Mistranslations in the Bible

As I’ve been studying the Bible in its original Hebrew and Greek, I’ve found some verses that I think have been very poorly translated. In some cases, I think that the English translation communicates the complete opposite of its intended meaning. Crazy!

1. Leah’s “Weak” Eyes

“Lea’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face.”

—Genesis 29:17

The Hebrew word represented as “weak” is “rak” which means “tender, soft, delicate, or weak.” When I read this verse again, it seems like the author is trying to say that Leah had tender eyes (attractive), but that her sister Rachel was even more attractive.

2. Joseph’s “Multicolored” Coat

Isreal loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.

—Genesis 37:3

The Hebrew word represented as “varicolored” is “pas” which means “flat, palm, or sole; describing tunics that reached the palms and soles.” In the OT, this word is used 3 times to describe Joseph’s tunic, and 2 more times in 2 Samuel 13:18–19. In 2 Samuel, it is translated as “long-sleeved.”

More Coming!

Those are all the instances I’ve found so far, but I plan to update this page with more as I find them!