Quote:
By Hunter
Translation, version, its all greek to me. Realy though,this is what I mean. If some translations are more correct , then there are some translations that are less correct. What happens if you get the one that translates things wrong?? Also , this is just a thought because I realy dont know, wouldnt god expect his followers to learn the language of the bible? If he said things a certain way then wouldnt he expect people to make the sacrafice to learn them the way he intended? Wouldnt those languages be considered "holy" since it is how god communicated with his followers in the old testament
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The differences are not that great though mate. THose that alter a substancial theology are generally widely renounced as in serious error. The bible the Jehovahs witnesses use is one such translation. A commitee that comprised of just one person qualified in koine greek, and self taught in Hebrew, translated theirs. There are significant trasnlation errors.
All the others agree on the central assertions of Christianity. Sometimes it can indeed help reading more than one translation to get a clearer picture, as it may word something in a slightly different way. It is after all the spirit and intent that is the important thing. The message that get's into your mind, not the exact wording. It's the "inspired word of God", not a series of magic words.
An example is this note verse 3 in all versions:
NIV:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[1] it.
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NASB:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [1] comprehend it.
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AMP: (this is an "amplified" translation. The meaning is elaborated on)
1 IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word ([1] Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [2] Himself.(1)
2 He was present originally with God.
3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.
4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.
5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].
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NLT:
1 In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make.
4 Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.
5 The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
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King James:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
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And so on. The exact wording may differ, but the message is the same.
[ 01-23-2003, 01:13 AM: Message edited by: Yorick ]