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Jehovah`s Witness/John 8:58
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Question
Why has the NWT changed their version of the Bible to say “I Have Been”, instaed of I AM in John 8:58.
Hello Ben,
The issue of translation one that causes a lot of debate. At times theology of the one translating has to be used in determonming how to translate. This is becaus trhere are words and phrases in Biblical Greek for which there is no direct and clear translation equivalent in English. John 8:58 is one verse that many say has been translated on a theologicazl basis by the NWT.
However there is compelling reason for translationg it on rules of gramma. The NWT is not the only Bible that translates it differently
Following is a list of English translations that do not render 'ego eimi' into the English present tense in the above verse that might be included in any honest critics work, hence benefitting the reader of such, regarding the NWT's. Many more could be cited:
The New Testament Or Rather The New Covenant-S.Sharpe: "I was before Abraham".
A Bible, A New Translation- J.Moffatt: "I existed before Abraham was born"
The New Testament in the Language of the Day-W.G.Beck: "I was before Abraham"
The Simple English Bible: "I was alive before Abraham was born"
The Twentieth Century New Testament: "before Abraham existed I was"
The New Testament in the Language of the People- C.B.Williams: "I existed before Abraham was born"
The Bible-An American Translation-E.Goodspeed(NT): "I existed"
The Unvarnished New Testament-A.Gaus: "I have already been"
The Authentic New Testament-H.J.Schonfield: "I existed"
The Complete Gospels-R.J.Miller(Editor): "I existed"
New American Standard Bible 1963-1970 editions: "I have been"-alternative rendering
For an indepth look at this verse please see the following web site
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/newworldtranslation/john8.58files.htm
Brenton
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Brenton Hepburn
Expertise
I AM one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I am always learning. I am NOT an expert in the full sense of the word but I can answer questions on the reliability of the NWT,, the so called mind control problems,,so called prophecies,,,,how being a JW affects the individual and relatives and general practices and history of Jehovah’s Witnesses. >>WARNING<< Please be aware that as at 31 December 2011 there are at least 4 people here who ARE NOT practicing JWs. By all means ask these ones questions. Depending on the question you will get an honest answer, but generally the answer you get will mislead you often because they do not give ALL the relevant details. The following men are not practising JWS ..Derrick Holland ..Ben Erdman..Robert Jones>..Ken the Apostate These ones will, at times, may appear to not have an agenda against JWs., and will at times give answers that are not correct in regard to JW teachings and practices. If you are after a answer from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, please read some of the answers that the various experts have published before choosing someone. If you want to ask one of the NON JWs a question, that is fine, BUT if you want a balancing view after asking one of the NON JWs, ask a JW the same question.PLEASE ALSO NOTE: Some experts are NOT always the most courteous, and their answers may offend, so it IS IMPORTANT to chose an "expert" that YOU feel will best suit YOU . . . . .
Experience
I have been a publisher since 1964. When I first went on the internet I found a lot of negative information dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses covering prophecy, mind control and what many said was a very bad translation of the Bible known as the NWT. It shook my faith. After may hours researching these topics I could see why some felt that way, but, I was also able to explain why there were these misleading views. I can now set matters straight for anyone that has negative information about Jehovah’s Witness to show them that such information is at best misleading and at worst dangerous lies.
Education/Credentials
I have been a student of the Bible for many years, am trying to teach myself Biblical Greek.
Was a public tax accountant for many years untill SEP 2009 when I gave it up due to health problems.
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