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Print The debate about Bible translations fascinates me. I too am concerned about this matter since it is vital that we get God’s Word straight, since all we do is based on His Word. However, for the last 35 years I have been selling Bibles, so I have had a lot of interaction on the subject, so the following is a reflection of this information. Let me say that I was raised on the KJV Bible and still read it today. Also, I am not trying to defend all modern translations, since I personally do not like them all. I do read some of them, and enjoy how easy it is to understand what is being said. I did use the NLT (New Living Translation) one year for my daily Bible reading program and found it enjoyable reading. The way I handle reading translations is that I read it first and then if there is a question, I get my KJV out and compare them. I have found a number of people through the years who do not understand the language of the KJV, so I have suggested that method to them. They have told me that they now love reading the Bible and understand more than they ever understood before. At least now they are digging into the Word of God for themselves. There are a number of issues that people discuss about this debate that I would like to address: 1. I have been told that one of the NIV translators was a lesbian. We all agree that this lifestyle is in complete opposition to the Scripture and is wrong. However, when I visited Oxford, England, our tour guide told us that King James—of KJV Bible fame—was an avowed homosexual. It was shocking news to me, but it doesn’t take away from the Word of God. If God can use a donkey to speak in the Old Testament, then He can use anyone for His good. Actually, they said King James used this Bible translation to try to unite the people under his rule. Again, God used a despicable man to bless His kingdom and further His cause. 2. The Bible was written in the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) languages. So I guess we would need to go back to the original manuscripts to get the real truth. However, they can’t find the originals, so it is a judgment as to which text is right. I am comfortable with the received texts and anticipate staying that way through my lifetime. 3. I received a booklet comparing Bible versions and one statement read, “The Authorized King James Bible, the Bible God uses and the Devil hates.” The reason I laugh at these statements is that the KJV is an English translation, but does God only speak English? What about the rest of the world? Only a small portion of the world population is English speaking. Actually our missionaries in Spanish speaking countries use the 1960 Reina Valera (revised version that is not based on the received texts)—because that is what is available to the people, and they have had great revival. Our Missionaries in Russia recently published a Bible, printed by the Russian Bible Society. I have no idea what translation or text was used to make it, but I am glad that they have a Bible they can use—and better yet, it includes our Word Aflame Doctrinal section in every copy. That means that in the back of each copy are scriptural references for our Apostolic doctrines! The people can find the truth on their own. 4. I also read another booklet defending the KJV that said the reason other versions of the Bible were copyrighted was because it was man’s word, but the KJV was not copyrighted “because you can’t copyright God’s Word.” Of course that’s foolish and ironic, because for each KJV Bible published in England, they still pay a royalty to the English crown. 5. I have a copy of an original KJV in the old English, and it is difficult to read because of the old English spelling, so I know the KJV was revised or at least updated more than once since it was first translated in 1611. I imagine it was like they did the New King James Bible, taking out the old language and spelling that we don’t use today and replacing it with current language and spelling. No longer is there a “Verily, verily” or “He saith,” but now Jesus just talks like we do. 6. I once had a lady buy five copies of the “Good News for Modern Man” Bibles. Four were the Protestant editions and the other one was a Catholic edition. When I questioned her why – she said she had a Catholic neighbor and wanted to have a Bible study and include her. She said that while these Bibles were not her choice, she would start with these since her neighbor would accept the Catholic edition, and then change her over later. I thought that was a great idea to put the neighbor at ease with the Catholic edition first, and then discuss the differences later. 7. Many of the deaf ministry people use the NIV to interpret, because it is easy to understand and sign. (For non-doctrinal teaching.) After saying all of that, I know the Bible is the Word of God and I believe it is divinely inspired, so it is important. I certainly don’t want to lead anyone astray. But I also want people to read and understand what they are reading, so that they can experience God in a real way. So when I recommend a translation of the Bible, I try to take the time to show the people what they are good for and how best to utilize them. Then, if there are any questions, go back and review the same Scripture in the KJV. I do not take this lightly, for I want us all to work together to build God’s Kingdom.
ninetyandnine.com © 2005, Marvin Curry --------- Marvin Curry recently retired as General Manager of the Pentecostal Publishing House. |
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