Land or Earth?
In many places, Koine Greek uses the word γῆ (ge) and the Aramaic equivalent is ܐܪܥ (arah).
Translating these terms can be a bit tricky! They has a broad range of meanings, just like the English word ‘earth’.
Depending on the context, it can mean:
- The Earth: Referring to the entire planet, the world we live on.
- Land: Referring to a specific country, region, or territory (like ‘the land of Judea’).
- Ground: Referring to the soil or surface under our feet.
Because the same word is used for these different concepts, translators choose whether ‘earth,’ ‘land,’ or ‘ground’ is the most appropriate English translation. Sometimes, the original text might be unclear deliberately, which is a big problem for translators!
So when you see land or earth in a prophecy, remember that the word is just the translator’s opinion. Translators generally try to choose the best term to fit the context, but often their understanding of the context is influenced by their sponsors or church.
For example, Matthew 24:30 reports Jesus as saying:
‘…all the tribes of the earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds…’
However, it could just as easily be translated as:
‘…all the tribes of the land will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds…’
Now, some believe that Jesus’ words have a greater fulfillment than just JeruSalem’s destruction in AD 70. These people will be inclined to choose earth to support the idea that the prophecy was talking about both AD 70 and a future time when everyone on our planet today will see Jesus return.
But other translators choose land, believing that the prophecy was just talking about JeruSalem in AD 70, and that Jesus was just using poetic language.
Yes, translators will pick terms to fit their personal interpretation, or that of their church. And their choices are not necessarily incorrect.
Our translation usually says land because we tend to go by the simpliest meaning. Additionaly, we have added this translator note, so you, the reader, knows what the text itself says, rather than misleading you into thinking that someone’s opinion is ‘what the Bible says.’
It’s not.
Note: The word is also spelled in its genitive form, as γῆς (gēs), meaning of the earth or of the land or of the ground.