The Lord in English Psalms

The work critiques the translation of the Psalms, specifically the omission of the name Jehovah in favor of "Lord," as derived from the Septuagint. It argues that this choice diminishes the text's theological significance, particularly regarding the divinity of Christ. The author highlights the historical context of the Alexandrian Jews' reluctance to write the name of God, suggesting that modern readers should restore Jehovah to reflect the original intent and power of the Psalms. The text also references the author's reflections on the inadequacies of the authorized version of the Bible, particularly in the interpretation of key theological terms. It emphasizes the importance of accurate translation to convey the true nature of Christ as the manifestation of God. Additionally, the work touches on the controversy surrounding a figure named Irving, critiquing the Scottish Kirk's decision to excommunicate him for his views on Christ's humanity. The author argues that while Irving's expressions may be poorly articulated, they do not stray from orthodox beliefs. The critique extends to the nature of Christ's humanity, asserting that it possessed the capacity for temptation and sin, which is essential to understanding his experience. Overall, the work advocates for a more faithful representation of biblical texts to preserve their theological depth and encourages a thoughtful approach to interpreting complex religious concepts.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1834 · Genre: Theological Criticism, Philosophical Essay, Literary Analysis · 859 words

First lines

It is very extraordinary that, in our translation of the Psalms, which professes to be from the Hebrew, the name Jehovah -- [Hebrew: -- ] 'O -- The Being, or God -- should be omitted, and, instead of it, the [Hebrew: -- ] Ktlpio? , or Lord, of the Septuagint be adopted. The Alexandrian Jews had a superstitious dread of writing the name of God, and put [Greek: Kurhios] not as a translation, but as a mere mark or sign -- every one readily understanding for what it really stood. We, who have no such superstition, ought surely to restore the Jehovah, and thereby bring out in the true force the overwhelming testimony of the Psalms to the divinity of Christ, the Jehovah or manifested God.[1]

What this Textopian page supports

The Lord in English Psalms is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1834 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Essay
• Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Date: 1834 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Theological Criticism, Philosophical Essay, Literary Analysis, Religious Commentary, Historical Contextualization
• Length: 859 words
• Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Lord in English Psalms by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Lord in English Psalms?
• How does this essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Theological Criticism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• St Johns Gospel And The Logos by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Study Of The Bible by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Translation Of The Psalms by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Old Testament Prophecies by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Prophecy And Logic by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Sin And Sins by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Genres

• Theological Criticism — The work discusses the translation of biblical texts and the implications of using 'Lord' instead of 'Jehovah', focusing on theological interpretations.
• Philosophical Essay — Coleridge explores deep philosophical questions regarding the nature of God and Christ, reflecting on faith and spirituality.
• Literary Analysis — The text analyzes the literary aspects of the Psalms and their translation, emphasizing the importance of language in conveying meaning.
• Religious Commentary — The work serves as a commentary on religious practices and beliefs, particularly regarding the interpretation of scripture.

Tags

Psalms · Coleridge · Jehovah · Lord · Septuagint · translation · Hebrew · divinity · Christ · spirituality · theology · faith

More by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• Expostulation and Reply (1817)
• The Tables Turned (1798)
• Animal Tranquillity and Decay (1816)
• Goody Blake and Harry Gill (1798)
• The Last of the Flock (1815)
• Lines Left Upon a Seat in a Yew-Tree, which Stands Near the Lake of Estwaithe, on a Desolate Part of the Shore, Yet Commanding a Beautiful Prospect (1818)
• The Foster-Mother's Tale (1815)
• The Thorn (1798)
• All works by Samuel Taylor Coleridge