Musing – How do simple word changes affect our theology?

Hebraic Musing – How do simple word changes affect our theology?

We have seen word definitions undergo what I will call perverted flip-flops of definition.  Examples – “Good” is being called “Bad”; what was “Hot” is now called “Cool”; “Love” had been perverted to “Making Love” to describe the sex act – the foundation for our Judeo/Christian faith is being perverted.  But more important, there are other subtle word changes that have evolved in newer Scripture translations that affect our theological interpretations:

1.   “Faith of Jesus” has changed to “Faith in Jesus”.  The beloved old KJV promises deliverance, righteousness and justification to those with the “faith of Jesus”.  Modern translation say “faith in Jesus”.  Could that translation change be attributed to the trend in the last century toward receiving salvation by answering an alter call or a prayer in which one simply acknowledges “faith in Jesus” (even Satan knows Him).  Hebraic theology stresses “Halakhah” (the Hebrew word for ‘way of walking’). Note these changes in our modern translations:

In the NIV, Rom 3:22 “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”    But the older KJV says   “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:”   KJV

Gal 2:16 in the NIV says “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus…”   The KJV, says “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus…”

Gal 3:22  in the NIV says  “…Scripture declares that … what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.”  The older KJV says “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

2.   God is love   or   We serve a Loving God.  The Hebrew Bible uses action verbs, whereas our English version tends to use adjectives.  Classic distortion is found in our oft stated simple statement “God is Love.”  And this becomes the basis for statements like “how can God, if He is Love, permit people to go to Hell?”  God has thus been defined by a statement of only one of His many attributes and names.  After all, He is a loving God who also judges, wreaks vengeance, provides, heals, forgives, etc.

3.  Faith  or  Faithfulness.   The word “Faith” is used only 16 times in the Old Testament NIV, and only twice in the KJV.  Dt.32:20 references “Children in whom is no faith”.  And Hab. 2:4 says “…but the just shall live by his faith” which implies active faith. 

While the NT uses the simple word “Faith” over 250 times there should be reference to activity.  Quick example – 3 John 5 in the NASB says "Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers."

So when we see “Faith” in our favorite translations, we should think “acting faithfully” or “faithfulness” instead of being satisfied with mental assent to Jesus as Our Savior.  Or we could more literally translate the word “Faith” to "practicing faith" or "practicing belief" or "practicing trust."  Faithfulness is in fact an act of faith. If we are going to obey the Lord, then we will need actions to support our faith.    Meaningful faith needs to be acted upon. The book of James makes this very clear.

Point to ponder

How can we be more alert and read Scripture more carefully?

What other subtle word changes in the modern translations change theology?

Keep the faith

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                 November 18, 2014
Books author “Hebraic Insights”; “Biblical Marriage”; “Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings”
Yosef1@cox.net   or  www.InsightsByYosef.com