Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Which Bible Translation Is The Best?

http://answersforemily.blogspot.com/2011...-best.html

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore

I was interested in what he had to say about The New World Translation--and as suspected he said nothing positive and also alot negative...I used to believe also it was a vastly superior translation--because I believed what I had been told---:(

I still find it hard to believe that anyone takes the NWT seriously. If you can't verify the credentials of the translators then leave well enough alone. The whole WTBTS is headed by poorly-educated laymen and it shows in every piece of literature they produce. a few decent university classes might make all the difference.

Oh no, one cannot go to university to get an education because going to a university is like a teenager shooting themselves in the head, in order to get rid of their depression, and accidentally shooting out the part of the brain that caused it. :D

I head that as part of an illustration of the dangers of university, at a convention the very last time I ever went to one.

That's bizarre.


I think the real danger of a university education to the WTBTS is that one might see through the poor logic and realise that the quality of JW theology and reasoning leaves much to be desired. First JW book I ever read was something called "Mankind's search for God." I was probably about 20 at the time. Without trying to sound superior, when one is familiar with university level texts, as I was back then, the dreadful calibre of WT writing and reasoning (not to mention the poor english) sticks out like a sore thumb. I wasn't a Christian and I was indeed searching for something, but I do remember wondering if the book was aimed at primary school children. (or, indeed, written by primary school children)

I remember as a young witness similar being said to me on the doors. At the time I didn't really appreciate the comment, but I do now. Around the same time there was a massive family debate about whether my brother would be allowed to go to university or not. Mum and me were against it. Were were both JWs and my Dad, an atheist sided with my brother. Not good really but I'm glad my brother went in the end. I think the WTs stand against education did far more damage to my brothers spirituality that the immorality he might have been exposed to in those horrible university's as the WT would say.

Hi all,

I am considering buying 'The Sciptures' by ISR. I downloaded this on e-sword and really like the way they have Gods name in Hebrew (also Jesus name too). Any thoughts?

PS I like using the NKJV and NIV editions. It is unfortunate they dont have gods name in either of these editions, but they are easy to read.

Sean

I like using the NWT simply because their own bible translation still condems them.

If I am trying to understand a scripture I will use side by side comparisons on Biblegateway or Blue letter bible.

Since coming to Paradise Cafe I have also been introduced to JWCVHAR and his 2001 Translation which is a good reference especially if I am having difficulty with a scripture and need a different perspective with interesting commentary.

http://www.2001translation.com/


In Christ

abe

Well, my first degree was a four year course and i have to say, I suppose I was aware that a few people might have been sleeping around or taking drugs, to be very blunt, my own group of friends went as virgins and came back in the same state. We did go to the pub, but we didn't drink very much. i think the children more likely to go off the rails at uni are the ones, like JW's, that have been too sheltered. I saw no more immorality at university than in the world at large.

And I'll add that it was a born again, pentecostal university student who helped to get me sorted in God. True Christianity changes a person so much on the inside that one could live in a den of iniquity and change it, not the other way round. Unfortunately, Christianity that is just a weekly activity, where there is no supernatural change, no relationship with Jesus, is pretty ineffectual.

Wow a very profound bunch on statements. I couldn't agree more Malkah!

Sean the ISR ive heard good things about, and I use it most of the time. I haven't got the old testament in it yet, but I like it.

I sometimes use bibleworks to compare versions and also e-sword as well as Logos bible software.

In the March 1st, 1991 issue of The Watchtower, pages 26-30, an article appeared entitled

The "New World Translation" Scholarly and Honest.

On page 30 we read:

"In fact, the New World Translation is a scholarly work. In 1989, Professor Benjamin Kedar of Israel said:

"In my linguistic research in connection with the Hebrew Bible and translation, I often refer to the English edition as what is known as the New World Translation. In doing so, I find my feeling repeatedly confirmed that this kind of work reflects an honest endeavor to achieve an understanding of the text that is as accurate as possible. Giving evidence of a broad command of the original language, it renders the original words into a second language understandably without deviating unnecessarily from the specific structure of the Hebrew....Every statement of language allows for a certain latitude in interpreting or translating. So the linguistic solution in any given case may be open to debate. But I have never discovered in the New World Translation any biased intent to read something into the text that it does not contain."

Just shows the wisdom of getting a consensus opinion in an academic field. Whoever translated a standard or flag as `three tribe division`. The NWT did. I wonder why? but its not biased! :D

SWORDOFJAH

In your very own, personal mind and way of thinking, does adding the word "sorts" to this scripture alter the meaning of this scripture?

Titus 2:11...

(NWT) For the undeserved kindness of God which brings salvation to all sorts of men has been manifested,

(ASV) For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

(ISV) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.

(KJV+) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

(MSG) God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone!

Look up the word "sorts" as it is used in the NWT Bible on your very own, personal copy of the Watchtower CD.....and you will find addition of the word "sorts", when, imo, accurate translation should simply read: "all men".....that means you too, SWORDOFJAH. Peace out.

:coffeeread:

but Professor Benjamin Kedar is an historian (a jolly good one too.) specialising in medieval studies. He's not qualified in translation theory or linguistics or even biblical Hebrew. But if the WTBTS ever want an opinion on the crusades, he's their man.

Well I read what he wrote and he was pretty sloppy too. So I say, if you don't take the time to write well, you cannot be expected to be read well.

As for all Bibles, not only is so much lost in translation, I find most translators are unconsciously bias and do not disengage such bias before translating their own prejudicial connotations.

Also, Bibles are profitable commodities sold to a market demand. So the chances of getting accuracy as opposed to popularity is slim to none. It's one of many reasons why I'm careful not to hastily discredit translations just because they aren't popular or accept those that depend on a popular creed for their sales.

To me, the NWT still merits a good reference once you know its flaws. If you hate it because it was written by JW's then that's prejudicial too. The world is filled with as much bias as people I'm afraid.

My opinion,

sw