Introduction

Jehovah's Witnesses, a religious organization centered around the belief in a single God called Jehovah, have made several notable changes and translations to the Bible. This article explores the extent of their alterations, the reason behind them, and the impact of these changes on other modern translations of the Bible.

Corrections and Additions

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their accurate translations of verses in various modern translations that were previously considered incorrect. They particularly emphasized the insertion of the Tetragrammaton, the sacred name of God, into the New Testament, which is not found in any existing manuscript copies, underscoring their theological position.

Their approach to the Bible is rooted in a meticulous examination of the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Unlike traditional translations, they aimed to restore texts according to the actual ancient texts, without prejudice towards man-made traditions. This dedication to accuracy and authenticity has been the foundation of their work in biblical scholarship.

Examining John 1:1

John 1:1 New World Translation (NWT)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.

The term 'a god' in this verse specifically means 'a powerful one.' This rendering is significantly different from numerous other translations, which often render it as 'God.' The NWT interprets the Greek text accurately, asserting that the Word, referred to as Jesus, was not identical to God but was a powerful being associated with God.

John 1:1 - Wikipedia provides several alternative translations, emphasizing the importance of the Greek text. Notably, many of these translations render the passage as 'a powerful one' rather than 'God.' This variation arises from the absence of the definite article 'the' (το?) before 'god' (θεο?) in the original Greek, making it an adjectival noun describing a quality rather than identifying an entity.

Comparisons with Other Verses

The structure of John 1:1 is identical to two other notable verses, Acts 28:6 and Acts 12:22, both of which lack the definite article before 'god.'

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while and saw no harm come to him they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

And the people gave a shout saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

In both cases, the Greek text lacks the definite article before 'god,' indicating it refers to a powerful entity rather than a specific being.

Academic Perspectives

A friend who was studying Greek at Melbourne University presented the Greek text of John 1:1 to a professor of Greek. Despite being an atheist, the professor acknowledged that θεο? (god) without the definite article το? is an adjectival noun. This means that the statement 'the Word was a god' is not identifying the Word as the unique deity but is describing a quality of being powerful.

The professor's unbiased interpretation supports the NWT's translation, suggesting that the Word (Jesus) was indeed described as powerful.

Conclusion

Jehovah's Witnesses have made significant contributions to biblical scholarship through their meticulous approach to translations and corrections. Their emphasis on the original texts and their careful interpretation of key verses like John 1:1 have provided new insights and alternatives to traditional translations. By staying true to the ancient texts, they have enabled a more nuanced understanding of the Bible, enriching theological discussions for many.