Subject: Essentials, where is the proof? |
Bible Note: Good day Tim, Not being familiar with the Greek of the NT, I am forced to rely on scholars. In the first place, looking at the Strong's, I notice that in John 3:36, I notice: 1. The Greek word for the first instance of "believeth" (KJV) is a different Greek word from its use in the second instance for "believeth" (KJV). 2. The Greek word used in 3:12,18 is the same as that used in the first instance in v.36, which, again, is different from the second instance, "believeth" (KJV). 3. Some of the popular and more accurate translations have "disobey" (RSV, NASV, TEV, cf. less popular known, Moffatt, Revised English Bible). In the second place, Vincent states, "More correctly as Rev., 'obeyeth not'. disbelief is regarded in its active manifestation, disobedience" (Word Studies; cf. Linguistic/Exegetical Key to the Greek NT; Robertson Word Pictures). Mayfield agrees that "he who does not obey" is the "better translation" and comments, "The opposite of faith is actually 'refusal to obey'" (Beacon Bible Commentary; cf. "The Gospel an Epistles of John", F.F. Bruce). Notice that Michaels writes, "The last verse of the chapter brings the reader back to the point reached in verses 18-21" (NIBC), which is what I suggested (cf. EBC). What Leon Morris asserts in his NICNT commentary on John is very instructive - as is also his footnote with reference to the BAGD - and answers directly to your asertion that the word translated as "disobey" can also be translated as "not believe." In conclusion, I do not go along with your suggestion because: 1. (a) Words are different. To be more accurate in translation, I will go along with the TEV. (b) Context does not demand what you assert but rather suggests, especially with vs. 16-21, that "disobeys" is the better translation of the Greek word. 2. The commentaries agree that the word translated "disobey" (TEV) emphasizes the activity of faith (something that I attempted to point out but they said it better). To me, it seems this emphasis is lost if translated merely as "disbelieves". 3. The contrast made in vs.12,18 is that of believing and disobedience when seen in its context, especially in light of vs.19-21. Their condemnation is "because their deeds were evil." In conclusion, if disobedience is the activity of unbelief, it seems to me that repentance - a truning to obedience - is, as I have suggested, the activity of faith. If your translation be insisted on, it should be with the understanding that an activity is emphasized, that is, the activity of diobedience. |