A Living Translation of God's Word

HONORING THE NAME OF GOD

Those who study ancient Hebrew Bible manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, are struck by the many occurrences of the Tetragammaton-the four Hebrew letters that represent God's name.  The divine name appears not only in those ancient Hebrew manuscripts but also in some copies of the Greek Septuagint from the second century B.C.E. through the first century C.E.

Despite the clear evidence that the personal name of God belongs in the Bible, many translations completely omit the sacred name of God.  In fact, just two years after the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures was released in 1950, the Revised Standard Version was published. That version  omitted the name, reversing the policy of the editors of the American Standard Version of 1901.  Why?  The preface says:  "The use of any proper name for the one and only God . .  .is entirely inappropriate for the universal faith of the Christian Church."  That set a patter for many subsequent translations, English and non-English.

Why is the inclusion or omission of God's name significant? A skilled translator knows the importance of understanding the intent of an author; such knowledge  affects many translation decisions. Countless Bible verses show the importance of God's name and its sanctification.   (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 83:18; 148:13; Isaiah 42:8; 43:10; John 17:6, 26; Acts 15:14)  Jehovah God-the Author of the Bible-inspired its writers to use his name freely. (Read Ezekiel 38:23) Omitting the name, found thousands of times in ancient manuscripts, show disrespect for the Author.

The evidence for retaining God's name in the Bible has not diminished but grown. the 2013 revision of the New World Translation includes the name 7,216 times, which is 6  more than the 1984 edition. Five of the additional instances are found at 1 Samuel 2:25; 6:3; 10:26; 23:14, 16) These were restored primarily because the Dead Sea Scrolls, which predate the Hebrew Masoretic text by over 1,000 years, contain the name in these verses. Also, one occurrence at Judges 19:18 was restored as a result of further study of ancient manuscripts. 

Next time: A Living Translation of God's Word/ Conclusion of HONORING THE NAME OF GOD 

From The Watchtower magazine