Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

[Undeceived]

I still don't understand why, if there are in existence ancient scrolls of the Torah which all match, why is there not a definitive translation that everyone can agree on. If it is not possible to make a translation that everyone agrees on how is the bible the inerrant word of god ? If we were talking about a Sophocles play or some other ancient texts that are not making supernatural claims, then we could just agree to disagree about the meaning of any particular word and it would just be a matter of scholarly interest. This is the (origins of) the Bible however, and if I were a christian I would be terrified that a particular doctrine or position came about simply because a scribe thousands of years ago made a mistake.

All Christians believe the original Hebrew text is divinely inspired (if they believe in inspiration at all). The problem arises when there is an ancient Hebrew word with a meaning translators are not sure of. Context is used, but sometimes context is not enough. In any case, we should be safe if (and as it appears) the Hebrew text hasn't changed. Dubious portions of scripture are few and far between. And they have no bearing on the overall message. With four Gospel accounts, it is clear that Jesus died, that He left the tomb, and that many people saw Him. There is no need to be worried about how Judas died. He was so grieved by his actions that he killed himself--that's all we need to know.

On another tack, it occurs to me to wonder why the creator of the universe chose to write the instructions to his creations in Hebrew (or Arabic in the Koran if you're a Muslim). Why not in every language that was in existence at that time ?

I cannot read God's mind, but from scripture I know that He tends to let people work for Him. Why create a miracle to contend with nature when you are the creator of nature and all its beings, designed to do everything you have in mind? Real people wrote the Bible as they were inspired. God chose one group of people to show His judgment and mercy through. 1st century Israel was great to spread the word of Jesus (center of the Roman Empire, trade routes, writing materials). And in following one group from the beginning of time, God determined the language His message to humankind would be written in. The descendants of Abraham could have ended up in China, and the Bible would be in old Mandarin right now. God's precise reasons for choosing the Hebrews we may not know until heaven.