The Difference Between Interpretation and Translation

The Difference Between Interpretation and Translation in the Bible

One of the most important aspects of understanding Scripture is recognizing the difference between interpretation and translation. While these two concepts are often confused, they serve very distinct purposes.

• Translation is the process of converting words from one language to another. (Example: From Hebrew to English).

• Interpretation is the explanation of what those words mean in their proper context.

If the translation is incorrect, then the interpretation will also be flawed. This is why many teachings today contain inaccuracies—because some key meanings were lost in translation.

When One Word Changes Everything

A powerful example of this is Isaiah 10:27, which is often quoted by translators such as King James and others as saying that "the anointing destroys the yoke." This has led to many teachings emphasizing the anointing's role in breaking spiritual bondage. However, a closer look at the literal translation of the Hebrew text reveals that the word "anointing" is not actually there.

Isaiah 10:24 (NIV) Therefore this is what the Lord, the Lord Almighty, says:“My people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians, who beat you with a rod and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did. 25 Very soon my anger against you will end and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.” 26 The Lord Almighty will lash them with a whip, as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb; and he will raise his staff over the waters, as he did in Egypt. 27 In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders,    their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.

Isaiah 10:27 (Complete Jewish Bible) On that day his burden will fall from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck; the yoke will be destroyed by your prosperity.

The verse actually says that the yoke will be destroyed because of "fatness" or "prosperity." 

Fatness in Hebrew: The Hebrew word "deshen" primarily refers to fatness or abundance, often symbolizing prosperity and blessing. It is used in the context of the richness of the land, the abundance of God's provision, and the fertility of the earth. It also means oil which is where many have gotten confused and translated it “anointing”. Additionally, "deshen" can refer to the ashes or the fatty ashes left over from sacrifices, indicating the remains of offerings made to God.

This completely shifts the meaning of the passage! Instead of the anointing breaking yokes, the true interpretation suggests that Israel will be able to conquer the Assyrians as they grow in strength and prosper. Spiritually speaking this suggests that when people become spiritually, physically, or materially strong, they will outgrow the oppression (spiritual, physical, and financial oppression) that once bound them.

The OX

The New International Version expresses it well: “In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.” 

This is a picture of an ox with a yoke on its neck, enslaving it to the will of its master, forcing it to a life of servitude. But eventually, it gets so healthy and fat that the yoke simply bursts from off its neck. That ox is now free! And that is a picture for each of us when we find ourselves bound or oppressed or beaten into submission by the enemy. We simply feed our spirits the living Word day and night, we continue in the Word, worship and praise, and prayer and communion, and little by little, we get so healthy and strong—so “fat”—that suddenly the yoke of oppression has to burst. The fatness destroys the yoke! It also describes the more we increase financially, even financial burdens are off our shoulders and yokes are destroyed because of fatness or prosperity.

The Importance of Accuracy

This is just one example of how a single mistranslation can change the meaning of an entire doctrine. If we are not careful with translation, we risk misinterpreting God's message. The original languages of Scripture—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—carry deep meanings that sometimes do not have direct English equivalents.

This is why serious Bible study requires going beyond surface-level translations and digging into the original words. Understanding the cultural and linguistic context of the Bible helps us teach and apply Scripture accurately.

Conclusion

The Bible is God’s infallible Word, but our ability to interpret it correctly depends on how well it has been translated. If we want to teach the truth, we must be diligent in studying the original meanings of Scripture. One wrong translation can lead to a lifetime of misunderstanding. But when we seek truth with a humble heart, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

Let us commit to accurate interpretation by seeking accurate translation—because one word can change everything.

Doc Murphy