What translation has the exact words of God preserved for English speakers?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Chester

Senior Member
May 23, 2016
4,314
1,442
113
#21
There is a difference that we should note between most scripture and scripture that states that "God says".
Not sure what you mean?

If all 66 were inspired by God then all of them are things God is saying to us. So all of Scripture is a "God says"!
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#22
To demonstrate that translation makes inspiration then we go to the Bible as the Final written authority. When Paul quoted partially the Book of Psalms 2:7 as recorded in Acts 13:33 which was written originally written in Hebrew and possibly spoke that in Koine Greek when Paul went to Antioch of Pisidia before the Jews. While I may have assumed he quoted those Hebrew text and spoken into a Greek (translation) but the undeniable thing is that St. Luke wrote the original Hebrew into a Koine Greek is really a translation and the Heb translated in the Gk gets its inspiration. So that was a very basic example why translation preserves the inspiration.

Another, is the copies of the scriptures constitute inspiration. Paul to Timothy is explaining that the copy of scriptures (not the original one) held by Timothy “is given by inspiration” so copies preserves the inspiration.

Translators are not inspired; the scripture is. The so called “originals” either written in parchment (vellum) or in papyrus (scroll) where Paul, Tertius, and other Apostles originally wrote them were no longer with us. This without a doubt were inspired scriptures. Soon these autographs were copied and copied and faithful copies does preserves the inspiration while there are other forces that are work behind the scriptures and wanted to mutilate, change or corrupt the word of God as Paul and other Apostles had warned of these things does not preserves the inspiration. Now, we have to take note that these copies either faithfully done or not were both came from the same origin and these were translated we called Versions.

No it was not in anyone’s decision that translations preserve inspiration but that is what the Bible says. God demonstrated preservation either by copies or by translation. The Holy Spirit the author of the scripture confuses no one. I think it is proper to say that it’s about accurate translation without losing the purity, hence, it is not mixed or corrupted. Once the translation lacks accuracy, then loses it purity.

The paraphrase or free translation, the dynamic equivalency/ impact translation, the literal does not carry the words, the sense, the style and the emphasis of the Heb-Ara-Gk and may not set in a proper of the English language. The need of Formal Translation is the best way of translation as in the KJV text. What about the other Modern English translation? Since inspiration refers to the whole not in parts then it is not considered ‘given by inspiration’ though we have some theories of inspirations, either partial, thought or dynamic. What I believe is what the scripture teaches “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” and I take the KJV English text as scripture. If other translations say they are the same as the KJV, then it must be proven “Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good”.

Of course my belief about the KJV is to be accepted or not but I wouldn't enforce it to anyone in here, rather let God speaks.
If I am not mistaken The KJV is a functional equivalent. The interlinear would be a formal equivalent. The NIV would be a dynamic equivalent in that it attempts to deliver the meaning in the greek if the english formal does not do a good enough job. The Free tranlation would be like the Living Bible or one of the paraphrases but I think others like the Phillips or even the Amplified are in that category though people have a higher regard for those than to call them free translations, I think they might be.
Now to know the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek would be great but even then we have the challenge of words whose meaning change over time so there will always be the objective of "What did the author intend, and what did they understand at the time it was written?" If an English translation successfully delivers that, then it is a good translation. Word for Word English is an Interlinear and I don't suggest that you do your daily devotion from an Interlinear if it is understanding of authorial intent that you are after.
 
Nov 23, 2013
13,684
1,212
113
#23
What translation has the exact words of God preserved for English speakers?

Answer: None

No English translation is "inspired". Many English translations are reputable and do an excellent job at conveying well the original meaning of the original inspired manuscripts. There is no perfect English translation. I think we need ongoing and open discussion about what are the best English translations; and in my opinion the KJV still ranks as one of the best English translations. Other good ones are the NASB and the ESV. But there are other good ones also.

Giving the KJV of 1611 the title of "inspired," in my opinion, is violating Revelation 22:18,19: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

"Preservation" is not the equivalent of "inspiration." The original manuscripts in Greek and Hebrew are inspired, and God's Word is preserved in many good translations in many different languages.

Where are the "exact English words preserved for English speakers"? I can't answer that because I am not looking for "exact" words in English. God already gave his "exact" words in the original manuscripts in Greek and Hebrew. The job of translators is to do the very best job possible to make the meaning of those exact words clear, concise, and natural in the words of the language they are translating into. The job of the translators is not to try to duplicate original inspiration.
Some how I’m not surprised that you’re not looking for the exact words of God in English.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#24
Some how I’m not surprised that you’re not looking for the exact words of God in English.
What does exact words of God in English even mean?
 

Just_Jo

Well-known member
May 29, 2020
389
258
63
#27
I love the holy word of God and by leaning upon and trusting in the Holy Ghost to lead me into ALL truths and bring the word to my remembrance,I rest in His inspired word and leading!
 
Nov 23, 2013
13,684
1,212
113
#28
What does exact words of God in English even mean?
For English bibles it means that God caused the translators to write exactly what God wanted written for English speakers.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,325
13,713
113
#29
For English bibles it means that God caused the translators to write exactly what God wanted written for English speakers.
Of course, there is no actual evidence that God has ever done anything of the sort.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#30
For English bibles it means that God caused the translators to write exactly what God wanted written for English speakers.
I have never heard of that. An English translation that is more inspired by the Holy Spirit than all other English translations? It would not be the KJV because in the book of Revelation it uses the word candlestick instead of lampstand when candles had not been invented at the time the text was written. So the scholars made a decision to replace the original word with one that the readers would identify with, which is not what I want in a perfect word for word translation. I would rather have the word lampstand and do my own research about the custom of the time and how a lampstand with oil worked that I might get the imagery of the actual words spoken by God rather than have that word replaced by a different imagery that does not include the same symbolism or authorial intent. So that is just one of many examples. No God did NOT Make a mistake by using the word lampstand and God did not Tell the KJV scholars to use the word candelstick instead.

There is no such thing as an English translation that was inspired by God to be more perfect over all other English translations and to think so is pure fanaticism.
 
Nov 23, 2013
13,684
1,212
113
#31
Of course, there is no actual evidence that God has ever done anything of the sort.
He spoke his word in multiple languages at Pentecost, he caused a wicked high priest to prophesy and he spoke through an ass. How much more evidence do you need to prove that God nor his word is bound by language?
 
Nov 23, 2013
13,684
1,212
113
#32
I have never heard of that. An English translation that is more inspired by the Holy Spirit than all other English translations? It would not be the KJV because in the book of Revelation it uses the word candlestick instead of lampstand when candles had not been invented at the time the text was written. So the scholars made a decision to replace the original word with one that the readers would identify with, which is not what I want in a perfect word for word translation. I would rather have the word lampstand and do my own research about the custom of the time and how a lampstand with oil worked that I might get the imagery of the actual words spoken by God rather than have that word replaced by a different imagery that does not include the same symbolism or authorial intent. So that is just one of many examples. No God did NOT Make a mistake by using the word lampstand and God did not Tell the KJV scholars to use the word candelstick instead.

There is no such thing as an English translation that was inspired by God to be more perfect over all other English translations and to think so is pure fanaticism.
The Bible is an esoteric book it’s only meant for his people to understand it and the understanding comes by hearing but it’s not the hearing of the words, it’s the hearing of His word in the words. I’m quite sure you haven’t discovered this yet. If you had, we would be on the same side of this discussion.

Rom 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If your not reading the inspired word of God then you’re hearing isn’t developed yet, and frankly never will develop. You would also be born again of corruptible seed. The words of the incorruptible word of God are the spiritual DNA of the new man in us.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#33
He spoke his word in multiple languages at Pentecost, he caused a wicked high priest to prophesy and he spoke through an ass. How much more evidence do you need to prove that God nor his word is bound by language?
On the day of Pentecost they were heard speaking in "our tongues wonderful works of God"
I agree that the Word of God can be understood when translated to other languages from the copies of the Greek and Hebrew languages as the source for translation. We do not all have to learn Hebrew and Greek to know the Word of God. This is true.

To use an English translation to translate into other languages would not be a good method however. It is possible that the shades of meaning in Greek might be translated easier in some other languages than in English and you would not want to rob the readers of that benefit by putting it through an English translation first now would you? Of course not. I knew you would agree.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#34
The Bible is an esoteric book it’s only meant for his people to understand it and the understanding comes by hearing but it’s not the hearing of the words, it’s the hearing of His word in the words. I’m quite sure you haven’t discovered this yet. If you had, we would be on the same side of this discussion.

Rom 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If your not reading the inspired word of God then you’re hearing isn’t developed yet, and frankly never will develop. You would also be born again of corruptible seed. The words of the incorruptible word of God are the spiritual DNA of the new man in us.
You lost me. However it is not because I am not born again, it is because you are purposely being esoteric. :)
 
Dec 30, 2019
1,266
290
83
#35
Giving the KJV of 1611 the title of "inspired,"
The KJV has the authority of God. We are told: "Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1:12) The word Hasten means that God is watching over His word. Right off I do not like the word "IT" and I find that offensive. The WORD of God is not an IT. Still the KJV is the word that God watches over. Even though the KJV falls very short of translating the Word of God. We need to go back to the original Hebrew to understand the true meaning. We need to study and learn Hebrew. Of course this does not help us with the Red Letters or the words of Jesus because that is in Greek. It is the Torah that Jesus came to fulfill. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18) In the Hebrew every stroke of the pen, every jot and every tittle has profound meaning. This is what we should be teaching our students in Kindergarten. For example, A is upside down and represents the horns on a bull or the leader of the hurd. B represents our tent or dwelling - where we abide. C represents a camel or transportation and commerce. Even though today we travel on airplanes and not camels the meaning is still the same. When we understand the letters then we can understand the words.
 
Nov 23, 2013
13,684
1,212
113
#36
You lost me. However it is not because I am not born again, it is because you are purposely being esoteric. :)
I’m not giving you a hard time, I love my brothers and sisters in Christ and only hope to help them grow. just spreading the good news God has shown me.

As far as being born again, the question is not whether you’re born again or not, it’s a question of are you born again of corruptible seed or incorruptible seed?
 
Dec 30, 2019
1,266
290
83
#37
What does exact words of God in English even mean?
In Bible school they teach context. We need to use God's dictionary and not man's dictionary. The infidels have a reprobate mind. We are to have the mind of Christ. I attended a Church he preaches 160 sermons on 160 different scriptures that talked about having the mind of Christ. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

We see the words: "gentle and humble in heart" so we know if we have the Mind of Christ we well be gentle and humble. In the Hebrew the heart and mind are united. In the Greek they tend to be divided.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,325
13,713
113
#38
He spoke his word in multiple languages at Pentecost, he caused a wicked high priest to prophesy and he spoke through an ass. How much more evidence do you need to prove that God nor his word is bound by language?
That wasn't the question.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#39
I’m not giving you a hard time, I love my brothers and sisters in Christ and only hope to help them grow. just spreading the good news God has shown me.

As far as being born again, the question is not whether you’re born again or not, it’s a question of are you born again of corruptible seed or incorruptible seed?
I do not believe that the KJV is the only English translation that can be called the Inspired Word of God. What does that make me in your view?
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#40
In Bible school they teach context. We need to use God's dictionary and not man's dictionary. The infidels have a reprobate mind. We are to have the mind of Christ. I attended a Church he preaches 160 sermons on 160 different scriptures that talked about having the mind of Christ. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

We see the words: "gentle and humble in heart" so we know if we have the Mind of Christ we well be gentle and humble. In the Hebrew the heart and mind are united. In the Greek they tend to be divided.
They even taught us to consider context in elementary reading. :)