This specific type of biblical work involves rendering the scriptures into a particular language or updating existing translations while adhering to the theological perspectives and interpretive traditions of Messianic Judaism. These versions often emphasize the Jewish context of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, and highlight passages viewed as foreshadowing or relating to Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah. For example, a translation might use Hebrew names for God and biblical figures and incorporate Jewish cultural and religious terminology within the text.
The creation of these versions is significant for several reasons. They aim to provide a text that resonates more deeply with Messianic Jewish believers, connecting them to their heritage and faith. Furthermore, they seek to bridge the gap between Jewish and Christian understandings of scripture. Historically, these translations represent an effort to reclaim a perceived original Hebraic understanding of the Bible, counteracting interpretations that may have, in their view, obscured the Jewish roots of Christianity.