Gruenler Lecture Explores 1 Corinthians 13:12

On March 15, Dr. Curtis Gruenler of the English department presented a lecture on the various translations of 1 Corinthians 13:12 and how particular word choices affect meaning. This lecture was the seventh event of the month-long Manifold Greatness exhibit and lecture series at Van Wylen Library.

In his lecture, Gruenler showed how the King James Bible translation of 1 Corinthians 13:12, which reads, "For now we see through a glasse, darkely: but then face to face..." both draws and differs from earlier translations, including earlier English translations. The discussion focused particularly on the Greek words that were translated into "glasse" and "darkely" and explored how they were interpreted historically and theologically to influence different translations. Gruenler used writings from Augustine and Calvin to explain how these translation changes occurred over time.

The Manifold Greatness programing will continue on March 20, when Dr. Eugene Heideman presents a lecture on the Geneva Bible and King James Bible. The lecture will take place at 1 p.m. in Winants Auditorium in Graves Hall.

-- Bethany Stripp, Library Student Blogger