BIBLE TRANSLATION WORK
Bible Translation is a profound work and a loving labor. But have Bible translations proven to be entirely faithful to the original manuscripts? Or should we expect occasional mistakes in translation? Let's examine this issue more carefully, considering some Christian doctrine along the way.
Bible Translations - Are Their Translators Infallible?
1. ENTIRELY FAITHFUL? Who among lovers of God does not delight in a well-translated verse that touches our hearts as only God can, by his word that “is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (KJV, King James Version). God’s word was originally written by some 40 or so men, over a period of about 1,600 years, in primarily two languages, beginning with Hebrew and concluding with Greek. Moses was the writer of Genesis and some other books, to begin the Bible record. And Jesus’ apostle John evidently concluded God’s inspired word in his old age with the record of Revelation and his gospel account and letters. While the original writings in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek were genuinely inspired of God, we must ask: Are the translations we have today in English and other languages, such as the King James Version and more modern ones, proven to be entirely faithful to the original writings? Or are there occasional discrepancies in a translation, even though it has been translated by scholarly individuals?
2. LOVING LABOR. The aim here is not to detract from the beauty of much work that has gone into most Bible translation. However, much careful examination of Bible translations, a review of the common Greek grammar, with comparison of many ancient Bible manuscripts, has revealed to truth-seekers occasional mistakes by translators. For example, would it not be important for those translating God’s word to have a fine grasp of the Scriptural truth that God intended and outlined in His word? Sometimes an errant belief can color the translation of a verse. Some false beliefs have been commonly accepted for centuries, long before even the King James Version was completed in 1611. If a verse can logically and grammatically be translated two different ways, based on multiple definitions of words, then shouldn’t the choice be made toward the translating that agrees with an understanding of the entire word of God, “all scripture” which is inspired of God and non-contradictory? Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. Reasonably, even scholarly men can be blinded by human philosophy and false worship, or merely overlook something important. Hopefully, their translation is considered a work in progress toward genuine truth, and doctrinal errors and the like will be in time corrected, as the ‘shining light for the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day’ (Proverbs 4:18, KJV). We’ll look at a few examples of this later in the article. But again this should in no way discount the loving labor and much faithful work that has gone into many modern translations.
3. MISUNDERSTOOD GRAMMAR. Sometimes the grammar of the original language is misunderstood and mistranslated. By a careful examination of the context of the verse sometimes such mistakes can be caught and corrected. One example of this is in the King James Version and many other translations. Do you believe that if you ask God once for something important, that He should give it to you? Notice the translation of the text found in Luke chapter 11, verse 9. The KJV reads this way: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Does not this translation appear to support that notion? However, this is not the grammar of the original writing.
4. CONTEXT REVEALS TRUTH. The accurate grammar here is known as the “present imperative” in Greek.* Notice how the NWT, the New World Translation, translates the text: “9 So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” Thus the emphasis here is on persistence, which is the lesson Jesus was just teaching in the preceding parable! Many Bible versions mistranslate this verse, after the pattern of the KJV. Notice the parable Jesus uses in verses 5-8, KJV: “5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” Now, we must understand “importunity” to comprehend this—to be importunate is “troublesomely urgent: overly persistent in request or demand.” (Merriam-Webster, 2018) So as verse 8 says, because of his urgent and persistent requests the friend gave him what he needed. Therefore, God wants us to be persistent in our requests that really matter to us in harmony with God’s will (without putting Him to the test—trying to defy the law of gravity, for example, or a moral law), in faith trusting in Him to hear and supply what’s needed as He deems appropriate.
6. GOD’S NAME A FEW PLACES. Notice Exodus 6:3, KJV: “3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” Now Abraham did use God’s name “Jehovah,” such as in Genesis 22:14. So Jehovah was referring to their not comprehending the full meaning of His name, which is “He who causes to become.” The extent of God’s ability to cause all of His purposes to become reality, even by mighty acts, was not fully appreciated by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This meaning only comes in a three-syllable name as in “Jehovah,” a common English translation that has been used for centuries—not “Yahweh”, a two-syllable name with a nonsensical meaning that has been used in some Bibles. While most modern Bibles have left out God’s name from the main text, notice the footnote on Exodus 3:15, a scripture where God’s name should appear, in ESV, the English Standard Version: “The word Lord, when spelled with capital letters, stands for the divine name, YHWH...” “JHVH” is also an acceptable transliteration in English—just like the name of “Jesus” is believed to have been pronounced “Yeshua” or possibly “Yehoshua” in Bible times—in English the “Y” is likewise pronounced “J”.
7. “UNTO ALL GENERATIONS.” Notice how God wanted His name, Jehovah, to be honored and recognized, as expressed in Exodus 3:15, NWT, New World Translation: “15 Then God said once more to Moses: “This is what you are to say to the Israelites, ‘Jehovah the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” The KJV renders the end of this verse similarly: “this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” In the NWT, rather than substituting God’s name with “LORD,” God’s name Jehovah has been restored in over 7,000 places where the original text contains it. So what happened in other Bible translations?
8. REVEALING AN ENEMY. The Scriptures reveal that Jehovah God has an enemy, who has sought to repress Bible truth, using any means possible. That enemy has been Satan the Devil, along with demon followers, interfering with the will of God. Hebrews 2 shows that Satan could even use the threat of death to get his way, but that in time such power would be removed, and persons set free from such threats, through the faithful human life and death of Jesus. Hebrews 2:14-15 puts it this way, KJV: “14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Soon, this enemy will be confined and silenced, setting all persons free from his threatening influence. However, shouldn’t we exalt God’s name and keep integrity to Him in spite of such threats? As Jesus placed first in his Model Prayer, or the Our Father Prayer, “Hallowed be thy name.” Will groups of translators unitedly trust in God to rightfully restore God’s name to some modern translations, along with any discovered doctrinal truths? Imagine the beauty of having several Bible translations that can be even more fully appreciated for their faithful renderings of God’s inspired word!
9. LET GOD’S WORD CLARIFY. Let’s return to the issue of false beliefs coloring the translation of God’s word. God has preserved enough knowledge in His word that the truth can usually be discovered with careful analysis. 2Timothy 3:16,17 says, KJV: “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” So God’s word itself should make clear the doctrine we should believe about God, without the influence of worldly philosophies. Jesus likewise said to God in prayer, regarding his disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:16,17, KJV). So Jesus’ disciples were not to be corrupted by worldly or Greek philosophy—rather they were to be cleansed and set apart for God’s service by the truth of God as clarified in His word. 1Corinthians 1:27 puts it this way, KJV: “27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” Jesus did not choose his apostles from the scholarly and learned men of the time, but rather, he chose fishermen, a tax collector, among others, so that he could train them in a humble way, helping them to be servants of God that are humble and understanding, teachers after his example, not seeking the glory from men, but rather, seeking God’s glory. Unfortunately, it is all too common for scholarly men to be taught and influenced by Greek and worldly philosophies in their interpretation of Scripture. Such was the case even when the King James Version was being prepared 1604 to 1611. Let’s look at a few examples.
10. “THE SOUL THAT SINNETH.” For example, it is Greek philosophy that has taught that the soul is immortal, survives death, and proceeds to heaven or hell or some place in between. The Bible teaches that it is the “spirit” of a person that contains one’s personality and spirituality. For those with the hope of heavenly life, it is the “spiritual body” that is resurrected at God’s appointed time, not the “soul.” (1Corinthians 15:44). In the Scriptures, the “soul” comprises the physical, or “natural” body, which can die. When Adam was created, and he received the breath of life, Genesis says “and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7, KJV). The man IS a soul, and the man’s soul or “life” can be taken away. Ezekiel 18:4, KJV says: “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Throughout the Scriptures, the “soul” is spoken of as doing physical things that the spirit does not do, things like eating and drinking, for instance. (Leviticus 17:12). In Psalm 51, David prayed in v.10, KJV: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” David prayed for a renewed spirit, not soul. When Stephen was stoned, he saw Jesus at the right side of God, and said “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”—not his soul (Acts 7:59, KJV). After making a merciful expression, the account says “he fell asleep” in death (see 1Corinthians 15:6). But it was his spirit that Christ and God received, safely and securely with God until his resurrection, to return to life as one with the heavenly hope.
11. MORE GREEK PHILOSOPHY. So most persons upon death really die, but are alive in God’s memory, as He awaits the time to restore such ones to life (Job 14:13-15). For those not receiving a heavenly resurrection, they will be restored to life on earth in the future Paradise. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 puts it, KJV: “10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Notice the translation of the KJV here regarding the Hebrew term Sheol (the equivalent in Greek is Hades). Here Sheol is translated “the grave” rather than “hell” as it is in many other places, only because the truth was too obvious here. It should be clear that evildoers do not go off into a place of burning torment, which is another teaching of Greek philosophy. Rather, the Scriptures show the penalty for wrongdoing is simply death. (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Yet many such ones may still be resurrected in God’s mercy, to have opportunity to learn the truth of God in Paradise conditions, without the evil environment that is prevalent today. The only reason Jesus used one illustration involving hellfire, the Rich man and Lazarus, is because he was speaking to the Pharisees, and was trying to reach their heart by using their own belief in hellfire (which they adopted from Greek philosophy, Josephus even reported this) to help them see that their money-loving ways were leading them into disfavor with God, while poor ones were humbly responding to the good news. (Luke 16:14, 19-31). “God is love,” says 1John 4:8. How unlike a loving father, to want to mercilessly punish a person in fiery torment! As faithful Elihu told Job, at Job 34:10, KJV “far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.” (see Jeremiah 7:31).
12. A WONDERFUL PUZZLE. Therefore, it is false beliefs and philosophies that have colored the translation of God’s word, to a greater or lesser degree in essentially all translations. When examining any Bible, the question should rightly be asked: “To what degree has this translation been influenced by false beliefs and worldly philosophies?” Of course, there is still much good in most if not all translations. The Holy Scriptures are like a wonderful puzzle made up of many pieces of true knowledge, that when examined and compared to one another, make together a beautiful composite picture of God’s will and purpose for humans. Satan has tried to mar some of the pieces of knowledge, or even insert some of his own, to confuse man’s understanding of the will and purpose of God. Worldly and Greek philosophy has confused the picture.
13. PICTURE OF GOD’S PURPOSE. So more clearly what is the hope of future life that the Scriptures hold out, if people, when they die, really “fall asleep” in death? Recall God’s original purpose was that Adam and Eve spread their small “paradise” in the Garden of Eden (“park of pleasure”) over the entire globe, so the entire Earth was to be a literal and spiritual paradise. God never left his purpose—it has been delayed. (Isaiah 45:18). Still, Jesus did open up the way to heavenly life for some, but why? Their purpose is to be instructed and trained by God and Christ to assist in ruling over humanity, helping restore humans to eternal life, especially during the 1000-year reign of Christ. Revelation 20:6 says (KJV): “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
14. TWO HOPES. So two hopes emerge in the Scriptures. Is there really anything wrong with serving God whole-heartedly from the vantage point of a cleansed earth, where righteousness will dwell? The Bible shows that even the wild animals will be at peace with mankind (Isaiah 11:6-9). Can we not have a close relationship with God and others while enjoying times together on earth? King David wrote Psalm 37–notice verses 10-11, 29 (KJV): “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace...The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” Both hopes are mentioned by Peter, at 2Peter 3:13, KJV: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Our loved ones who have died and who haven’t been resurrected to heaven, will likely be resurrected to Paradise earth, as we “have hope toward God...that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15, KJV). Thus a beautiful picture of God’s purpose emerges, genuine peace in both heaven and upon earth.
15. PUNCTUATION MATTERS. Another example of translation error is found in the matter of punctuation. You see, when the Scriptures were inspired, there was no punctuation—no commas, for instance. So translators add such punctuation, hopefully to add clarity to what was written, to aid understanding. It should be noted that sometimes capitalization has been added where it did not originally appear, which has led to confusion. Therefore, could a misplaced comma make a difference in our understanding of a verse? Let’s look at a familiar occasion, actually when Jesus was being impaled. Recall that one of the evildoers rebuked the other for disrespecting Jesus, and then said in Luke 23:42, KJV: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus responded with a statement about the man being with him in Paradise, but when? Was Jesus promising him that he would be in a heavenly Paradise that same day? Now let’s think logically and be reasonable. Recall God’s purpose for man’s home on earth, to become a Paradise, and those receiving the privilege of heavenly life. (Psalm 37:9-11,29; Revelation 21:3,4; 20:4-6). What of these who are chosen to be with God and Christ in the heavens? These are tried and tested followers of Christ, chosen to rule with him as both kings and priests before mankind, during the 1000-year reign of Christ. Was this man, until then a thief, asking Jesus to make him a king and priest alongside Jesus in the heavens and rule over mankind? Or was he just humbly asking to be resurrected, back to life into the future earthly Paradise, under Christ’s rulership? And was Jesus going to be in heaven the same day he died, or was he really dead for a short time, and resurrected back to earth temporarily, later returning to heaven? We needn’t wonder, for the Scriptures help to clarify the truth.
16. AN EXAMPLE OF PUNCTUATION. Recall that Bible translators themselves add the punctuation to (hopefully) clarify the meaning of the text and make it more readable. However, in Jesus’ response to the man’s request, a misplaced comma could change the meaning immensely. Again, let’s think logically and be reasonable. Take a look at verse 43:
Here is the English translation of the literal Greek text as it originally appears word for word:
“And he said to him Amen to you I am saying today with me you will be in the Paradise.”
Notice where the second comma is placed in his response in the KJV:
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”
Other Bible translations, such as Rotherham’s and the New World Translation, place the comma or separator after today, reading, Rotherham’s, 1902:
“And he said unto him—Verily, I say unto thee this day: With me, shalt thou be in Paradise.”
The more modern NWT says this:
“43 And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”
Which is correct?
17. THINKING LOGICALLY. Did the (likely) former thief merit going to heaven after a life of crime just because he expressed sympathy for Jesus and asked to be remembered by him? Had he ‘exerted himself vigorously to get in through the narrow door,’ as many would ‘seek to get in’ but not be able?—Luke 13:24. Had he received of the ‘scourging’ from God over time, that he might endure in righteousness under test and trial? (Hebrews 12:6). Therefore, was he prepared to judge mankind and rule with Christ, and to receive immortality for his faithfulness? Again, let’s think logically and be reasonable. Furthermore, did Jesus really go to a heavenly Paradise that day, or as Jesus himself explained the time surrounding his death and resurrection to his disciples in Matthew 12:40, KJV: “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”—not heaven! In fact, after his resurrection (on the third day) Jesus said to Mary, as recorded at John 20:17, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God.” So Jesus clearly had not yet ascended to heaven days after his impalement and death. He did not go to a heavenly “Paradise” the day he spoke to the thief. Therefore placing the comma before “today” would make Jesus a liar! Rather, “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.” This is the accurate understanding of Jesus’ words and Luke 23:43. The man would be resurrected to an earthly Paradise, as is God’s purpose for many, clearly described in God’s word, as “there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15).
18. REJECT UNCHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHIES. Thus, translators of God’s word should never incorporate unchristian philosophies into the Holy Scriptures—rather upholding the genuine word of God, which is non-contradictory and unadulterated (1Peter 2:2). Sometimes, there is a poor word choice in translating, that can give an improper impression or idea contrary to the original intent. May humble scholars welcome God’s intervention to see His purposes carried out, to bless faithful men in serving Him. If any have selfish motives in translating the word of God, lacking faith in Him and His inspired word, intentionally choosing human philosophies above inspired teachings originating in the Scriptures, God says regarding such ones, at 1Corinthians 3: “19 For it is written: “I will make the wisdom of the wise [men] perish, and the intelligence of the intellectual [men] I will shove aside.” May such ones humble themselves “under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:6,7, NWT). If God permits it, may they cherish their privilege of translating the word of God, and willingly comply with the truth about God untainted by worldly and Greek philosophy. The truth should be as Jesus taught it, not as worldly wise men modified it hundreds of years later.
19. SHOULD SPEAK FOR ITSELF. In line with this, should the Nicene Creed really be accepted as Christian doctrine? Shouldn’t the truth be as Jesus taught it, as recorded in God’s word? He taught his disciples to view him as a humble servant of God, seeking the Father’s glory above all else. (John 8:28,29; Philippians 2:11) Is the Trinity honestly a teaching originating from the Scriptures, that a person examining the original manuscripts would come to understand on his own (with God’s help) or rather, like the theory of evolution, do some begin by viewing it as fact, and then bend all evidence to support the notion? Recall that 2Timothy 3:16,17 (KJV) says “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” So the opinions of worldly wise men are not needed to clarify Scriptural truth—rather, God’s word should speak for itself on true Christian doctrine. Certainly God is intelligent enough to instruct us in what is true and right before Him, without needing the assistance of human philosophers. By making comparisons of scripture, the truth can become manifest to honest-hearted lovers of God. Remember, God’s word is not contradictory, so if an understanding of a verse doesn’t seem to add up with what we believe, should we not reexamine the verse, seeking an understanding that agrees with the entire word of God?
20. TRINITY? HISTORY. The Nicene Creed of 381 added Holy Spirit to the Creed of 325 to teach the Trinity.
The Encyclopedia Britannica (2018) says this regarding the Trinity:
21. CHRISTIAN NEUTRALITY VIOLATED? Recall the illustration Jesus gave regarding the wheat and the weeds. Weeds that were similar in appearance to genuine wheat were sown in among the wheat. Jesus instructions were to let both grow together until the harvest—then, in the conclusion of the system, the weedlike Christians would be more easily removed and separated from true Christians by the angels. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Jesus said that his true followers were to be “no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” It was not time to set up his kingdom yet, true Christians were not to involve themselves in the politics of the day. However, it was Roman Emperor Constantine who officiated at the Council of Nicaea of 325 CE—Did God and Jesus really approve of this meeting, or it’s results? Jesus carefully and clearly taught the truth of God’s word and will to his first-century disciples—he did not lie to them about his relationship with the father. He never sought to be equal to God—he was always submissive to his Father’s will and sought God’s glory, not his own. As Jesus said at John 7:18, KJV: “18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”
22. FORETOLD APOSTASY. Paul foretold the corruption that would enter the congregation after his “going away.” The foretold apostasy from the true faith would begin. We read at Acts 20:29,30, KJV: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” “Perverse” simply means corrupt. Men would arise, speaking their own ideas, to bring attention and honor to themselves, rather than to God through Christ. The apostles had been a restraining force, holding back the apostasy. Their deaths allowed this to take place as foretold. 2Timothy 4, for example, explains in verses 3,4 (KJV): “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Such “teachers” were no doubt among the men who convened at the council of Nicaea under Emperor Constantine. The eventual goal was, despite great pagan influences, a Roman state religion of Nicene Christianity, which did occur in 380 CE by the Edict of Thessalonica. Both versions of the Nicene Creed promoted the worship of Christ along with the Father, something Jesus utterly refused throughout his life and ministry. If we would truly honor Christ, we would do so by heeding his teachings, such as when tempted by Satan, he responded, at Matthew 4:10 (KJV): “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
23. FATHER GREATER. What of the ideas of the Trinity that each person is co-equal, co-eternal, and all to be worshipped? Are these ideas found clearly in God’s original inspired word? Regarding the co-equal idea, the truth can be seen even in translations influenced by the Trinity teaching. For instance, what did Jesus teach about his relationship to the Father? Notice his words at John 14:28 (KJV): “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I” (See also John 5:19). Jesus wanted his disciples to know the truth about his relation to the Father, and we find it here, just as it is common to view a human father or parent as greater—generally older and wiser—than his son. Also, Jesus never took credit for the healings he performed with the use of God’s power—we read when these took place, that the people gave glory to God for the miracle, not to Jesus (Matthew 15:31; Luke 17:12-19). He looked up to heaven, or spoke in such a way, that people knew it was power from God that he was using. Even when one of the rulers tried to give him honor by calling him “Good Teacher,” Jesus directed attention away from himself, saying, at Luke 18:19, KJV: “Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God.” Why turn away worshipful praise, if Jesus were part of a Trinity? He made no such claim.
24. SCRIPTURES LOGICAL. So since “the Father is greater than” Jesus, they are clearly not the same, but separate and distinct. So what of John 1:1? If you are “with” someone, are you the same as that one you are with? Really, is this logical? The Scriptures, in their entirety, are logical. There must be another answer. In this verse, the Greek grammar, without the definite article, allows for the final “god” to be understood and translated as an attribute, such as “the Word was godlike” or “the Word was divine.” Jesus was of the same substance as his Father, God. They are both powerful divine beings. There have been Bibles translating the verse this way, because it agrees with the grammatical construction. Going further, what of the context? Drop down to John 1:18, KJV: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” Now thinking logically, and being reasonable, it says no man has seen God. But thousands upon thousands saw Jesus Christ, his Son. Jesus was in no way God, but he was his representative, “declaring him.” Also, this verse shows Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God—the only one to be created by God directly, or as Colossians 1:15-17 calls him, the “firstborn of every creature.” Therefore Jesus had a beginning, just as is also stated in the prophetic description of his prehuman existence in Proverbs 8:22-30. God created him, and shared life with him for aeons of time, working together to make all other things. Jesus emulated his Father’s personality, over time Jesus became like his Father in thinking, speech, and action. But never do the Scriptures say that Jesus sought worship from other angels or humans, although he may have allowed occasional gestures of respect. Ideas of being God came from philosophies of intellectuals, not originating in God’s inspired word. (1Corinthians 1:27-29; Colossians 2:8). Jesus was called “the Word” because he was God’s leading spokesman, appropriately so.
25. QUOTING FROM HEBREW SCRIPTURES. Accordingly, a translator of God’s word should be cognizant in the New Testament, or the Christian-Greek Scriptures, of the difference when the text is referring to God the Father, Jehovah, or “LORD” in all capitals throughout the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, and the Lord Jesus Christ, mentioned throughout the Greek Scriptures. Often, Christian inspired writers quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures which referenced God and His name. The translator should be careful to use God’s name in these places throughout the Greek Scriptures, not confusing God with the Lord Jesus Christ. Occasionally the names or titles have been confused, such as in 1Corinthians 1:31 in the KJV, which quotes from Jeremiah 9:24 referencing “the LORD,” the One to be glorified, contrast this with NASB, the New American Standard Bible.
26. WHAT OF HOLY SPIRIT? Accordingly, how should the Bible term meaning “breath, or wind” (Hebrew “ruach” and Greek “pneuma”) be translated in the Scriptures? There are places where the King James Version has no other choice but to translate it “spirit” rather than capitalized "Spirit" or “Ghost” because the evidence clearly shows that it must be referring to a powerful force of God, not a person. It is true that this word can refer to invisible angels, or spirit persons. However, in the vast majority of cases the term is clearly used with reference to God’s active force, invisible like the wind, that he sends forth and uses to accomplish his will. We need this powerful force of God, to aid us in doing His will and in producing within us the spirit's fruit mentioned at Galatians 5:22,23, including such qualities as love, joy, peace, and faith. At Joel 2:29, the “spirit” is said to be poured out, something that cannot happen to a person. It reads, KJV: “And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” Peter quotes this prophecy at Acts 2:17,18. And notice 1Corinthians 2:12, KJV, the term being mentioned: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given us of God." Accordingly, David prayed at Psalm 51:11, KJV: “take not thy holy spirit from me.” Similar examples can be found throughout the word of God. Thus “Holy Ghost” is an incorrect, confusing, and misleading translation of the term “holy spirit” that was influenced by the false belief of the Trinity. The holy spirit is a powerful force of God that is vital for Christians to pray for and with, but is not to be worshipped or viewed as a real person alongside God the Father. (Eph. 3:16-19).
27. BE COURAGEOUS FOR GOD AND TRUTH. Just because a belief is commonly accepted, does not of necessity make it true. And it may not be as commonly “accepted” as we think. The influence of Greek philosophy on the Christian faith should be exposed and rejected in favor of the truth of God’s inspired word. May many translators of the word of God apply the truth of God to their activity, standing up courageously for the truth that can unite truth-loving Christians together in the one faith of true Christianity. It is up to each individual to investigate God’s word carefully for himself, encouraging ministers to take the truth seriously in their teaching, that we all may seek understanding of God’s will more accurately. Worldly and Greek philosophies should be recognized, as having influenced beliefs and the translating of God’s inspired word. May we leave behind false doctrines and associated teachings that have lingered from ages past, that are no longer to be embraced as we serve the true God, Jehovah “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23,24, KJV). May translators trust God’s blessing upon their efforts, bringing the light of truth to mankind through faithful, powerful, and delightful translations of God’s inspired word, that is “alive and exerts power.” (Hebrews 4:12, NWT).
2. LOVING LABOR. The aim here is not to detract from the beauty of much work that has gone into most Bible translation. However, much careful examination of Bible translations, a review of the common Greek grammar, with comparison of many ancient Bible manuscripts, has revealed to truth-seekers occasional mistakes by translators. For example, would it not be important for those translating God’s word to have a fine grasp of the Scriptural truth that God intended and outlined in His word? Sometimes an errant belief can color the translation of a verse. Some false beliefs have been commonly accepted for centuries, long before even the King James Version was completed in 1611. If a verse can logically and grammatically be translated two different ways, based on multiple definitions of words, then shouldn’t the choice be made toward the translating that agrees with an understanding of the entire word of God, “all scripture” which is inspired of God and non-contradictory? Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. Reasonably, even scholarly men can be blinded by human philosophy and false worship, or merely overlook something important. Hopefully, their translation is considered a work in progress toward genuine truth, and doctrinal errors and the like will be in time corrected, as the ‘shining light for the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day’ (Proverbs 4:18, KJV). We’ll look at a few examples of this later in the article. But again this should in no way discount the loving labor and much faithful work that has gone into many modern translations.
3. MISUNDERSTOOD GRAMMAR. Sometimes the grammar of the original language is misunderstood and mistranslated. By a careful examination of the context of the verse sometimes such mistakes can be caught and corrected. One example of this is in the King James Version and many other translations. Do you believe that if you ask God once for something important, that He should give it to you? Notice the translation of the text found in Luke chapter 11, verse 9. The KJV reads this way: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Does not this translation appear to support that notion? However, this is not the grammar of the original writing.
4. CONTEXT REVEALS TRUTH. The accurate grammar here is known as the “present imperative” in Greek.* Notice how the NWT, the New World Translation, translates the text: “9 So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” Thus the emphasis here is on persistence, which is the lesson Jesus was just teaching in the preceding parable! Many Bible versions mistranslate this verse, after the pattern of the KJV. Notice the parable Jesus uses in verses 5-8, KJV: “5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” Now, we must understand “importunity” to comprehend this—to be importunate is “troublesomely urgent: overly persistent in request or demand.” (Merriam-Webster, 2018) So as verse 8 says, because of his urgent and persistent requests the friend gave him what he needed. Therefore, God wants us to be persistent in our requests that really matter to us in harmony with God’s will (without putting Him to the test—trying to defy the law of gravity, for example, or a moral law), in faith trusting in Him to hear and supply what’s needed as He deems appropriate.
*See A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, Dana & Mantey, pp. 300-303.
5. A MORE SERIOUS MATTER. Another more serious matter is in the exclusion of God’s personal name, known in English for centuries as “Jehovah,” from His own authored word, the Bible. The four Hebrew letters indicating God’s personal name is known as the Tetragrammaton, and appears in the original writings some 7,000 times! Therefore we all should be very familiar with this name. However, many modern Bibles have substituted God’s name with the term “LORD,” usually in all capital letters. Sadly, God’s personal name is often relegated to a footnote on a verse such as Exodus 6:3. Actually, the KJV kept the name or a form of it in the main text in 7 places, including Exodus 6:3, Psalm 83:18, Isaiah 12:2 and 26:4.
6. GOD’S NAME A FEW PLACES. Notice Exodus 6:3, KJV: “3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” Now Abraham did use God’s name “Jehovah,” such as in Genesis 22:14. So Jehovah was referring to their not comprehending the full meaning of His name, which is “He who causes to become.” The extent of God’s ability to cause all of His purposes to become reality, even by mighty acts, was not fully appreciated by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This meaning only comes in a three-syllable name as in “Jehovah,” a common English translation that has been used for centuries—not “Yahweh”, a two-syllable name with a nonsensical meaning that has been used in some Bibles. While most modern Bibles have left out God’s name from the main text, notice the footnote on Exodus 3:15, a scripture where God’s name should appear, in ESV, the English Standard Version: “The word Lord, when spelled with capital letters, stands for the divine name, YHWH...” “JHVH” is also an acceptable transliteration in English—just like the name of “Jesus” is believed to have been pronounced “Yeshua” or possibly “Yehoshua” in Bible times—in English the “Y” is likewise pronounced “J”.
7. “UNTO ALL GENERATIONS.” Notice how God wanted His name, Jehovah, to be honored and recognized, as expressed in Exodus 3:15, NWT, New World Translation: “15 Then God said once more to Moses: “This is what you are to say to the Israelites, ‘Jehovah the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” The KJV renders the end of this verse similarly: “this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” In the NWT, rather than substituting God’s name with “LORD,” God’s name Jehovah has been restored in over 7,000 places where the original text contains it. So what happened in other Bible translations?
8. REVEALING AN ENEMY. The Scriptures reveal that Jehovah God has an enemy, who has sought to repress Bible truth, using any means possible. That enemy has been Satan the Devil, along with demon followers, interfering with the will of God. Hebrews 2 shows that Satan could even use the threat of death to get his way, but that in time such power would be removed, and persons set free from such threats, through the faithful human life and death of Jesus. Hebrews 2:14-15 puts it this way, KJV: “14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Soon, this enemy will be confined and silenced, setting all persons free from his threatening influence. However, shouldn’t we exalt God’s name and keep integrity to Him in spite of such threats? As Jesus placed first in his Model Prayer, or the Our Father Prayer, “Hallowed be thy name.” Will groups of translators unitedly trust in God to rightfully restore God’s name to some modern translations, along with any discovered doctrinal truths? Imagine the beauty of having several Bible translations that can be even more fully appreciated for their faithful renderings of God’s inspired word!
9. LET GOD’S WORD CLARIFY. Let’s return to the issue of false beliefs coloring the translation of God’s word. God has preserved enough knowledge in His word that the truth can usually be discovered with careful analysis. 2Timothy 3:16,17 says, KJV: “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” So God’s word itself should make clear the doctrine we should believe about God, without the influence of worldly philosophies. Jesus likewise said to God in prayer, regarding his disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:16,17, KJV). So Jesus’ disciples were not to be corrupted by worldly or Greek philosophy—rather they were to be cleansed and set apart for God’s service by the truth of God as clarified in His word. 1Corinthians 1:27 puts it this way, KJV: “27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” Jesus did not choose his apostles from the scholarly and learned men of the time, but rather, he chose fishermen, a tax collector, among others, so that he could train them in a humble way, helping them to be servants of God that are humble and understanding, teachers after his example, not seeking the glory from men, but rather, seeking God’s glory. Unfortunately, it is all too common for scholarly men to be taught and influenced by Greek and worldly philosophies in their interpretation of Scripture. Such was the case even when the King James Version was being prepared 1604 to 1611. Let’s look at a few examples.
10. “THE SOUL THAT SINNETH.” For example, it is Greek philosophy that has taught that the soul is immortal, survives death, and proceeds to heaven or hell or some place in between. The Bible teaches that it is the “spirit” of a person that contains one’s personality and spirituality. For those with the hope of heavenly life, it is the “spiritual body” that is resurrected at God’s appointed time, not the “soul.” (1Corinthians 15:44). In the Scriptures, the “soul” comprises the physical, or “natural” body, which can die. When Adam was created, and he received the breath of life, Genesis says “and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7, KJV). The man IS a soul, and the man’s soul or “life” can be taken away. Ezekiel 18:4, KJV says: “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Throughout the Scriptures, the “soul” is spoken of as doing physical things that the spirit does not do, things like eating and drinking, for instance. (Leviticus 17:12). In Psalm 51, David prayed in v.10, KJV: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” David prayed for a renewed spirit, not soul. When Stephen was stoned, he saw Jesus at the right side of God, and said “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”—not his soul (Acts 7:59, KJV). After making a merciful expression, the account says “he fell asleep” in death (see 1Corinthians 15:6). But it was his spirit that Christ and God received, safely and securely with God until his resurrection, to return to life as one with the heavenly hope.
11. MORE GREEK PHILOSOPHY. So most persons upon death really die, but are alive in God’s memory, as He awaits the time to restore such ones to life (Job 14:13-15). For those not receiving a heavenly resurrection, they will be restored to life on earth in the future Paradise. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 puts it, KJV: “10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Notice the translation of the KJV here regarding the Hebrew term Sheol (the equivalent in Greek is Hades). Here Sheol is translated “the grave” rather than “hell” as it is in many other places, only because the truth was too obvious here. It should be clear that evildoers do not go off into a place of burning torment, which is another teaching of Greek philosophy. Rather, the Scriptures show the penalty for wrongdoing is simply death. (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Yet many such ones may still be resurrected in God’s mercy, to have opportunity to learn the truth of God in Paradise conditions, without the evil environment that is prevalent today. The only reason Jesus used one illustration involving hellfire, the Rich man and Lazarus, is because he was speaking to the Pharisees, and was trying to reach their heart by using their own belief in hellfire (which they adopted from Greek philosophy, Josephus even reported this) to help them see that their money-loving ways were leading them into disfavor with God, while poor ones were humbly responding to the good news. (Luke 16:14, 19-31). “God is love,” says 1John 4:8. How unlike a loving father, to want to mercilessly punish a person in fiery torment! As faithful Elihu told Job, at Job 34:10, KJV “far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.” (see Jeremiah 7:31).
12. A WONDERFUL PUZZLE. Therefore, it is false beliefs and philosophies that have colored the translation of God’s word, to a greater or lesser degree in essentially all translations. When examining any Bible, the question should rightly be asked: “To what degree has this translation been influenced by false beliefs and worldly philosophies?” Of course, there is still much good in most if not all translations. The Holy Scriptures are like a wonderful puzzle made up of many pieces of true knowledge, that when examined and compared to one another, make together a beautiful composite picture of God’s will and purpose for humans. Satan has tried to mar some of the pieces of knowledge, or even insert some of his own, to confuse man’s understanding of the will and purpose of God. Worldly and Greek philosophy has confused the picture.
13. PICTURE OF GOD’S PURPOSE. So more clearly what is the hope of future life that the Scriptures hold out, if people, when they die, really “fall asleep” in death? Recall God’s original purpose was that Adam and Eve spread their small “paradise” in the Garden of Eden (“park of pleasure”) over the entire globe, so the entire Earth was to be a literal and spiritual paradise. God never left his purpose—it has been delayed. (Isaiah 45:18). Still, Jesus did open up the way to heavenly life for some, but why? Their purpose is to be instructed and trained by God and Christ to assist in ruling over humanity, helping restore humans to eternal life, especially during the 1000-year reign of Christ. Revelation 20:6 says (KJV): “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
14. TWO HOPES. So two hopes emerge in the Scriptures. Is there really anything wrong with serving God whole-heartedly from the vantage point of a cleansed earth, where righteousness will dwell? The Bible shows that even the wild animals will be at peace with mankind (Isaiah 11:6-9). Can we not have a close relationship with God and others while enjoying times together on earth? King David wrote Psalm 37–notice verses 10-11, 29 (KJV): “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace...The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.” Both hopes are mentioned by Peter, at 2Peter 3:13, KJV: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Our loved ones who have died and who haven’t been resurrected to heaven, will likely be resurrected to Paradise earth, as we “have hope toward God...that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15, KJV). Thus a beautiful picture of God’s purpose emerges, genuine peace in both heaven and upon earth.
15. PUNCTUATION MATTERS. Another example of translation error is found in the matter of punctuation. You see, when the Scriptures were inspired, there was no punctuation—no commas, for instance. So translators add such punctuation, hopefully to add clarity to what was written, to aid understanding. It should be noted that sometimes capitalization has been added where it did not originally appear, which has led to confusion. Therefore, could a misplaced comma make a difference in our understanding of a verse? Let’s look at a familiar occasion, actually when Jesus was being impaled. Recall that one of the evildoers rebuked the other for disrespecting Jesus, and then said in Luke 23:42, KJV: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus responded with a statement about the man being with him in Paradise, but when? Was Jesus promising him that he would be in a heavenly Paradise that same day? Now let’s think logically and be reasonable. Recall God’s purpose for man’s home on earth, to become a Paradise, and those receiving the privilege of heavenly life. (Psalm 37:9-11,29; Revelation 21:3,4; 20:4-6). What of these who are chosen to be with God and Christ in the heavens? These are tried and tested followers of Christ, chosen to rule with him as both kings and priests before mankind, during the 1000-year reign of Christ. Was this man, until then a thief, asking Jesus to make him a king and priest alongside Jesus in the heavens and rule over mankind? Or was he just humbly asking to be resurrected, back to life into the future earthly Paradise, under Christ’s rulership? And was Jesus going to be in heaven the same day he died, or was he really dead for a short time, and resurrected back to earth temporarily, later returning to heaven? We needn’t wonder, for the Scriptures help to clarify the truth.
16. AN EXAMPLE OF PUNCTUATION. Recall that Bible translators themselves add the punctuation to (hopefully) clarify the meaning of the text and make it more readable. However, in Jesus’ response to the man’s request, a misplaced comma could change the meaning immensely. Again, let’s think logically and be reasonable. Take a look at verse 43:
Here is the English translation of the literal Greek text as it originally appears word for word:
“And he said to him Amen to you I am saying today with me you will be in the Paradise.”
Notice where the second comma is placed in his response in the KJV:
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”
Other Bible translations, such as Rotherham’s and the New World Translation, place the comma or separator after today, reading, Rotherham’s, 1902:
“And he said unto him—Verily, I say unto thee this day: With me, shalt thou be in Paradise.”
The more modern NWT says this:
“43 And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”
Which is correct?
17. THINKING LOGICALLY. Did the (likely) former thief merit going to heaven after a life of crime just because he expressed sympathy for Jesus and asked to be remembered by him? Had he ‘exerted himself vigorously to get in through the narrow door,’ as many would ‘seek to get in’ but not be able?—Luke 13:24. Had he received of the ‘scourging’ from God over time, that he might endure in righteousness under test and trial? (Hebrews 12:6). Therefore, was he prepared to judge mankind and rule with Christ, and to receive immortality for his faithfulness? Again, let’s think logically and be reasonable. Furthermore, did Jesus really go to a heavenly Paradise that day, or as Jesus himself explained the time surrounding his death and resurrection to his disciples in Matthew 12:40, KJV: “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth”—not heaven! In fact, after his resurrection (on the third day) Jesus said to Mary, as recorded at John 20:17, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God.” So Jesus clearly had not yet ascended to heaven days after his impalement and death. He did not go to a heavenly “Paradise” the day he spoke to the thief. Therefore placing the comma before “today” would make Jesus a liar! Rather, “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.” This is the accurate understanding of Jesus’ words and Luke 23:43. The man would be resurrected to an earthly Paradise, as is God’s purpose for many, clearly described in God’s word, as “there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15).
18. REJECT UNCHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHIES. Thus, translators of God’s word should never incorporate unchristian philosophies into the Holy Scriptures—rather upholding the genuine word of God, which is non-contradictory and unadulterated (1Peter 2:2). Sometimes, there is a poor word choice in translating, that can give an improper impression or idea contrary to the original intent. May humble scholars welcome God’s intervention to see His purposes carried out, to bless faithful men in serving Him. If any have selfish motives in translating the word of God, lacking faith in Him and His inspired word, intentionally choosing human philosophies above inspired teachings originating in the Scriptures, God says regarding such ones, at 1Corinthians 3: “19 For it is written: “I will make the wisdom of the wise [men] perish, and the intelligence of the intellectual [men] I will shove aside.” May such ones humble themselves “under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:6,7, NWT). If God permits it, may they cherish their privilege of translating the word of God, and willingly comply with the truth about God untainted by worldly and Greek philosophy. The truth should be as Jesus taught it, not as worldly wise men modified it hundreds of years later.
19. SHOULD SPEAK FOR ITSELF. In line with this, should the Nicene Creed really be accepted as Christian doctrine? Shouldn’t the truth be as Jesus taught it, as recorded in God’s word? He taught his disciples to view him as a humble servant of God, seeking the Father’s glory above all else. (John 8:28,29; Philippians 2:11) Is the Trinity honestly a teaching originating from the Scriptures, that a person examining the original manuscripts would come to understand on his own (with God’s help) or rather, like the theory of evolution, do some begin by viewing it as fact, and then bend all evidence to support the notion? Recall that 2Timothy 3:16,17 (KJV) says “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” So the opinions of worldly wise men are not needed to clarify Scriptural truth—rather, God’s word should speak for itself on true Christian doctrine. Certainly God is intelligent enough to instruct us in what is true and right before Him, without needing the assistance of human philosophers. By making comparisons of scripture, the truth can become manifest to honest-hearted lovers of God. Remember, God’s word is not contradictory, so if an understanding of a verse doesn’t seem to add up with what we believe, should we not reexamine the verse, seeking an understanding that agrees with the entire word of God?
20. TRINITY? HISTORY. The Nicene Creed of 381 added Holy Spirit to the Creed of 325 to teach the Trinity.
The Encyclopedia Britannica (2018) says this regarding the Trinity:
" Trinity, in Christian doctrine, the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as three persons in one Godhead. Neither the word Trinity nor the explicit doctrine appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Hebrew Scriptures: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” (Deuteronomy 6:4, KJV) "
Bible scholars are familiar with the teaching of the Trinity, that all three persons are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, and are all to be worshipped as God. History confirms that the doctrine took some three centuries after Christ to be formulated by intellectual men of the day. It was not completed in the council of Nicaea of 325 CE, as this was primarily concerned with the “deity” of Christ, without inclusion of the holy spirit. A severe punishment was included for those not submitting to the idea. The two men who stood firm and disagreed with calling Christ God were exiled to an island. Was this really God’s will, as Christ would direct? Questions about the spirit were left largely unaddressed until after the relationship between the Father and the Son was “settled” around the year 362 (Fairbairn 2009, pp. 46-47). The Trinity teaching was more complete in the Nicene Creed of 381. However, was God really guiding the understanding of these men, to affect the beliefs of Christians?
21. CHRISTIAN NEUTRALITY VIOLATED? Recall the illustration Jesus gave regarding the wheat and the weeds. Weeds that were similar in appearance to genuine wheat were sown in among the wheat. Jesus instructions were to let both grow together until the harvest—then, in the conclusion of the system, the weedlike Christians would be more easily removed and separated from true Christians by the angels. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Jesus said that his true followers were to be “no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” It was not time to set up his kingdom yet, true Christians were not to involve themselves in the politics of the day. However, it was Roman Emperor Constantine who officiated at the Council of Nicaea of 325 CE—Did God and Jesus really approve of this meeting, or it’s results? Jesus carefully and clearly taught the truth of God’s word and will to his first-century disciples—he did not lie to them about his relationship with the father. He never sought to be equal to God—he was always submissive to his Father’s will and sought God’s glory, not his own. As Jesus said at John 7:18, KJV: “18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”
22. FORETOLD APOSTASY. Paul foretold the corruption that would enter the congregation after his “going away.” The foretold apostasy from the true faith would begin. We read at Acts 20:29,30, KJV: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” “Perverse” simply means corrupt. Men would arise, speaking their own ideas, to bring attention and honor to themselves, rather than to God through Christ. The apostles had been a restraining force, holding back the apostasy. Their deaths allowed this to take place as foretold. 2Timothy 4, for example, explains in verses 3,4 (KJV): “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Such “teachers” were no doubt among the men who convened at the council of Nicaea under Emperor Constantine. The eventual goal was, despite great pagan influences, a Roman state religion of Nicene Christianity, which did occur in 380 CE by the Edict of Thessalonica. Both versions of the Nicene Creed promoted the worship of Christ along with the Father, something Jesus utterly refused throughout his life and ministry. If we would truly honor Christ, we would do so by heeding his teachings, such as when tempted by Satan, he responded, at Matthew 4:10 (KJV): “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
23. FATHER GREATER. What of the ideas of the Trinity that each person is co-equal, co-eternal, and all to be worshipped? Are these ideas found clearly in God’s original inspired word? Regarding the co-equal idea, the truth can be seen even in translations influenced by the Trinity teaching. For instance, what did Jesus teach about his relationship to the Father? Notice his words at John 14:28 (KJV): “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I” (See also John 5:19). Jesus wanted his disciples to know the truth about his relation to the Father, and we find it here, just as it is common to view a human father or parent as greater—generally older and wiser—than his son. Also, Jesus never took credit for the healings he performed with the use of God’s power—we read when these took place, that the people gave glory to God for the miracle, not to Jesus (Matthew 15:31; Luke 17:12-19). He looked up to heaven, or spoke in such a way, that people knew it was power from God that he was using. Even when one of the rulers tried to give him honor by calling him “Good Teacher,” Jesus directed attention away from himself, saying, at Luke 18:19, KJV: “Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God.” Why turn away worshipful praise, if Jesus were part of a Trinity? He made no such claim.
24. SCRIPTURES LOGICAL. So since “the Father is greater than” Jesus, they are clearly not the same, but separate and distinct. So what of John 1:1? If you are “with” someone, are you the same as that one you are with? Really, is this logical? The Scriptures, in their entirety, are logical. There must be another answer. In this verse, the Greek grammar, without the definite article, allows for the final “god” to be understood and translated as an attribute, such as “the Word was godlike” or “the Word was divine.” Jesus was of the same substance as his Father, God. They are both powerful divine beings. There have been Bibles translating the verse this way, because it agrees with the grammatical construction. Going further, what of the context? Drop down to John 1:18, KJV: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” Now thinking logically, and being reasonable, it says no man has seen God. But thousands upon thousands saw Jesus Christ, his Son. Jesus was in no way God, but he was his representative, “declaring him.” Also, this verse shows Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God—the only one to be created by God directly, or as Colossians 1:15-17 calls him, the “firstborn of every creature.” Therefore Jesus had a beginning, just as is also stated in the prophetic description of his prehuman existence in Proverbs 8:22-30. God created him, and shared life with him for aeons of time, working together to make all other things. Jesus emulated his Father’s personality, over time Jesus became like his Father in thinking, speech, and action. But never do the Scriptures say that Jesus sought worship from other angels or humans, although he may have allowed occasional gestures of respect. Ideas of being God came from philosophies of intellectuals, not originating in God’s inspired word. (1Corinthians 1:27-29; Colossians 2:8). Jesus was called “the Word” because he was God’s leading spokesman, appropriately so.
25. QUOTING FROM HEBREW SCRIPTURES. Accordingly, a translator of God’s word should be cognizant in the New Testament, or the Christian-Greek Scriptures, of the difference when the text is referring to God the Father, Jehovah, or “LORD” in all capitals throughout the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, and the Lord Jesus Christ, mentioned throughout the Greek Scriptures. Often, Christian inspired writers quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures which referenced God and His name. The translator should be careful to use God’s name in these places throughout the Greek Scriptures, not confusing God with the Lord Jesus Christ. Occasionally the names or titles have been confused, such as in 1Corinthians 1:31 in the KJV, which quotes from Jeremiah 9:24 referencing “the LORD,” the One to be glorified, contrast this with NASB, the New American Standard Bible.
26. WHAT OF HOLY SPIRIT? Accordingly, how should the Bible term meaning “breath, or wind” (Hebrew “ruach” and Greek “pneuma”) be translated in the Scriptures? There are places where the King James Version has no other choice but to translate it “spirit” rather than capitalized "Spirit" or “Ghost” because the evidence clearly shows that it must be referring to a powerful force of God, not a person. It is true that this word can refer to invisible angels, or spirit persons. However, in the vast majority of cases the term is clearly used with reference to God’s active force, invisible like the wind, that he sends forth and uses to accomplish his will. We need this powerful force of God, to aid us in doing His will and in producing within us the spirit's fruit mentioned at Galatians 5:22,23, including such qualities as love, joy, peace, and faith. At Joel 2:29, the “spirit” is said to be poured out, something that cannot happen to a person. It reads, KJV: “And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” Peter quotes this prophecy at Acts 2:17,18. And notice 1Corinthians 2:12, KJV, the term being mentioned: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given us of God." Accordingly, David prayed at Psalm 51:11, KJV: “take not thy holy spirit from me.” Similar examples can be found throughout the word of God. Thus “Holy Ghost” is an incorrect, confusing, and misleading translation of the term “holy spirit” that was influenced by the false belief of the Trinity. The holy spirit is a powerful force of God that is vital for Christians to pray for and with, but is not to be worshipped or viewed as a real person alongside God the Father. (Eph. 3:16-19).
27. BE COURAGEOUS FOR GOD AND TRUTH. Just because a belief is commonly accepted, does not of necessity make it true. And it may not be as commonly “accepted” as we think. The influence of Greek philosophy on the Christian faith should be exposed and rejected in favor of the truth of God’s inspired word. May many translators of the word of God apply the truth of God to their activity, standing up courageously for the truth that can unite truth-loving Christians together in the one faith of true Christianity. It is up to each individual to investigate God’s word carefully for himself, encouraging ministers to take the truth seriously in their teaching, that we all may seek understanding of God’s will more accurately. Worldly and Greek philosophies should be recognized, as having influenced beliefs and the translating of God’s inspired word. May we leave behind false doctrines and associated teachings that have lingered from ages past, that are no longer to be embraced as we serve the true God, Jehovah “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23,24, KJV). May translators trust God’s blessing upon their efforts, bringing the light of truth to mankind through faithful, powerful, and delightful translations of God’s inspired word, that is “alive and exerts power.” (Hebrews 4:12, NWT).