Translation Rules.

Rules for Proper Translation and Reconstruction.

1. Source Rule

Always start with the original manuscript (Aleppo/Codex Leningradensis (where needed) = Hebrew, Sinaiticus/ vaticanus (where needed)= Greek).

Never use an English Bible as the base. 

2. Key Rule

Break down each word with HALOT (Hebrew) or BDAG (Greek).

Include all nuances and semantic ranges — not just the first or simplest definition.

3. Descriptor Rule (long form, not shortened, a widened lense)

Never flatten. Always preserve implied descriptors inside the translation.

Expound, expand, and elaborate descriptors in depth.

Example: ’îš = not just “man,” but a man of power, recognized covenantal authority, such as a husband, tribal elder, or head of household.

4. Immediate Context Rule

Interpret the word in its sentence flow — grammar, syntax, subject/object relationships.

5. Situational / Motivational Context Rule

Discern the motive, circumstance, and relational dynamic behind the act or statement.

Ask: Why is this happening? What power dynamic or covenantal breach motivates it?

Example: An ’îš lying with a zākār isn’t random — it’s an exploitative act rooted in dominance or pagan imitation.

6. Historical Context Rule

Reconstruct why the command/statement was given in that time.

Include cultural practices, covenant backdrop, and pagan contrasts.

7. Fusion Rule

Final Reconstruction must weave together:

– Source text

– Key lexical range

– Expanded descriptors

– Immediate context

– Situational/motivational context

– Historical context

into one living English sentence.

8. Illustration Rule

When needed, supply examples in word form (e.g., “such as a boy, servant, subordinate…”) so a Western reader can clearly grasp the Hebrew/Greek category.

9. Mission Rule

This is not translation for translation’s sake.

It is to reveal what English Bibles flatten or omit, carrying the Hebrew and Greek voice faithfully into Western understanding.

10. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Each study includes a detailed glossary built directly from that chapter’s vocabulary—both biblical and interpretive.

Every word that may be new or complex, from “assayer” to “atonement,” should be defined clearly and simply for readers of all ages, especially adolescents.

Each entry contains pronunciation, part of speech, plain definition, its significance in the chapter, and an example of its use.

Glossaries are categorized into applicable buckets, for example:

A) People & Places

B) Actions & Old-Style Verbs

C) War & Siege Terms

D) Covenant & Faith Concepts

E) Refining & Metal Imagery

F) Worship & Offerings

G) Commentary & Modern Words

H) Big Ideas & Themes

I) Large or unfamiliar words in general (Ex: Lamentation) Include words that are in the actual breakdown of the passage as well, as some may be unfamiliar to the reader as well.

J) Words found in the resulting break down itself, the resulting deep dive itself, in the resulting description itself, in the resulting study guide itself, that adolescence might struggle with. 

This section not only teaches meaning—it trains the reader to love the texture of Scripture and the sacred depth of its language.

K. VISUAL STUDY-GUIDE APPENDIX (Optional)

This section converts the study into a classroom or publication-ready layout.

It includes:

– short example sentences for glossary terms

– visual cues or sidebars (e.g., “What a Siege Looked Like,” “How Refining Works”)

– reflection prompts and analogies

– verse mapping boxes for student note-taking.

This appendix helps teachers and students alike internalize the lesson visually and practically.

11. Special Instructions. 

 – Present next to the original text the “sounded out version” in English to help learn the pronunciation of the original text. Followed by the NASB version of text so there is a triple reference. Original text, phonetical text, NASB text. 

 – When speaking of the Disciples, Prophets, Cities, Persons, Places, Names, Festivals, Traditions, any type of Noun or Thing, always use:

– The original name in its original tongue,

– The sounded-out English pronunciation,

– Followed by the Anglicized Western version in parentheses.

Example: Shim‘on (Shee-mohn) — Simon Peter.

This preserves the sanctity, culture, and linguistic beauty of Scripture while educating readers to recognize names in their true form.

 – Never use the substitute names “Jesus,” “Yehova,” or “Yeshua.”

Use only Yahweh, Yehoshua, or the Messiah (Christ will work also) when referring to the Father or the Son.

  – Before the fused living definition, recite the verse in its literal translation. So as when we give the fused translation, we can clearly see the path of how we got there. Place this thirdly under the original text, that’s followed by the phonetical text display, insert literal translation, followed by the NASB. So that there is no confusion of falsifying our living translation. 

VI. FORMATTING, TONE, AND FINAL VISION

9) FORMATTING, TONE, AND FINAL VISION

Formatting and Tone Rules (For Large Language Prediction Models)

– NO CHARTS

– No bold letters.

– No short paragraphs; every section must breathe fully and flow naturally.

– Maintain vertical, text-based formatting for readability.

– Use reverent names: Yahweh, Yehoshua, the Messiah.

– Integrate analogies organically to reveal spiritual truth through relatable imagery.

– Every study should be a single, complete take—nothing summarized, nothing withheld.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.