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Most of us are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer, as it is spoken in churches frequently. But, as with all traditions that have been passed down through generations, it has undergone significant transformation from the original version. Jesus spoke first-century Aramaic, and the Bible has been translated through many languages and edited by many religious leaders. While the heart of God’s word remains in the Bible, literal word-for-word interpretations can become quite tricky, as meaning and context can be “lost in translation”. With the Lord’s Prayer, the direct translation from ancient Aramaic reflects a far more spiritual nature than what is often recited today. Below is a translation from Aramaic, and was accessed at http://www.thenazareneway.com/lords_prayer.htm.
The Prayer To Our Father
Bolded words indicate first-century Aramaic; italicized words indicate the most direct translation into English
Abwûn
“Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes,
d’bwaschmâja
who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.
Nethkâdasch schmach
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.
Têtê malkuthach.
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.
Nehwê tzevjânach aikâna d’bwaschmâja af b’arha.
Let Your will come true – in the universe (all that vibrates)
just as on earth (that is material and dense).
Hawvlân lachma d’sûnkanân jaomâna.
Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need,
Waschboklân chaubên wachtahên aikâna
daf chnân schwoken l’chaijabên.
detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma)
like we let go the guilt of others.
Wela tachlân l’nesjuna
Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations),
ela patzân min bischa.
but let us be freed from that what keeps us off from our true purpose.
Metol dilachie malkutha wahaila wateschbuchta l’ahlâm almîn.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act,
the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
Amên.
Sealed in trust, faith and truth.
(I confirm with my entire being)