Christ is our example

I haven't posted for so long because for 2 weeks I was teaching gospel doctrine and didn't have time to do translation comparisons; then Tom was in the hospital for 10 days. But now I'm back!

I love how there can be a different word used in the Spanish translation instead of the word that would be the direct translation. Even though they mean basically the same thing, it gives a little richer or fresher meaning to a scripture we've heard many times.

I'm reading 2 Nephi 31 and found a few. First is in verse 5: "And now, if the Lamb of God, he being ^aholy, should have need to be ^bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, "

Righteous is defined as:

1.	characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law.

2.	morally right or justifiable: righteous indignation.

3.	acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.

In Spanish the word for righteousness is justicia, or literally translated would be justice, which is defined as:

1.	the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause.

2.	rightfulness or lawfulness, as of a claim or title; justness of ground or reason: to complain with justice.

3.	the moral principle determining just conduct.

4.	conformity to this principle, as manifested in conduct; just conduct, dealing, or treatment.

The 2 meanings are very similar, and overlap, but I think knowing righteousness also includes justice gives it a much richer meaning. Jesus wasn't just baptized to fulfil righteousness, but also rightfulnees, lawfulness, observing a moral principle determining just conduct.



Going on to verse 17 "Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me,"

The English is a little awkward here, and sometimes people don't read it right and might miss some of the meaning. In Spanish it puts "because" in the place of the first "for". So it would say, because for this cause have they been shown unto me. The meaning is the same, but it comes through a little smoother because of the Spanish translation.

The last one is in verse 18: "and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which ^cwitnesses of the ^dFather and the Son,"
The definition of witness is:

1.	to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident.

2.	to be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc.: She witnessed our wedding.

3.	to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of.

In Spanish the word used instead of witness testimonio, or testimony which is defined as:

1.	Law. the statement or declaration of a witness under oath or affirmation.

2.	evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.

3.	open declaration or profession, as of faith.

4.	Usually, testimonies. the precepts of God.

It means basically the same thing, but I thought it was interesting enough and important to remember that when we bear our testimony, we are being a witness. It isn't just sharing feelings or experiences. We are being a witness of a truth; We are giving an affirmation in support, an open declaration of our belief in God and Christ.