Why this Website
This website was initially created when I encountered various textual versions and the surrounding discussions during my attempt to learn Koine Greek. Additionally, I wanted a way to see how I could make a Greek text more easily readable for myself. I wanted to see a quick, simple translation when hovering over a word, but also a more extensive version. This, combined with my interest in what AI can currently achieve in web development, led to this website.
Why this project?
One thing led to another. Soon I wanted to provide some basic information in an accessible way. Of course, everything can be searched (and sometimes found) on the internet, but not everything is presented pleasantly (in my opinion). Wikipedia pages are a source of information that goes deeper than I can offer here, but I can at least present what I consider important.
As a Christian, until recently I was never really involved with Greek texts, but eventually, the discussion between the New Bible Translation (NBV) versus the King James-style 'Statenvertaling' became prominent, followed later by the Revised 'Statenvertaling' (HSV). I sometimes find these discussions painful, especially because grand words are used so quickly. As if a translation itself will save you. Instead, as a Christian, I want to point to the five Solas. Sola Scriptura is not about this or that translation. However, I do believe it is important to stay sharp about what should or should not be the source for our translations. But it has also become clear to me that regardless of the source you start from, the message of the Bible remains unchanged! I hope this site offers a pleasant and accessible platform for some of you to discover the beauty of the Greek text.
Which translation?
I grew up with the 'Statenvertaling'. For a while, I also read 'The Book', but returned to the 'Statenvertaling'. The NBV is also on my shelf in a parallel edition. But since the arrival of the Revised 'Statenvertaling' (HSV) in our church community, I mainly use this translation. Sometimes I go back to the original 'Statenvertaling' because it remains dear to me. I must say the HSV has added value for me; it allows me to think about what is written, rather than what an archaic Dutch word means. And that's why I'm learning Greek; so I can at least ask what the source text says...
And the Textus Receptus? Is that the correct collection of Greek writings? I won't venture into that yet. I understand the arguments, but for me, it remains a matter of reasoning. In any case, I find it a great added value and a reason for gratitude to God that we have received the Textus Receptus. Because the Reformation was able to begin partly with it.
And beyond
I wanted to make the whole New Testament available in the original Greek on this site, in the same way as on the main page. With the added option of choosing a translation alongside it (initially the Statenvertaling and the King James). The amount of work that took me to begin with only grew because of everything I wanted to add to it. That delayed the site about the Textus Receptus by several months.
During church services I found it harder and harder to read the small print of the Psalms in my Bible. At first I used an existing website on my phone, but I missed a few features in it. So I decided to build a site of my own as well, one where the readability of the Psalms comes first. See berijming1773.nl. And yes, that took some time too :-).
Thanks
I want to express my gratitude to a number of people who have been (or still are) important in my life. I may not be very social, but I certainly have gratitude. First of all, thanks to my wife Annet. And of course :-), also to my children Christa, Joas, and Daniël. In addition, various other people have played a role in my life. I think of both sets of parents, as well as Janneke, Han, Anja, Marco, Hans, Martine, Corrinne, Gerrit, Allie, Jan Vlieger (†), Jan Pieter, Fenny, Bertine, Cornellie Visser, Jan Frank Wolf (†), Hans, Mery, Thijs, Alinda, Gerard, Anita, André, Stienet (†), and actually quite a few others. But above all: Soli Deo Gloria.
Benny Bosman
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