You guys sure do seem to know your stuff and seem to be on a better track than most. Forgive me for asking so many questions and seemingly judging(still not sure how to seperate the good from evil without judgin) I merely want to make sure whether I am being led to the herd or just another slaughter. I recently asked about the following and how you guys apply them:
John 20:28
1 John 4:2-3
Matthew 24:24
Deuteronomy 18:22
Gal 1:6-9
Rev 22:12,13,18,19
Some I already knew about, but was more curious as to what you would not answer. And it seems I didn't get an answer to Rev:22:18,19 about adding words to the bible. I realize your NWT was rejected by Greek and Hebrew scholars, and there could be some reasonable explenation for that. Also, I noticed while attending meeting that it seems the NWT has added words. Lastly, I see Jehovah's Wit. having claimed time and time again the end of the world starting in late 1800's and being wrong, yet it seems they continue to do the same.
2007-09-14 03:09:20 · 15 answers · asked by pljohnson2 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First I do realize I may have acted a little too quickly. I really want to know answers and most can probably figure out why. I do need to work on my patience, but i really want to know who to trust, right now ive only got 4 friends, God, Jesus, holy spirit, and myself. They are really all I need but some others would be great.
to conundrum:I have tried asking these to Witnesses that came for a meeting at my house but was quickly told they had to go(could have been for good reasons?) And to say im not fooling you, what exact kind of statement is that to someone who is trying to learn?
2007-09-14 04:22:16 · update #1
Dear P. L. Johnson:
No need to apologize - Jehovah's Witnesses are more than happy to answer your questions regarding Bible matters. I hope I can answer most of your questions. If you have further questions, please get in touch with an overseer at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit
There is no objection to referring to Jesus as “God,” if this is what Thomas had in mind. Such would be in harmony with Jesus’ own quotation from the Psalms in which powerful men, judges, were addressed as “gods.” (John 10:34, 35 - "Revised Standard Version"; Psalms 82:1-6.) Of course, Jesus Christ occupies a position far higher than such men. Because of the uniqueness of his position in relation to Jehovah, at John 1:18 Jesus is referred to as “the only-begotten god.” (See also Ro, Byington.) Isaiah 9:6 ("Revised Standard Version") also prophetically describes Jesus as “Mighty God,” but not as the Almighty God. All of this is in harmony with Jesus’ being described as “a god,” or “divine,” at John 1:1 ("An American Translation").
The context helps us to draw the right conclusion from this. Shortly before Jesus’ death, Thomas had heard Jesus’ prayer in which he addressed his Father as “the only true God.” (John 17:3, "Revised Standard Version") After Jesus’ resurrection Jesus had sent a message to his apostles, including Thomas, in which he had said: “I am ascending . . . to my God and your God.” (John 20:17, "Revised Standard Version) After recording what Thomas said when he actually saw and touched the resurrected Christ, the apostle John stated: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, "Revised Standard Version") So, if anyone has concluded from Thomas’ exclamation that Jesus is himself “the only true God” or that Jesus is a Trinitarian “God the Son,” he needs to look again at what Jesus himself said (verse 17) and at the conclusion that is clearly stated by the apostle John (verse 31).
New World Translation.
Definition: A translation of the Holy Scriptures made directly from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into modern-day English by a committee of anointed witnesses of Jehovah. T hese expressed themselves regarding their work as follows: “The translators of this work, who fear and love the Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures, feel toward Him a special responsibility to transmit his thoughts and declarations as accurately as possible. They also feel a responsibility toward the searching readers who depend upon a translation of the inspired Word of the Most High God for their everlasting salvation.” This translation was originally released in sections, from 1950 to 1960. Editions in other languages have been based on the English translation.
On what is the “New World Translation” based?
As a basis for translating the Hebrew Scriptures, the text of Rudolf Kittel’s "Biblia Hebraica", editions of 1951-1955, was used. The 1984 revision of the New World Translation benefited from updating in harmony with the "Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia" of 1977. Additionally, the Dead Sea Scrolls and numerous early translations into other languages were consulted. For the Christian Greek Scriptures, the master Greek text of 1881 as prepared by Westcott and Hort was used primarily, but several other master texts were consulted as well as numerous early versions in other languages.
Who were the translators?
When presenting as a gift the publishing rights to their translation, the New World Bible Translation Committee requested that its members remain anonymous. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania has honored their request. The translators were not seeking prominence for themselves but only to honor the Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures.
Over the years other translation committees have taken a similar view. For example, the jacket of the "Reference Edition" (1971) of the "New American Standard Bible" states: “We have not used any scholar’s name for reference or recommendations because it is our belief God’s Word should stand on its merits.”
Is it really a scholarly translation?
What kind of translation is this? For one thing, it is an accurate, largely literal translation from the original languages. It is not a loose paraphrase, in which the translators leave out details that they consider unimportant and add ideas that they believe will be helpful. As an aid to students, a number of editions provide extensive footnotes showing variant readings where expressions can legitimately be rendered in more than one way, also a listing of the specific ancient manuscripts on which certain renderings are based.
Some verses may not read the same as what a person is accustomed to. Readers are invited to examine manuscript support cited in footnotes of the Reference edition of the New World Translation, read explanations given in the appendix, and compare the rendering with a variety of other translations. They will generally find that some other translators have also seen the need to express the matter in a similar manner.
The emphasis that Jesus Christ put on the name of his Father indicates that he personally used it freely. (Matthew 6:9; John 17:6, 26.) According to Jerome of the fourth century C.E., the apostle Matthew wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, and that Gospel makes numerous quotations of passages from the Hebrew Scriptures that contain the divine name. Others of the Christian Greek Scripture writers quoted from the Greek Septuagint (a translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, begun about 280 B.C.E.), early copies of which contained the divine name in Hebrew characters, as shown by actual fragments that have been preserved.
Professor George Howard of the University of Georgia wrote: “Since the Tetragram [four Hebrew letters for the divine name] was still written in the copies of the Greek Bible which made up the Scriptures of the early church, it is reasonable to believe that the N[ew] T[estament] writers, when quoting from Scripture, preserved the Tetragram within the biblical text.”—Journal of Biblical Literature, March 1977, p. 77.
Did you know that God's personal name appears in the Bible in the original Hebrew some 7,000 times—more than any other name?
“Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” —Matthew 24:36.
The apostles of Jesus Christ realized that there was much they did not understand in their time. (Acts 1:6, 7, "6 When, now, they had assembled, they went asking him: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” He said to them: “It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction; 8 but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de′a and Sa·mar′i·a and to the most distant part of the earth.”
(1 Cor. 13:9-12)
May Jehovah bless your search for Bible truth.
2007-09-14 04:09:20 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Cal 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Revelation 22:18-19 does not seem to apply to Jehovah's Witnesses. We have not added or subtracted anything from the prophecy of Revelation or any other Bible book. Misinterpreting a prophecy is not what brings Jehovah's curse. If that were the case the apostles would have been condemned since they originally had many erroneous ideas regarding Christ.
As an example Jesus Christ shows his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, and be killed, and on the third day be raised up. At that Peter took him aside and commenced rebuking him, saying: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all."
The reason the apostles just could not understand what Jesus was talking about when he spoke so plainly of his death and resurrection was because it was not Jehovah's Will that they understand at that time.
Just as certain vital truths were concealed from the apostles, it has also suited Jehovah's purpose to allow a similar operation of error to have its work complete with the Israel of God up until the very time of judgment. Isaiah 29:10 reads: "For upon you men Jehovah has poured a spirit of deep sleep; and he closes your eyes, the prophets, and he has covered even your heads, the visionaries."
2007-09-14 04:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by keiichi 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Those of the John class must draw attention to “the prophecy” of Revelation. They must not hide it or add to it. Its message must be preached openly, “from the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27) Revelation is inspired of God. Who would dare change a word of what God himself has spoken and transmitted through the one who is now the reigning King, Jesus Christ? Certainly, such a person would deserve to lose out in the quest for life and suffer the plagues that must come upon Babylon the Great and upon the whole world. (The John class being the earthly organization on earth today.)
The NWT and the King James Version of the Bible are different in basically 2 ways: 1) The NWT has not omitted God's name, Jehovah. 2) The NWT uses the modern way of speaking, and the KJV is in Old English.
JWs believe that the last days began in 1914, not the late 1800's.
2007-09-14 03:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
If you say what the first century Christians teaches were true, then we Jehovah's Witnesses are it. The "traditional Christian" you are referring to got its teachings after all the the first century Christians had died off and the "traditional Christian" sprang up their teachings from mix religions. Mix religious teachings were never ok with Jehovah God. -Eph 4:5-6. Let's illustrate each color for each religion as ONE faith: True Christian = white (alone) Traditional Christian = white + other color(s) Buddhism = Yellow + other color (s) Taoism = Red + other color (s) Islam = Blue + other color (s) Judaism = Black + other color (s) Others = Multicolor The basic beliefs/practice of each color faith is: White Color faith loves Jehovah God, neighbors, and even enemies. -Luke 10:27; Matt 5:43-45. White Color faith do not mingle themselves with the World Political Systems (human governments). -Matt 4:8-9; 6:9-10; Dan 2:44. All other color faith believe in pre-human existent, God is mysterious, God cause all natural disasters, God rules the world at present time, hellfire, mingle with human governments, etc. Now, can you truly say if you mixed white with other color(s), can you say that white color is still pure white color or does the white color change its look and becomes different color or call a different name?
2016-05-19 03:20:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a NWT bible that has the greek words under it, and the exact translation to english of each word. Then, closer to the margins, it shows what is written in the NWT.
2007-09-14 03:17:48 · answer #5 · answered by Tony C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the Bible tells us not to add or remove words, and the Jehovah's Witnesses have not done that.
What was removed was Jehovah's name in the New Testament, which was replaced with "Lord" and "God". Also, there has been words added n the New Testament to help the trinity doctrine. That being said, its clear who were the ones adding and removing things from the Bible.
Example:
Romans 10:13
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Paul was quoting...
Joel 2:32
32 And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
2007-09-14 03:41:31 · answer #6 · answered by VMO 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:13-16, Revised Standard Version) .
If you were Sincere you would be asking these Questions of Yours to Witnesses that you meet at the door or go to their Meetings. You dont fool me for a second Mr Johnson.
2007-09-14 03:53:26 · answer #7 · answered by conundrum 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses use many different translations of the bible, including whatever one is of interest to a householder or other interested person.
JWs have never pretended that New World Translation is especially infallible or especially inspired in a way that other translations are not. Despite the accusations of anti-Witnesses, NWT has certainly NOT been rejected by secular academics, but only by a few with theological affiliations (which by definition implies religious preconceptions and prejudices).
A questioner who asserts that "the NWT has added words" should perhaps share examples of that.
The previous question alluded to above was open for less than 11 hours (perhaps as short as 7 hours), during an overnight no less. It seems surprising to express disappointment over answers posted during such a short window of answering.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070913203818AATFEcs
Regarding the list of Scriptures mentioned in that and this question, a Jehovah's Witness might comment thusly:
John 20:28
1 John 4:2-3
Matthew 24:24
Deuteronomy 18:22
Gal 1:6-9
Rev 22:12,13,18,19
(John 20:28) Thomas said to [Jesus]: “My Lord and my God!”
. The bible is not shy about applying such terms as "lord", "king", "master", "god", and "teacher" to Jesus Christ. No thinking person would suggest that Jesus is the ONLY lord, king, master, god, or teacher.
...(John 1:1) ...the Word was a god.
(1 John 4:2-3) Every inspired expression that confesses Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God, but every inspired expression that does not confess Jesus does not originate with God.
. This passage exposes the lie behind such writings as the Koran, which pretends that Jesus was a mere human prophet.
(Matthew 24:24) For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.
. Jehovah's Witnesses understand that miracles such as healings, tongues, and snake-handling would end in the first century. When some today claim or seem to perform these "signs and wonders", they are not working for God and Christ.
(Deuteronomy 18:22) when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak.
. Jehovah's Witnesses have never pretended to prophesy, but have always (for over a century) presented their suppositions as the result of sincere bible research rather than as a miraculous revelation "in the name of Jehovah".
(Galatians 1:7-8) there are certain ones... wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed.
. This passage exposes the lie behind such writings as Book of Mormon. Jehovah's Witnesses respect the Bible (and no particular translation) as the only inspired infallible means of knowing God's will and purposes.
(Revelation 22:12-13) “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
. The bible terms "first" and "last" are used dozens of times in the bible, and apply to various persons. By contrast, the term "Alpha and Omega" applies uniquely to Almighty Jehovah, God the Father. Sadly, the KJV includes a mistaken or fraudulent instance of the term at Rev 1:11; since the phrase does not appear in the oldest, most authoritative original manuscripts, many or most recent translations exclude it from that verse.
(Revelation 22:18-19) If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away
. This passage exposes the hypocrisy of most bible translations, which have worked to superstitiously remove the divine name from all or nearly all of its SEVEN THOUSAND instances in the bible. The evidence is overwhelming that all the bible writers used and pronounced the name "Yehowah" or "Jehovah" (or another honest variant) in connection with their sacred service. When modern translators "take away" that name, not for reasons of sincere scholarship but for economic benefit or for superstitious reasons, they seem to ignore the plain words of Revelation 22:18,19.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20000622/
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/pr/index.htm?article=article_04.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/na/
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20020915/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20050715/article_02.htm
2007-09-14 03:24:09 · answer #8 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Religion in America can be one of the most confusing aspects of our country. Anyone connected with any particular faith always think they have definitive proof that there faith or style of salvation is the correct one.
I believe the most important thing in this life is what is in your heart, how you treat others, and how you treat nature. Regardless of your religious beliefs, one should never judge another.
2007-09-14 03:22:49 · answer #9 · answered by Ricky H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be careful about what you do believe in the end times.
Anyone whom messes with Revelations is:
"I warn everyone hearing the words of the prophecy in this
book that if anyone adds to them, GOD will add to him the
plagues written in this book. And if anyone takes anything
away from the words in the book of this prophecy, GOD
will take away his share in the Tree of Life and the holy
city, as described in this book."
again be careful of your soul! it's not replaceable.
read Revelation for your self.i suggest one of the Bibles
listed below.
2007-09-14 07:12:16 · answer #10 · answered by Judy E. T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The NWT had to be changed in order to fit in with the beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses that are contrary to the Bible. Those changes were extreme and that is one reason why it was rejected by anyone outside of the cult of the JWs.
By changing the Word of God so drastically and including man's biases and ideas, the NWT is clearly in violation of Rev. 22:18-19 as is all of the other documents, especially the watchtower "creeds".
Therefore, you probably will not receive an answer for your question on Rev. from a Jehovahs Witness member. The cannot refute the fact that the NWT violates God's commandments.
2007-09-14 03:22:33 · answer #11 · answered by TG 4 · 2⤊ 7⤋