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II Timothy 2:15b
Many people have made contact with me concerning the articles I submit to the papers. Most of the response has been very positive; some people have even sent financial support. There have also been a few who condemn me because I don't use the Old King James Version to quote from. They seem to think that the only version that should be used is the KJV of 1611.
Although I begin my study with the New King James, I must resort to the KJV, because it is compatible with the Strong's Concordance. When reading and studying a particular text, I often read a variety of other versions. The different word usage can sometimes give greater understanding, or just stir my thinking on a certain subject.
For those of you who are dogmatic about the use of the KJV of 1611, let me assure you, it has its problems as well. Almost everyone who has translated the Bible, has chosen to use certain words because they were more agreeable to their theology or understanding. We are going to look at one example from the KJV where the choice of words was poor or inaccurate.
According to the KJV, Exodus 12:35 says that the children of Israel "borrowed" of the Egyptians, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment." The problem with this translation (use of the word borrow) in the KJV of 1611, is that when something is borrowed, it is expected to be returned. If it is not returned, it is like stealing. This was not the case with the Israelites and what they received from the Egyptians.
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary (page 130, borrow) has this to say about this text. In Exodus 3:22, 11:2, 12:35 the KJV unfortunately translates the verb "sha'al" (ask) by the verb borrow, and so gives the wrong impression that the Israelites cheated the Egyptians, and worse still that the Lord encouraged this "borrowing."
The New International Version says it this way, "The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver, and gold, and for clothing." The New King James also uses the word asked in Exodus 12:35, 3:21, and 11:2-3 instead of borrow.
In the Eastern culture, people would often have a "going away party" for those who were moving or leaving. This is what Laban was referring to when he spoke to Jacob in Genesis 31:27, "for I might have sent you away with songs, with timbrel and harp." This was also a time for giving or asking for gifts. The tradition of giving gifts to slaves and bond servants became part of the law according to Deuteronomy 15:12-15.
In Genesis 24:53, Abraham's servant gave gifts to Rebekah's family after God had blessed his journey. He did this before he was about to leave on his journey back to Isaac at Beer Lahai Roi. So what is my point in writing this article about different versions?
There is no perfect translation, they all have a poor translation or misuse of a word here and there. Some of that problem could be because word usage and meaning changes over time.
I am writing in defense of "Common Thoughts on the Word." Because I use the Strong's Concordance, I must also use the KJV of 1611 to do word study in the Greek and Hebrew lexicon.
I have never asked anyone who reads my column to use a particular translation. I will continue to expect that freedom for myself as well. Various translations can cause us to think and consider different Scriptural meanings.
When people put unscriptural demands and expectations on others, they simply show how narrow minded and manipulative they really are.
As we study the Scriptures, word meaning and usage can be important. But the true meaning and application of the text is what we should be searching for. What truth was the writer (or the text) trying to convey to the readers? How does this truth apply to my life today?
So here is my closing thought. If Christ is to be our example, then let's focus on the important things like He did. Using a certain translation will not sanctify anyone or get them into heaven. It will take the working of the Holy Spirit to open minds and hearts and give understanding. Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com
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Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. He has self-published three books, Common Thoughts on The Word in 2016 and Eye of a Needle in 2017 and Common Thoughts on The Word II in 2019. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a children's book.