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Variations in the Manuscripts

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There are always multiple responses to any difficult topic or scenario.  Difficult topics arise in the church all of the time, and there are a variety of ways to respond.  At Graceway, when it comes to the difficult issues regarding translations, interpretation or doctrinal variations; we try to err on the side of giving information.  Certainly, we do not always land in exactly the right place, but we always try to be true to the Bible. 

Manuscript-Oldest.kindpng_483910A couple of weeks ago during our Question and Answer time following our morning message; we discussed the issue of textual variants with our congregation, and we walked through two textual variants that appear in 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12.  One of them is found in vs. 7 and the other in vs. 12.  Now, obviously, this can be a very divisive and emotional issue that could cause all kinds of doubts, frustration and maybe even some anxiety; but if we will take some time to understand the issue and to love our fellow believers, often we can grow from the discussion.  We want to be careful and gentle; but often with appropriate explanation and instruction much of the struggle can be addressed. 

As we discussed together as a church, you can very easily see and understand the process that any translator goes through to make a decision about any variation that comes up while translating the Bible into a particular language.  There are two potential hurdles for translators, first the actual words that are there, and second, the interpretation of those words.  Any differences between manuscripts are called textual variants.  They are a reality that exists and has existed.  You have to make choices about what words you will use when translating and which words you believe were originally in the text and which words may not have been. 

For instance, in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 12 we have two examples of textual variations between manuscripts.  In verse 7, the variation is between the words νήπιοι (pronounced nepioi meaning infant) and ἤπιοι (pronounced hepioi meaning gentle).  Now, the word νήπιοι seems to be the right choice from a manuscript perspective; but most translations because of interpretation instead use the reading ἤπιοι because a nursing mother being gentle seems to be a better reading.  The perception in interpreting this passage is that Paul would never have called himself a child or his missionary associates, Silas and Timothy.  This has been the accepted understanding and therefore many translations based on the Greek text that uses νήπιοι still translate the phrase as if the word was ἤπιοι.  These are the kind of choices that every translator must make when engaging with the original language and trying to create a translation that is true to the original. 

Interpretation Note: it seems that νήπιοι may be the best choice and ought to be translated as a child because Paul is describing his humility among these believers – humility like that of a small child.  Paul then moves to a different word picture, that of a nursing mother.  The standard understanding in interpreting this verse has been that these two pictures were one and therefore the word gentle would make much more sense.  This is where translations and word choices are so important.

Doctrinal Note: Notice that this variation does not change any doctrine of the passage or cause any doctrinal hurdle for us to jump.  It is the word child vs. the word gentle.  Yes, it changes the interpretation a bit, but there is no doctrinal issue of any kind related to this variant.  This is one of the greatest misunderstandings about variants in the New Testament Greek text, mainly that every variant is a veiled or not so veiled attempt to remove a precious and essential doctrinal from the pages of Scripture.  This just is not the case – as you can see by this example.

In vs. 12, we have a second variant the words καλοῦντος (pronounced kalountos meaning calls/calling) vs. καλέσαντος (pronounced kalesantos meaning has called). This time the variant comes from the exact same word, καλέω (pronounced kaleo meaning to call) in the original.  As you can see, once again, there is no truth lost or compromised in any way by this textual variant.

Both of these examples represent the vast majority of New Testament Textual Variants. Manuscript1 As we discussed that morning together, what a precious gift we have in the Word of God and what a joy it is to know that when God promises to preserve his word, He does and you can trust him and his word today!

The ultimate goal of any good translation is that we, the readers, can understand the message God is trying to communicate to us; a message of his great love for us demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins!  If you cannot understand the words of God, the Bible cannot come alive to you and really begin to transform your life – which is its intended purpose.

Now, this raises some very interesting questions that need some attention regarding the issue of translations and translating!  Over the next several posts, we are going to investigate together the backdrop of translations and translating.  It is imperative that we understand the realities of this important issue. 

If you have a question, please feel free to contact us.  May you know the grace and peace of God found clearly communicated to his people throughout his Word! 

Another helpful article on this issue: Should differences in Biblical Manuscripts scare Christians?

 

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