The following table is used to illustrate how fundamental doctrines are affected by the different underlying texts and translation methods used in the ‘modern’ versions of the Bible. This table is helpful in seeing the differences that would be obscured by other, more tedious methods of comparison (such as having two different bibles open and doing a line by line study).
Since the Devil does exist, and he is very active in his opposition to the word of God, it behooves the believer to also be active and vigorous in study and comparison as well. After all, it is your own responsibility to seek out the true word of God. Now, the LORD God will guide in this, but you must actually pick up the books and begin studying the issue for yourself, as the Scripture commands:
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thessalonians 5:21)
With this in mind, please examine the verses in the versions presented below. This particular comparison addresses the tri-unity of the Godhead, normally called the Trinity.
King James Version, 1769 Edition |
New International Version |
Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. | Acts 17:29 Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an image made by man’s design and skill. |
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: | Romans 1:20 for since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. |
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. | Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, |
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. | 1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify: (OMITTED) |
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. | Matthew 19:17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” |
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. | Luke 18:19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good – except God alone.” |
Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. | Numbers 24:17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth. |
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! | Isaiah 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! |
Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. | Revelation 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. |