We realize this topic is sensitive and can be polarizing. Our highest concern is that the things we present are truthful. Yet in studying for this topic, it has made it very apparent to us that Satan is still in the steal, kill and destroy mode and is determined to pervert God’s Word.
One thing to note before we begin: many of the newer translations are slanted by the translators doctrine – Calvinism mainly.
How important is having a copy of God’s Word?
1. When it came time for Israel to have a king…
a. He was to have his own copy of the Law – Deut 17:18
b. To read every day, learning to fear God and observe His Word Deut 17:19
c. Keeping him humble, faithful, and prolonging his reign – Deut 17:20
2. Christians defined are “little Christ’s” and are to eventually reign with Him. We are called to be HIS hands and feet of love and truth to the world we live in.
a. Charged to observe all that He commanded – Mt 28:18-20
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
If the kings of Israel were to have their own personal copies of the Law, certainly the kings of Christ ought to have (and read) their own personal Bibles!
A Bit of History
In the following examples the KJV is used as a comparison to other versions. As a body of believers, our church has agreed to have the King James Version as the basis for our preaching and sharing over the pulpit. Is it the most accurate presentation of God’s Word available to us . . . or are there better options? Few Christians realize that there have been over 200 new Bible translations published just within the last 50 years. Why so many very recent translations?
Most of the changes in various versions of God’s Word today are in the New Testament, which lays out God’s prescription for eternal life . . . is this a coincidence? Was it a genuine search for truth or something else? We didn’t realize before this study that one of the motivations for new versions is monetary profit. When a new version is produced for the masses the person who authored or coined the new version holds the copyright, and thus receives royalties.
For nearly 400 years the King James Version remained unchallenged as the standard Protestant English Bible. Newer translations did come out from 1611 to the mid 20th century but none of those gained widespread acceptance among the English-speaking Protestant churches. Then starting in the mid 20th century new translations began to gain in popularity. The Revised Standard Version (both testaments published in 1952) was the first serious contender against the King James Version. Then in the 1960’s-1970’s came the New American Standard Bible, Living Bible, New International Version, New King James Version, and eventually scores of others. Many of those mid 20th century translations had lost their popularity by the 21st century.
Some of the top contenders today by number of sales are the 2011 update to the New International Version (gender neutral), English Standard Version, and New Living Translation. With so many newer translations available, many Christians think of the King James Version as an irrelevant relic from a bygone era. However, in the midst of this coming and going of new translations, the King James Version has withstood the test of time and continues to have a solid reader base, and for good reasons.
Greek and Hebrew Texts Used in Translation
All of the bibles translated to english today have been taken from their original Greek and Hebrew languages. The Old Testament from what is called the Masoratic text and the Old Testament from the Textus Recreptus (received text), Majority text or minority text.
The Masoratic text and Textus Receptus have been considered the most accurate and reliable texts by the christian church all throughout history. Approximately 95% of the greek texts that have been discovered throughout history agree with the majority text and Textus Receptus. Not until the mid-1900s were various other so called critical or minority texts (less then 5% of discovered texts) given wide credibility by mainstream christianity. Many of the minority texts which form the basis of most of the newer translations (from 1973 on) have been tampered with by the Vatican (Roman Catholic church).
The 1978 New International Version is generally accepted as the prominent translation using these minority texts. It is also not a literal translation. It is thought-for-thought. The KJV translators italicized words that do not appear in the original languages but were added in an attempt to convey the meaning of the text. Many modern translations (i.e. NIV, ESV, TNIV) do not indicate added words with italics.
Why are translations different?
A. Differences in language. Languages communicate different things in different ways. Certain conversational expressions are unique to each of our languages and the translators had to convey these ideas over to a new language. Even within the same language, meaning can change over time.
B. Based upon a different text. If a translation relies on modern discoveries, variants will occur. A word will be added or left off. Spellings may differ.
C. Different doctrinal perspectives. There is no way we can separate ourselves and our choices from our doctrinal beliefs – they will eventually come through. As a result, if we are translating something and encounter a couple of ways something could be rendered, one which supports our beliefs and another which does not, we are mostly likely to choose the one that supports our beliefs.
D. Different styles of translation.
The Four Main Styles of Translation
1. Word-for-word (literal or formal equivalence)
2. Interlinear
3. Thought-for-thought (dynamic equivalence)
4. Paraphrase
- Word-for-word (literal): Whenever possible a word for word equivalence is established in language which is clear, but parallel to the content of the original. No translation is flawless, however, translations which seek to establish a formal equivalence between the original language and the English translation are less prone to bias, misinterpretation, and blatant error. The most accurate literal translations are: King James Version (KJV) of 1611, American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901. Some less accurate versions of literal translation are: Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, New King James Version and English Standard Version (ESV). Caution: The editors of the ESV, made the unfortunate decision not to follow the custom of italicizing wording supplied by translators. This can deceive the reader into thinking that a word or phrase (which may be inferred in the text) is present when it actually is not.
- Interlinear: An interlinear places an English word-for-word translation under every word in the original language. Whenever possible, one word is under the word in the original language. One of the most readily available interlinear Bibles is The Interlinear Bible, by Jay P. Green. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1982. Green utilizes the Textus Receptus as his textual basis for the New Testament. Modern printings even include Strong’s numbering below each original language word.
- Thought-for-thought (or dynamic equivalence): This approach is more dependent than a paraphrase upon the actual text of the original language, but allows itself more flexibility to express the meaning (or what the translators believe the meaning to be). “Dynamic equivalent translators believe that the translator has the duty to make interpretive decisions for the ignorant reader. The Amplified Bible, The Good News Bible, The Voice New Testament, The Contemporary English Version, The New Living Translation and the New International Version are all thought-for-thought translations.
- Paraphrase: To paraphrase, is literally to state something “beside” (Gr. para) something else. It is to summarize a text or put it in one’s own words. While one might consult a paraphrase to consider human opinion on Scripture it should never be used as Scripture! The Living Bible by Kenneth Taylor and The Message by Eugene Peterson are paraphrases. When a preacher preaches, he uses paraphrases. HOWEVER we do not consider his preaching as equal to the literal, written Word of God!
Dangers of thought-for-thought and paraphrase versions
Instead of looking at the exact words in the original ancient text and translating them literally for what they actually meant, the translator begins to use his own words to describe what he thinks God meant in the Scripture. This is dangerous because what then is paraphrased has been interpreted by man and proclaimed to be inspired Scripture – something only the Holy Spirit can do.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
Examples of Differences Between Translations
A key verse to compare between versions:
KJV – Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Many of the modern versions replace “virgin” with young woman. This directly challenges the virgin birth, which denies the deity of God!
KJV (literal) vs. NIV (thought-for-thought)
The NIV changes “Joseph” to “the child’s father” – challenging the virgin birth!
Luke 2:33 (NIV) – The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Luke 2:33 (KJV) – And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
When did God stop being wise?
1 Timothy 1:17 (KJV) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV omits Mark 15:28 as well as parts of many verses throughout the new testament.
There are many, many more changes and omissions which can be seen using parallel comparison.
KJV (literal) vs. The Message (paraphrase)
KJV – Romans 8:35: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
The Message – Romans 8:35: “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture!”
Not only does Peterson rearrange this verse – he also adds in a promise that is not there (that sin cannot separate us from God). And the promise goes directly against the rest of Scripture. There IS one thing that can separate us from God – sin.
KJV – Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Then in the Lord’s Prayer, Peterson changes the phrase of “on earth as it is in heaven”to “as above, so below”. You might be thinking that is not bad, just simply a paraphrase. But the phrase “as above, so below” is an occultic New Age phrase that “is believed to hold the key to all mysteries. All systems of magic are claimed to function by this formula.” (source)
We would urge you to read an article by Chick Publications called “Four Words That Open the Doorway to Satanism” and what the occultic statue of Baphomet has to do with the phrase “as above, so below”.
New Age implications and terms are all through the Message. In the KJV, the term “Lord Jesus Christ” appears 118 times. But in the Message is does not appear at all. Instead, in many places, it uses the term “Master Jesus”. Peterson also changed the word prayer in some places. In Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28, the Message Bible tells us to “pray to the energies of prayer.” Apparently, God no longer answers our prayers, instead, the prayer itself, generates “the energy.” (source) An accurate biblical definition of prayer, is a “beseeching the Lord” (Ex.” “32:11); “pouring out the soul before the Lord” (1 Sam. 1:15);” “praying and crying to heaven (2 Chr. 32:20); “seeking unto God” “and making supplication” (Job 8:5); “drawing near to God” (Ps.” “73:28); “bowing the knees” (Eph. 3:14).
KJV – Romans 15:13 : “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
The Message Bible – Romans 15:13 : “Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
The “green hope” originated with the hellish, human sacrificing, Druids. The publication Talks on Freemasonry states, “Green was, with the Druids, a symbol of hope and the virtue of hope with a Freemason illustrates the hope of immortality.” The “green hope” mantra is a popular rallying cry in the new age Mother-Earth environmental movement. In NAM “green” signifies Oneness with the Earth, hence the title of William Anderson’s book, Green Man: The Archetype of Our Oneness with the Earth. (source)
KJV (literal) vs. the New Living Translation (thought-for-thought)
The word “begotten” has been wrongfully removed from John 3:16 and replaced by “only son”.
The english word “begotten” is taken from the greek word “monogenes”. The definition is “pertaining to being the only one of its kind within a specific relationship.” This is its meaning in Hebrews 11:17 when the writer refers to Isaac as Abraham’s “only begotten son” (KJV). Abraham had more than one son, but Isaac was the only son he had by Sarah and the only son of the covenant. Therefore, it is the uniqueness of Isaac among the other sons that allows for the use of monogenes in that context.
To say that Jesus is God’s “only son” is a lie! In fact, God has many sons according to Scriptures such as 1st John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”
Changes and omissions . . .
Deuteronomy – “sodomite” changed to “temple prostitute”
1 Kings 14:24 – “sodomites” replaced with “shrine prostitutes”
1 Kings 15:12 – “sodomites” replaced with “shrine prostitutes”
1 Kings 22:46 – “sodomites” replaced with “shrine prostitutes”
2 Kings 23:7 – “sodomites” replaced with “shrine prostitutes”
Matthew 17:21 – entire verse omitted
Matthew 18:11 – entire verse omitted
Matthew 19:9 – half of the verse is omitted
Luke 4:8 – “get thee behind me Satan” is omitted
1 John 4:3 – the all-important words “Christ is come in the flesh” are omitted
1 John 5:7 – KJV- “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
NLT – “So we have these three witnesses.”
There are many more differences and omissions.
There are even newer versions of God’s Word (2000 and on) being used in now main-stream “christianity” that are more blatant in their perversion of God’s Holy Word. Some things these versions have in common are unapologetic feminism, gender-neutrality, many new age terms and much softer language on sin and the consequences of it. Two of these are: The Inclusive Version and the 2011 updated NIV.
Is this vital to our faith?
Let’s consider an analogy. A highly contagious plague suddenly descends on societies worldwide. There is no way to avoid contracting this disease. This disease kills 100% of the people who do not get treatment!
The John’s Hopkins Hospital publishes a multi-step protocol and prescription that completely cures the disease if all the correct steps and dosages are followed. Because of the contagious, deadly nature of this plague, this prescription is made available to everyone . It spells out the treatment steps necessary to be healed. The cure is miraculous and works 100% of the time if the protocol is understood and followed exactly. Many people contract the disease and are cured by following the prescription. Years pass and the prescription is translated many times into different languages so that everyone with this deadly disease can have access to it and be cured.
Over time people begin to lose their fear of this disease since the prescription is so effective. As people all over the world begin to lose their fear of this deadly disease, they add their own ideas to the prescription and even omit details they feel are unnecessary. These “clif notes” versions of the prescription become very popular since they are shorter and eliminate some of the less enjoyable parts of the prescription.
If this deadly plague actually happened in our world today . . . would we trust our lives to less-than-accurate copies of this prescription? Or would we do all within our power to obtain an accurate, full-length copy of the prescription?
We leave you with these words of Jesus when rebuking Satan . . .
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4
Every. Single. Word.
For further research, please read the source links listed within the article above, as well as resources here:
How To Choose a Bible Translation by Ancient Road Publications
Defending the King James Bible by D. A. Waite
Compare Bible Verses for yourself at Bible Study Tools (link is example in Isaiah 7:14)
Quick Comparison of Bible Versions
The Message Bible – Is It Truth?
*Editor’s note: This was a talk Lowell gave at our local church. This information has been gathered over time and taken from various internet sources and books on the subject – as well as comparison of different translations.
A printable handout: We offered the congregation a two-page document with the main points listed above, as well as some more comparisons between Bible translations. You are welcome to download and print that document here.
We believe in the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Scriptures. Jesus said, “Thy Word is truth.” And so we not only believe it, we also base our worldview upon it.