Revelation 22:18-19
New International Version (NIV)
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
Whenever I read this scripture, it always makes me stop and think. What does this scripture mean to you?
I’m thinking, the Lord is telling us that we shouldn’t change or add words to His book, The Holy Bible. However, there are several versions of the Bible out there in several different languages. When I think about this scripture, it just blows my mind. Why? Well, because of the different translations out there – which translation is the most accurate? Has anyone taken liberties when interpreting the Bible?
When I was growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, I was always taught that their version (the JW version – The New World Translation), was the Bible that was the closest to the original Bible. I’d believed that their Bible was the clearest, most concise Bible that delivered Jehovah’s word to His followers.
I’m a Christian now, and I’m no longer a part of the JW faith for several reasons. Decades ago, I did discover while I was questioning the JW beliefs that their Bible had some scriptures that appeared to be totally different than other versions of the Bible. It was like, the meaning of some scriptures were changed in the NWT and this bothered me, a lot! I felt like I’d been lied to, plus, I felt like the translators were going against the Lord’s request about NOT changing his Holy Word.
So, when I read through the book of Revelations, and see this scripture near the end of the last chapter, it always makes me stop and pause and think, recalling my experiences from my younger days as I sought the true meaning of being a Christian.
So, which Bible do you use most frequently? Do you use several versions? If so, which is your favorite? Do any of you read the King James version of the Bible? Are there any versions of the Bible out there that you don’t particularly like for some reason?
Be sure to leave a comment!!
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Cecelia,
You have been called of GOD to be one of His children. To overcome the spirit of deception in the Watchtower is no little matter.
The Society HAS changed many verses, omitting some in the NWT. There is a demonic spirit that has power over the leaders who are in their pride modified the NWT to suit their doctrine.
The NWT blasphemes the Son of GOD, denying His deity. Hebrews 1:5, 6…”For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” KJV.
The NWT bible I used when “in” was a leather type black bible that felt “good” in my hand and “comfortable” to read and easy to understand. I must admit I liked it.
Some years into the program I picked up a book order to give my four children fresh bibles for field service. Now the Leather versions were not available so we received hardcovers.
Reading through the bibles I noticed that there were no more [brackets]in the bible. The brackets were used to identify words that the Society (admits) to adding into the text for “clarity”.
Continuing to look through the bible I noticed it was the same 1984 (I believe) version of the NWT.
In their arrogance the revised the entire bible without acknowledging they did so. Really?! Then to think about it there are no names signed or acknowleged by this work of men. Only a stamp in the form of a signature that reads “The Translation Comittee” They claim this is so they can give the entire credit to Jehovah. Really?!
Looking back now what right does anyone have to change GOD’s word? Only an unsaved nonbeliever could do such a thing as this or else they would know Revelation 22:18, 19 and other Scriptures they indicate they will be held accountable.
Still looking back, any written documant, article and especially a Bible that does not have proper references and footnotes on who did the research, translation, copying and writing at best is not credible and at worst evil.
-bOB
Bob, thanks so much for visiting my blog and for leaving such an insightful comment! The only NWT Bible that I used was a green hardcover book. However, I do recall others did have a dark-colored (perhaps brown?), soft-cover version. If memory serves me correctly, the dark-brown/black? style was more expensive than the hardcover/green/more common version.
The first scripture I struggled with when reading the NWT was John 1:1. Other translations read as follows:
John 1:1
New International Version (NIV)
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
However, the NWT read like this:
In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.
This scripture is telling me that Jesus was a god, LOWERCASE. There is only ONE TRUE GOD, right? So, this scripture is telling me that Jesus is NOT the one true God – so, are they implying that Jesus is a FALSE GOD??
It boggled my mind. I was around eighteen or nineteen years old when I struggled with this scripture. Jesus is GOD, the ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD and HE SHOULD BE WORSHIPED!! Jesus is the Son of God, but, He’s also God! We have to accept Him as our Savior, believe in Him, Trust in Him completely!
Which version of the Bible do you use now, Bob? I find myself using either the New King James Version or the NIV version.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
Cecelia,
Hello!
The black leather version of the NWT (? imitation leather) were solid books; most everybody used those in the hall and in service. We went mid- late nineties till 2010 in Leominster Massachusetts.
You came to an understanding of John 1:1 much sooner in life than I. Jesus certainly is GOD the Son! No one else could redeem us from our sins!
Isaiah 43:11…”I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” KJV.
Titus 2:13… “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” KJV.
Yup… Jesus is GOD.
Your right about the small “g” Cecelia. It is an intentional slap in GOD’s face by satan through unsaved men; rewriting, manipulating His Word to suit men’s doctrine. As you pointed out, it is a commandment they have chosen to break doing what they have done with GOD’s Word.
Back when I was in good standing and started noticing ommissions and changes in the NWT I began doing some research on the NWT and other versions of the bible. I could easily get winded and go off on what I have learned and what I believe to be true but I will spare you and your readers that punishment.
Anyhow, what I have discovered has led me to believe that the KJV is the most literal, the most correct Bible in English. It is also the most beautifully written piece of literature I have ever read.
With the family though we use the NKJV to make it easier for them to grasp.
In Christ’s love- bOB
Bob, you can get as winded as you want on my blog! I don’t mind at all! I love getting comments on my blog! Yes, by mid to late nineties, I’d been gone. It’s great that you finally saw the light about the JWs! I was raised JW until I was 12 – that’s when my dad stopped me and my sisters from going to the Hall with our mom. So, we stopped.
Fast forward six years. I still think JWs tell The Truth and that my dad is totally wrong. So, I told my mom that when I went away to college, away from home, I’d study with the JWs since Dad would no longer be an “issue.” That’s when I found the omissions and changes that I referenced in my blog post! I studied with them in college for about a year or two before I stopped my study with them! I could go off and talk about all that I’d learned about them and their beliefs that didn’t set to well with me, but, that would take entirely too long!
I hope you have a blessed day!
Cecelia,
Likewise… I would be very interested to hear the things you learned that didn’t set well with you regarding the Witnesses.
I had picked up an Watchtower Greek- English interlinear somehow somewhere, it was a 1969 version I believe.
That book was more honest than the NWT itself. Whoever translated the Greek in the interlinear, I do not know; I am not convinced the Witnesses did the actual work translating the Greek, because to me it appears it was done with some accuracy and honesty (judging by a KJV).
At any rate in the interlinear, half the page is NWT and the other half is in Greek with the English words (I believe) above the Greek. Often times, one side does not agree with the other. The Greek side says one thing with the proper translated English words and then in the NWT text next to it, words are changed, added and deleted as they see fit. It’s crazy how obvious their deception is with this book that they themselves published.
More on the 1969 Interlinear… in the introduction in the 1969 version they admit that YHWH is not properly transliterated as Jehovah. They rightly claimed that YHWH is better pronounced as Yahweh. This became a tool I attempted to use with my wife, the first anti Witness, witness to her if you will. They reason being is they published several Watchtower articles on Jehovah.
“They are the only people to pronounce the name of Jehovah” (another lie).
Well after that honest intro in 1969 they revised the book in 1984 (and marked it as such, I must add). I never looked too deeply into it, so I do not know what changes they made other than I noticed that the intro pages were identical to the 1969 intro… except…{drum roll}… they deleted their admission that Yahweh is a more proper form of pronouncing and representing YHWH. Being that the introduction wasn’t written fresh for 1984, I took it as a great insult that they took out their previous truthful admission about GOD’s name.
In my research on bibles, I again developed a belief, this time that any “modern” bibles were somehow not what they should be. I feel that as GOD inspired the originals He also preserved their inpiration.
My belief is GOD preserved His Word in English with the KJV.
Although I do not remember the details with out reviewing some notes, almost all modern bibles including the NWT are based on the work of Wescott and Hort, who base their work from Nestles Greek manuscripts. All these modern bibles are missing hundreds of words and verses that GOD inspired.
At least in the case of Wescott and Hort, evidence shows that they were into the occult (not saved men) communicating with spirits, therefore not led by GOD’s Spirit in their work, though other spirits I do believe did assist them. They in my opinion had no business “translating”/ interpeting GOD’s Words.
Back to Jehovah… when I brought this out to my wife at first it was like a revelation to her, then what was a revelation was like I was the bad guy. (True… I am no angel).
I told her with the help of the Interlinear, that Jehovah’s name is not pronounced Jehovah (there is no “j” in Hebrew) but much more likely Yahweh. Mr. Elder soon got called and Mr. Elder agreed with me, yet I became confirmed Mr. Bad guy (and so remain) for bring doubts down upon my wife.
Thats some of what I learned about bibles.
In Christ’s love- bOB
Bob, I wanna say I “kinda” recall an Greek-English interlinear Bible back in the seventies. My memory is very vague, and I don’t recall really “reading” it, but just seeing it and heard it talked about.
My dad always said the name Jehovah is a mistake in translation and when you research it, you pretty much find out that Jehovah is a mistranslation.
Hard for me to speak about original texts/languages and such for the Bible. I know it’s difficult for me to read the KJV because of the language used. I don’t mind the NKJV, though.
Thanks much for your insightful comments. It’s given me much to think about.
In Him,
Cecelia
I’m the oddball here. I read the an old Saint Jerome Latin Vulgate for praying and meditation. If I want English for some strange reason, I use an 18th century Douay-Rheims version.
As to whether or not Jesus is God… HE IS! So is the Holy Ghost. So is the Father. Their love is so perfect they are each other. And some things we can never understand. That is why one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is faith.
Have a blessed day.
Mary
Thanks for the response, Mary. I’m not well-versed into different Biblical translations – I’ve never heard of the Saint Jerome Latin Vulgate but it sounds as if not many people use that due to the language barrier (as you’ve somewhat implied). I have heard of Douay, though.
Hi Cecilia,
I use the New Revised Standard in worship (NRSV). In personal study I use the NRSV, the New King James, New International Version and J.B Phillips. Unless we read and understand Aramaic and Hebrew we’re always reading someone’s interpretation of the word. When we read the Bible we’re getting a glimpse into the ancient communities who channeled that word as well. What’s clear to me is not how someone interprets the words, but how someone lives the word. If I’m not accepting and exhibiting the power of God’s unconditional love it doesn’t matter what translation I’m reading. Thanks for an interesting topic.
Thanks for responding, Anna. I’ve never heard of J.B. Phillips. Yes, our Christianity should shine in the way that we live our lives.
Interesting blog post. It’s a lot to think about. Perhaps your current pastor would know which Bible was closest to the original Bible?
Dawn, actually, I’ve rarely had personal conversations with the pastor of our church. I’m not sure if he even has office hours! The only times we ever speak with him is at the church’s annual picnic where he makes a point of walking around and shaking everybody’s hand.
However, I do know that he has a Bible study on Sunday mornings with some church members. I never attend this Bible study, so, it’s possible that’s when people may get to know the pastor and ask him Biblical questions like the one I outlined on my blog post.
I truly believe in the King James Version being the closest, but I totally agree with what Anna Swerinen had to say about living the word.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Erin. I, too, agree with Anna’s comment about living the Word.
King James Version? It’s hard for me to read that because it’s in old English(?). I find I prefer the The New King James version vs. the original. However, I’ve found a number of people over the years who will only read the original King James Version of the Bible.
When my hustand and I pastored (he is now a church executive) we went through the King James wars. How sad that believers fight over translations of the Bible.
The King James is an excellent literal translation – not paraphrase – of the original language manuscripts that were available in 1611. Thank God for the preservation of His word.
Modern translations use manuscripts much older than those available in 1611. Some modern translations are dynamic equiliviant which means, as I understand it, a translation that tries to put the message in modern language. The history of Biblical translation is remarkable. The scriptures we have today are very close to the original and can be trusted.
His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
He watches over His word to perform it.
Our scriptures can be trusted.
For general reading I use the NIV and the NKJV. My NKJV study Bible is full of good notes.
As has been said, the Word God, our infallible guide to faith and prictice, is to be lived out in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
Let us be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Johnese, thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog! I highly appreciate it! Read my response to your comment below:
When my hustand and I pastored (he is now a church executive) we went through the King James wars. How sad that believers fight over translations of the Bible.
>>>So, members of your flock fought over which version of the Bible to use? At my old church home, the pastor would use the King James version of the Bible when he read scripture aloud. However, I’d noticed that when people visited, they usually read from another translation of the Bible. If your flock didn’t want to use the KJV of the Bible, then, what was their alternative? Did they object to the KJV because of the Old English language barrier?
The King James is an excellent literal translation – not paraphrase – of the original language manuscripts that were available in 1611. Thank God for the preservation of His word.
Modern translations use manuscripts much older than those available in 1611.
>>>I didn’t realize this. So, some of the modern translations use manuscripts older than the ones used in the King James Bible? Those manuscripts that are used in modern translations were not available to King James, meaning, they’d not be discovered yet? Interesting! I did not realize this!
Some modern translations are dynamic equiliviant which means, as I understand it, a translation that tries to put the message in modern language. The history of Biblical translation is remarkable. The scriptures we have today are very close to the original and can be trusted.
>>>Oh, Ok. But, I find myself doubting some translations, for valid reasons. Like the one that I mentioned in this blog post, The New World Translation – I don’t think that translation can be trusted.
Hi Cintia! I love this saying – it is SO true!I also waetnd to let you know that I nominated your blog for a Liebster Award. You find all the details in my latest post :)www.LaurensGlassSlipper.blogspot.com
Thanks, Juan!