A few comments about Bible Translations....
For those who treasure the Scriptures, please be aware that many of the more "modern" translations are paraphrased -- either phrase for phrase or thought for thought. Meaning -- a bit of interpretation of the translators is introduced in an attempt to make the passage more understandable to present day readers. That works fine in some passages, but in others, when the translator does not really grasp all of the meanings, precious truths are literally omitted! I have studied this personally. Also -- there are many words that are simply mis-translated. No matter what translation someone uses, I recommend getting a good study guide (like Strong's Concordance or an app/program that uses it) to occasionally look at the Greek and Hebrew. (You don't have to know those languages -- the study guide will translate for you.) I also recommend when studying a passage to be sure to look at a word-for-word translation as well -- such as KJV.
I was thinking about this since at a Bible study last night, people were reading passages from various translations and some things didn't sound right so I started looking at KJV but more importantly the Greek. (I realize KJV is not perfect either -- just happens to be better than most. I am NOT one who feels the ONLY legitimate translation is KJV. )
Amazing how NIV ALWAYS translates "LORD GOD of hosts" as "Lord God Almighty." The Hebrew for "God Almighty" is EL SHADDAI. Whereas the word for "hosts" is Tsvaot! That would best be translated as "armies." So Lord of Hosts is Lord of ARMIES!! I think the translators didn't like saying that phrase!
Another verse mistranslated last night was Phil. 2:12. NIV used phrase "dear friends" while KJV uses "beloved." Friends would be appropriate if Greek used some form of Phileo. But the Greek is agapetos -- clearly including word "-- loved -- therefore "beloved" or at least "dearly loved."
These are just a few examples. There are many!
As we study the Scriptures, let us keep in mind 2 Tim 2:15 -
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
