Interesting Questions-06
"Why use different Bible
versions?"
Letter to the Editor:
GOD'S MESSAGE, June 2004, p.3
I HAVE READ several issues of your magazine. I
greatly admire the way you tackle doctrinal issues by quoting
directly from the scriptures. However, I find it disturbing that you
use many Bible versions, and not stick to just one. Are you being
subjective and arbitrary by choosing the version that suits your
beliefs? Why the need to use different versions?
Kim Valdez
Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Editor's reply:
Using only one Bible version in both written and
oral discourse seems practical and expedient. This would not pose
any problem if and when those who translated various languages are
completely free of bias or theologically neutral. Unfortunately,
they are not. And this has resulted not only in differences in
shades of meaning in some portions of the verse, but also in
differences in interpretation of the entire passage:
"All translations involves interpretation.
Interpretation, of course, involves the influence of theology; and
as all translation involves interpretation, so all translation
involves theology. ......... Translators cannot avoid totally the
necessity of making interpretive decisions, nor can they avoid
completely the influence of personal views of truth on their work.
Translation in not hermeneutically neutral and translators are not
theologically neutral." (Accuracy of Translation, p.41)
For these reasons there are times when it is
necessary to choose the version that is not only easier to
comprehend, but most of all renders the precise meaning---thus, the
need to use more than one version of the Bible.
How do we determine which particular version of
the Bible to use? Apostle Paul taught the guiding principle when it
comes to the teachings written in the Holy Scriptures:
"But God has revealed them to us through His
Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of
God."
"These things we also speak, not in words which
man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing
spiritual things with spiritual" (I Cor. 2:10,13, New King James
Version)
Spiritual truth must be compared with spiritual
truths, and in doing so, there must be no contradiction. Hence, if a
term or phrase in particular version contradicts the true doctrine,
then there is an error in the translation. Therefore it behooves us
to use a version that does not contradict the biblical truth.
However, an important thing must be understood
when it come to comparing spiritual truths with spiritual truths. A
preacher of the gospel must be sent or duly commissioned by God for
him to receive the Holy Spirit and be able to correctly compare
spiritual truths and spiritual things. Hence, not everyone can
rightfully explain the contents of the Bible. Apostle Paul said,
"And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
..... (Rom. 10:15, ibid)
John the Baptist also taught the importance of
being sent by God:
"The one whom God has sent speaks God's words,
because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit." (Jn. 3:34,
Today's English Version)
God gave the knowledge of His words only to His
messengers. They are the ones entrusted with the ministry and the
message of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18-20), and thus they are the
ones who can rightfully teach the contents of the Holy Scriptures.
People should listen to their preaching to be able to know and
understand the will of God expressed in His Holy book.
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