Most of us are aware that words like 'hell' and 'eternal' that appear regularly in the most popular (and therefore the most influential) English translations have little or no relation to the underlying words in the original languages of the Bible.
But just recently, two new translations have become even more accommodating to mainstream teachings, and in more subtle ways.
The International Standard Version (ISV) is already available on the web in electronic format and will be on the market in print editions before the end of the year.
Have a look at 1 Timothy 4: 10. Properly translated this verse says
That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.Now let's see what the new ISV says
To this end we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, that is, of those who believe.The meaning of "especially" has been changed to mean "exclusively."
The new NIV (2011 edition) has a subtlety all of its own. It's 1984 version translated Titus 2: 11 as
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.which is pretty close to a literal translation. But have a look at the new edition (the only edition you can now purchase)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.What was to be 'brought' to all men is now only going to be 'offered' to all men.
Subtle, eh?
It's no wonder we have to spend some time in the strictly literal translations if we're going to properly understand God and his plans.
Blessings, Barry
Interestingly, the ISV translates Titus 2:11 as
ReplyDelete"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people."
The ISV translators let that one slip through, and contradicted their own doctored Timothy text. Their effort on the Titus verse is almost spot on in agreement with many of the literal translations.
Go figure!
Barry