Bible Question:
I was wondering if Ps. 45:6 could be translated any other way than "Thy throne O God, is forever and ever..." This is directly quoted in Hebrews chapter 1. Some groups, notably Jehovah's Witnesses, claim that this should be translated in Hebrews as "God is thy throne forever and ever..." This is an alternate reading in some Bibles, but it makes no sense to me. But if the verse in the Psalms can ONLY be translated this one way, then that would invalidate the alternate translation. I know that these verses are vocative tenses, with no verb, which can make it a little dicey sometimes translating. And I'm aware that both "throne" and "God" in Hebrews end in the same nominative ending, supposedly making them interchangeable. But again, "God is thy throne," makes no sense. A throne is the place from which one rules, and God isn't a place. Thanks for any help anyone can give me! Bonnie |
Bible Answer: Blessings Bonnie! I agree that rendering Psalms 45:6 as "God is thy throne forever and ever" is a faulty rendering at best, but that is to be expected if you took that from the New World Translation, or the Bible that is predominately used by the Jehova's Witnesses. The New World Translation is dangerous and you should avoid it at ALL COSTS! Any 'trusted' Bible translation renders this verse as, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6) Every major translation is in agreement here, which proves that if someone where to translate it in any other way, then they would be bringing their 'own presuppositions' and agenda to the fore during the process of translation. Ryrie's Study Bible comments about Psalms 45:6-7, "The king is addressed as God in verse 6 and is distinguished from God in verse 7. Verse 6 was likely a royal hyperbole (extravagant exaggeration) of the king referred to (perhaps Solomon), but ultimately refers to Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:8-9). An eternal throne was promised to the house of David (2 Sam. 7:16), Jesus being the final and eternal occupant of it (Luke 1:32-33)." |