Larry,
"Things different are not the same" is sometimes wrongly applied to things that are the same, but not always, even if some might see things differently, and sometimes it is assumed another has not looked at evidence if they don’t post various sources. Then there is the problem that we do not agree on what the evidence means. I have a problem with going to the Greek to settle the matter, for that does not settle the matter, if there is not an agreed upon final authority, for the English versions are often "truly" different because the Greek sources used are truly different and some of us honestly understand the evidence differently.
Myself, I wonder if we have to agree on these things. Sometimes the debates rage as if it were needful for agreement. It bothers me to see some teaching others what I believe is not true, however. If I did not care about such things, if I were unconcerned about seeing people believe things I thought were not true, I would have no reason to be part of missions, or publishing the word of God, or being doctrinal in my writing. I can’t be all places at all times and answer all men at all times. But going beyond that, must we agree, will truth be made void because some do not agree? I trow not (Rom 3:3).
If what is being said is the same, and not truly different, then it is the same. The controversy is I know there are differences, and effort to convince me they are not differences or that the differences are not significant don’t shake me. I’ve seen some that seem to just forget there are differences as soon as the word “Greek” is tossed into the conversation there thinking the matter is too high or difficult. But the Greek does not settle everything. I can’t answer everyone, and if any of us are to be converted regarding these matters, in a sense I do not want to be the one that converts them so it is said they are “my” converts (1 Cor 12:7).
Without an agreed upon standard, there is no place for agreement on these matters. If one says "yes" is correct, and another source at the same place says "no" then there is difference and in that place it must be accepted there is no place for agreement if two different standards are being appealed to.
Not intending to poke Hank, for others say the same thing, it revolves in circles, with some always ready to say they have chased off and soundly ruined the position of the other. Such claims are hurled from all camps. Often we have a higher opinion of ourselves than is warranted. Our time constraints and priorities are private to our lives, and assumptions about such things are vain.
Hank made a valid point, about getting back to seeing what the word actually has to say to us...
What has happened to, “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes”? I do not mean that just as an invitation to argue what is different and what is the same, and nit-picking. I mean something that leads to hiding the word in our heart that we might not sin. I mean something that magnifies Christ, for the Book is about Him. Doctrinal teaching. In this regard, the multi-versions have helped people argue about the words apart from applying the words. Again, with that, fault might be found in all camps.
“Teach me thy statutes” has taken new meaning for many in my opinion, and not in a way that is profitable to us. Stressing the doing is replaced by arguing which version. Doctrinal teaching is replaced by a cult like adherence to versions, and that fault is in camps from different sides, cult-like fellowship, apart from Christian fellowship that is doctrinal based.
None of us have arrived at the same place at the same time regarding our growing in grace and in the knowledge of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The marks where we stand against the wall are at all different places. There will be those things we disagree on, and what we could agree on has to be taken on a case by case basis, if that is a priority.
Originally posted by Pastor Larry:
I think the point of the different meanings in translations is when someone improperly assumes without evidence that one particular version is the right one, because it is in that version. Differences must be settled by what the Greek text says, not by the label on the spine of the particular version one is holding. It is entirely possible that the version with the "wrong meaning" could be the version that is almost 400 years old, dating to a time when the mass of evidence was much smaller and when the knowledge and research of the language was much less complete. Age of a version does not insure accuracy and that must constantly be kept in mind. The standard of comparison must be the totality of the evidence.
Furthermore, these "differences" do not affect the doctrine of the version and therefore do not call into question the doctrines of the faith.
