We live at a time when there are many English translations of the Bible. Perhaps you have read from more than one version of the Bible. If so, you might have noticed that, at times, the wording is so different in one translation that you get a completely different impression of the meaning than from another. For example:
The question presented in the title comes from John 3:3 where Jesus was speaking to a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. Quoting from two different translations, Jesus said…
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
The first quotation is from the New American Standard Bible and is similar to most modern translations. The second quotation is from the New English Translation or NET Bible. Surely you noticed the difference which I placed in italics: Born again vs born from above.
Naturally, we want to ask the question, “Which is correct?” or “Which is best?”
The answer is: Translators have a challenging task. In this case translators encounter a Greek word that was used in two different ways and both meanings make sense. Of course, only one word can be chosen for an English text.
Instead of arguing over word meanings it might be wise to consider where each meaning leads. So, what does it mean to be born again? And how is that different from being born from above? After carefully examining the entire passage, it is clear that person must be born again AND that the new birth is best understood as being born from above, that is, born of the Spirit of God. Both meanings are accurate at the same time! Jesus was brilliant! We just don't have an English equivalent.
Another example is found in Ecclesiastes 5:9. The Hebrew text must be difficult to translate because there are three or more English variations that paint very different pictures. Since I am not an expert in biblical Hebrew, I cannot determine which version is more accurate or best. So, how do I approach this verse?
I do not wish to casually dismiss scripture, as some do, just because it is difficult to understand. So, after reading the entire passage I discovered that greater emphasis is placed on the previous verse. The difficult verse (5:9) is meant to be an explanation of the clear instruction from the previous verse which urges, don’t be surprised at the injustices of life. So, even if the explanation is fuzzy, the main point is clear.
One more example is found in Acts 2:38 where baptized believers are promised “the gift of the Holy Spirit.” There is no translation issue, but rather a long-standing debate over the meaning of the gift. Is the promised gift the Holy Spirit Himself or something that the Holy Spirit gives?
After remembering what Jesus said about the promised Spirit, I had my answer. Jesus called the Holy Spirit our comforter or helper. (See John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7.) The Spirit was the one to be sent to come alongside and help the disciples of Jesus after He left the earth. So, whether that help IS the Spirit or is given by the Spirit, we are assured help. That’s what matters.
The Apostle Paul instructed us to dwell on “whatever is true,” not uncertainties. (Philippians 4:8) Let me encourage you to apply that to your Bible study. It is more important to focus on what we confidently know, than to obsess or argue over uncertainties.
Study wisely.
Mark Stinnett
October 22, 2023
Well said.
ReplyDelete