Matthew 9:13
KJVBut go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
NIV
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
ESV
Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NRSV
Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Call sinners on the phone? Call sinners names? Call sinners over for dinner? No. No. And, no!
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
"I will have" means something definite, whereas "I desire" means there's an option. Here I see the Lord wants mercy to be shown and nothing else. In the Reina Valera 1977 (Spanish) there is no doubt. It simply translates as "I want mercy, not sacrifice". Nothing clearer than that! It also says "I haven't come to call the just, but sinners to repentance". The Catalan bible reads the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is very helpful to be able to compare with Mediterranean translations as the language structure and usage has not changed much over the centuries. The way of life, mannerisms, attitudes and such is also very different from the anglo/northern style. People see things very differently here! (However, this is also due to the Catholic church influence to a big degree!)
Blessings to you and your family and I hope you have a lovely day,
S.
Such an interesting series! I am always amazed at the difference; so subtle and yet so profound.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
DeleteThank you for your comment!
I have not always taken the position that God has preserved His Word in the English language through the KJV. I was in the camp that says we can't really know God's Word unless we can read Greek. I no longer believe that God is limited to one language. When I began to be taught about the issues with the modern translations I realized that if they are not all saying the same thing then they can not all the same book! Seems obvious now, but so many people still do not see that.
Lady Violet,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
I really do not have any knowledge of how God has preserved His Word in languages besides the English. I believe that God's Word can be translated from one language to another and still be God's Word. I do not believe that only the originals were really God's Words. If that were the case than we have no way of knowing for sure what God's Words are because the originals are long gone.
Psalm 12:6-7
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."