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NASB | John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Gen 1:1; Is 9:6] |
Bible Question:
Regarding the NASB translation of the Bible: Can you give me your views and supporting sources on the accuracy of it to the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts? Recently, I was told that the translators of the modern Bibles intentionally left out the article "a" in the verse John 1:1 (ie. the famous God vs "a god" translation arguement) Unfortunately, not being a Greek/Hebrew scholar, I had no convincing response to give him, so responded that I would not acccept his assertion of intentional omission by the NASB translators anymore than he would accept my assertion that his NWT was inaccurate. Pretty weak huh? What say ye on this matter? If any of you can translate Greek or Hebrew I am very interested in hearing your input. Thank you, In Christ and loving Him, Edie |
Bible Answer: Greetings Edie! I was thinking some more about your question this morning. May I add an important point. JW's will generally try to build a grammatical arguement for translating John 1:1 as 'a god' rather than 'God'. By doing so, they think that they can escape the clear message of the verse. However, by adopting the reading 'a god', they directly contradict very clear statements of Scripture. For instance: 1) Is. 43:10 - "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'" This verse is particularly ironic since it uses the term 'witnesses', but denies that there is more than one God. This verse does not allow for the view that Jesus was some sort of lesser god. Now, the JW's will usually try to respond that there is only one YHWH, but that there can be many 'gods'. However, the New Testament totally destroys this possibility. 2) 1 Cor. 8:4 - "So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one." The same word for 'God' is used in this verse as is used in John 1:1. It doesn't say that there is one God (YHWY) and then other lessor gods. This verse says that there is only ONE GOD. Therefore, the Father cannot be one God and then Jesus be another god. Here are some other verses that teach the same thing: 3) Is. 44:6 - "'This is what the LORD says — Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. 7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come — yes, let him foretell what will come. 8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.'" 4) Deut. 32:39 - "'See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand." 5) 2 Sam. 7:22 - "'How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.'" 6) Is. 45:5 - "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me," No matter how a JW spins these verses, there cannot be only ONE GOD and many gods at the same time. :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |