CYRIL and METHODIUS-Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

The Complete Bible Is Translated

Despite the unrelenting resistance, Methodius, with the help of several shorthand writers, finished translating the remainder of the Bible into Slavonic.  According to tradition,m he accomplished this huge task in just eight months.  However, he did not translate the apocryphal books of the Maccabees.

Today, it is not easy  to asses accurately the quality of the translation made by Cyril and Methodius.  Only a few manuscript copies still exist that date close to the  time of the initial translation.  By examining those rare early specimens, linguists note that the translations were precise and conveyed a natural freshness. The work Our Slavic Bible states that the two brothers  "had to create many new words and expression .. . And  they did all this with amazing precision to unprecedented lexical richness."

Next time: And Enduring Legacy

The Watchtower, 2001

CYRIL and METHODIUS -Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

"Like Rooks Upon a Falcon"

In 863 C.E.,Cyril and Methodius began their mission in Moravia, where they were warmly welcomed.  Their work included teaching a group of local people the newly invented Slavonic script, besides translating Biblical and liturgical texts.

All was not easy, however.  The Frankish clergy in Moravia fiercely opposed the use of Slavonic.  They held to a trilinguist theory, maintaining that only Latin, Greek, and Hebrew were  acceptable for use in worship.  Hoping to gain the support of the pope for their newly developed written language, the brothers journeyed to Rome in 867 C.E.

En route, in Venice, Cyril and Methodius has another encounter with a group of trilinguist Latin clergymen.  A medieval biographer of Cyril tells us that the local bishops, priests, and monks fell upon him "like rooks upon a falcon."  According to that account, Cyril retorted by citing 1 Corinthians 14:8, 9;  "For truly, if the trumpet sounds as an indistinct call, who will get ready for battle?  In the same way also, unless you through the tongue utter speech easily understood, how will it be known what is being spoken?  You will, in fact, be speaking into the air."

When the brothers finally reached Rome, Pope Adrian II granted full approval for their use of  Slavonic.  After some month is, and while still in  Rome, Cyril became seriously ill.  Less than two months later, he died at the age of 42.

Pope Adrian II encouraged Methodius to return to work in Moravia and around the town of Nitra,m in what is now Slovakia. Wishing to strengthen his influence over that area, the Pope gave Methodius letters approving the use of Slavonic  and appointed him archbishop.  However, in 870 C.E., the Frankish bisho0p Hermanrich,with the help of Prince Svatopluk of Nitra arrested Methodius.  He was imprisoned for two and half year in a monastery in southeastern Germany.  Finally, Adrian II's successor, Pope John VIII, ordered Methodius' release, reinstalled him in his diocese, and reaffirmed papal support for the use of Slavonic worship.

But opposition from the Frankish clergy continued.  Methodius successfully defended himself against accusations of heresy, and he eventually won from Pope John VIII a bull  expressly authorizing the use of Slavonic in the church. As the current pope, John Paul II, has admitted, Methodius' life was spent "amidst journeys, privations, sufferings, hostility and persecution,  . . .even a period of cruel imprisonment." Ironically, this was at the hands of bishops and princes favorably disposed toward Rome.

Next time: The Complete Bible Is Translated

The Watchtower, 2001

CYRIL and METHODIUS -Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

An Alphabet and a Bible Translation Are Born

During the months before their departure, Cyril prepared for the mission by developing a written script for the Slavs.  It has been said that he had a keen ear for phonetics.  Thus, using Greek and Hebrew characters, he tried to provide  a letter for each speech sound in Slavonic.  Some researchers believe that he had already spent years laying the groundwork for such an alphabet.  And there is still uncertainty about the exact form of the alphabet that Cyril contrived- see the previous article Cyrillic or Glagolitic?

At the same time, Cyril launched a quick program of Bible translation. According to tradition he began by translating from Greek into Slavonic the first phrase of the Gospel of John, using the newly developed alphabet:  "In the beginning the Word was . . ."  Cyril went on to translate the four Gospels, the letters of Paul, and the book of Psalms.

Did he work alone? Methodius most probably helped  with the task.  Moreover, the book The Cambridge Medieval History states:  "It is easy to imagine that [Cyril}  had other to help him, who must have been in the first instance people of Slav origin with a Greek education.  If we examine the oldest translations, . ..we have the best proof of a highly developed Slavonic sense of language, which must be attributed to collaborators who were themselves Slavs."  The rest of the Bible was completed later by Methodius, as we shall see.

Next time: "Like Rooks Upon a  Falcon"

The Watchtower, 2001

CYRIL and METHODIUS -Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

A Call From Moravia

In 862 C.E., Rostislav, prince of Moravia (modern-day eastern Cechia, western Slovakia, and western Hungary),  sent to Byzantine Emperor Michael III the request appearing in the opening paragraph-that he send teachers of the Scriptures.  Moravia's  Slavic-speaking citizens had already been introduced to church teachings by missionaries from the East Frankish kingdom (now Germany and Austria). Rostislav, however, was concerned about the political and ecclesiastical influence of the Germanic tribes.  He hoped that religious ties with Constantinople would help keep his nation politically and religiously autonomous.

The emperor decided to send Methodius and Cyril to Moravia.  Academically, educationally, and linguistically, the two brothers were well-equipped to lead such a mission.  A ninth-century biographer tells us that the emperor, in urging them to go to Moravia, reasoned:  "You are both natives of Thessalonica, and all Thessalonians speak pure Slav."

Next time: An Alphabet and a Bible Translation Are Born

The Watchtower, 2001

CYRIL and METHODIUS-Bible Translators Who Invented and Alphabet

"The Philosopher" and the Governor

Cyril (827-869 C.E., originally named Constantine) and Methodius (825-885 C.E.) were born into a noble family in Thessalonica, Greece.  Thessalonica was then a bilingual city; it inhabitants spoke Greek and a form of Slavic.  The presence of numerous Slavs and the close contact between its citizens and the  surrounding Slave communities may have given Cyril and Methodius the opportunity to acquire an intimate knowledge of the language of the southern Slavs.  And one biographer of Methodius even mentions that their mother was of Slavic origin.

After his  father's death, Cyril moved to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.  There he studied at the imperial university and associated with distinguished educators. He became librarian of Hagia Sophia, the most prominent church building  in the East, and later became a professor of Philosophy.  In fact, because of his academic achievements, Cyril earned the nickname The Philosopher. 

In the meantime, Methodius pursued the same career as his father-political administration.  He reached the rank of archon (governor) in a  frontier Byzantine district where many Slavs lived. Nevertheless, he withdrew into a monastery in Bithynia, Asia Minor.  Cyril joined him there in 855 C.E. 

In 860 C.E., the patriarch of Constantinople sent the two brothers on a foreign mission.  They were dispatched to the Khazar, a people dwelling northeast of the Black Sea, who were still hesitating to decide between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.  On his way there, Cyril remained  for a time at Cheronese, in Crimea.  Some scholars believe that there he learned Hebrew and Samaritan and that he translated a  Hebrew grammar into the language of the Khazar.


Cyrillic or Glagolitic?

The nature of the alphabet Cyril contrived has provoked much controversy, since linguists are not certain what alphabet it was.  The alphabet called Cyrillic is based closely on the Greek alphabet, with a dozen or so additional characters invented to represent Slavonic sound not found in Greek.  Some of the earliest Slavonic manuscripts, however, use a very different script, known as Glagolitic, and it is this script that many scholars believer Cyril invented.  A few of the Glagolitic characters appear to come from cursive Greek or Hebrew.  Some may have been derived from medieval diacritics, but most are original and complex creations.  Glagolitic seems to be a highly distinct and original creation.  However, it is Cyrillic that has developed into the present-day Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian scripts, besides 22 additional languages, some of which are not Slavonic. 

Next time: A Call From Moravia

The Watchtower, 2001

CYRIL and METHODIUS - Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

 "Our nation is baptized and yet we have no teacher.  We understand neither Greek nor Latin. . . .We do not understand written characters nor their meaning;  therefore send us teachers who can make known the words of the Scriptures and their sense." -Rostislav, prince of Moravia, 862 C.E.


Today, the more than 435 million people who speak languages of the Slavic family have access  to a translation of the Bible in their native tongue.  Of them, 360 million use the Cyrillic alphet. Yet, 12 centuries ago there was neither a written language nor an alphabet in the dialects of their ancestors.  The men who helped to correct that situation were named Cyril and Methodius, brothers by birth.  People who love God's Word will find that the bold and innovative efforts of these two brothers make and intriguing chapter in the history of the preservation and promotion of the Bible.  Who were these men, and what obstacles did they face? 

Next time: "The Philosopher" and the Governor

The Watchtower, 2001

SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT - "A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"

"A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"



In view of all this light from Jehovah, do we not have every reason to rejoice?  Yes, indeed!  Isaiah beautifully describes the joy of Jehovah's people when he writes:  "In that day sing to her, you people:  'A vineyard of foaming wine! I,  Jehovah, am safeguarding her.  Every moment I shall water her.  In order that no one may turn his attention against her, I shall safeguard her even night and day.' " (Isaiah 27:2, 3) Jehovah has cared for his "vineyard," the remnant of the Israel of God, and for their hardworking associates.  (John 15:1-8) The result has been fruitage that brings glory to his name and causes great rejoicing among his servants on earth.

We can be thrilled that Jehovah's earlier anger against his anointed servants -because of which he allowed them to go into spiritual captivity in 1918-has ceased.   Jehovah himself says:  "There is no rage that I have.  Who will give me thorn bushes and weeds in the battle?  I will step on such. I will set such on fire at the same time.  Otherwise let him take hold of my stronghold, let him make peace with me; peace let him make with me."  (Isaiah 27:4, 5)  To ensure that his vines continue to produce and abundance of "foaming wine,"  Jehovah crushes and consumes any weed like influence that could corrupt them.  Hence, let no one endanger the welfare of the Christian congregation!  Let all 'take hole of Jehovah's stronghold,' seeking his favor and protection.  In so doing, we make peace with God-something of such importance that Isaiah mentions it twice. -Psalm 85:1, 2, 8; Romans 5:1.

The blessings continue:  "In the coming days Jacob will take root, Israel will put forth blossoms and actually sprout; and they will simply fill the surface of the productive land with produce."  (Isaiah 27:6)  This verse has been fulfilled since 1919, providing wonderful evidence of Jehovah's power.  Anointed Christians have filled the earth with "produce," nourishing spiritual food.  In the midst of a corrupt world, they joyfully preserve God's elevated standards.  And Jehovah continues to bless them with increase.  As a result, their millions of companions, the other sheep," are rendering [God] sacred service day and night."  (Revelation 7:15)  May we never lose sight of the grand privilege of partaking of "produce" and sharing it with others!

In these critical times, when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the national groups, are we not thankful that Jehovah sheds spiritual light upon his people?  (Isaiah 60:2; Romans 2:19; 13:12)  For all who accept it, such light means peace of mind and joy now and nothing less than everlasting life in the future.  With good reason, then,we who love the light lift up our hearts in praise to Jehovah and say with the psalmist:  "Jehovah is the stronghold of my life.  Of whom shall I be in dread?  Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong.  Yes, hope in Jehovah." -Psalm 27:1b, 14.

Next time:CYRIL and METHODIUS -Bible Translators Who Invented an Alphabet

The Watchtower, 2001

SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT -- Protection in Dangerous Times

Protection in Dangerous Times

Jehovah's servants always need his protection.  Soon, though, he will stretch out his hand for the last time against Satan's world, and his worshipers will need his help as never before.  (1 John 5:19) Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us:  "God, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you.  Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciations passes over.  For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones."  (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14)  This warning showed the Jews how to survive the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Those who heeded it would have stayed in their houses, safe from the conquering soldiers out in the streets.

Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah's people around the world.  Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders.  (Isaiah 32:1,2; Hebrews 10:24, 25)  This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience. -Zephaniah 2:3.

Regarding that time, Isaiah prophesies "In that day Jehovah, with his hard and great and strong sword, will turn his attention to Leviathan, the gliding serpent, and he will certainly kill the sea monster that is in the sea."   (Isaiah 27:1) What is the modern-day "Leviathan"? Apparently, it is "the original serpent,,"  Satan himself, along with his wicked system of things, which he uses to wage war against the Israel of God.  (Revelation 12:9, 10, 17; 13:14. 16, 17) In 1919, Leviathan lost its hold on God's people.  In time, it will disappear altogether.  (Revelation 19:19-21; 20:1-3, 10) Thus Jehovah will "kill the sea monster."  Meantime, nothing that Leviathan may try against Jehovah's people will have lasting success.  (Isaiah 54:17)  How c0mforting to be assured of that!

Next time: SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT - "A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"

The Watchtower, 2001

SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT - "You Have Added to the Nation"

"You Have Added to the Nation"

God blessed the repentant spirit of his anointed servants in 1919 and gave them increase.  First, attention was given to gathering the final  members of the Israel of God, and then "a great crowd" of "other sheep" began to be gathered.  (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) These blessings were foretold in Isaiah's prophecy:  "You have added to the nation; O Jehovah, you have added to the nation; you have glorified yourself.  You have extended afar all the borders of the land.  O Jehovah, during distress they have turned their attention to you;  they have poured out a whisper of prayer when they had your disciplining." -Isaiah 26:15, 16.

Today, the borders of the Israel of God have spread around the earth, and the great crowd that has been added now numbers some six million enthusiastic sharers in the work preaching the good news.  (Matthew 24:14) What a blessing from Jehovah!  And what glory this brings to his name!  That name is heard today in 235 lands-a wonderful fulfillment of his promise.

Judah needed Jehovah's help to escape from captivity in Babylon.  They could not have done it on their own.  (Isaiah 26:17, 18) Similarly, the liberation of the Israel of God in 1919 was proof of Jehovah's support.  It could not have happened without him.  Ans so startling was the change in their condition that Isaiah likens  it to a resurrection: "Your dead ones will live.  A corpse of mine-they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust!  For your dew is as the dew of the mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth."  (Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 11:7-11) Yes, those impotent in death would, as it were, be reborn for renewed activity!

Next time:SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT- Protection in Dangerous Times

The Watchtower, 2001

SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT - Some Choose the Darkness

Some Choose the Darkness

Jehovah showed great loving-kindness to Judah, but unhappily not all responded.  Frequently, the majority chose rebellion and apostasy rather than the light of Jehovah's truth.   Isaiah said:  "Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness.  In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah." - Isaiah 26:10.

In Isaiah's day when Jehovah's hand protected Judah against her enemies, the majority refused to recognize this.   When he blessed them with is peace, the nation showed no gratitude.  Hence, Jehovah abandoned them to serve "other masters," finally letting the Jews be taken off to captivity in Babylon in 607 B.C.E. (Isaiah 26:11-13)  Still, eventually a remnant of the nation returned chastened, to their homeland.

 What about Judah's captors? Isaiah prophetically answers:  "They are dead; they will not live.  Impotent in death, they will will not rise up.  Therefore you have turned your attention that you might annihilate them and destroy all mention of them."  (Isaiah 26:14)  Yes, after her fall in 539 B.C.E., Babylon had no future.  In time, the city would be no  more.  She would be impotent in death," and her huge empire consigned to the history books.  What a warning for those who hope in the powerful ones of this world! 

Aspects of this prophecy had a  fulfillment when god allowed his anointed servants to go into spiritual captivity in 1918 and then liberated them in 1919.  From that point on, the future of their former captor, principally Christendom, was bleak for Jehovah's people were rich indeed.

Next time: SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT - "You Have Added to the Nation"

The Watchtower, 2001