A MILESTONE FOR LOVERS OF GOD'S WORD

Unique Features

Millions of readers have done just that and have discovered the New World Translation to be not only readable but scrupulously accurate. Its translators worked from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages, using the best texts available. Unusual care was also exercised to render the ancient text as literally as possible but in language that would readily be understood. Accordingly, some scholars praised this translation for its integrity and accuracy. For example, the Andover Newton Quarterly of January 1963 said: The translation of the New Testament is evidence of the presence in the movement of scholars qualified to deal intelligently with the many problems of Biblical translation.

The translators opened up a new world of Biblical understanding. Bible texts that had previously been only dimly understood became dramatically clear. For example, the perplexing text at Matthew 5:3, "blessed are the poor in spirit"(King James Version) was rendered in a way that made sense: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." The New World Translation is also quite consistent and uniform in its rendering of key terms. The Greek word psy-khe', for example, was translated "soul" in each of its occurrences. As a result, readers can quickly discern that contrary to religious theories, the soul is not immortal! -Matthew 2:20; Mark 3:4; Luke 6:9; 17:33.

Next time: Restoring God's Name

Watchtower, 1999