Are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to read only the bible?

Question

Are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to read another translation besides the New World Translation?

Conundrum: what the heck is that?
I made no comment on anyone's answer. I just sat back and listened.
So, don't let the screen door hit ya where the Good lord split ya! Bye

Answer 1

Yes, they are allowed to read any translation they like. I believe I have mentioned this to you before, Greg, in response to a number of your questions. Other Witnesses here have also explained to you that we do in response to this question that you have asked in various forms. Perhaps you do not recall.

I myself have over a dozen different Bible translations that I use extensively when I study Bible subjects, including the beloved King James Version. I particularly enjoy my New Jerusalem and New American Bible - these are Catholic translations.

Moreover, Witnesses cite scriptures from various Bible translations on a consistent basis in all of their literature, including the Bible journals known as Watchtower and Awake.

For years, Witnesses published Bibles other than the New World Translation. When my KJV wears out, I still can get a new one at my local Kingdom Hall. Moreover, if I am at the Hall and I need to quickly study something, I can use the different Bible translations in the library at the Hall.

I really hope this helped you out, Greg. And I hope you will keep this in mind the next time you want to ask a question concerning the translation that Witnesses are "allowed" to use, okay?

Hannah J Paul

Answer 2

The New World Translation is a Satanic Translation?

Well thats just a ignorant statement - lol.

Some words were added in other Bibles, that was not found in the Oldest Manuscripts of the Bible.


Example:

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (King James Version)

The word "God" was not found in the Oldest Greek Manuscripts..

Theres many versus like this that have been changed in the copies of the New Testament, and proves who is the one that has been making changes.

Answer 3

" 'allowed' to read only the bible" ???
What kind of Q! is that?
Apparently, those of Christendom
are allowed or not allowed by their leaders,
what they can and cannot do, etc...
J's W's are not taught in this manner.
Jehovah God is the authority on all matters,
what He says is what is acceptable or not.

We are encouraged to read, and have in our home library,
as many translations, as we want, can get.
At least 1each of the most widely recognizable / used
Bible translations.
Plus, reference books &
a dictionary.
Holy Scriptures, Holy Bible, KJ, Catholic-Douay,
Jerusalem Bible, Bible in Living English, Amer.Stand.,
New Testament, Emphhatic Diaglott,
Kingdom Interlinear Trans. of the Greek Scriptures,
The Christian's Bible, Greek Septuagint, New Amer. Bible, RSE, Good News Bible.

I just mentioned 15 different Bibles;
that J's W's DO Use. There's more.
Sorry to disappoint you.....
All who believe / think J's W's use only
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
We do this to gain a fuller understanding.
Grasp the meaning better.
B-T-W all Bibles say the same thing
"w/ some small differences, due to transliteration"
W/ the exception of God's personal name.

Answer 4

The thing about other bibles is the language is somewhat archaic sometimes and they don't use God's name which is confusing in a verse like,"God said to My Lord." etc. I've some across things like that and had to reference the NWT for clarity. I just bought Today's Parallel Bible that has the NIV/NASB/KJV/NLT side-by-side. Probably a waste of money but I thought it would look good in my library.

My sister told me that there was a question on Jeopardy, as to which bible was the most authentic, and the answer was NWT.

I notice lately that Ms. Lamb always has her sidekick 144,001 after her comments. Wonder why. She could not have been a JW, or she would know we use several bibles. Doen't make sense to me.

Answer 5

Yes, we often use other translations to show that the Bible says the same thing. The King James uses Jehovah's name at Psalms 83:18 and other places.

Answer 6

I need to tell the truth, that Steven P is correct. I have the WatchTower date July 15, 2007 Title: Do You Have an Immortal Soul.
Chapter, Wisdom Is For A Protection
Page 10, No wonder that "the one that is wise in heart" is called "intelligent" or "discerning". (Proverbs 16:21, An American Translation; New International Version)

They do use other Bibles, also the New Jerusalem Bible. I know that. I am not a member but if I know the truth, I need to speak up for it. God expects that from all to defend what is true. We all Love God and so with our Love we do defend Him to what our heart speaks. I will not accuse no one of no love for Jehovah God, Jesus Çhrist, & the Holy Spirit because it is God that reads each person's heart. Who is we to decide what is God's decision. If God blesses me with ONE blessing, I would want to live to the day of Armageddon just to see who walks through the city gates. We shall all be surprise on who God uses at the closing of the end. Someone we least expect. Sorry to go off the subject but I just had that urge.

Answer 7

The Watchtower and Awake magazines continuously quote from different Bible Translations IN ALL KINDS of Different Languages !

As a matter of fact the legal tool that JW's have used since the 19th Century is called "The Watchtower BIBLE and Tract Society" ! This name came almost a FULL Century before the VERY ACCURATE New World Translation became published.

The Watchtower and Bible Tract Society has PAID FOR and acquired MANY Bible Translations(and USED Them) such as the KJV; An American Translation; Etc ! ! !

Answer 8

I have several Bible translations in my library. And I see quotes from other translations in our books and magazines all the time.

Answer 9

Yes, they are. I'm an EX-witness. I have several different translations in multiple languages.
Is it a good translation, devoid of doctrinal interpretation? Eh, it's in modern English (and other languages); no, it's slanted toward Witness doctrine. I never noticed until after I quit that some marginal notes have no references at all.
Yes, they're allowed to use other translations, most significantly when they are talking to members of the public who insist on it. But they are careful not to "require" that they only use the NWT.
They have a lot of handy reference tools built into the NWT as well. Cross references, index of major words, topic/scripture reference, appendix. All designed to reinforce their teaching. I used to use them extensively. If they're smart and want to reinforce their religion, they'll use it because it's designed for them.
Using other translation requires preparation and thought because they will have to consciously adjust for subtle differences.
Yes. They can use any translation they want. But PROBABLY they will stick with the NWT, and LIKELY even if they use another translation, they'll keep a copy of the NWT handy for when they get stuck.

Edit:
I'm only guessing, mind you, where all these thumbs-downs are from... but, that's what I get for a truthful, non-biased answer. I acknowledge, simply, that they can use any Bible they want, but have a preference for the NWT. Oh well.

Answer 10

Well, there bible is a way different translation. The New World translation, i think it's called. If you read it, lots of verses would stick out immediately as being translated different from the KJV. Not just modernized...the entire meaning changed. John 1:1 is a good example "the word was a god" instead of "the Word was God."