"The Lord's Prayer"
Translation From Aramaic - NOT!

by Mary Pearson
Sept 9, 2005

This beautiful poem is being presented on the internet as "A translation of
'The Lord's Prayer', directly from the Aramaic into English - rather than from Aramaic to Greek to Latin to English", but please read on after the poem for the truth, and an opportunity to hear "The Lord's Prayer" spoken in Aramaic.


O Cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration!
Soften the ground of our being
and carve us a space within us
where Your Presence can abide.

Fill us with Your creativity
so that we may be empowered
to bear the fruit of Your mission.

Let each of our actions bear fruit
in accordance with our desire.

Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share
what each being needs to grow and flourish.

Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind us,
As we release others from the entanglement of past mistakes.

Do not let us be seduced by that which would divert us from our true Purpose,
But illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.

For You are the ground and the fruitful vision,
the birth-power and fulfillment,
as all is gathered and made whole once again.


This poem has taken over the search engines on the internet as being "the best Aramaic translation of 'The Lord's Prayer'", and it's author, Neil Douglas Klotz, is being touted as an "inspirational translation genius".

It is essential to know that, although this is a nice poem/prayer, it is in no way, even remotely related to the original Aramaic of the Bible (Matthew 6:9-13).

It is, in reality, a radical new translation which re-interprets the Original Scriptures from the vantage of Middle Eastern mysticism, revealing Christ as a mystical, feminist, cosmic Christ.

I have no issue with whether it is useful, comforting or inspirational. My concern is the claim that it is a valid, legitimate "translation" - which it is definitely NOT, and it should not continue to be promoted as such.

This poem could be circulated on its own merits, and it would have much more credibility (if not the widespread circulation) if it were truthfully and honestly presented for what it is - a poem, based very loosely on "The Lord's Prayer".

It is NOT a translation from the Aramaic or from any other language!

As Christians, we have a responsibility to be honest in all things, but especially with regard to the Holy Scriptures.

As gay Christians, we are often accused of distorting Scripture to suit our "agenda". We, of all people, then need to be particularly vigilant when it comes to the accuracy of Bible translations.

The Lord's Prayer

In The Ancient Aramaic Language

To listen to "The Lord's Prayer" in Aramaic, click on the arrowhead symbol on the left.

The Lord's Prayer - Contemporary English Version

Our Father in heaven,
    help us to honor your name.
Come and set up your kingdom,
so that everyone on earth will obey you,
    as you are obeyed in heaven.
Give us our food for today.
Forgive us for doing wrong,
    as we forgive others.
Keep us from being tempted
    and protect us from evil.


The Contemporary English Version of the Bible

The Old Testament was translated directly from the Hebrew and Aramaic texts published by the United Bible Societies, and the New Testament was translated directly from the Greek text published by the United Bible Societies.

The drafts in their earliest stages were sent for review and comment to a number of biblical scholars, theologians, and educators representing a wide variety of church traditions. In addition, drafts were sent for review and comment to all English-speaking Bible Societies and to more than forty United Bible Societies translation consultants around the world. Final approval of the text was given by the American Bible Society Board of Trustees on the recommendation of its Translations Subcommittee.

This is probably the most accurate English version of The Lord's Prayer that you will find.

Note from Mary: "The Lord's Prayer In The Ancient Aramaic Language", including the audio clip, is taken from Bible Translation Project Documentary Filmmaking, Archeological History, Communication - an AMAZING website, well worth visiting! Used with permission.

Please click the above link to read more.

For more articles by Mary, Click Here.

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