[From ws4/18 p. 8 — June 11-17]
“Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
Let us just briefly remind ourselves of last week’s theme scripture. It was “If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free. (John 8:36)”
So we need to ask the question, why the sudden change of emphasis from Jesus to Jehovah with regard to freedom? One of the reasons seems to be the wholesale replacement in the New Testament in the NWT of “Lord” by “Jehovah”, normally without any regard for context. If you read the whole of 2 Corinthians 3 you will see Paul is here discussing the Christ and the Spirit. In fact, 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 says “But their mental powers were dulled. For to this present day the same veil remains unlifted at the reading of the old covenant, because it is done away with by means of Christ. In fact, down till today whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their hearts.”
So when verses 16 to 18 say—“But when there is a turning to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the spirit of The Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, while we with unveiled faces reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as done by the Lord's Spirit.”—it makes sense and agrees with the context of the earlier verses as well as John 8:38. That is how 25 out of 26 translations render these passages as read on Biblehub.com (the exception being the Aramaic Version in Living English). Looking in your NWT however and as per this week’s theme scripture you will find “Jehovah” instead of “Lord” which does not make sense in the context nor agree with John 8.
The organization offers reasons why they replace “Lord” with “Jehovah” and although in some places it does make the text clearer, the fact remains that they are changing the Bible text. Additionally, because of their taking a pretty much blanket approach to replacing “Lord” with “Jehovah”, the number of places in which they end up actually changing the meaning of the text, greatly outnumbers those few verses that might seem clearer for the insertion.
This means that before quoting 2 Corinthians 3:17, when the article claims in paragraph 2 that, “Paul directed his fellow believers to the Source of true freedom” and then goes on to indicate that “source of true freedom” is Jehovah, it is confusing its readers, especially considering that the theme scripture from the previous week's study article clearly showed Jesus as the source of true freedom.
At this point some may argue we are being pedantic. After all, Jehovah is Almighty God, so ultimately he is the source of true freedom. That is true, but by the same token without Jesus freely giving his life as a ransom sacrifice there would be no hope of being free from the effects of sin, imperfection and death. The focus of the vast majority of the New Testament is about Jesus life, teachings and how to benefit from his ransom sacrifice. So by focusing on Jehovah, the organization is again taking the focus away from Jesus who is the very one Jehovah wants us to focus on!
Please consider the following scriptures in addition to refreshing your memory on those in Romans 8:1-21 and John 8:31-36 discussed last week:
- Galatians 5:1 “For such freedom Christ set us free.” (Paul was here discussing being freed from the Mosaic Law which emphasised the sinful nature of mankind and its need for redemption.)
- Galatians 2:4 “false brothers … who sneaked in to spy upon our freedom which we have in union with Christ Jesus” (the context of this chapter discusses being declared righteous through faith in Christ Jesus rather than being bound (slaves) to works of the Mosaic Law)
- Romans 3:23,24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus.” (the ransom of Jesus enabled them to be declared righteous)
However, despite a considerable search of the Scriptures, it proved impossible to find another scripture supporting the organization’s idea that Jehovah is the source of freedom talked about in 2 Corinthians 3.[i]
The article then says “But, Paul explained, ‘when one turns to Jehovah, the veil is taken away.’ (2 Corinthians 3:16) What do Paul’s words mean?” (par. 3)
Reading 2 Corinthians 3:7-15 (the context) is very helpful in understanding 'what Paul's words mean'. You will notice that 2 Corinthians 3:7,13,14 indicate that Moses put the veil on because the Israelites could not cope with the glory of the Mosaic Law Covenant as reflected in Moses’s glowing face (because of his receiving it from God), which highlighted how imperfect they were (Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:9). They were also unable to comprehend what the Law covenant pointed to. That a perfect ransom sacrifice would be required to free them from the Mosaic Law and the imperfection of man that it highlighted. As 2 Corinthians 3:14 confirms the Jews were still figuratively having a veil between them and the Law covenant. Why? It was because, by having it read in the synagogue, they showed they did not understand it had been done away with by the Christ, by his fulfilling the law through his ransom sacrifice (See 2 Corinthians 3:7, 11, 13, 14). As verse 2 Corinthians 3:15 indicates, Paul was not referring to the veil as a literal one, but a mental one. The veil was one of a lack of mental comprehension. It is in this context that Paul goes on in verse 16 to say “but when there is a turning to Christ the veil is taken away.” The Jews already served Jehovah, at least in theory, and among them were many sincere, godly Jews (Luke 2:25-35, Luke 2:36-38). These godly Jews had no need to turn to Jehovah as they were already serving him. However, they needed to turn to and accept Jesus as their Messiah, saviour and ransomer (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 18-19) without which they could not hope to gain everlasting life (John 3:16).
So what does the article suggest that Paul was saying? It says “in the presence of Jehovah and where ‘the spirit of Jehovah’ is, there is freedom. To enjoy and benefit from that freedom, however, we must ‘turn to Jehovah’, that is, come into a personal relationship with him.” (par. 4) Firstly, there is a big difference between turning to Jehovah—which could be for worship, for help, or in prayer—to having a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. The Greek word translated “turning to” carries the meaning of 'to turn oneself', and as Paul showed in verse 15 that would be a mental change on the part of the individual. Additionally as we have just discussed, the scriptures show belief in Jesus' ransom was the important thing.
The article continues “the spirit of Jehovah brings liberation from enslavement to sin and death, as well as from slavery to false worship and it’s practices” (par. 5) and cites Romans 6:23 and Romans 8:2 in support. However Romans 6:23 says “the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord”. So without Jesus there is no freedom from sin and death according to this scripture. Similarly Romans 8:2 says “for the law of the spirit that gives life in union with Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." So neither cited scripture supports the article’s conclusion.
Valuing Our God-given Freedom
The problem with this mistranslation of 2 Corinthians 3:15-18 is that it leads to a misunderstanding of the scriptures. This means that when the article says “The apostle Paul urged all Christians not to take for granted the freedom that Jehovah has kindly given us through his Son, Jesus Christ. (Read 2 Corinthians 6:1)” (par. 7), it doesn’t have the impact it should because the waters have been muddied, so to speak. It then becomes so easy for the brothers and sisters to miss the purpose of God’s grace.
Having laid a dodgy foundation, the article goes on to exacerbate the problem by starting to apply the principles to one of its pet subjects, that of further education. The article says in paragraph 9 “The counsel by Peter also applies to more serious aspects of life, such as a person’s choice of education, employment, or career. For example, young people in school today are under much pressure to qualify for enrollment in elite institutions of higher education.”
Did you notice while we were discussing and reading 2 Corinthians 3, 5 & 6 and Romans 6 & 8, that having faith in and appreciating Jesus ransom sacrifice affected our choice of education, employment or career? No? Nor did I. Therefore, is making a choice in these areas something sinful? No, not unless we choose a career or employment that is directly against God’s laws. Even non-witnesses would rarely choose to be a criminal or assassin or prostitute, and those careers are rarely taught thorough higher education!
So why are we treated to the next statement “While it is true that we have the freedom to make personal choices regarding our education and career, we need to remember that our freedom is relative and that all decisions we make have consequences” (par. 10)? This statement is of the blindingly obvious. So why even bother to make it? It would appear that the only reason is to put a negative slant on choosing higher education outside of the Governing Body's narrow parameters. So much for freedom.
Wisely Using our Freedom to Serve God
Paragraph 12 goes on to say: “The best way to protect ourselves from misusing our freedom and thus becoming enslaved again by worldly ambitions and desires is to be fully absorbed in spiritual pursuits. (Galatians 5:16)”.
So what are the spiritual pursuits referred to in Galatians 5:16 and its context in verses Galatians 5:13-26? Galatians 3:13 reminds us not to use our newfound freedom as “an inducement for the flesh”. Yet, as Paul reminded the early Christians, although “the entire Law stands fulfilled in one saying, namely: “You must love your neighbor as yourself....YOU keep on biting and devouring one another”. So some were using their freedom to treat their fellow Christians badly. What did Paul talk about next? Did he say, ‘it’s all because you went for higher education and got a career working for an employer who was a bad example.’? The answer is recorded in verses 21-23 where he said “Keep walking by spirit and YOU will carry out no fleshly desire at all”. So walking by spirit was the key, and he expanded on what he meant in the following verses “Now the works of the flesh are manifest … On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
So it is clear from Galatians 5:16-26 that Paul viewed working on and displaying the fruitage of the spirit (in its many facets) as the spiritual pursuit we should be practicing.
Keeping this scriptural view in mind, let us compare it with the article’s view. Discussing Noah and his family, it says “They chose to keep busy in all that Jehovah had assigned them to do—build the ark, store up food for themselves and the animals, and sound the warning to others. “Noah did according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.” (Genesis 6:22)” (par. 12). Did you spot the usual alternative truth mentioned in connection with Noah? Read the whole chapters of Genesis 6 & 7 and try as you may, you will not find Jehovah assigning Noah and his family to sound the warning. Neither will you find a record of him doing “just so” in sounding the warning. Why? It is because he did not receive that assignment or command in the first place. We was command to build an ark, and "he did just so."
What else does the article suggest? “What has Jehovah commanded us to do today? As disciples of Jesus, we are well-acquainted with our God-given commission. (Read Luke 4:18, 19)” (par. 13). Er, no, Luke is telling us all about Jesus' special commission, not about “our God-given commission.” There he quotes Isaiah’s prophecy as to what the Messiah would do. But Matthew 28:19-20 is our commission, handed to us by our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. However, when viewed through the lens of the Organization, it reads like this:
“Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit [and in association with God’s spirit-directed organization,] teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
Since the mid-1980s, the baptism questions have been altered to include the Organization as part of this process of disciple making. This is yet another example of changes to the Good News we received, despite the dire warning in Galatians 1:6-9 against making any changes to the true Gospel.
Next, we are told: “The question that each of us should consider is, ‘Can I use my freedom to give greater support to the Kingdom work?" (par. 13) and "It is most encouraging to see that many have sensed the urgency of our times and have simplified their lives so as to share in the full-time ministry” (par. 14).
So, have you spotted any encouragement to work on or manifest the fruitage of the spirit as given by Paul in Galatians yet? No? But you cannot help but notice that the only spiritual pursuit mentioned is that of preaching in accordance with Organizational standards not found in Scripture. People from all religions preach. We seem them on TV. Missionaries from all religions preach around the Globe. Who hasn't had a Mormon knock on one's door. Does that indicate they are spiritual people, developing the qualities Paul speaks of to the Galatians?
Also, try as you may, you will find no definition of “the Kingdom work” in the Scriptures that match the artificial construct of "full-time servant" created by the Organization. The only related phrase associated with the Kingdom is “the good news of the Kingdom”.
I nearly omitted the only other ‘spiritual pursuit’ the article discusses, that “Nonetheless, many seize the opportunity to volunteer in theocratic construction projects around the world” (par. 16). Now this particular pursuit is not only not mentioned in Galatians, it’s not even mentioned in the entire New Testament. Furthermore, are the projects ruled or controlled by Jehovah God. They would need to be if they are to warrant the title: "theocratic construction project".
So when the article concludes with “May we show by the choices we make that we treasure that freedom. Instead of squandering or misusing it, let us use our freedom and the opportunities it brings to serve Jehovah to the fullest extent possible” (par. 17), it carries the meaning of ‘get busy in organizational pursuits’. It is therefore best to answer with a scripture as before. What better than to read 2 Corinthians 7:1-2 (the context of 2 Corinthians 3 & 5 discussed earlier in this article) which says “Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear. Allow room for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.”
Let us imitate Jesus Christ even as the Apostle Paul exhorted and use “the glorious freedom of the children of God” to follow the true spiritual pursuits, the practicing of “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Romans 8:21, Galatians 5:22)
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[i] If a reader knows of such a scripture feel free to notify me via a comment so that I may examine it.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Jerome on 2018-06-10 14:28:19
Excellent article Tadua. Paragraph 14 reminded me of a comment in the May 1974 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry:
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17.
Comment by Psalmbee on 2018-06-10 11:12:52
How do you compare (Ps 119:45) with what you are saying in this article?
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-10 12:52:12
Psalm 119:45: And I will walk about in a roomy place, for I have searched even for your orders.
I would have difficulty myself making such a comparison. How do YOU make a comparison to a bible quote that is a total non sequitur?Reply by Psalmbee on 2018-06-10 13:02:28
Are we not talking about liberty?
Example: You have the liberty to use a real Bible!Reply by Psalmbee on 2018-06-10 19:15:20
Such confusion with the NWT, Here is 11 different translations that use the word liberty or freedom @ Ps 119:45 instead of in "a roomy place".
NIV
NLT
BSB
NASB
KJV
ISV
NAS
KJ2000
ASV
DBT
WEB
There is more, but I hope you get my point!Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-10 22:04:57
No, I don't even slightly get your point. Maybe you should make your point, instead of expecting other people to make it for you. This is really getting tiresome.
Reply by JackSprat on 2018-06-11 03:05:43
I think Psalmbee is trying to make the point that the NWT does not really offer a modern alternative to other Translations of God's word. Personally I use the Aramaic translation of the NT in association with the Bible Hub and the e-sword it is so easy to really understand God's will for his people and the OT can be read to observe his dealings with the Jews for example F.B. Meyer makes a very good commentary of Psalms 119:33-48
LOVE FOR GOD’S COMMANDS
Twice over the psalmist says, “thy commandments which I have loved,” and then proceeds to give the key to perfect love of them in the words, “I will meditate in thy statutes.” Fugitive moments spent over God’s Word will never lead to a deep and fervent affection for it. If you look cursorily at a great painting, you will fail to become enthralled with it. In the Dresden gallery connoisseurs will spend hours before a single painting by Raphael. They go away, and return the next day. They make the painting their own by prolonged communion with its matchless forms.
we need to find the mind of our Lord Jesus who fulfilled his father's will and purpose perfectly.Reply by samisaac on 2018-06-12 03:01:48
My view is that in English, there are surely better translations than Nwt. Some even use Gods name . But I mainly read the Bible in my own language (Swedish) and in other relatively small languages, most other translations are in old archaic church language. I don’t think you automatically arrive at Wt interpretation either by reading the Nwt. Some problematic translation choices arent the same in all languages that the Nwt is released in. But of course, I think using several translations and comparing different passages is the best approach.
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-12 07:55:19
That is interesting. May I ask, does your user name relate to the Scandanavian group known as Sami ? I think it is accented as Sámi.
Reply by samisaac on 2018-06-12 09:02:52
My mother is from the northern parts of Sweden where there are sámi people but I don’t think my family are of that descent but who knows. Samisaac is short for Samuel Isaksson but with different spelling. Some call me Sam. If elders find this post well then they are naughty as well reading ”terrible hateful apostate propaganda” like this so they can’t complain that they found me here...?
Reply by samisaac on 2018-06-12 09:18:41
Of course I don’t find Beroean pickets and related sites to be ”apostate material myself, but according to WT viewpoint I guess it is. I have a hard time agreeing with that view really because not once (that I remember) have any writers on here told people to leave. I’d have to say rather it’s because of the support from people here that I manage to stay. Not that I believe it’s ”the true religion” anymore but I’m not ready to leave at the moment. But mentally I feel that I have disassociated myself from the current Gb and other authoritatian leaders in the group. I also take exception to some of the teachings. But I don’t wish to disassociate from the many reasonable brothers and sisters in my local area and friends in different parts of the world. Possibly the day will come eventually when they will have me disfellowshipped, but that’s a future problem. I am ready if that happens
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-12 12:19:00
As I see it, WT's own definition of apostate is standing away from the truth. If we accept that, then WT itself is apostate, not the people leaving or thinking of leaving.
I do happen to be one of those that have told people to leave. If you genuinely believe that the religion of the WT is false, can anyone provide a scriptural reason for staying that would meet with God's approval? That is the problem.
However, we must all recognize that, because the punishment level meted out by WT to anyone questioning their authoritarian regime is so great, we must have respect and compassion for those not ready to face the trauma of leaving.
The emotional turmoil faced by PIMO's is much like someone who has gotten gangrene and is facing an amputation. The thought is horrifying, but if they don't do it, they will die. No matter what choice they make, it is shocking and life-altering. It would be incredibly insensitive and unkind to badger and insult someone facing such a dilemma. Same here.Reply by Warp Speed on 2018-06-12 18:21:17
Thank you Robert for that most encouraging comment. I want out of the Org ASAP, but I also don't want to be cut-off from one of my kids and a grandchild. The illustration you used about amputation is spot-on.
I only go to a meeting about once every two months now. Working on fading to zero meetings- getting there....Reply by Psalmbee on 2018-06-13 16:45:17
Hang in there Warp Speed, it'll happen. Everyone works at their own pace, but at the same time guided by the same Holy Spirit, when the time is right you're exit will be painless and you can trust in the Lord Jesus for that guarantee ( Jn 6:45) compare (1 Cor 2:12).
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-15 10:04:39
Actually, I didn't originate the illustration about amputation. It comes from a book someone gave me, about how to cope with the death of a spouse.
My wife died six years ago, and for me the illustration is not theoretical. I deal with that, as well as dealing with feelings about JWs I knew for many years and genuinely cared about. I just left and moved away, so many don't know I am "gone". A few know, but they can't react because of the WT blinders they have on. I don't agree with their religion any more and would never be part of it again, but those people were friends, as much as any friend I ever had.
There's no question, this is hard, no matter how you look at it.
Reply by Psalmbee on 2018-06-11 08:14:22
Tadua said that if a reader knows of a scripture to back up what the org says that Jehovah is the source of the Spiritual freedom talked about in (2 Co 3) to notify him so he could examine it. He said it was impossible for him to find any. So if you don't mind let him examine it, it's all about spiritual liberty (Ps 119:45).
Reply by Eleasar on 2018-06-11 07:39:34
Hi Psalmbee,
We have Christian Freedom and that is very precious. I would like to suggest that all bible translations have value. As Christians, we appreciate the effort individual made in translating. At the same time we need to make sure that we don't project the WT mindset. They have a way of it being black or white, all or nothing. This is an absolutist view and we need to avoid this. This engenders debates and arguments that are fruitless.
Two points that I have are as follows:
1. All Bible translations are real translations. We can disagree with points of translations and highlight evidence to support our case. The NWT does have its biases. I used to think that inserting the Divine name into the NT was to support anti trinity. During my research I realised that this was not the case. The teaching of the trinity not being in the Bible was demonstrated long before the NWT arrived. This idea occurs because the WT accuse other of mistranslating the Divine name with LORD. This they say shows a trinitarian bias. A case can be made for this but this might not be the motivation of the translators. There is a letter that the Editor of the NIV sent to an individual on why they did not include Jehovah or Yahweh. It was to do with traditional view and the fact that they wanted to protect their investment in the NIV as people might not take to it. I understand why they would do that but it is not good translation technique.
In my view the WT included the name, because in the 1930s Rutherford had cemented the teaching of vindicating Jehovah's name as the primary theme. When they started the translation in 1949, this became a problem for the NWT committee as the primary doctrine is effected without a name for God. (It actually appears 4 in the NT times in Rev 19) Rather than question the doctrine, they looked to support it and hence the work on why the Divine Name is included and all the theorising etc. This is bias in my opinion. But all translations have bias. leaving out the Divine Name in the OT is bias.
Another example is the Appendix 5 in the 1984 NWT Ref Bible. In insisting on translating the word Parousia as "presence" and not giving the alternative "coming" is clearly doctrinal bias. The explanation on "presence" is very one sided and does not give the alternative. "Presence" is the primary use of parousia but "coming" and the technical usage for the "return of Jesus" are also valid. The reader should be able to make a judgement. Again, they have not necessarily translated it wrongly but the alternatives not shown is an indicator of bias.
2. A majority of translations agreeing on a translation does not necessarily make it right or correct. As an example the historic issue with John 1:1 goes back to the KJVs translators. They were all versed in Latin and then Greek. In Latin, there is no definite or indefinite article. The majority were chosen from the Anglican stream. Only 3 from the Puritan branch. This caused a great deal of problems as the Anglican majority replaced words Tyndale had included, like Elder for Bishop, Congregation for Church. The Pilgrim Fathers would not take the KJV to the New World as they felt it was biased. They took the Geneva Bible as it had side notes. King James was clear that he did not want side notes as it caused division (now where have I heard that before). It became a question of Authority. (I think this has happened in most of our lives and that is why we are on this site)
John 1:1 can be translated as ... the Word was God or ...the Word was a god. Either translation is grammatically acceptable. Theological bias will decide in most cases. Context should decide. So does the fact that most English translations use "was God" make it more accurate or right?
We want to help people to come to know the Christ and become children of God. Respecting all translations will go a long way in helping those who are willing to reason.
Favour and Peace of the Father and our Lord Jesus
Eleasar.Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-06-12 17:30:18
You speak wise words, Eleasar. It amused me to be told by one elder, after the last elder’s school, that the instructor stated that “we have the best Bible”.All, I could say was “that is interesting, can you tell me who said that ? “ . Needless to say, I have yet to given an answer.
Meanwhile, the best Bible is achieved by carefully examining scriptures and comparing them with others. Then dig, and see why they differ. Where the NWT agrees with most other translations, I am happy to trust it. Where it does not agree, I cannot, although it might not necessarily be wrong at that point.
Reply by samisaac on 2018-06-13 09:49:44
Ifionlyhadabrain you might be right about Nwt not being easy to read, especially older revisions. I haven’t read the most recent one in English a lot but a new revision came out in Swedish (my language) that greatly improved on the stiff language in the older versions. This may sound meaningless to you because you don’t speak my language, but I’ m quite happy being able to read a modern version in my own language (with non archaic church language)
Reply by Robert-6512 on 2018-06-13 11:09:07
I think a lot of people misunderstand the whole story of NWT. It is neither as good or as bad as many have claimed.
First. Fred Franz was the only one with any real training, but even that was minimal. He took a course in classical Greek in college, but dropped out of school after the second year. Another person on the NWT committee knew modern Greek; no one knew Koine Greek. A third person knew Spanish I believe, and the fourth person had no language training at all.
So how did they make a NWT? Pretty much the same way YOU would if someone asked you to do it. You'd get every translation you had, gather all the Greek and Hebrew dictionaries, all the commentaries, and so on, then come up with preliminary translations, verse by verse. In the case of NWT, they also had all of their biases that had to account for in some matter that they could offer justification for. They then just "thread the needle" doing the best they could, and also had someone to advise them on writing really correct English sentences. They then just cranked them out, one verse at a time.
Not very good, is it?
The part that wasn't so bad is where they were not trying to corrupt the text with their own doctrinal biases, in verses that were not controversial. There, because their biblical language skills were so extremely weak, they essentially transliterated verses. That was not done in order to "retain the flavor of the original text". They did that because they were so unqualified, they didn't know how to do it any other way. The up-side to that is that by doing literal translations when they didn't know how to do it right, they avoiding needlessly corrupting the text. So, their "accuracy of translation" was achieved mostly by accident, as they blundered their way through the translation process.
Over the years, as they finally gathered a few people that knew what they were talking about, some of the NWT revisions cleaned up the worst of the awkward literal wording.
So, NWT is not quite as bad, but not nearly as good, as various people have claimed.
Reply by wild olive on 2018-06-13 19:49:06
Hi Brain
I also like using the NLT,I even had a Pentecostal tell me what an evil translation it is ?
The NLT is one of those "dynamic equivalent " translations, you can pick up the flow of thought easily, that's why I use it as my first step in study, gives me the picture quick and easy, then if I want deeper clarification, I go to an ESV or KJV, then check the cross references in the NWT, since it does have very good cross referencing, and then a Strongs or a Thayers concordance , and if ime still not sure put it out on Beroean Pickets?, most satisfying. Now that I think of it , I haven't studied a watchtower or any WT publication,for an answer to anything for about 6 years, and it's only in that time that I feel like ime growing spiritually, guess that says it all.
Comment by JackSprat on 2018-06-11 02:49:31
I feel that the opening verses if 2 cor 3 are so enlightening about our Christian freedom.
Ministers of the New Covenant
2Co 3:1 Why are we beginning again to tell you all these good things about ourselves? Do we need letters of introduction to you or from you, like some other people?
2Co 3:2 No, you yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts. It is known and read by all people.
2Co 3:3 You show that you are a letter from Christ that he sent through us. This letter is not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on stone tablets but on human hearts.
2Co 3:4 We can say this, because through Christ we feel sure before God.
2Co 3:5 I don't mean that we are able to do anything good ourselves. It is God who makes us able to do all that we do. ERV
Comment by if ever on 2018-06-15 10:05:22
I have looked into this Watchtower some time ago when it first came out. I noted when I had reviewed the whole of Exodus 33:1-23, the whole chapter Moses was concerned that Jehovah will not accompany Israel on the journey. Moses spoke face to face with Jehovah seeking to know who he is sending.
Moses requested to have Jehovah continue with the nation of Israel. At the end of Exodus 33 Jehovah's glory was presented to Moses, but not Jehovah's face. Then after Exodus 34 - it was after speaking in the presence of Jehovah, and not and angel that Moses face emitted rays. Reading the Bible makes a difference when you are studying the Bible and not a man-made publication like the Watchtower.
Also when studying of 2 Corinthians 3 I have also come to the same conclusion that Tadua has when he pointed out about the veil being removed was when they turn to Christ. Apostle Paul made his point at the end of in 2 Corinthians 3:14, and this drives the context of turning to a person. Is it the person of Jehovah or Jesus in verse 16? The Lord Christ.
I think John 8:36 is pertinent as indicating who it is that sets us free. The Christ.
Comment by wild olive on 2018-06-16 22:04:14
Kingdom work and theocratic construction projects, two expressions that are not found in the bible, they are not part of "healthful words" 1Tim 6:3. & 2Tim1:13