Here’s a little something that I shared with the auditorium class this past Wednesday - something that I would like all of you to give some consideration to: 

     In Hebrews 10:5-7, a quote is provided from Psalm 40:6-8.  Yet, regardless of which translation you are using, you’re going to find a difference in the

     wording of the quotation provided in Hebrews 10 and the wording of Psalm 40.  In studying this matter, you’ll find that the Hebrew writer chose not to
     quote from the Hebrew text but from the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament produced about 3 centuries before Jesus).  There is significant

     importance in this fact.  I hope you’ll study this matter and give it some thought.  I hope to address it an upcoming bulletin article or sermon.

     As always, happy studying!

 To get right to the point, I’m concerned about the ongoing debate and controversy regarding translations.  Which is most accurate?  Which should be used?  Which should not be used?  Is the use of the King James translation indicative of a conservative mindset?  Is the use of the New International Version an indicator of a liberal approach to God’s word?  Such debate about specific translations - even when carried out with good, sincere intentions - has contributed to needless strife. 

     Every translation has its own strengths and weaknesses.  The fact is - the truth of God’s word can be learned and taught from each of the primary translations - i.e. KJV, NAS, NIV, NKJV, ASV, ESV, RSV, etc.  The use of a specific translation does not determine whether a person will handle God’s word in either a “conservative” or “liberal” manner.  Such labels based upon the use of a particular translation are unfortunate.  Yes, the KJV is easy enough to be understood.  No, the NIV doesn’t automatically transform somebody into a liberal.  If we jump to conclusions about an individual simply based on the translation he/she prefers then shame on us.

     Earlier this month, I asked you to consider Hebrews 10:5-7 which contains a quote of Psalm 40:6-8.  When you compare the wording of Hebrews 10 and Psalm 40, you can see that the Hebrew writer chose not to quote from the original Hebrew text.  Instead, he quoted from the Septuagint - a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament (referred to with the Roman numerals LXX  - approximately 70 translators worked on the project).  This is significant for our discussion of translations.  Consider the following regarding the LXX:  “It contains significant variations from the Hebrew text.  Esther is much longer in the LXX, while Job is about one-fourth shorter.  It also contained apocryphal books.  The LXX was, however, the common Bible for the man-on-the-street in the days of Christ, and it was used by Jesus and the apostles in their teaching endeavors” (Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy, Wayne Jackson, © 2002, Courier Publications, pgs 187-188, emp. add.).

     Even though the Septuagint had a number of issues, Jesus did not indulge Himself in a debate as to whether or not it should be used.  Instead, He and those inspired by the Holy Spirit utilized it in an appropriate manner.  Such should serve as an important and powerful example for us.  In terms of accuracy, the translations we have available to us are superior to the LXX.  Yet, none are completely free from “issues.”  So, we need to select the translation that we prefer and then utilize it in an appropriate manner.  Let’s respect each other’s preferences regarding the various translations.  Let’s not be critical of one another and let’s not carry on in a needless debate about these things.