Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Down-to-earth language appreciated
When I do not understand the meaning of a Bible quote from the King James Version, I go to the New International Version, which is my favorite. Sometimes I refer to a Bible translated into the German language, which is my mother tongue and which I still understand. These translations usually help me to comprehend the meaning.
The New International Version inspires and informs me because the language is plain, of the present day. It helps me get past the old verb forms and archaisms of the King James Version.
The preface to the New International Version explains: “Concern for clear and natural English … motivated the translators and consultants. …
“As for the traditional pronouns ‘thou,’ ‘thee,’ and ‘thine’ in reference to the Deity, the translators judged that to use these archaisms (along with the old verb forms such as ‘doest,’ ‘wouldst,’ and ‘hadst’) would violate accuracy in translation. Neither Hebrew, Aramaic nor Greek uses special pronouns for the persons of the Godhead” (1983 edition, p. x).
I believe that any communication about the Bible, be it in person, or in writing personal or business reports for church or Christian Science students’ associations, is best understood if it is presented in simple down-to-earth words.
Having said that, I want to add that although I prefer to read the New International Version for its simplicity, I have on some occasions found when studying the Bible Lesson that I actually prefer the King James Version as it seems to better convey the intended meaning. For example, I would find it foreign to say the Lord’s Prayer without “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10 ). These words have such great meaning for me that I can’t think of saying them any other way.
About the author
Heidi Werner lives in Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada.