The Differences Between the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible

Introduction

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh or the Old Testament, and the Christian Bible, comprise two distinct yet interrelated collections of religious texts. Each holds unique perspectives and interpretations, shaped by different historical, cultural, and theological contexts. In this article, we explore the key differences between these two sacred texts, shedding light on their diverging interpretations and implications.

The statements made by Jesus in the Gospel account—such as they have never known God or me (John 8:42) and your father is the devil (John 8:44)—agree with the Jewish perspective, reflecting a tension between Jewish and Christian interpretations of these texts (John 5:46).

The Jewish Perspective

The Hebrew Bible, also called the Tanakh, is the sacred text of Judaism, comprising the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim. It consists of the first five books of the Christian Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) known as the Pentateuch, along with additional writings. This collection is revered as the authoritative and eternal Word of God.

Jewish scholars view the Hebrew Bible as the unaltered word of God, dictated to Moses and later transcribed by scribes. They emphasize the primacy and inerrancy of this text, which forms the foundation of Jewish faith and tradition. The political and historical events described in the Hebrew Bible, such as the Exodus and the Babylonian Exile, are seen as pivotal moments in Jewish history, and their interpretations often reflect pressing contemporary issues.

For example, the Torah includes strict commandments regarding Sabbath observance, sinfulness, and social justice, which served to differentiate the Jewish people from other cultures. Additionally, the Hebrew Bible includes stories of a divine covenant with the Jewish people, outlining mutual responsibilities between God and the Israelites.

The Christian Perspective

The Christian Bible, on the other hand, consists of both the Old Testament (corresponding to the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. The New Testament provides the narrative and teachings of Jesus and his apostles, alongside prophetic texts and letters that interpret and expand on the teachings found in the Old Testament. Christians view the Christian Bible as both a continuation and a full revelation of God's plan for humanity, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

One significant difference is the addition of the New Testament, which includes Jesus' teachings and the letters of the apostles. These texts often reinterpret and reframe the messages in the Hebrew Bible in the context of the life of Christ. For example, passages like Matthew 5:17-18 affirm Jesus' commitment to the law, but also his expectation that his followers would interpret and apply it in a new and deeper way.

Interpretative Differences

The interpretation of the Hebrew Bible by Christians often involves theological lenses that may not align with Jewish opinions. For instance, certain texts are used to support theological claims about Jesus' divinity, such as the virginal conception (Isaiah 7:14), which has been mistranslated by some Christian scholars into virgin from the original young woman (Hebrew: almah).

Another example is the practice of cheating in translations to fit Christian theology, as evidenced by mistranslations in texts like Deuteronomy, which were originally written in Hebrew and have been adapted into Christian English versions that may not reflect their original intent.

The New Testament texts, particularly those in the Gospels, often present Jesus' teachings and actions in a way that emphasizes his role as the fulfiller of the laws and prophets revealed in the Hebrew Bible. For example, the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 contains several well-known teachings that reinterpret and expand upon the commandments of the Old Testament.

Theological Implications

Theological differences between the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible reflect the divergent understandings of God and his relationship with humanity. For example, Jewish scholars tend to view God as a personal, transcendent being, while Christians see Him as both immanent and transcendent, closely involved in the lives of believers. This difference is evident in the interpretations of texts like Genesis 3, where the serpent is often seen as a symbol of evil in Jewish tradition but is viewed differently in Christian contexts.

Similarly, the command to stone people for various offenses (such as working on the Sabbath, homosexual acts, and cursing one's parents) is interpreted by Jews in the context of ancient traditions and social norms, whereas Christians often see these as broader principles of morality rather than literal instructions.

Conclusion

The Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible, while sharing a common textual basis, represent distinct religious and theological traditions. Understanding the differences between these texts is crucial for appreciating the diverse interpretations and applications within Judaism and Christianity. The Hebrew Bible remains an authoritative and inerrant guide for Jewish faith, while the Christian Bible builds upon this foundation with a unique Christian perspective.