WHICH BIBLE VERSION?
In recent years the Revised Standard Version of the Bible has become increasingly popular in Reformed circles. The earlier stigma of a “liberal bias” largely disappeared, and it is quite likely the version most used on our pulpits today.
I don’t regret this, nor do I question it. In the congregation I now serve and in my previous congregation, the RSV is and was used. It is a rather good translation, and has many advantages over the King James Version. Not only it it much more readable language·wise, but in several places it is also more accurate. It also reads much better than the accurate American Standard Version.
All this it not to say, however, that this is the ideal translation; nor that it does not contain some rather serious flaws. In some eases unwarranted freedom was taken with the text, and verses are omitted for less than valid reasons.
Let me give a few examples of what I consider to be rather serious mistakes.
In Gen. 12:3 the RSV has “and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.” I do not believe there is good reason for departing from the rendering “and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Seen from a historic–redemptive perspective also, the latter is much more plausible and meaningful.
From the same perspective, the rendering of the RSV in Gen. 21:9 as “Sarah saw the son of Hagar . . . playing with her son Isaac” is untenable, cf. Gal. 4:29. It was more than mere playing, and the translation of the original word should make this clear. The Septuagint uses the word “laughing” in this connection.
I also consider the RSV rendering of Ps. 2:11 (“kiss his feet” instead of “kiss the Son”) as questionable. I also question the translation of Ps. 139:14. I believe the Psalmist is talking about himself in this case (I am fearfully and wonderfully made) and not about God. Cf. e.g. the monograph on Ps. 139 by the late Dr. E.J. Young.
Coming to the New Testament, I see the omission of Luke 22:20 as unwarranted. I am aware that the NEB follows the RSV in this and the previous case, but I believe there is not sufficient textual warrant for this omission.
Finally, one wonders why the RSV retained that misleading comma in Eph. 4:12: The ascended Lord gave gifts to his church “for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” How much better and more accurate is the rendering of the NIV: “to prepare God’s people for works of servit:e, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
It would seem to me that from now on churches needing new pew Bibles would do well to consider the New International Version.
Just a note on the NIV: I was disappointed to see it render Luke 17:21 “the kingdom is within you.” Here the NASB’s “is in OUT midst” is more accurate (cf. Ridderbos, Komst de Koninkrijk. pp. 393–400).
J. TUININGA Lethdbridge, Alberta
Edi!or’s Note:
While we appreciate the warm reception being given to the New International Version, it may also be noted that it does not yet have the official approval of our CR Synod, although it is being sold by the denominational publishing house.
An Undesirable Candidate*
Esteemed brethren,
Having heard that your congregation is vacant, I take the freedom to apply for the open place. I have several qualities which, I expect you will appreciate. I have always preached powerfully. I also had some success as an author. Some say that I am good in organizing. In most places where I served, I fulfilled a leading role.
But there are people who have some objections against me. First, I am past the age of fifty. Then, I never preached in any church longer than three, or at the most, four years. I was forced to leave some places because my work had caused dis· unity, even riots. I must also admit that I have been in iail three or four limes, but that was not my fault.
My health is not too good, but I can still do quite a load of work. 1 had to work at my old job (before I became a preacher) in order to make ends meet. The Churches I served were ullually very small, though they were located in big cities.
I could not cooperate very well with other church leaders in various places. Some have threatened me, even brought me before the court, and have injured me physically pretty badly.
I am not too good in administration. They say that I cannot even remember whom I baptized. Yet, I hope that you can use me. I will do my utmost, even—if you can’t pay a full salary–make some money on the side.
PAUL (APOSTLE)