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NASB | John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-- [Is 56:5] |
Subject: Why include "even" in John 1:12 |
Bible Note: Hi, flinkywood! What an imaginative name. Something there is about it that makes me chuckle on this Monday morning. To add a gem of doubtful wisdom to the subject of all these new translations: I cut my biblical teeth on the King James Bible. When I was young -- it seems so long ago! -- the KJV was for all intents the only English version in common use. For its age and, to us modern folk, strange turns of phrase that were normal ways to say things in Jacobean English, it is yet to be toppled by modern versions in literary excellence. But for the most of us it becomes necessary -- and advisable -- to search out newer, clearer versions that better convey to us the eternal word of God. But should we play the unsettling game of "Bible grasshopper?" Is it wise to skip incessantly from one translation to another and to another, or is it better to choose one version carefully and adopt it as one's mainstay? To use a computer analogy, is it better to have one version designated as a "home page" at which one feels more comfortable at at home? I think so and believe there are cogent reasons why this is desirable. (1) Familiarity. The wording and format of a single version is an aid in finding passages. (2) Memorization. It makes no sense to memorize John 3:16 in one version and John 3:17 in another. (3) Marking and Notes. It is impractical and confusing to add personal markings in a dozen different translations. (4) Decision Making. It answers the questions, What translation should I read from today? and Which one should I take to church or Bible study class?........ There is much to be said in favor of using multiple translations to help clarify a difficult text, but much more to be said in favor of settling on a single translation as one's primary Bible. I've seen Bibles with four or more translations printed side by side in columns. They distract me no end, because I inevitably find myself concentrating on how a passage is being said and forgetting to notice what is being said. Choosing from among several excellent translations available a "main" Bible translation is largely a matter of personal taste. Three modern translations that come to mind as viable candidates are the NKJV, NASB, and NIV. Some of the newer versions, the Holman Christian Standard and the English Standard to name two, may well be rising stars with the potential of becoming the accepted standards of tomorrow. Time will tell. --Hank |