Stay Alert ! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1Peter.5:8 (NLT)
In the recent past there is a serious discussion going on the online or with a Church or within the Christian Community, that which is the right version of the Bible or which translation of Bible should we follow. In today's world most of the Churches are using the version that is been suggested by their Pastor. It is good to follow the version of Bible that is suggested by their Pastor, because one can only understand or follow the sermon or the study (meditation) that their Pastor is preaching. But it is also quiet evident that in your personal study you better go through a number of good versions of the Bible to understand the Scripture in right meaning in a right sense. This is what people in Berea did when Paul, Silas and Timothy preached the Gospel of Christ in a Jewish meeting place (Synagogue). The people of Berea not just listened to what Paul and Silas had preached, but they examined the Holy Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true (Acts.17:10-12).
The KJV, the NIV and on are all the translations of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. The manuscripts from which our Bible was been translated was not from just one set of manuscript but there are many manuscripts that were found around the world (see picture below). These manuscripts are the copy of the copy of the copy of the copy of the .......... copies. It is also important that in that time there was a real urgency for the Scriptures in the early Church. It was the jews that when they are making a copy of their Holy Scriptures, they see that there won't be even a single letter correction in their copy because that makes the whole scroll be wasted (not used in Synagogues). But this is a different issue with the early Church. Even though jews were already spread throughout Asia Minor and to the east who already had their Holy Scriptures with their community; the early Christians has to complete their copy from the original letter or the Gospel was dependent upon the time, because to send either the letter or the Gospel from one corner to the other will take a month journey by ship. This made the transcribers to be quick in their stipulated job. As to complete their job the transcribers used to copy the original scroll to another scroll, or by just copying to another scroll by following the reader who is going through the original scroll orally. While transcribing, there would have been a little mistake like in Revelation 8:13, which says Angel (KJV) and Eagle (NIV). The original scriptures say that the greek word "aggelos" (KJV) meaning 'Angel', "aetos" (NIV) meaning 'Eagle'. While transcribing the word aggelos might be spelled without stressing the letter 'gg' which would have been listened to the transcriber as 'aetos', just make a practice as said above and see for yourself. As said above in the early 1st century there was a real urgency for the Scriptures, so might this could have happened. However the verse at Revelation 8:13, describe of a 'messanger', who was there 'to proclaim just a message only', but there is no real importance for the messanger, the important thing over here in this verse is 'the message to the inhabitants of the earth', but 'not the messanger'. I believe that this would end the discussion; but for more clarification on the subject 'Translation and Efforts', I just want to make it clear that the translation of the Bible is not just from one set of manuscripts. For example Mark 1:41, in KJV the word 'compassion' and you can see the word 'indignant' in NIV are two different words with two seperate meanings. But in NLT (New Living Translation) the word 'compassion' with a foot note for the verse 'anger'; the synonym of the word 'indignant' are given (as some manuscripts also has). Are the NLT translators are just going through one set of Greek Scriptures or two sets of Greek Scriptures ? However the later translations of NIV also printed the word 'compassion' in place of 'indignant'. The actual word that was there in the Greek Scripture was "speiro", which means 'to sow'. This word is in passive voice, I mean in verse 40 the leper asking Christ with full knowledge and faith that he can be healed. Where did this faith come from to the leper ? This faith seed was already sown in him by (occasionally or intentionally) listening to the teachings of Jesus Christ where the result was healing out of compassion. One has to note that there are certain number of words or phrases that are been added while translating the Greek Scriptures into english language to derive to the right meaning of the sentence. The reader (english) cannot understand the message of the Scripture if the original Hebrew or Greek Scriptures have been transliterated (meaning=to write words or letters using letters of a different alphabet or language) from Hebrew or Greek to English or into any other language it might be (without having a proper gramatical order). Now, I want to ask where are the two words 'compassion' and 'indignant' in this verse (41) are ?
Below are given some verses that are said by some were completely ignored or omitted from NIV Bible. Matthew.17:21, 18:11, 23:14. Mark.7:16, 9:44, 9:46. Luke.17:36, 23:17. John.5:4, Acts.8:37. These are the verses which are said to be intentionally ignored or omitted from NIV. I don't think that these verses were completly ignored or omitted. We have already read above that the different versions of the Bible are not just from one and only one set of manuscripts but which were gathered from different areas (see picture below). However when it's comes to the question of omitting or ignoring or rejecting some of the verses it is just the ignorance and innocence of the reader. The translators of the NIV or any of the versions don't just go with one set of manuscripts but they also take into consideration the other souces (manuscripts) which were discovered around of that time archaeologically or with any other source that corelates with the source that they are currently working on. If the translators of NIV ignored or omitted or rejected the above given verses intentionally then the verses in the NIV Bible just don't jump leaving the next adjacent verse to another verse (number). See carefully, the above verses are given at the footnote and also note that these verses retain their verse number (continued usually). If the translators wanted the version of their own then the verses (Verse Numbers) should be continuous, but it's not the case. One can see the jump in the verse number leaving the omitted or ignored or rejected verse to another. By this we can say that the translators of the Holy Bible are very much careful in translating, taking into consideration by corroborating the source with the other reliable sources of that perticular time or period.
Now, we will see those kind of verses which are been allegedly reported that the words or phrases of these verses has been changed. Below are given the verses Matthew 6:13, 9:13, 19:17, 25:13, 26:29, 27:48. Mark 2:17, 9:29, 9:42, 10:24. Luke 4:4, 11:2, 21:19. John 3:36, 6:47. Romans 11:6. Galatians 5:12, 5:22. Philippians 2:6. Colossians 1:14. 1Timothy 3:16. Hebrews 10:34. 1Peter 1:22. 1John 4:3, 5:7-8. Revelation 2:15, 16:17, 21:24, 22:14. The ignorance and innocence of the reader is again clearly evident. The change that is observed in the above verses are actually the change in the form of the statement (gramatical) or the words of the verse is jumbled providing the same meaning of the verse or some words in Greek gives different synomyms which dosen't change the meaning of the verse or to some verses extra phrases are added as well as subtracted (to) of the original scripture to derive the reader to a more clearer understanding of the verse. All this is done by the translators in the light of corroborating the manuscripts on which they are working using the then already existing original manuscripts or versions (see picture below). For a more clear reference I am writing down all the verses in KJV, NIV, NLT, NASB, and RV (Recovery Version) with it's footnote (fn); if needed explanation was written in [ ].
Matthew 6:13. KJV - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. NIV - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one1. (fn) 1.Or from evil; some late mss one / for yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NLT - And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one1. (fn) 1.Or from evil. Some mss add For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. NASB - And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil1. [For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen]2. (fn) - 1.Or the evil one. 2.This clause not found in early mss. RV - And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For1 yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (fn) - 1.This sentence is omitted in the earliest mss.
Matthew 9:13 KJV – But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. NIV – But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have bot come to call the righteous, but sinners. NLT – Then He added “ Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘ I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’ For I have come to call the sinners, not those who think they are already good enough. “ NASB – But go and learn what1 this means: I desire compassion2, and3 not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (fn)- 1.Lit.What is. 2.Or mercy. 3.I.e. more than. RV – But go and learn what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.
Matthew 19:17
KJV – And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good ? there is none good but one that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [CALLEST greek word ‘lego’ means to say, speak, discourse, to ask, to call, to name]
NIV – Why do you ask me about what is good ? Jesus replied “ There is only one who is goo. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” [Check with the greek word of KJV]
NLT – “Why ask me about what is good ?”Jesus replied. “Only God is good. But to answer your question , you can receive eternal life if you keep the commandments.”
NASB – And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good ? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
RV – And He said to him, Why do you ask me concerning what is good ? There is only One who is good1. But if you want to enter into lif, keep the commandments. (fn) - 1.Lit.the good.
Matthew 25:13
KJV – Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
NIV – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
NLT – “So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.
NASB – Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
RV – Watch therefore, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
Matthew 26;29
KJV – But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.
NIV – I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.
NLT – Mark my words – I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.
NASB – But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.
RV – But I say to you, I shall by no means drink of this product of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.
Matthew 27:48
KJV – And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and give him to drink.
NIV – Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.
NLT – One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a stick so he could drink.
NASB – Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink.
RV – And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he soaked it with vinegar and put on a reed, and gave to him to drink.
Mark 2:17
KJV - When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
NIV – On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NLT – When Jesus heard this, he told them “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.”
NASB – And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I do not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
RV – And when Jesus heard this, He said to them, Those who are strong have no need of a physician, but those who are ill; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Mark 9:29
KJV – And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
NIV – He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer1.” (fn) - 1.some mss prayer and fasting. Also check with footnote of Matthew 17:21 (omitted verse) NIV.
NLT – Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer1”. (fn) – 1.some mss add and fasting.
NASB – And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”
RV – And he said to them, This kind cannot come out by any means except prayer1. (fn) - 1.some mss add, and fasting.
Mark 9:42
KJV – And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. [OFFEND greek word ‘skandalizo’ causative meaning to cause to offend, lead astray, lead into sin, be a stumbling block]
NIV – “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. [check with the KJV greek meaning]
NLT – “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.
NASB – “Whosoever causes one of these little1 ones who believe to stumble, it would2 be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had3 been cast into the sea. (fn) – 1.I.e humble. 2.Lit is better for him if a millstone turned by a donkey is hung. 3.Lit has been thrown.
RV – And whoever stumbles one of these little ones who believe into me, it is better for him if a great1 millstone is placed around his neck and he is thrown into the sea. (fn) - 1.Lit.millstone (turned) by a donkey.
Mark 10:24
KJV – And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God !
NIV – The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is1 to enter the kingdom of God ! (fn) – 1.some mss is for those who trust in riches.
NLT – This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is hard1 to get into the kingdom of God. (fn) –1.some mss add for those who trust in riches.
NASB – The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God !
RV – And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus again answered and said to them, Children how difficult it is for1 those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. (fn) - 1.some mss omit, for those who trust in riches.
Luke 4:4
KJV – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
NIV – Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone’.”
NLT – But Jesus told him, “No! The Scripture say, ‘People need more than bread for their life’.”
NASB – And Jesus answered him, “It is written, man shall not live on bread alone’.”
RV – And Jesus answered him, It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone1. (fn) - 1.some mss add, but on every word of God.
Luke 11:2
KJV - And he said unto them, When ye pray, say Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed bw thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
NIV – He said to them, “When you pray, say:” ‘ Father1, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come2. (fn) – 1.some mss Our Father in heaven. 2.some mss come. May Your will be done on earth as it is heaven.
NLT – He said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be honored, May your kingdom come soon. (fn) – some mss Lord’s Prayer as it reads in Matt 6:9-10 (NIV), “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
NASB – And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘ Father hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. (fn) – Later mss add phrases from Matt 6:9-13 to make the two passages closely similar.
RV – And He said to them, When you pray say, Father1, Your name be sanctified; Your kingdom come. (fn) - 1.some mss read, Our Father who is in the heavens.
Luke 21:19
KJV – In your patience possess ye your souls.
NIV – By standing firm you will gain life. [For word life see Matt 16:25 (NIV) (fn) – The greek word means either life or soul; also in verse 26.]
NLT – By standing firm, you will win your souls.
NASB – By your endurance you will gain your lives1. (fn) – 1.Lit souls.
RV – In your endurance you will possess your souls.
John 3:36
KJV – He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
NIV – Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.
NLT – And all who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”
NASB – He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not1 obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (fn) – 1.Or believe.
RV – He who believes into the Son has eternal life; but he who disobeys the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides upon him.
John 6:47
KJV – Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
NIV – I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
NLT – “I assure you, anyone who believes in me already has eternal life.
NASB – Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
RV – Truly, Truly, I say to you, He who believes has eternal life.
Romans 11:6
KJV - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
NIV – And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were grace would no longer be grace1. (fn) – 1.some mss be grace. But if by works, then it is no longer grace; if it were, work would no longer be work.
NLT – And if they are saved by God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s wonderful kindness would not be what it really is – free and undeserved.
NASB – But if it is by grace, it is no longer on1 the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. (fn) – 1.Lit out of.
RV – But if by grace, it is no longer out of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.
Galatians 5:12
KJV – I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
NIV – As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves.
NLT – I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves1. (fn) – 1.Or castrate themselves; Greek reads cut themselves off.
NASB – I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate1 themselves. (fn) – 1.Or cut themselves off.
RV – I wish that those upsetting you would even cut themselves off.
Galatians 5:22-23
KJV - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
NIV – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
NLT – But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
NASB – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
RV – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control, against such things there is no law.
[In the series of the fruit of the Spirit in Gal.5:22-23 (NIV), from all only 1.Patience, 2.Kindness, 3.Gentleness and 4.Self-control seem different. We will see each of it one by one.
1.Patience(NIV) – Longsuffering (KJV) - Greek word is ‘makrothumia’, which is showing patience in respect of persons while bearing up under things or circumstances. ‘makrothumia’ is associated with mercy and is used of God. 2.Kindness (NIV) – Gentleness (KJV) – Greek word is ‘chrestotes’, means benignity, kindness, usefulness, which has the harmlessness of a dove. It can be translated as good, kindness, gentleness. The word is descriptive of one’s disposition and does not necessarily entail acts of goodness.
3.Gentleness (NIV) – Meekness (KJV) – Greek word is ‘praotes’, mean mildness {Mild in Oxford Dictionary mean (of people of their behavior) gentle and kind}. Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of the God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him.
4.Self-control (NIV) – Temperance (KJV) – Greek word ‘egkrateia’, meaning self-control. Source : Greek Dictionary].
Philippians 2:6
KJV – Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.
NIV – Who, being in the very nature1 God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. (fn) – 1.Or in the form of.
NLT – Though He was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God.
NASB – Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped1. (fn) – 1.I.e. utilized or asserted.
RV – Who, existing1 in the form2 of God, did not3 consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped. (fn) - 1.The Greek word existing from the beginning, implying the Lord's eternal preexistance. 2.The expression not the fashion, of God's being (Heb.1:3), identified with the essence and the nature of God's person and hence, expressing them. This refers to Christ's deity. 3.Although the Lord was equal with God, He did not consider being equal with God a treasure to be grasped and retained; rather, He laid aside the form of God (not the nature of God) and emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.
[This verse is more of a theological issue than of a translation issue. We don't find a stright meaning for the word rather the word is explaining something embedded within it; like the complete essence of the Word of God within it. This verse in NIV is much more clearer than the verse in KJV; the translators have put their best efforts in deriving to a meaningful sentence without degrading the deity of Christ; {although the word ‘robbery’ in KJV is used as Anarthrous construction, where these words are most often intended to point out the quality of something, which in this verse the word ‘robbery’ of KJV, ‘Christ truly being in the form of God could not render His claim of equality with God as robbery. Christ continued to be in the form of God which is what He was before He became man and had always been, for in essence He has always been God. His divine existence in relation to the world is indicated by the phrase, “He did not think being equal with God a robbery” as He was God among men and thus on earth He was God-Man. In outer appearance He was man, in essence He was God. When He became man, He truly took the form of a servant. He esteemed not His equality with God as something requiring an act of force against the world or a thing to be forced upon the world. Source : Greek Dictionary}]
Colossians 1:14
KJV – in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
NIV – in whom we have redemption1 the forgiveness of sins. (fn) – 1.a few late mss redemption through his blood.
NLT – God has purchased our freedom with his blood1 and has forgiven all of our sins. (fn) - 1. some mss do not include with his blood.
NASB – in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
RV – In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
1Timothy 3:16
KJV – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest1 in flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angles, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (fn) – 1.Gr.manifested.
NIV – Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He1 appeared in the body2, was vindicated by Spirit, was seen by angles, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (fn) – 1.some mss God. 2.Or in the flesh.
NLT – Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ1 appeared in the flesh and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit2. He was seen by angles and was announced to the nations. He was believed on in the world and was taken up into heaven3. (fn) – 1.Greek who; some mss read God. 2.Or in his Spirit. 3.Greek in glory.
NASB – By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who has revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated1 in2 the Spirit, Seen by angles, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. (fn) – 1.Or justified. 2.Or by.
RV – And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angles, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
[As like in Philippians 2:6]
Hebrews 10:34
KJV – For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in1 yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (fn) – 1.Or, that ye have in yourselves, or, for yourselves.
NIV – You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
NLT – You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.
NASB – For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
RV – For you both sympathized with those in bonds and accepted with joy the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better possession and one that abides.
1Peter 1:22
KJV - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren. see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.
NIV – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart1. (fn) – 1.some early mss from a pure heart.
NLT – Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters1 because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts2. (fn) – 1.Greek can have brotherly love. 2.some mss read with a pure heart.
NASB – Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere1 love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the2 heart. (fn) – 1.Lit unhypocritical. 2.Two early mss read a clean heart.
RV – Since you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned brotherly love, love one another from1 a pure heart fervently. (fn) - 1.some mss read, from the heart fervently.
1John 4:3
KJV - And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
NIV – but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the Spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
NLT – If a prophet does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is going to come into the world, and he is already here.
NASB – and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
RV – And every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming and now is already in the world.
1John 5:7-8
KJV – For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water and the blood: and these three agree in one.
NIV – For there are three that testify: the Spirit1, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (fn)- 1.Late mss of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one, And there are three that testify on the earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the fourteenth century).
NLT – So we have these three witnesses1 – the Spirit, the water and the blood – and all three agree. (fn) – 1.some very late manuscripts add in heaven - the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And we have three witnesses on earth.
NASB – For there are three that testify: the1 Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in2 agreement. (fn) -1.A few late mss add …in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth, the Spirit. 2.Lit for the one thing.
RV – For there are three who testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and the three are unto the one thing.
Revelation 2:15
KJV – So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
NIV – Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
NLT – In the same way, you have some Nicolaitans among you – people who follow the same teaching and commit the same sins.
NASB – So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
RV – In the same way you also have some who hold in like manner the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Revelation 16:17
KJV – And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven from the throne, saying, It is done.
NIV – The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
NLT – Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne of the Temple in heaven, saying, “It is finished!”
NASB – Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple1 from the throne, saying, “It is done.” (fn) – 1.Or Sanctuary.
RV – And the seventh poured his bowl upon the air; and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, It is done.
Revelation 21:24
KJV – And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
NIV – The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
NLT – The nations of the earth will walk in its light, and the rulers of the world will come and bring their glory to it.
NASB – The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will1 bring their glory into it. (fn) – 1.Lit bring.
RV – And the nations will walk by its light; and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.
Revelation 22:14
KJV - Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
NIV – “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
NLT – Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.
NASB – Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
RV – Blessed are those who wash their robes that they1 may have right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city. (fn) - 1.Lit.their authority will be over the tree of life and they may enter......
I have tried my best to give you a view and understanding about the Holy Scriptures, their translations and their efforts under the guidance of Holy Spirit. I believe that this article will help those who have listened or been questioned by ambiguous statements that quaver their faith in One True God.
The translations KJV as well as NIV or NLT as so on are all painstakingly made for the reader to enjoy the Word of God and to have a complete faith in the Word of God. There are no best versions or atleast the best version; the translators are striving hard to get to the nearest meaning as much as possible at evey updated print keeping the present vocabulary of the language in mind.
NOTE : One has to be aware of these below Versions of so called Bibles as they pervert one's faith. The versions that are to be careful of are as follows
1. Jehovah Witness's Bible.
2. Mormon's Bible Joseph Smith Revision.
3. Christadelphian Version with Elpis Israel (Hope of Israel) and Christendom Astray from the Bible.
4. Christian Science's Bible with Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by May Baker Eddy.
5. Swedenborg's Bible.
6. Children of God's Holy Bible.
7. Unification Church Holy Bible (Moonies).
8. Unity School of Christianity's Holy Bible.
9. The Way International's Holy Bible.
10. Seventh Day Adventists Teachings.
11. Scientology Teachings
Source : Encyclopedia of world religions, Cults and the Occult
12. A new Arabic and Turkish translations. Here are three examples native speakers give:
(a).Wycliffe and SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) have produced Stories of the Prophets, an Arabic Bible that uses an Arabic equivalent of "Lord" instead of "Father" and "Messiah" instead of "Son."
(b).Frontiers and SIL have produced Meaning of the Gospel of Christ , an Arabic translation which removes "Father" in reference to God and replaces it with "Allah," and removes or redefines "Son." For example, the verse which Christians use to justify going all over the world to make disciples, thus fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) reads, "Cleanse them by water in the name of Allah, his Messiah and his Holy Spirit" instead of "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
(c).Frontiers and SIL have produced a new Turkish translation of the Gospel of Matthew that uses Turkish equivalents of "guardian" for "Father" and "representative" or "proxy" for "Son".
Source: http://pamelageller.com/2012/01/new-bible-versions-remove-father-and-son-of-god-because-it-offends-muslims.html/
These are a few I have come across are. I want to end this article with the verse we started with "Stay Alert ! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1Peter.5:8 (NLT).
Article Source : Damerakulas' Pankaj Christian Library, Kurnool. Andhra Pradesh State, India.
