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Some Dangers of Modern Translations

Psalm 138:2

 

My determination to stick with the King James is not simply a matter of preference. I see some great dangers and nothing beneficial in the flood of Bible translations in modern times.

 

The Translators

Who are the translators? I do not question the learning and scholarship of the men chosen to do the work. But do they believe God? Are they men who believe the gospel of GodÕs free and sovereign grace in Christ? Sadly, those chosen to do the work are chosen from various denominations to make sure the work is as widely acceptable as possible. Men in such a position, if they are not born again and taught of God, could and would corrupt the Scriptures. Those who are dead in trespasses and in sins cannot be trusted to translate the Book of God. They are not capable of understanding that which is inspired of God.

            Once a second translation is accepted (let alone a dozen), the question must be asked (and often is) — ÒWhich is the Word of God?Ó What confusion this has caused! The multitude of translations has caused the average person to look to ÒtrainedÓ religious leaders to decide for them what is and what is not the Word of God, treating preachers and Bible teachers as priests!

 

Thee, Ye, and You

Besides all that, much is lost in all modern translations. Did you ever wonder why the Bible sometimes uses the words Òthee,Ó Òthou,Ó and ÒthyÓ and at other times uses the word Òyou

            In the New Testament there is distinct difference between the words Òthee,Ó Òthou,Ó and ÒthyÓ and the words Òye,Ó Òyou,Ó and Òyours.Ó Many object to using the word ÒYouÓ when referring to or speaking to our God, superstitiously thinking that ÒtheeÓ or ÒthouÓ is more reverent than Òyou.Ó That is not true. It is no more reverent to say, ÒHallowed be thy name,Ó than ÒHallowed be your name.Ó Both are accurate translations of our SaviorÕs words. We do not have to use Òthee,Ó Òthou,Ó Òthy,Ó and ÒthineÓ for our prayers to be heard by God.

            Yet, as I said, there is distinct difference between the words Òthee,Ó Òthou,Ó and ÒthyÓ and the words Òye,Ó Òyou,Ó and Òyours.Ó Whenever you read the words Òthee,Ó Òthou,Ó and ÒthyÓ in your Bible, those words are always singular pronouns, referring to one person. But, when you read the words Òye,Ó Òyou,Ó and Òyours.Ó Those are plural pronouns, referring to more than one person.

            Another thing lost in all modern translations of the Bible is the linear verb tense, indicated by the ÒethÓ ending of linear tense verbs in the King James. Whenever you read a word ending in the letters Òeth,Ó those letters indicate a present, continuing action. That cannot be conveyed in any modern translation.

            When you pick up your King James Bible, be assured, you are holding in your hands the very word of God, preserved and given to you in your native tongue. Cherish it. Read it. Believe it. It no more needs modernization and updating than the writings of Shakespeare or Milton. Any attempt to modernize it only corrupts it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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