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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. |
Subject: Why is 2 Thess. 2:7 mis-translated? |
Bible Note: Greetings Justme! You make an excellent point! May I add though that it goes even further! Translation is very difficult. :-) Greek word orders are different than English. Greek idioms are different than English. To 'literally' translate a verse is really impossible. The words chosen to translate a word, the order in which one places them, and many other variables impact how a verse 'reads' in English. This is why I hesitate to use words like 'mis-translated', expect for those occasions where the text clearly does not support a particular translation. Allow me to provide a relatively simple example. Here is how one very literal rendering of Heb. 13:9 reads: "With teachings various and strange not be carried about; for good with grace to be confirmed the heart, not meats; in which not were profited tose who walked." Here is how the NIV translates this passage: "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them." Which one makes more sense for an English reader? :-) Now this is a relatively easy verse! There are some where no one is entirely sure how a certain word or phrase should be translated. Of course, there are two points of application from these observations. 1) We should be very careful when accusing people of mis-translating a verse. 2) It takes more than a strong's concordance to qualify one to translate Greek or Hebrew. I know these points don't apply to you my friend, but I thought that they might be good reminders for all of us! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |