An Incorrect Translation

In the New International Version of the Bible, the translation of the twenty seventh verse of the fifteenth chapter of the epistle to the Romans is as follows:

"They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings."

Twice, the translators of this version have inserted the words "the Jews" into the second sentence of this verse. But the Greek word for "Jews" does not occur in the Greek text of this verse. Furthermore, in the Greek text of this verse a personal pronoun occurs which the translators of the New International Version have omitted. By omitting this pronoun and twice inserting the words "the Jews" the meaning of the sentence is altered. This is no trivial matter.

"Every word of God is pure … Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." - Proverbs 30:5-6

The translation of Romans 15:27 in the Authorised Version of the bible is as follows:

"It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."

This is an accurate translation of the Greek text. there is no authority for inserting the phrase "the Jews" into this verse. Furthermore, the context shows how completely inappropriate is the insertion of the phrase.

The personal pronoun, which occurs in the Greek text, and which is translated "of their" in the Authorised Version, but which had been omitted by the translators of the New International Version, refers to its antecedent:

"the poor saints which are at Jerusalem" (verse 26).

Paul wrote:

"Now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints" (verse 25).

He was taking a contribution which "them of Macedonia and Achaia" had made "for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem" (verse 26). He requested prayer "that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints" (verse 31). Saints are mention three times in these verses. The contribution was for "the poor saints" at Jerusalem. It was for believers. It was for Christians. It was for members of the church of Christ.

In apostolic times "the Jews" did not all live at Jerusalem, neither were they all saints. They were not all believers. The insertion of the phrase "the Jews" into the verse under consideration is totally inappropriate. Such an insertion is at variance with the context.

In the New International Version the phrase "the Jews' spiritual blessings" occurs in Romans 15:27. From the wider context of the whole of the New Testament it can easily be seen how inappropriate is the insertion of the words "the Jews" into this phrase.

In apostolic times all the Jews were not in a state of spiritual blessedness. Of certain Jews the apostle Paul wrote:

" … the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost." - 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Believing Gentiles are in a very different position from unbelieving Jews. To believers Paul wrote of:

"… Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." - 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Saints are in a state of spiritual blessedness. Jews and Gentiles who have a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are blessed:

"with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" Ephesians 1:3.

But:

"… he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36

The New International Version contains an incorrect translation of part of Romans 15:27. But in the gracious providence of God there is still available in the twentieth century a trustworthy translation of the Bible in the English language in the Authorised Version. Anyone who compares the New International Version with the Authorised Version will find that there are many differences.

A striking example occurs in Hebrews 11:11.

In the New International Version this verse begins:

"By faith Abraham …"

In the Authorised Version the verse begins:

"Through faith also Sara …"

The translation of this verse in the Authorised Version is a correct translation of the Greek text. What a heavy responsibility rests upon Christian leaders who have encouraged believers to use the New International Version rather that the trustworthy Authorised Version.

A person's attitude to the Word of God is very revealing. God has said:

"…to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." - Isaiah 66:2

Surely such a person will desire an accurate translation of God's word.

For English speaking believers such a translation is available in the excellent Authorised Version of the Bible. What a tragedy it is that, in Britain, in the second half of the twentieth century, there has been a widespread failure to appreciate the true value of this precious version of the holy scriptures. Is it a coincidence that at the same time there has come a marked deterioration in spiritual and moral standards?

Highly Recommended:
"New International Version -
What today's Christian needs to know about the NIV"
A critique by G W and D E Anderson

Available from:
Trinitarian Bible Society
Tyndale House
Dorset Road
London
SW19 3NN