Why do we have so many translations?

[huj05]

I dont truly understand the reason for new versions of the bible.

Has gods words changed over the time? and who dictates who is allowed to write the changes down?

 

[Sara929]

I dont truly understand the reason for new versions of the bible.

Has gods words changed over the time? and who dictates who is allowed to write the changes down?

Of course His word hasn't changed over time. How ever "our words" do change with time! Does the modern english language resemble shakespearian english anymore?

Even than, we don't have the originial manuscripts anymore. So there are numerous and unique writings that new translations may arise out of. Thats not implying that they are better or worse though.

Lets be happy that with atleast the widely regarded versions there's an accepted 98-99%(don't quote me on those numbers) accuracty between them and the more widely acclaimed manuscripts.

With luv
-Sara

 

[Sara929]

:smt017 Wasn't this part of another thread?

 

[Blazin Bones]

Very observant. I split it because I'm don't want to start a debate in that thread. It's a great question Huj05 asked, but it really needed it's own thread.

 

[huj05]

yes, but i have never seen a remade shakespear book (there probably is but i have yet to hear of it)

When it is translated each time, it seems to be to take out controversy in it. earlier bibles said that animals came before man, then with some word change, in newer bibles it became man then animals.

It makes it really confusing for me atleast (discussing with some theists) beccause they look up a quote or passage i used from an older version of the bible, and say that i changed it, because it is not the one in their bible.

can't there be only one true word of god? and having man translate and change it means that you are taking a large risk at not following gods command?

 

[Blazin Bones]

There is one word of God, unfortunately, we can't find the origianl manuscripts to know what that is. That's why translations vary, because people who translate use different manuscripts that say different things.

As for not knowing what God's real commandments are, this arguement doesn't hold up when you look at correctly translated version. There are some older translation that were clearly translated wrong. Comparing a commmand in a correct version to another correct version does not leave the same gap.

 

[huj05]

would that mean that all those who followed mis translations would go to hell? or atleast not to heaven?

anywho i like these explenations and they are much better than the ones i get in person.

 

[Sara929]

Shakespear's works or themes from them have been remade countless times!

Of course there is "only" one true Word of God! Of course reading a poor translation doesn't condemn one to hell, sin does!

Even in many of the "lesser" quality translations the core messages and core doctrines are there. Regardless of the diverse denominational or theological views we may hold or glean from different translations, none of that matters! Will we ever have a perfect understanding of the Scriptures? Or could it not be more important to have an "ever-growing" understanding? Salvation doesn't come through non-core doctrinal correctness, but by HIM!

an old saying by Wigglesworth

"Some people like to read their Bibles in Latin, others in Hebrew, I prefer to read mine with the Holy Spirit!" Isn't that grand? That regardless of how polluted our views have become by man or the devil, the Holy Spirit in us can discern, reveal, and teach us.

 

[Blazin Bones]

Yes, Sara's right. Sin is what condemns. The discrepancies that appear between different tanslations don't hurt the message God was sending us.

 

[huj05]

lieing is a sin, and by, after having a newer translation come out, anyone who continues to preach somehting that is changed in the new translation, they would be lieing correct? One point id like to bring up (ill have to talk to my christian buddy) she is a bisexual, and her sect, uses a bible that has translated the works enough to make it that bisexuality isnt condoned by god, but it is not seen as grave or as bad as most view it. Im not saying it just went "and you can lie with your fellow man" it basically made the parts about loving all equally stronger, and the parts about hating people for who they are weaker. So would that justify christians seeing no problem in homosexuality?

Sorry i have kept this going, let me explain something.

When i first asked this, I had a huge gaping hole of ways to shoot down the reason for translations.

Every post this hole gets smaller and smaller, and eventually, at this rate, will be gone.

 

[Blazin Bones]

You're hitting on a point that the Bible speaks about. 1 Timothy 3 speaks to the fact that there will come a time when there will be men(and women) who will no longer listen to sound doctrine, but listen to the desires of their sin-filled hearts.

These people will increase as time continues, the Bible tellls of of this. Look at the New World Translation. It added the word "a" to John 1:1 and that changed the meaning of that verse completely. The supporters of this text would argue greek "could" yeild to such a translation, but most greek scholars would not support their claims.

 

[huj05]

srry i cant find that version of the bible supported on the auto finder that is linked maybe im missing it.

So the bible tells of what shall happen correct? and if you change the future, you are going to falsify the bible right?

 

[Blazin Bones]

Another great question, and no the Bible will remain true to it's words. No matter what I pray for, God will only change thisngs according to his will. We don't know what his will is, so we must pray.