Benner's Translation of the Torah

Jeff A. Benner

Jun 2021 · Ancient Hebrew Research Center

About this ebook

The translation in this book is the Revised Mechanical Translation, which is derived from Mr. Benner’s The Torah: A Mechanical Translation (Also available through the bookstore). In the The Torah: A Mechanical Translation (MT) each Hebrew word is translated faithfully according to its original linguistic and cultural perspective. Mr. Benner's vision of this translation included a translation that:

1. eliminates personal and religious bias on the part of the translator,

2. translates each Hebrew word, prefix and suffix, exactly the same way, every time it occurs in the text,

3. can be read and understood by the average person who does not have any prior knowledge of the Hebrew language,

4. includes a dictionary of each word used in the translation as well as a concordance, and

5. can be used as a tool by those who are learning to read Biblical Hebrew.

Each verse in the translation includes the Revised Mechanical Translation, which rearranges the words so that it will follow English syntax. For instance, Hebrew syntax places the subject of the verb (Elohiym) after the verb (shaped Elohiym). However, in English syntax the subject comes before the verb (Elohiym shaped). In addition, some words will be changed for clarity. For example, in Hebrew, one says “in a mountain,” but we would say “on a mountain” and this translation will reflect such changes. This Revised Mechanical Translation is the translation found in this book.

You will notice, as you read this translation, it does not “flow” as easily as the translations you are used to. The reason for this is that this translation is designed to allow the reader to see the Hebrew behind the English by using the English language. So while this translation may not read easily, you are getting a glimpse of the Hebrew language behind the translation.

About the author

JEFF A. BENNER has authored over twenty books related to the studies of the alphabet, language and culture of the Bible and is an instructor in Biblical Hebrew and has taught thousands how to read the Bible in Hebrew for themselves.

Mr. Benner desires to assist his readers with proper Biblical interpretation, based on the original Hebraic context of the Bible, so they may gain a deeper understanding and insight into the intended meaning of the words of the Scriptures. He discovered that most Biblical and Hebrew teachings are missing a key ingredient, a cultural background to the language of the Bible. To this end, he has dedicated over 20 years of research, documenting the connections between the language of the Bible and the culture in which it was written.

Mr. Benner, along with his wife Denise and their children, lives in Mississippi in a log house they built on their wooded property. They are working to build a self-sustaining homestead.

You may contact Mr. Benner through his email address, but please, be brief and to the point and patient for a response as he receives hundreds of emails each month.