Questions and Answers

This page is dedicated to answering your questions about the Peshitta and concerning The Peshitta Foundation. To ask a question or to send comments, please contact The Foundation.

I have come across many different ideas of speaking in the unknown tongues (only understood by God). Some say it is right and Paul approved, others say that the unknown tongues were truthfully words spoken in the language of those who heard them. Thus the term unknown was added into the KJV by the translators. Please advise on your understanding as I since a great love of God at your website.
The original languages of the Scriptures (Hebrew and Aramaic) use a phrase that indicates the servants of God were speaking in the different languages of the people. It was during the time of the Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) and the Holy Land had Jews from many lands visiting at the time to observe this holy festival. These Jews spoke different languages and in order for them to hear the Gospel immediately, God gave them the ability to speak about the Messiah and the Gospel in a language that each could understand. The original Peshitta text does not speak of the doctrine of "speaking in tongues" as it is generally held by various Christian sects or denominations.

Who's behind the translation of the Aramaic English Standard Version?
The translation of the Peshitta from Hebrew and Aramaic to English began in 1987. The Peshitta Foundation was instituted for preserving the text of the Aramaic English Standard Version of the Peshitta online and in other media forms (CD's, print, etc.) as well as for the study of ancient documents of/or relating to Peshitta.

The Peshitta Foundation is also the legal entity for protecting the copyright for the Aramaic English Standard Version. The most important mission of The Peshitta Foundation, however, is to preserve the integrity of the original text and allow God's Word to interpret itself.

What's the difference between the "Peshitta" and the "Peshitto"?
In brief, the Eastern Peshitta "New Testament" is Aramaic and contains 22 books, while the Peshitto is Syriac and Eastern scholars tend to agree that the Peshitto is a translation of the Western Syriac Church (as opposed to East Syrian) from both Aramaic and Greek. It is believed that the Syriac Peshitto relied somewhat on Greek manuscripts for their version.

What is the possibility of seeing an Aramaic-English interlinear?
The Foundation has only briefly discussed the possibility of making an interlinear edition of the Peshitta available. However, it is not likely that an interlinear edition will be available anytime soon from The Peshitta Foundation.

Is this one of those Messianic Web sites?
The Peshitta Foundation is not associated with the Messianic Jewish movement or any evangelical missionary groups.

Is The Peshitta Foundation associated with the "Trimm movement"?
In one word: NO! The Peshitta Foundation is not and never has been associated in any shape or form with any organization founded, organized or sponsored by the "Trimm Movement". If anyone told you that the Foundation is or was associated with that movement, then you have been misinformed.

Is the Aramaic English Standard Version Available in Print?
Currently the full text of the AESV is not available in a printed format. The text of the draft pages are still undergoing final touches. Once drafts become finals the Peshitta will be published and individuals desiring their own copy may purchase it. For the time being please feel free to print the pages out for your own personal study. If you wish to redistribute pages from this Web site please ask permission first. There is a published edition of the "Little Peshitta", which contains some books of the "smaller canon". You can obtain a copy from this site.

Are you associated with the Assyrian Church of the East, Seventh Day Adventists or any other religion?
No. The Peshitta Foundation is not associated with any denomination or religious institute. The Peshitta Foundation is not and never has been associated with the Assyrian Catholic Church of the East, (officially known as the "Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East" and formerly called "Nestorian") and this includes the group known as the "Ancient Church of the East", nor is it associated with the Seventh Day Adventist denomination.

Do you have a problem with these denominations?
Not at all. Unfortunately some individuals have thought it worthwhile to claim that The Peshitta Foundation is a part of the Assyrian Church of the East. However, this is not true and is a falsehood perpetuated by a couple of people who dislike the Foundation for whatever reason.

The Peshitta Foundation does not claim to be "Assyrian" or "Assyrian CoE" denomination and never has and never will. The Foundation does not claim to be a part of the "Seventh Day Adventist" organisation and never has and never will. If you were told otherwise, then you have been mislead by someone who was uninformed or who possibly has an agenda for making such false statements.

The views of those denominations are not our views, and not our focus. It is not our goal to bash other religious organisations or denominations.