET.