Within these sacred pages, a profound journey unfolds, rooted in the ancient wisdom of Hebrew and Greek, and meticulously brought forth into the Spanish tongue. This is not merely a translation, but a careful restoration, a return to the very heart of the Reformation-era scriptures that first illuminated the world with their truth. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of the divine word, preserved and presented with an unwavering commitment to its original essence.
The genesis of this work traces back through centuries, drawing deeply from the foundational Spanish translation crafted by Casiodoro de Reina in 1569, a labor born amidst persecution and fervent faith, later refined by Cipriano de Valera in 1602. It further embraces the spirit of early reformers, incorporating the New Testament of Francisco de Enzinas from 1543, and the New Testament and Psalms penned by Juan Pérez de Pineda in the mid-16th century. This Spanish foundation was then meticulously cross-referenced with the venerable English translations of William Tyndale and the Authorized Version of 1611, ensuring a robust and historically resonant lineage for every phrase and verse.
What truly sets this rendition apart is its distinctive philosophy of word consistency. Here, a singular, precise Spanish word is chosen to correspond with each unique Hebrew or Greek term found in the original texts. This deliberate method is not about stylistic flourish, but about unveiling the inherent patterns and profound themes woven throughout the scriptures. It is a belief that the very repetition and precise usage of words, from their first appearance to their last, carry a deeper meaning intended by the divine author, allowing the text itself to become its own clearest interpreter.
This commitment to consistency means that one need not always consult external theological dictionaries; the context and recurring usage within these pages themselves tend to illuminate the full import of each key word. It allows for a unique form of word study, where the diligent reader can trace the journey of a concept through all of scripture, recognizing connections and insights that might otherwise remain obscured by variations in translation. It is an invitation to delve into the very fabric of the sacred narrative, discerning the intricate design of God's communication.
The spirit behind this arduous task is deeply personal, driven by a man whose life has been inextricably linked with the very territories where these scriptures are most needed. Russell Martin Stendal, a missionary who grew up immersed in the Colombian landscape, understands the spiritual hunger of those living amidst turmoil and conflict. His own experiences, including periods of captivity, have only deepened his resolve to bring the unadulterated word to all, believing in its power to transform hearts and lives.
Thus, this Jubilee Bible, born from a dedication to textual accuracy and a profound missionary calling, is more than a historical artifact; it is a living testament. It is designed not for academic halls alone, but for hands reaching out in remote villages, for those seeking solace and truth in challenging times. The very name "Jubilee" evokes the biblical promise of liberation, of debts remitted and freedom proclaimed, a message of hope echoing from ancient times into the modern world, especially poignant as the year 2000 marked a significant threshold.
This is a Bible freely distributed, a seed sown generously across lands yearning for spiritual nourishment, particularly in rural Colombia and Venezuela. It stands as a beacon, offering a precise and consistent rendering of the divine message, aiming to pierce through confusion and bring clarity, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak directly and powerfully through its pages. It is a work of love, faith, and meticulous scholarship, designed to bring readers into a deeper, more intimate understanding of the eternal truths.
