Bible Translations: Old & New May 6, 2013 ISSUE

A way to love

Janet Hegarty

When we love someone, we want to know everything about them. Though God is not a person, we long to know more about Him, and to have a more lively sense of His presence in our lives. Studying the Bible in many different translations is one of my favorite ways to love God—to grow closer to the glorious Principle that governs my being.

Many years ago, after I had been elected to be the Second Reader in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, a dear friend recommended I purchase The Word: The Bible from 26 Translations. In The Word each verse of the King James Version is followed by concurrent verses from 25 other Bible translations that differ from the King James Version. 

This book expanded my insight into passages in the Bible that had previously been difficult to understand. Even though an individual translator may at times be influenced by his or her theology, I believe that the translators were motivated by their individual desire to love and serve God. 

Studying these translations drew me closer to God, freed me from misunderstandings about God’s nature, and awakened me to the perfect love of divine Love. 

A few years later, a new friend sent me a copy of The Bible: A new translation by James Moffatt. This translation immediately became a favorite friend and companion. What I enjoy most about the Moffatt translation is his use of the phrase “the Eternal” instead of “Yahweh,” where the King James Version most often translates Jehovah, or Lord God.

The emphasis his translation puts on the eternal nature of God has given me a vibrant awareness of God as Love and Life. When I think of God as “the Eternal,” I can perceive the perpetual promise to humanity that there is always a reason to hope. It tells me God is always there for us and will always be there for us, forever. It also helps the power of God as Life come into focus for me because “the Eternal” cannot include even a hint of death, a fear of death, or a thought of death. “The Eternal” is pure Life, which always has been and always will be continuously unfolding. 

This powerful thought of God as “the Eternal” has given me courage when I needed it most. It has also brought me great comfort in times of need, always drawing me closer to God.

About the author

Janet Hegarty is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science who lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Fight bullying with prayer
May 6, 2013
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit