MANIPULATIONS

in the New World Translation

 A work that come to play an increasing role in WT organization is its so-called translation of the Bible, called "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures." In recent Jw literature it  is now the most frequently quoted Bible "translation" of all Bible translations. It is claimed that this NWT "translation" is exclusive and compared to all earlier and contemporary translations it is said to be "the brightest" and the "cleanest" among them all. Here are some examples of "translation": Cross has everywhere been replaced with "torture stake" by arguing that "we have translated stauros (Gr. σταυρóς))  as torture stake, to distinguish it from xylon (Gr. ξύλον), which we  have translated stake”…”This is a revolutionary translation, we admit, but it is the purest one. The passing of time and further archaeological  discoveries will be certain to prove its correctness. Even now the burden rests upon all who contend for the religious tradition to prove that Jesus died on more than a simple stake”. 

One of the main accusations against other translations of the Bible is to claim that they have "a tendency to remove God's name from the sacred charter" . The fact that the Jehovah name appears in history for the first time in history in 1278 by the Spanish monk Raymundo Martini will not bother.  This has now remedied with the introduction of the name Jehovah in the Old Testament 6.961 times, and in the New Testament (!) 237 times, in the entire Bible, not less than 7.198 times. In the New Testament is Kyrios (gr. κύριος) translated by Jehovah, which hans no connection to tetragrammaton. The use of Jehovah name in Bible texts is an impossible anachronism. Jewish Encyclopedia confirms this.  

According to informative and credible sources the "team of translators" consisted of Nathan Knorr, Albert Schroeder, George Gangas, Frederick Franz and Milton Henschel.

List of Mistranslated Verses in the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The Greek word “Kurios” meaning “Lord” is mistranslated as “Jehovah” or “Jehovah’s.”

  • Matthew 22:44; 23:39; 23:39; 27:10
  • Mark 5:19; 12:29; 12:30; 12:36; 13:20
  • Luke 1:25; 1:28; 1:32; 1:58; 1:68; 2:15; 20:42
  • Acts 2:34; 2:39; 2:47; 3:22; 7:33; 7:49; 12:11; 12:17; 13:47
  • Romans 4:8; 9:28; 9:29; 12:19; 14:11;
  • 1 Corinthians 1:31; 3:20; 4:4; 4:19; 7:17; 14:21; 16:7
  • 2 Corinthians 6:17; 6:18; 10:18
  • Colossians 3:13
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6
  • 2 Timothy 1:18; 2:19 (twice); 4:14
  • Hebrews 7:21; 8:2; 8:8; 8:9; 8:10; 10:16; 10:30; 12:6; 13:6
  • James 4:15; 5:15
  • 2 Peter 2:9; 3:9
  • Jude 5, 9, 14
  • Revelation 1:8; 4:11; 18:8; 19:6; 21:22; 22:5; 22:6

Greek word “Kurie” meaning “Lord” is mistranslated as Jehovah.”

  • John 12:38
  • Acts 1:24; 4:29; 7:60
  • Romans 10:16; 11:3; 14:6 (three times); 14:8 (three times)
  • Revelation 15:4; 16:7

The Greek word “Kuriou” meaning “of Lord” or “of Lord’s” is mistranslated as “Jehovah” or “Jehovah’s.”

  • Matthew 1:20; 1:22; 1:24; 2:13, 2:15; 2:19; 3:3; 21:24; 28:2
  • Mark 1:3; 11:9; 12:11
  • Luke 1:6; 1:9; 1:15; 1:45; 1:66; 1:76; 2:9 (twice); 2:23; 2:24; 2:26; 2:39; 3:4; 4:18; 4:19; 5:17; 13:35; 19:38
  • John 1:11; 1:23; 1:38; 12:13; 12:38
  • Acts 2:20; 2:21; 3:19; 4:26; 5:9; 5:19; 7:31; 8:22; 8:25; 8:26; 8:39; 9:31; 10:33; 11:21; 12:7; 12:23; 12:24; 13:10; 13:11; 13:12; 13:49; 15:35; 15:36; 15:40; 18:25; 19:20
  • Romans 10:13; 11:34
  • 1 Corinthians 10:21; 10:26; 11:32; 16:10
  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 (twice) 3:18 (twice); 8:21
  • Ephesians 5:17; 6:4; 6:8
  • Colossians 1:10; 3:24
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 4:15; 5:2
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2:13; 3:1
  • Hebrews 12:5
  • James 1:7; 4:10; 5:4; 5:10; 5:11 (twice); 5:14
  • 1 Peter 1:25; 3:12
  • 2 Peter 3:10

The Greek word “Kurion” meaning “Lord” is mistranslated as “Jehovah.”

  • Matthew 4:7; 4:10; 22:37
  • Luke 1:16; 1:46; 4:8; 4:12; 10:27; 30:37
  • Acts 2:25; 8:24; 15:17
  • Romans 15:11
  • 1 Corinthians 10:9; 10:22
  • 2 Corinthians 3:16
  • Colossians 3:23
  • Hebrews 8:11
  • James 3:9

The Greek word “Kurio” meaning “Lord” is mistranslated as “Jehovah.”

  • Matthew 5:33
  • Luke 1:17; 2:22; 2:23
  • Acts 13:2; 14:3; 14:23; 16:15
  • Romans 12:11; 14:4
  • 1 Corinthians 2:16
  • 2 Corinthians 10:17
  • Ephesians 2:21; 5:19; 6:7
  • Colossians 3:22
  • Hebrews 8:11
  • James 3:9

The Greek word “Theos” meaning “God” is mistranslated as “Jehovah.”

  • Hebrews 2:13
  • Revelation 4:8

The Greek word “Theou” meaning “of God” or “of God’s” is mistranslated as “Jehovah’s.”

  • Matthew 4:4
  • John 6:45
  • Acts 13:44; 13:48; 16:32; 18:21
  • James 2:23
  • 2 Peter 3:12

The Greek word “Theon” meaning “God” is mistranslated as “Jehovah.”

  • Acts 16:14

The Greek word “Theo” meaning “God” is mistranslated as “Jehovah”.

  • Romans 4:3
  • Galatians 3:6
  • Colossians 3:16
  • James 2:23

The Greek word “en” meaning “in” is paraphrased as “in union with” to support the Watchtower teaching that Christians support the cause of Christ, but do not have Christ dwelling within them.

  • Matthew 10:32 (twice)
  • Luke 12:8 (twice)
  • John 6:56; 10:38; 14:10 (three times); 14:11 (twice); 14:20 (three times); 15:4 (three times); 15:5 (twice); 15:6; 15:7; 17:21 (Three times); 17:26
  • Romans 8:1; 8:2; 8:10; 12:5; 16:7;
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1:30; 15:18; 16:24
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17; 12:2; 13:5
  • Galatians 1:22; 2:4; 2:20; 3:28; 5:10
  • Ephesians 1:1; 1:3; 1:4; 1:11; 2:6; 2:7; 2:10; 2:13; 2:15; 2:21; 2:22; 3:6; 6:1
  • Philippians 1:1; 3:9; 4:21
  • Colossians 1:22; 1:27; 1:28; 2:6; 3:3
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6
  • 2 Timothy 1:1; 2:10; 3:15
  • Philemon :23
  • 1 Peter 5:10; 5:14
  • 1 John 1:5; 2:5; 2:6; 2:24; 2:27; 2:28; 3:6; 3:24 (three times)
  • 1 John 4:4 (twice). 4:13 (twice); 4:15 (twice); 4:16 (twice); 5:20
  • Revelation 14:13

The English words “exercise,” “exercising,” “exercised,” “exercises” are added with no basis in the Greek text. This term is added to support the Watchtower doctrine of works being added to faith to complete the salvation process.

  • Mark 5:36
  • John 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; 6:29, 35; 7:5; 11:25, 36; 12:36; 14:1 (twice); 14:12; 16:9
  • Romans 4:3; 10:4, 9, 10
  • 2 Corinthians 4:13 (twice)
  • Galatians 3:22
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10
  • Hebrews 4:3
  • 1 Peter 1:8; 2:6

The Greek word “kolasis” is translated “cutting-off” instead of “punishment” to support the Watchtower’s belief in annihilation and the rejection of an eternal place of torment called “hell.”

The Greek words “kai theos en ho logos” are mistranslated as “the Word was a god,” instead of “the Word was God.” This is a distortion of the text as the word “a” is not in the Greek, but was added by the New World Translators to make the Word (Jesus) “a” second “god” who is separate from God the Father.

The Greek words “ego eimi” meaning “I am” are mistranslated as “I have been” to obscure the connection between Jesus being the "I Am" Jehovah God of Exodus 3:14.

The word “me” is omitted in “ask Me anything” to support the Watchtower claim that Jesus is not worthy to receive prayer.

The Greek word “ginoskosin” meaning “to know, intimately” is mistranslated as “taking in knowledge of” to support the Watchtower doctrine that accurate knowledge is necessary for eternal life. Changing this translation from “know You” (as all other Bible translations have it) to “taking in knowledge of You” shifts the focus from a personal relationship with God to a mere intellectual study of God to gain eternal life.

  • John 17:3

The English word “son” in “blood of his own [son]” is added in brackets without any support in the Greek text. This demonstrates the length that the Watchtower goes to deny that Jesus is the God who shed His own blood for us.

  • Acts 20:28

The Greek phrase, “he petra de en ho Kristos” meaning “and the rock was Christ” is mistranslated as “and that rock mass meant the Christ”. Again, this shifts the focus from Jesus being the Jehovah God, Rock of Israel (Isaiah 30:29).

  • 1 Corinthians 10:4

In the 1984 edition of the New World Translation, the English word “other” is added in brackets to indicate that the word does not occur in the Greek text. The translators of the New World Translation added the word “other” in “gave him the name that is above every [other] name” to support the Watchtower teaching that the name “Jehovah” is superior to the name “Jesus.” Only in recent editions of the New World Translation do we see the word inserted with brackets surrounding it.  All editions from 1950 to 1981 had “other” added without brackets making it seem as if this word is in the original Greek text. On page 27 of the February 1, 1992 Watchtower magazine, we again see Philippians 2:9 being quoted without the brackets being used around the word “other.” This again demonstrates the deep rooted bias of the Watchtower Society against Jesus possessing a name equal and superior to name “Jehovah.”

  • Philippians 2:9

Translation bias against the eternal nature of Jesus Christ as Creator God is clearly seen in the New World Translation’s insertion of the word “other” in reference to Jesus’ work in creation. By adding the word “other” to “all things” so that it reads “by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,” the Watchtower is able to justify its claim that Jehovah God created Jesus first and then used Jesus as His creative agent for the rest of creation.  However, Scripture proclaims that Jesus is the Creator of “all things,” for He has always existed as the uncreated, “everlasting father” --possessor of eternity (Isaiah 9:6).  While early editions of the New World Translation prior to the 1961 edition inserted the word “other” without brackets so that one could not tell the word is not in the original Greek, the 1961 edition and all others following it are more honest by enclosing the word in brackets.  However, we again see translation bias against the Deity of Jesus Christ reoccurring in Watchtower literature on pages 20 and 21 of the February 1, 1992 issue of The Watchtower where the Watchtower’s insertion of “other” in Colossians 1:16 is again quoted without the brackets.

  • Colossians 1:16, 17, 20

The Greek word “Theotetos” meaning “Godship, Deity, Godhead” is mistranslated as “divine quality” to detract from the full Deity of God being attributed to Christ in this passage.

  • Colossians 2:9

The Greek phrase “Theou kai soteros emon” meaning “God and Savior of us” or “our God and Savior” is mistranslated as “god and of [the] Savior of us”. This word “the,” being inserted in brackets with no basis in the Greek text is yet another attempt of NWT translators to separate Christ from being God.

  • Titus 2:13

The Greek words “pneumaton” and “pneumas” meaning “spirits” is mistranslated as “spiritual life” and “spiritual lives” to fit with the Watchtower doctrine that denies the existence of the human “spirit” that lives on past death.

  • Hebrews 12:9, 23

Some New Testament manipulations in detail

John 1:1

New World Translation:…”and the Word was a god”.

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning:… ”och Ordet var en gud”

Grt. : …καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος. (literally:... and the Word was fully God)

King James:..”and the Word was God.”

Sv. 1917: …”och Ordet var Gud.”     

                                                                               

 

 

Acts 7:59-60

New World Translation:…”Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”…”Then”…”he cried out with a strong voice: ’Jehovah, do not charge’”…

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning:…”Herre Jesus, tag emot min ande.” …”Sedan”…”ropade med stark röst: ’Jehova, tillräkna dem inte’”…

Grt.: …Κύριε Ἰησοῦ, δέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου… θεὶς δὲ…ἔκραξε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ· Κύριε, μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς…(literally: Lord Jesus, receive my sprit!"...and cried out with a loud voice "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!")

King James: "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

Sv. 1917: …”Herre Jesus, tag emot min ande”…Och…ropade med hög röst: ’Herre tillräkna dem icke”…

 


Acts.9: 5

New World Translation:…”Sir?”…

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning:…”Herre?”

Grt.;… κύριε: (literally: [who are You] Lord?])

King James:…”Lord?”

Sv. 1917: …”Herre?”

 


Romans 9:5

New World Translation:…”God who is over all be blest forever. Amen.”

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning: ”Gud som är över allting, [vare] välsignad för alltid. Amen.”

Grt.: ὁ Χριστὸς …ὁ ὢν ἐπὶ πάντων Θεὸς εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν.

(literally: Christ…Who is God over all, worthy to receive all the blessings. Amen.)

King James: ”Christ…who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”

Sv 1917: ”Kristus…han som är över allting, Gud, högtlovad i evighet. Amen.”

 


 

2 Corinthians 13:5

New World Translation: "Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are. Or do you recognize that Jesus is in union with you? Unless you are disapproved. ’”

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning: "Fortsätt att pröva er själva om ni är i tron, fortsätt att genom prövning visa vad ni själva är. Eller har ni inte klart för er att Jesus Kristus är i gemenskap med er? Om inte, är ni underkända.’”

Grt.: εαυτους πειραζετε ει εστε εν τη πιστει εαυτους δοκιμαζετε η ουκ επιγινωσκετε εαυτους οτι ιησους χριστος εν υμιν εστιν ει μη τι αδοκιμοι εστε (literally: Test yourselves everytime to know if your are in the faith; Examine yourselves. Or you may not know what is in you, Jesus Christ is in you (is one with you)- unless you failed the test)

King James: ”Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

Sv 1917: ”Rannsaken eder själva huruvida I ären i tron, ja, pröven eder själva. Eller kännen I icke med eder själva, att Jesus Kristus är i eder? Varom icke, så hållen I ej provet.”                                                                                                                             

 

Romans 10:9-13

New World Translation: …”if you publicly declare that ’word in your mouth’ that  Jesus is Lord”…for ’anyone’ that calls upon the name of Jehovah will be saved’”

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning: Ty om du offentligt bekänner det ’ordet i din egen mun’, att Jesus är Herre”…”Ty ’var och en som anropar Jehovas namn skall bli frälst’”.

Grt.: ὅτι ἐὰν ὁμολογήσῃς ἐν τῷ στόματί σου Κύριον Ἰησοῦν…πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου σωθήσεται. (literally: if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Lord... everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved)

King James:..”if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus”…”For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved.”

Sv 1917: ”Ty om du med din mun bekänner Jesus vara Herre”…”Ty ’var och en som åkallar Herrens namn, han skall varda frälst.’”                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Hebrews 1:8

New World Translation: ”But with reference to the Son: ’ God is your throne forever, and the scepter of your kingdom’”.

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning: ”Men med hänsyftning på Sonen: ’Gud är din tron för evigt, och ditt rikes spira är rättfärdighetens spira.’”)

Grt.: πρὸς δὲ τὸν υἱόν· ὁ θρόνος σου, ὁ Θεός, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος· ῥάβδος εὐθύτητος ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας σου.(literally:…He says to the Son; your throne, God, is forever and ever; your scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of straigthness).                                                                                                   

King James: ”But unto the Son he sait, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom,”

Sv 1917: …”säger han om Sonen: ’Gud, din tron förbliver alltid och evinnerligen, och rättvisans spira är ditt rikes spira.”

 

Hebrews 1:9

New World Translation: ”That is why God, your God, anointed you”…

Sv. Nya Världens Översättning: ”därför smorde Gud, din Gud, dig med [den] jublande glädjens olja”…)

Grt.: διὰ τοῦτο ἔχρισέ σε, ὁ Θεός, ὁ Θεός σου ἔλαιον ἀγαλλιάσεως παρὰ τοὺς μετόχους σου.

(literally:…because of this (for having loved righteousness and hated lawlessness) God, O God, has anointed You, above all your fellows and not someone else, with the oil of jubilation.)

King James: …”therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

Sv. 1917: …”därför o Gud, har din Gud smort dig med glädjens olja mer än dina medbröder.” 

 

 

An interesting Youtube clip at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7U4i8LnOow&NR=1

 

                                 

 

Copyright © 2010 Göran Waldeck All rights reserved