Well, interesting that someone decided to re-ignite this thread. I started it some time ago and have learned much since then and I think perhaps I was being a tad pedantic. However, there is one point that I take from this whole thing which remains.
Thor, Hebrew is a different language.
Yes it is, and the original Bible was written in it, which I think we all agree on. Assume for a moment that God does exist and inspired the writing of this original Hebrew Bible. Fine and dandy, this would be the inerrant word of God.
What about the subsequent translations? Did god inspire or guide those?
Take our word "love." Love can be charitas, agape, phileo, etc,...but we just say "love" for liking something, sex, physical desire, parental and brotherly love, the whole works.
Exactly, and in the English language today "fish" means "fish".
To say, well, the Bible says "fish" is totally absurd. The Bible does not say "fish."
Yes it does. That original quotation I used was taken from a modern English language Bible. The same one that many millions of people base their entire lives on, and believe that everyone else should base their lives on. I doubt that most Christians in the world have a copy of the original hebrew bible on their bookshelf. No, they use the English one, and People fight, kill and die for the things written in it and it's rival writings. I think it's fair to say it is a significant book.
"Fish" wasn't even a word back then. The Bible says a Hebrew word translated as fish, which is a good approximation.
If God had anything to do with the translating of the original bible, why would it be translated for an audience of modern English speakers to show the word fish, when it has a specific meaning in our language? Yes, the original hebrew term may refer to fish, crustaceans, sea-snails, plankton, whales (and randman, PLEASE let this be the last mention of whales in this thread!), deep-sea worms, octopii, squid and everything else besides. So, when the original bible was translated into different languages, did God not keep an eye on things to make sure his original and correct words and meanings were faithfully translated? If he didn't it would be a little difficult for other people besides ancient Hebrew speakers to be able to live by his word.
I say again, in our language 'fish' has a specific meaning. So when the translator was doing his job, God should have (metaphorically) tapped him/her on the shoulder and said "Don't use the word fish. I'm referring to everything in the ocean so write 'all ocean creatures' or something like that". It still says fish, therefore the bible that millions of people live by today in the English speaking world, is not inerrant. It is subject to the abilities of human translators. It doesn't make me feel good when I think of all the people who have died as a result of "a good approximation".
Of course, if you're like me and don't believe there is a God to begin with, this whole argument is rather pointless.
On that note, I'm going to go and have a cold beer.