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NASB | Romans 9:23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:23 And what if He has done so to make known the riches of His glory to the objects of His mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory, |
Bible Question:
Does anyone out there see what I see? What is up with the italics bit? The quesion posed in vs. 22,23 is an open, hypothetical question. It is not closed with an answer. Why did the NASB folks close it? No other translation does this. The difference between "And He did so to make known..." and "And what if He thus purposes to make known..." is HUGE!!! Why hasn't anyone questioned this so far? Whitewave |
Bible Answer: Greetings Whitewave - I've just read through this thread and although I am no scholar and have no background in all this translation stuff, if God has set this desire in your heart, then you will be blessed in pursuing it. This morning, my focus has been on the sovereignty of God and that we are God's possession. (God spoke to Jeremiah saying, "I have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight." Jer 23:5) I believe these truths rings loudly in Romans 9. In verses 14-21, the question of God's "right" is already asked and established, so to translate as the NASB has done does not seem (to me anyway) to change the underlying premise, and supports the stated purpose of God which I believe Paul presumes the reader, (remember he is writing to Jews,) knows. As I read this passage I am reminded that mercy without justice is not mercy. To me, these verses underscore God's sovereignty and purpose in dealing with mankind. v 22: "What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? v 23: And (what if)He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, Paul asks a rhetorical question of sorts akin to "So what if God chose to . . . so what if God - this is as much to say, SO WHAT? . . . So, should the pot ask the Potter why did you make me this way? SO WHAT! Since we all have a burning desire to know WHY? (Which of course can only be answered by WHO?) I suspect the NASB translators took a "liberty" of sorts - one that you have questioned. However, to me, it is supported by the premise of God's sovereignty in this statement "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." (Romans 9:15) and His purpose throughout Scripture to reconcile mankind back to Himself. Ponder these things. Know also that if these translators have erred, they will be held accountable by God - let's not usurp His authority. Our responsibility is to seek the Truth and that is found in a PERSON - Jesus. May this endeavor draw you closer to Him. mommapbs |