Today there are many translations of the Bible circulating. They are all different interpretations of the Scriptures, made by men who differ in their views. As men are finite, and make mistakes, so the translations they have produced with the object of presenting truth, also present error. While the truth of the Scriptures was given bu inspiration, and can be found in the Scriptures by those who search deeply for it, great care must be exercised in recognizing and rejecting error. There are hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of erroneous statements and expressions contained in the many and varied translations of the Scriptures in current circulation. To the casual reader the Bible presents confusion, but to YHWH's people who search diligently under the guidance of the Ruach HaKodesh, the character of Elohim, which is the goal they seek, may be discovered.
The Vulgate
The Bible of today has come down to us over a stormy sea. Prior to the 4th century there was no generally accepted version. Parts of the Bible had been translated into Latin by various people, but the results were chaotic. Under directions from the Pope the scholar Jerome wrote a Latin Bible called the Vulgate. He translated most of the Old Testament (the Tanakh) from the Hebrew, the Psalms from the Greek Septuagint, Tobit and Judith from the "Chaldee." It also contained the books of Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Maccabees I and II, and Baruch, and it contained Jerome's version of the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and Revelation.
The text of the Vulgate was just as liable to corruption as were the texts of its predecessors, but it was accepted by the church authorities as the Scriptures, and along with tradition and the writings of the fathers, it was a guide to the church of Rome for more than 1,000 years. The Council of Trent, in 1546, decreed its exclusive authority, and at the same time required that it be printed quam emendatissime, (i.e. with the fewest possible faults). As a result, the Clementine Vulgate was issued by Pope Clement VIII in 1592, and is till in use by the Catholic Church. Though the Vulgate was the recognized Bible right down through the dark ages, very few people had access to it. It was written by hand in Latin. The art of printing had not been discovered. There were no paper mills. The cost of a copy, to the average person was prohibitive. The people had to rely on what they were taught by monks and other church dignitaries, very few of whom themselves had access to the Scriptures. It was not until 1610 that an English translation of the whole Bible was made from the Vulgate. It was called the Reims-Douai Version. It is thought that no other version of the Bible has exerted so broad an influence upon Western Religion and culture as has the Vulgate. Its influence is also recognized on the King James Version.
Early English Translations
The first English New Testament (Brit Hadashah) translated from the Greek appears to be that of William Tyndale in 1526. The Coverdale Bible - 1535 - included the Old Testament (the Tanakh), but was based on other translations than the Greek and Hebrew texts. The Great Bible was published in 1539, and the Bishop's Bible in 1568.
The Authorized, or King James Version
Because of the confusion that was brought about by these various translations, it was felt that an authorized version should be produced in order to preserve harmony of thought and practice in the Church of England. Consequently King James, as head of the Church, ordered the scholars of his day to produce the Authorized Version, also called the King James Version. It was published in 1611. Modern studies have revealed that the Douai Version, published the year before, had extensive influence on the King James Version. Both these Versions have been revised from time to time.
The Purpose of Modern Revision
The King James Version has been widely accepted by English speaking peoples, but revision has become necessary for several reasons:
1. The language has changed considerably over the years. The precious truths of the Scriptures should not be disguised in phrases and words that are no longer clear, or which have lost their original meaning. Many changes in spelling and in some words have been made, but the retention of many of the old words and phrases has had the effect of distorting the truth.
2. A knowledge of Elohim and the principles of truth relating to righteousness and salvation must be progressive. As we learn these principles, so we are led to detect errors in translation. An error detected must be corrected that others may benefit rather than be led astray. Only by the process of revision and retranslation can truth be established. The Bible must be in harmony with itself to be a safe guide. This is perhaps the most important principle to be observed in translation.
It is the thought - the truth - the principle - that must be translated, not the words. In revising the Scriptures, correction must be made not only of spelling and language, but of principles which have been found to be erroneous. The object of the Scriptures is to present the truth, and to present it as clearly and simply as possible.
The Qualifications of a Translator
A translator of the truth must be a servant of Elohim. A servant is one who keeps his Elohim's Torah (commands). He needs the power of the Ruach HaKodesh which is a gift of grace, and can only be given him on condition of his obedience to the Torah of the covenant. As a Torah-keeping son of Elohim he must display the sign of Elohim's people, that is, he must be a Sabbath-keeper, worshipping Elohim on His Set-apart day according to the commandment. It is his allegiance to Elohim's Torah which distinguishes him from Babylon. We cannot expect Elohim to reveal His truth to those who do not honour His commands, knowingly or unknowingly. It is only through obedience to the truth that we can sanctify ourselves. Unfortunately, this sign of fidelity is not to be found among the vast majority of those who have revised the Scriptures. Not being sanctified through obedience to the truth, the works of these people cannot avoid the presentation of error. Consequently most of our modern translations present errors of Babylon. It would appear that the Adversary has taken advantage of this situation, so that today we have an ever increasing number of translations of the Scriptures - mixtures of truth and error - bringing confusion to those who are honestly seeking eternal life.
Infiltration by the Enemy
The truths of the Bible - particularly those of the Brit Hadashah (New Testament) - have been infiltrated by the translational errors of men whose lives have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth. No doubt many of these were good men, and well motivated. No doubt they did their best, but not having the light which dawned in 1844, when the mighty angel, with a rainbow round his head, announced the beginning of the time of the end, and the opening of the prophecies of the book of Daniel, they did not understand the sanctuary. They had not heard of the call to "Fear YHWH and give glory to Him, because the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountain of waters" Revelation 14:7. They were not worshipping Him by the faithful keeping of His Torah as stated in the Decalogue given at Sinai. They were not keeping holy the hallowed day of Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountain of waters. Without the light on the sanctuary which dawned in 1844, they did not understand the significance of the covenant of grace - that grace is conditional upon obedience to the law of the covenant, and is provided only to aid those who have forsaken sin in perfect obedience to the law of the covenant. They did not know that grace must retire in favour of justice when the judgment begins. Because of this they were not equipped, as we are today, to intelligently interpret and translate the Scriptures in harmony with the fundamental principles of truth.
Charity or Love?
The errors of the English translations of the Brit Hadashah (New Testament) are too numerous to itemize here. It is planned, therefore, to give just a few samples from here and there to show how the reader can be given erroneous impressions. The first example chosen is the Greek word AGAPE. This word means love. To love Elohim with all our hearts and our neighbour as ourselves is the perfecting of obedience to Elohim's great standard. To reach this standard is the goal of the Nazarene. In the King James Version this word, in many places, has been translated "charity." There is a vast difference, in our modern thinking, between these two words. The emphasis which Rabbi Sha'ul places on the importance of love in 1 Corinthians 13, is lost to the reader if he/she fails to substitute "love" for "charity." All later translations that the writer knows of, have corrected this word, and most people who continue to use the KJV make this correction in their minds when they read this passage, and other passages where the word "charity" appears. Instead of reading, "Charity edifieth," they read, "Love builds up" 1Cor. 8:1. And instead of reading "The end of the commandment is charity," they read, "The purpose of the commandment is the perfecting of love" 1 Tim. 5:1. Such a mental translation however, would not be necessary if a corrected written translation were used. It is because the truths of the Bible have been hidden like this that many later translations have been invited in order to reveal the true meaning of the Scriptures. While some modern translations have clarified obscurities, some have only added to the confusion.
Patience or Endurance?
The Greek word HYPOMONE means endurance. It means the enduring of pain and hardship until the purpose of it all is achieved by the one who endures it. To learn obedience to the law of love throws the learner into a series of conflicts with the tempter, but victory lies at the end of the pathway, and if he/she endures unto the end he/she will be saved.
In the KJV and some other versions, this word has been translated "patience" instead of "endurance." The difference between these two words is that whereas "patience" suggests a passive waiting for a gift, "endurance" suggests a persistent battling for a reward. The gift is from someone else; but the reward is the consequence of the battle - the result of the efforts of the battler. The verse "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Yeshua," is in a Babylonian setting. It takes the attention away from the effort that the runner must expend, suggesting that he will be given something if he patiently waits for it. This, however, is not the meaning which the apostle intended to convey. The correct meaning is given in the Judgement Hour Version which states, "Let us run with persistent endurance the race that is set for us, looking unto Yeshua, our example (or leader) in the perfection of faithfulness, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the stake, having despised the shame, and sat down at the right of G-d's throne." (Hebrews 12:1-2, JHV) We do not look to Yeshua for the gift of salvation. We look to Him for the example in learning obedience by the things that He suffered - an example in endurance.
Let us now look at the text that describes the banner of the people of Elohim, Revelation 14:12. In the setting of Babylon Revelation 14:12 states, "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of G-d, and the faith of Yeshua." (KJV) In the more correct setting it states, "Here is the endurance of the saints. Here are they who keep the commandments of G-d, and the faithfulness of Yeshua." (Rev. 14:12, JHV) The New English Bible also gives the true meaning stating, "This is where the fortitude of G-d's people has its place - in keeping G-d's commands and remaining loyal to Yeshua" NEB. The emphasis is placed, as it should be, on endurance and loyalty, not on patience and faith.
Confidence, or Boldness to Obey?
After commending on Hebrews for their courage and endurance in obeying Elohim's commandments, Rav. Sha'ul said to them, "Cast not away therefore, your boldness to obey, for it holds a great reward for you. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have performed the will of G-d, you may receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:35-36, JHV) But the KJV and others that have been influenced by Babylon, give a wrong meaning to the Scriptures stating, "Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of G-d, ye might receive the promise" (KJV). The reward which Yeshua will bring with Him when He comes is not for confidence, or for patience. Confidence does not have great recompense of reward at all. It is our boldness in obeying Elohim's law in the face of adversity that will be rewarded - not our confidence. It is only those who have learnt to do Elohim's commandments that will be given a right to the tree of life and an entrance into the city of ADONAI. Only those who have done the will of Elohim will receive the promise. We need boldness in fighting the enemy, and endurance, in order to reach to goal - not confidence and patience.
Belief or Obedience?
The Prince of Babylon has frequently influenced the scribes of the Bible to use the word "believe" instead of the word "obey." The results of this have been simply disastrous.
The fundamental truth which the Tanakh (Old Testament) teaches is that the relationship between ADONAI and His people is dependent upon faithfulness to the covenant of grace. We are His people only as we are faithful in obey the Torah of that covenant. His faithfulness in helping us to perfect obedience is entirely conditional upon our faithfulness in doing what He commands. Y'hoshua (Joshua) said to his people, "Be faithful to the Lord your God, and he will be faithful to you" 2 Chronicles 20:20. This is taken from the Septuagint version, because the King James Version completely misses the mark in stating, "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established." Believing is not good enough! The devils believe and tremble. Faithfulness means more than believing. It means obeying.
Repeatedly throughout the Brit Hadashah (New Testament), in many Bibles, the word "believe" is used as a substitute for the word "obey." Hebrews three and four of the KJV illustrates this. It tells us that "they (Israel) could not enter in because of unbelief" Hebrews 3:19. The lesson is drawn, "Let us therefore to enter into that rest (the promised land) lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." The marginal reference for "Unbelief" is given as "disobedience." This, of course, is the correct word. The Greek word from which it is translated is APISTIAN which means "unfaithfulness," or "disobedience," not "unbelief." The recently published (1979) Judgement Hour Version New Testament corrects these errors, and is urgently recommended for all who wish to heed the call to come out of Babylon.
In the third chapter of Romans Rav. Sha'ul contrasts the disloyalty of Israel with the faithfulness of Elohim. He says, "And what if some were disobedient? Shall their disloyalty terminate the faithfulness of Elohim?" But the KJV hides the truth by saying "For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of Elohim without effect?" Romans 3:3, KJV. The expression "the faith of Elohim" is used a number of times in the Brit Hadashah (New Testament). It means "the faithfulness of Elohim," but its meaning is hidden by faulty translation, and many have been led to erroneously interpret the expression as meaning "our faith in Elohim." Thus the Adversary gains a victory.
One disastrous result of this interpretation of "the faith of Elohim" as "our faith in Elohim" is seen in the popular doctrine of justification by faith. Instead of reading in the Bible that we are justified by the faithfulness of Yeshua, many people read that we are justified by our own faith in Yeshua, and they conclude, quite erroneously, that there is great virtue in faith or belief in Yeshua - a virtue sufficient to justify them. To justify means to forgive - to free from condemnation for past sins. If our faith in Yeshua plays any part at all in our forgiveness, then we are forgiving ourselves. Utterly impossible.
In Galatians 2:16, the KJV reads "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Yeshua, even we have believed in Yeshua the Messiah that we might be justified by the faith of Yeshua the Messiah, and not by the works of the Torah (law); for by the works of the Torah (law) shall no flesh be justified." This verse simply means that we cannot obtain forgiveness for past sins by keeping the law, but must rely for forgiveness upon the faithfulness of Yeshua "who was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification" Romans 4:25. But instead of stating this truth more clearly, the more modern Bibles of Babylon add to the confusion by interpreting "the faith of Yeshua" as "our faith in Yeshua." For example, the NIV interprets this verse as follows, "We know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Yeshua the Messiah." So we too have put our faith in Yeshua the Messiah, that we might be justified by faith in Yeshua the Messiah, and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no will be justified" Galatians 2:16, NIV.
If we refer to the 20th verse of the same chapter, we will find the KJV says, "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of G-d who loved me and gave himself for me." The JHV states this even more clearly as "the life which I now live in the flesh, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of G-d in loving me and giving up himself for me." But the NIV misses the mark completely by stating, "The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of G-d who loved me and gave himself for me." Most of the other modern translations follow the same lines as the NIV. While the KJV is far from perfect, its many references to the faith of Yeshua, and the faith of G-d are much nearer the truth than are most of the Bibles of Babylon, but we need to constantly bear in mind that in 1611, when the KJV was first published, the word "faith" did not mean faith as we understand it today. It meant "faithfulness to Elohim's Torah" - not merely belief and trust as it now does.
The incorrect translation of the words "believe" rather than "obey" and "faith" instead of faithfulness," had led tens of thousands to believe that if they only accept Yeshua as their personal Saviour by simply believing on Him, their faith will be rewarded with a heaven-admitting righteousness, or with the healing of their sicknesses. These have a wrong conception of Elohim and do not understand the outworking of infinite love. It is absurd to think that Adonai El who guides the stars throughout immensity will reward us with immortality, or restore our health, simply because we believe in Him. It is amazing that anyone, good or bad, should not believe in Him. Adonai is only concerned about our characters - our love to Him and to our fellow-man. He is only pleased when we live in harmony with the law of love and life which He gave His people from Sinai, and which Yeshua demonstrated to us how to keep. Only as we obey Him can He help us to do so.
Adonai El does not ask us, in His Word to "have faith in G-d," Mark 11:22, KJV. He asks us to "acquire the faithfulness of G-d," JHV. He wants us to acquire His character by sanctifying ourselves through obedience to His Torah. Yeshua did not say, "If thous canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" Mark 9:23, KJV. This is an absurd statement which the Adversary would like us to accept in order to confuse us. What Yeshua did say was, "If only you will be faithful, all things are possible to him who is faithful" Mark 9:23, JHV. There are hundreds of mistakes of translation like these in the Bibles of Babylon. They only bring confusion into the Scriptures.
Faith or Faithfulness?
These words are closely bound up with "belief" and "obedience." As mentioned previously the Greek word PISTIS, which means "faithfulness" or "loyalty," has generally been translated as "faith" in the KJV New Testament. The word "faith" appears only twice in the KJV Old Testament (Tanakh), and in both cases it simply means "faithfulness," while the word "faithfulness" is used frequently. But in the Brit Hadashah (New Testament) the tables are turned completely. "Faith" appears more than 200 times, while the word "faithfulness" does not appear at all. We are safe in assuming that in nearly all cases, "faith," in the Brit Hadashah, has the same meaning as "faithfulness" in the Tanakh (Old Testament).
If we apply this principle to the 11th & 12th chapters of Hebrews, the Scriptures really come to life. "Now faithfulness is the foundation of the character that we hope to acquire" Hebrews 11:1, JHV. A 19th century writer once said and I quote "Love, is the underlying principle of Adonai's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Nazarene's character. This alone can make him/her steadfast." Signs of the Times December 20, 1905. "Because of his faithfulness, Enoch was translated" Hebrews 11:5. "By his faithfulness Noah, having been divinely instructed ... prepared an ark for the saving of his house" Hebrews 11:7. "By his faithfulness Abraham, when called to go ... obeyed and went" Hebrews 11:8. "Wherefore, seeing we are surrounded by so many who have borne witness by their faithfulness, let us lay aside every weight and every petty sin, and let us run with persistent endurance the race that is set for us, looking unto Yeshua, our example in the perfection of faithfulness" Hebrews 12:1-2, JHV.
It is our faithfulness that pleases Elohim, not our faith in Yeshua but our faithfulness in obeying His Torah of Love. The Bibles of Babylon tell us a different story. They say:-
"Without faith it is impossible to please Elohim, for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that he is" Hebrews 11:6, KJV, NIV, NASB, NEB, RSV, etc. etc.
"You can never please Adonai with out faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to Adonai must believe that there is an El, and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him" The Living Bible.
"Without faith it is impossible to please him. The man who approaches G-d must have faith in two things, first that G-d exists, and secondly that G-d rewards those who search for him" Phillips.
These, and many other Bibles, all stress that it is our faith or belief in the existence of the Father that pleases Him. This is simply absurd in the light of the teachings of Yeshua who plainly taught that if we wish to abide in His love we must keep the commandments as He kept them. See John 15:10. That those who please the Father by their faithfulness He will reward with a crown of life. See Revelation 2:10. That He will admit His faithful servants to His kingdom saying, "Well done you good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of your Master" Matthew 25:21. "You are my friends if you practise my commandments" John 15:14. The Bible is simply full of texts which tell us that Adonai is pleased when we repond to His love by keeping His commandments. After all, Yeshua's purpose in coming to this earth, living and dying for us, was to teach us how to obey the Torah of Life, that we might be sanctified through obedience to the truth. The Judgement Hour Version presents the truth of Hebrews 11:6 as follows:-
"But apart from faithfulness we are powerless to please him, for by obedience only can we come to him. He himself is faithful, and rewards all who seek to be like him" Hebrews 11:6, JHV.
It is faithfulness that admits us to the joy of our Master, not faith. Yeshua, whom John (Yochanan) calls the Word (or Torah) of Adonai, came to reveal the glory of the Father's character to us. "And we beheld his glory," John writes, "full of grace and truth." Yeshua was the Torah of Adonai in person. He magnified the law and made it honorable. "I am the way," He said, "the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me" John 14:6. Our only approach to the Father's throne is through obedience to that Law which Yeshua represented when, as Emmanuel, He dwelt among us, a living example of Adonai' s great Torah of Love and Life.
In calling Elohim's people out of Babylon an important step is that of testing and revising the Scriptures. In the production of the Judgement Hour Version New Testament, I have attempted to take this step, hoping and praying that this version will help some soul to prepare to meet the Father. While I do not claim that my work is perfect, I believe that it is a most valuable contribution to the cause of truth. My earnest hope is that other commandment servants of Elohim will continue the work that I have begun. We need further enlightenment on much of the Tanakh (Old Testament) as well. We must know the truth if we want the truth to make us free. Elohim never intended that His people leave the translation of the Scriptures to those who belong to the ranks of Babylon.
JUSTIFICATION BY YESHUA'S FAITHFULNESS
The following passages taken from the JHV New Testament, are given here to show that:-
1. That justification means pardon - release from condemnation - for the sins of the past,
2. That we are justified by Yeshua's faithfulness - not only by our own faith, and
3. That we are justified only on condition of our faithfulness in obeying Elohim's law.
"But now Elohim's righteousness, quite apart from our efforts to keep the law, has been demonstrated ... by the faithfulness of Yeshua, to all and for all that obey ... being pardoned, without fee, bu his grace through the redemption that is in Yeshua whom Adonai fore-ordained to be a seat of mercy, that through his faithfulness, by the shedding of his blood, he might declare his righteousness as taking the place of the unrighteousness of the past - an arrangement acceptable to Adonai. And thus declare also that, because of his righteousness he is just, and able to justify, at this time, all who are practicing the faithfulness of Yeshua ... Does this faithfulness then, release us from our duty to keep his Torah? No, never, it only establishes all the more the necessity of doing so." Romans 3:21-31.
"To him who works not but commits himself to Yeshua whose faithfulness forgives sinners, that faithfulness is counted to him for righteousness. Similarly David described the blessed state of the man unto whom Elohim imputed his righteousness, quite apart from man's work saying, 'Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man who is freed from condemnation of sin.'" Romans 4:5-8.
"Also on our account is it (Yeshua's righteousness) imputed if we are faithful to him who raised our Messiah Yeshua from among the dead, who was delivered for our offenses and raised for our justification." Romans 4:23-25.
"Therefore, when pardoned by the faithfulness of our Messiah Yeshua we have peace (shalom) with Adonai through him." Romans 5:1.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and uncondemned, that he may forgive us those sins, and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
OBEY AND LIVE OR DISOBEY AND PERISH
The following texts from the JHV New Testament are given to show that the everlasting gospel which was given to our first parents in Eden before the fall, is also the everlasting gospel of the Bit Hadashah (New Testament):
"If therefore you desire to enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17.
"And then a certain doctor of the law stood up tempting him and asking, 'Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' And he said to him, 'What is written in the law? How does it read?' And he answering said, "You shall love Adonai your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.' And Yeshua said, 'You have answered correctly. Do this and you shall live.'" Luke 10:25-28. "For if a law were given which is able to give life" added Rav. Sha'ul, "then it is certain that righteousness can only be established by keeping it." Galatians 3:21.
"Adonai will render to every man according to his works. He will reward with eternal life those who seek immortality and glory and honour, by their continued endurance in well doing. But he will pour out indignation and wrath upon those who are contentious, who instead of obeying the truth, disobey his commandments. Tribulation and anguish will fall upon all evil doers ... but glory and honour and peace will be the reward of all who do good works." Romans 2:6-10.
"Do you not know that you are the servants of the one you obey? Disobedience to Adonai' s Torah leads to death. Obedience leads to righteousness and life." Romans 6:16.
"For when you served sin you were devoid of righteousness ... But having changed to the service of Elohim, the fruitage is holiness, leading to everlasting life. For as the wages of sin is death, so the wages of obedience is eternal life through the gift of Adonai, which is Yeshua the Messiah." Romans 6:20-23.
The above is reprinted and adapted from the late Dr. John L. Abbott's booklet The Bibles of Babylon.
* The late Dr John L. Abbott was a Medical Practitioner, Scriptural Scholar and author of numerous religious books as well as the translator of the JHV New Testament. Dr John Abbott went to his rest in the late 1980's before he could complete the task of translating the whole Bible.
Dr. Abbott's books are distributed by: