In the Middle Ages, it was largely monks who printed and bound books of scripture–by hand. The process was painstaking. The results were beautiful. They reproduced the words in delicate calligraphy, and images accompanied the stories. Each page was a unique work of art and a testament to the beauty of God’s word.

When I was first saved, I was introduced to the ‘Living Bible. It was in sharp contrast to the archaic language-filled large white Bible that was on my parents’ bookshelf. The Living Bible simplified things, eliminating the Elizabethan ‘thee’s and ‘thou’s, and instead used a contemporary language I could quickly grasp. A year into my journey, my pastor handed me the New International Version (NIV), which has guided me for over forty years.

Initially, I was unaware that Bibles fell into two broad categories: translations and paraphrases. Paraphrases, like the Living Bible, reword translations (often from English) to ease cultural comprehension. On the other hand, translations like the NIV are directly converted from original biblical languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek—into modern English. Numerous paraphrase Bibles exist, including the Amplified Bible, the Living Bible, the Good News Bible, and The Message Bible, with 40-60 English language versions globally. They offer diverse perspectives on scripture, but caution is advised due to their ‘poetic license’ in interpreting biblical terms and passages.

In contrast, translations like the King James Version (KJV), first translated in 1611 with a significant revision in 1769, and the New King James Version (NKJV), available since 1982, are word-for-word translations. These are considered 98% accurate against ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls.

About ten years ago I started to notice that the words in my Bible were getting smaller.  I went from one strength of reading glasses to the next but soon it became apparent that I needed to switch to a large-print Bible. My search for an identical version to my old friend the ‘NIV’ became a real eye-opener for me. I discovered that the newer editions had been modified for gender inclusivity, altering traditional phrases. Some adaptations pursued gender neutrality by changing ‘father’ to ‘parent’ or ‘son’ to ‘child’, and including phrases that were not in the original text. The NIV’s 2011 edition had also modified Mark 1:17’s “fishers of men” to “fish for people.”

I was even more shocked to find that sixteen verses had been removed from the NIV—John 5:4, Mathew 23:14, Mathew 17:21, Mathew 18:11, Mark 7:16, Mark 9:44, Mark 9:46, Mark 11:26, Mark 15:28, Luke 17:36, John 5:4, Acts 8:37, Acts 15:34, Acts 24:7, Acts 28:29, and Romans 16:24. I wondered why these changes were made and learned that scholars had determined that some text were inconsequential to the Bible’s core narratives, and decided to remove them from the newer additions.  They justified it by making note of the changes in the footnotes at the bottom of the pages.

The discourse around political correctness versus biblical accuracy is multifaceted. Consider how different interpretations, like the subtle shift in Genesis 3:16 from “Your desire will be for your husband” (NIV) to “Your desire shall be contrary to your husband” (ESV), can influence societal understanding of gender roles in marriage. Recognizing how translations can reflect varying biases and potentially lead us toward certain doctrinal stances is vital.

With a vast array of translations and paraphrases, the key is discernment. While some groups may reinterpret scriptures to align with their doctrines, as seen with the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s just as plausible for well-meaning scholars to inadvertently introduce progressive ideology under the guise of political correctness. Even minor distortions can eventually become mainstream and pave the way for more significant doctrinal deviations.

Feeding the Spirit: The Search for Authenticity in Modern Bible Translation

Our thirst for God’s word should always be guided by the reminder that scripture is the bedrock of faith, as in Psalms 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” We need to remain vigilant that we live not only by the physical sustenance of bread alone but by the enduring spiritual nourishment found in each word that comes from God. Matthew 4:4. The issues raised earlier regarding modified expressions, the use of gender-neutral terms, and the exclusion of passages go beyond mere scholarly nitpicking; they strike at the core of Christian beliefs and how they are applied in life.

Delving deeper, consider how switching to gender-neutral language might unintentionally cloud the original message the author aimed to convey. Striking the right balance between loyalty to the original languages and clarity for today’s readers is a critical part of translation work. When certain verses are excluded from modern translations, it can raise questions about the integrity of the scriptural tradition. However, this also serves to highlight the diligence that scholars put into their translation efforts. Their work is supported by the newest archaeological discoveries and advances in linguistic studies, all aimed at delivering a translation that reflects the most faithful representation of the ancient manuscripts.

In addition, fostering a culture that encourages using multiple translations for study can enhance biblical knowledge. Comparing translations can reveal nuances in language and provide a fuller picture of the message conveyed by the original authors. Of course, while scholarly insight is invaluable, it should not overshadow the central role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the scriptures for every reader, ensuring that God’s Word remains living and active (Hebrews 4:12).

To complement this, faith communities can also explore historical translations and their role in shaping Christianity. For example, Martin Luther’s German Bible translation was pivotal in the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the importance of scripture’s accessibility to the ordinary person. Delving into the history of translations such as the KJV, the Geneva Bible, and others can provide insight into how the Bible has been a dynamic force throughout the centuries.

Ultimately, the wealth of translations and paraphrases available today should be viewed not as a hindrance but as a testament to God’s Word’s enduring relevance and profound impact across cultures and times. It should invite a sense of humility and awe at the care taken to preserve and convey the scriptures throughout the ages.

In conclusion, as we engage with modern Bible translations and their intrinsic challenges, may we do so with a spirit of discernment and a commitment to uphold the integrity of the biblical message. Let us embrace the diverse tools at our disposal and delve deeper into the riches of scripture, always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, as we journey through the sacred depths of Your Word, let the diversity of translations be a source of inspiration, uniting us in the quest for Your truth. Grant us a profound understanding of the divine, and fill our hearts with an overwhelming love for the Word made flesh, who lived among us as revealed in John 1:14. In our exploration, open our hearts and minds to the transformative influence of the Scriptures, that they may feed our spirits and prepare us for every righteous endeavor, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Amen.

For more information on the article, ‘Sixteen versus Missing from the Bible’ go to: https://klifemin.org/2017/08/03/sixteen-versus-discovered-missing-from-the-word-of-god/

If you have been blessed by our articles and know of someone who would benefit from receiving ‘Keys to Kingdom Living’ please forward this article onto them.  Or simply tell them to go to our web site, http://www.klifemin.org and scroll down the right side of the page and click on which method they would prefer receiving their copy of the newsletter.

We also appreciate your letting us know if you enjoyed it as well so either bless us with a comment or hit the ‘like’ button.)