BEST ARMENIAN TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE
James 1:22-25
Several years ago, four of our clergy brothers debated which Armenian translation of the Bible was the most effective. One championed the Golden Grabar, a translation from Greek into Classical Armenian, revered as “The Queen of Translations.” Another insisted that the modern Armenian edition published by Etchmiadzin was unparalleled. A third vouched for the new “Ararat” translation. When it was the fourth priest’s turn, he said, “I prefer my mother’s translation.” This took the other three by surprise. He elaborated, “Yes, my mother translated the Bible into her way of life. It’s the most convincing translation I’ve ever witnessed.”
Indeed, how we apply the Bible in our daily lives serves as a living sermon to those around us. The benefit of both hearing and implementing God’s Word extends not just to ourselves but also to others.
The Apostle James articulates this sentiment perfectly: “But be doers of the word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror, for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.” (James 1:22-25).
God’s Word acts like a mirror, revealing our hearts’ hidden thoughts and inner workings. Those who only listen to the Word are like people who glance in a mirror but fail to recognize their flaws, weaknesses, and sins, neglecting to address them. Consequently, they forget about them, preoccupied with other concerns.
On the other hand, those who are doers of the Word approach the Bible attentively, internalizing its teachings and applying them in their inner morality and outward behavior. This active engagement with Scripture is the cornerstone of a life filled with blessings and happiness.
Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan
