Posts Tagged ‘translations’
Which New Testament translation should I read?
Question: Good morning. I wish to ask you which New Testament to read: one written by a Catholic publisher or one written by a Protestant publisher? Thank you very much. Greetings from Argentina. Answer: It isn’t as much a matter of who printed the pages as it is the accuracy of the translation. The Roman…
Read MoreRewriting the Bible
by Tom Wacaster It seems that the 20th and 21st centuries will go down in history as the age when men sought to rewrite the Bible and present to men what they want to hear rather than what God wants them to hear. The modern versions [for the most part] are the product of an…
Read MoreWhy are some translations not captializing the pronouns referring to God?
Question: Why aren’t the scripture readings using capitalized ”He,” ”Him,” etc. when referring to God or Jesus? In respect for Their holiness? Thank you. Answer: I can’t answer why the supplier of your Scripture readings chose not to capitalize pronouns referring to God. However, I would like to point out something to consider: The original…
Read MoreAre Translations Authorized?
by Doy Moyer Perhaps this seems like an odd question, but it is good to think about this. Since most people are not going to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the only way they are going to hear God’s word at all will be through translations. But how do we show that translations can still…
Read MoreLiteral or Dynamic Translations
by Doy Moyer It should go without saying that we want to have accurate Scripture translations. For many, that means wanting a “word for word” (aka literal) translation instead of a more “thought for thought” (aka dynamic) translation. While some translations get closer to doing that than others (e.g., NASB vs NIV), the truth is…
Read MoreThe King James Translators’ Thoughts on Bible Translations
by Doy Moyer I recommend reading the translators’ preface to the King James Version of 1611. It’s easily found online, and some older King James Bibles may contain it. It helps provide some context when trying to see the value in various translations. People today make claims about KJV that the translators did not make.…
Read MoreWhat do you think of the Legacy Standard Bible?
Question: Hi, I have a question. I frequently use your website as a reference for Bible lessons. I appreciate all the great lessons and resources on your website. I was curious about a new topic being discussed among churches of Christ. The new LSB version of the Bible has been introduced to us (at our…
Read MoreAre the NKJV and NASB corrupted translations?
Question: [The original question contained two links to sites as “proof” of his points. Those links were removed to avoid advertizing questionable sites.] Hello, I visited your site and thank you for shedding some light on the Greek primacy vs Aramaic primacy of the original New Testament scriptures. I think the Aramaic argument is being…
Read MoreIs the Bible left to each individual’s interpretation?
Question: A few questions I have: Is the Bible left to each individual’s own interpretation? How can we trust translations? Isn’t that just someone else’s interpretation(s)? How can I prove the Bible is correct if someone doesn’t even believe it in the first place? Thank you. Answer: “But know this first of all, that no…
Read MoreI have enjoyed using your website over the years for research, study, and thoughts on a particular subject
Question: Dear Brethren, I have enjoyed using your website over the years for research, study, and thoughts on a particular subject. Keep up the solid biblical wisdom provided. I recently came across a passage which I really liked the translation. It took me a while to find it (the quoted verse was on Instagram) but…
Read MoreWhat is meant by “Thou shalt not revile the gods”?
Question: Exodus 22:28 in the King James Version states we are not to revile the gods. Some explain it meaning governors while some translations state “do not revile God.” What is the true history of this verse? Thank you. Answer: The word in question is elohim in the Hebrew. This word is typically translated “God,” but…
Read MoreWhat is the meaning of “pipes prepared in thee”?
Question: In the book of Ezekiel 28:13, what is the meaning of “pipes prepared in thee”? Did Satan have musical instruments as part of him? Did he have a harp as part of his body? Answer: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and…
Read MoreWas Timothy’s father an Aramean?
Question: In Was Timothy’s father a non-believer? you said, “In the end, I think all you can state is that Timothy’s father was of Greek nationality.” But Acts 16:1 (translated from Aramaic Peshitta, based on Younan) says, “And he arrived at the medintha [city] Derbe and at Lostra. Now there was there a certain talmida [student]…
Read MoreHow do we know there was a church in Troas?
Question: I’ve always held the position that Acts 20:7 states “when the disciples came together to break bread.” But in my recent study, I’ve realized the Greek is actually Strong’s 1473, ημων – “we.” How is it, then, concluded that there was a church at Troas? I am not aware of any specific mention of…
Read MoreThree Witnesses
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ThreeWitnesses.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I John 5:5-9 I. There are two readings for I John 5:7-8 A. ”For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and…
Read MoreIs it tempt or try?
Question: In Matthew 4:7, it seems to say something different in two translations. The ESV: Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” The NKJV: Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” Which translation is…
Read MoreWhy did you misquote II Samuel 12:8?
Question: Hi, I just read through some of your pages. This one I found particularly interesting: Didn’t God support polygamy by offering David more wives? Did you or whoever wrote this “answer” deliberately misquote this passage of the Bible to support a thesis? Every version of the Bible including the NKJV says “into your arms” or…
Read MoreWhy do Christians think they can sin and not go to hell?
Question: Hi sir, I am Muslim, and I have some questions. Please do not ignore them. In Pakistan, where I was brought up, I had a lot of Christian friends. I use to visit their homes and I always felt comfortable with them. I have been to their churches and always stared at the beautiful…
Read MoreIs the KJV the Only True Bible Version?
by Ethan R. Longhenry via De Vibro Vitae There has been some discussion in the world today, even in the church, that there is one Bible version which is the only true version, the Authorized or King James Version. Is this so? How can we determine which Bible version is better, if any? Let us explore…
Read MoreShouldn’t there be 12 children in Genesis 32:22?
Question: Good morning, I am working on my Bible class lesson for my Bible class tonight. While reviewing Jacob’s children up to this point in Genesis, he should have 12 children: 11 sons and 1 daughter. However, Genesis 32:22 says that Jacob sent his two wives, two maids, and 11 children across the Jabbok. I…
Read MoreDoes the language in which the Bible is read change the way we interpret certain passages?
Question: I have a question about the Bible that I’d like to ask. Does the language in which the Bible is read change the way we interpret certain passages? Answer: Translating a text from one language to another ideally expresses the same ideas in both languages. However, there are always difficulties in translating because in…
Read MoreWhy is the last phrase in Matthew 19:9 missing in some translations?
Question: In Matthew 19:9, I can’t find the phrase “and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” in my translation. Answer: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9 NKJV). “And I say…
Read MoreMy friend thinks that God’s prohibition against instrumental music in worship is due to mistranslations
Question: I have a friend who has left the church to participate with a community church. Can you offer me advice on what to say to her or point me to articles already posted that I can use in hopes of restoring her? This friend thinks that too much of God’s original words or thoughts…
Read MoreThe Origin of the King James Version
by Ethan R. Longhenry In my personal reading, I have just completed two books that discuss the origins of the King James Version: In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture, by Alister McGrath, and God’s Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible,…
Read MoreThose words in italics are idle words!
Question: Dear Minister, “… there will be two in one bed …” The Greek does not have ‘men’ “Two will be grinding …” No ‘women’ in the Greek text either. “Two will be in the field …” Again, no ‘men.’ The words ‘men’ and ‘women’ have been added by Catholic and later Anglican translators because…
Read MoreOur Changing Attitude Toward the Bible
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/OurChangingAttitudeTowardTheBible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 1:22-25 I. A new translation of the Bible came out last month, called “As Good as New: A Radical Retelling of the Scriptures.” A. Actually, “translation” is not a good description of it. As my wife commented, it doesn’t even make a good paraphrase. B. Several examples were given…
Read MoreDid Elkanah worship once a year or several times each year?
Question: In I Samuel 1:3, Elkanah worships God in Shiloh yearly (KJV, NKJV, etc.), while in general, men are required to do this three times a year (Exodus 34:23, Deuteronomy 16:16). Is Elkanah doing less than what is required by God? I Samuel 1:3 (ASV) says from year to year; could this include more than…
Read MoreWhy is I Corinthians 7:27 translated differently?
Question: My question is, 23 different bibles all say the same thing. They specifically say “divorced from your wife” no problem there. Yet there are 7 different biles that also say the same thing. Instead of saying divorced from your wife they say ” if you are unmarried” here’s the problem with the word “unmarried”. Does it literally mean that…
Read MoreYou helped me understand that the KJV is a translation and not the inspired word of God itself
Question: Dear Minister, A conversation with my father-in-law drove me to do some research concerning the King James Version of the Bible and other translations of God’s inspired word. I was guided to your web site. Your article on the subject was very informative and enlightening, and I really appreciate it. It caused me to…
Read MoreWouldn’t the Jewish Bible, the Torah, be the most accurate since Jesus was Jewish?
Question: Hi, I have a question” I googled “Which Bible is the most accurate?” and I stumbled upon your page. But my question is wouldn’t the Jewish Bible, the Torah, be the most accurate since Jesus was Jewish? Answer: “Torah” refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, which were written by Moses.…
Read MoreWilliam Tyndale: Christian, Translator, Martyr
by Jefferson David Tant William Tyndale (1494-1536) was a Reformation leader in England. He was born near Gloucester and has the distinction of being the first man to print the New Testament in English from the original Greek. (John Wycliffe had done a Latin to English translation in 1382). He was fluent in eight languages…
Read MoreYour explanation of Psalms 51:5 was just what I was looking for
Question: Hello brothers and sisters, Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks and appreciation for the work you do with your website. I was looking for a concise explanation of the various translations of Psalm 51:5. Imagine my joy when I found a church of Christ on the first page of my Yahoo! search.…
Read MoreWhat do you think of the Easy to Read Version?
Question: What about the Easy-to-Read Version? Answer: The English Version for the Deaf (ERD) was first published in 1978 by Baker Publishing House. American Sign Language, used by the deaf in the United States, does not follow the same grammar rules as English. Thus, English is a second language for many of the deaf. The…
Read MoreWas the New Testament written in Greek or Aramaic?
Question: In what language was the New Testament written: Greek or Aramaic? Answer: The New Testament was written in Greek. All the earliest manuscripts are in Greek. The style of writing is in the Greek style, though some of the writers, such as Matthew, wrote with a Hebrew “accent,” if you would, but it was…
Read MoreYour translation of Jeremiah is way off
Question: Shalom, I wish more Christians studied scripture in its original language. I googled some information as to why Christians do not keep the laws of the five books of Moses. I came upon your website which quoted a few verses from Jeremiah. I am an orthodox Jew who lived in Israel. I speak, read,…
Read MoreWhat does “reviler” mean?
Question: What does “reviler” mean? Does it mean only calling people names or does it mean swearing? Answer: “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner–not even to eat…
Read MoreShould John 1:18 have “Son” or “God”?
Question: Hello! I’ve been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses hoping to be a light and share the truth. As I am sure you know, the biggest obstacle is the deity of Christ. One thing in my research is John 1:18 – the Greek that I have references to the word translated as son is theos, not huios as you had…
Read MoreShould we trust the translation of the Bible since languages change?
Question: Hi, I was wondering, should we be so confident to trust the translation of the Bible, seeing that language changes and the Greek spoken back then is most likely not the current Greek. Also with English and any other language, Language changes through time, words and meanings sometimes change and get obscured. How can…
Read MoreWhy do you use the non-inspired NKJV?
Question: Love your site! But why do you use the non-inspired version that has changed scriptures and missing words? I also notice that some of the NKJV have a 666 crest that looks like a trinity circle on them. Very deceptive — just like the fish sign for Dagod! Thanks for your thoughts. Answer: There is…
Read MoreThe Holman Christian Standard Bible
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HolmanChristianStandardBible.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Peter 1:16-21 I. Publishers are producing more translations of the Bible, in part because a popular translation can lead to a good amount of profit from royalties. A. This means a drive to present the text of the Bible in modern terms for readability. B. In 2012 the most popular…
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