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To the Reader: I wrote this article my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to remind you of the price that God paid for us through his son Jesus Christ. And because it only touches on a small portion of the Gospel, we must read and study the bible to fully understand the price that was paid for our sins. Therefore, I encourage you to do some studying on your own and “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20)

God’s love be with you all. Amen.

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:17-19 NKJV)

God loves us so much and desires that none us should perish, for he said: “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11 ESV) We see the same thing in the New Testament where we read: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)

Now, from what we read above, couldn’t we all agree that God wants us to repent and thus be saved? However, we know that the old covenant couldn’t make this happen. “For the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins. So when he came into the world, he said, “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me. “Whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you took no delight in. “Then I said, ‘Here I am: I have come - it is written of me in the scroll of the book - to do your will, O God.’’’ (Hebrews 10:4-7 NET) Yes, this is true. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

So, who is he “who knew no sin” and was recorded “in the scroll of the book”? Wasn’t it Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 KJV) Yes, it is true: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

• “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9 KJV)

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 KJV)

From what we can gather from that passage above, Jesus in a sense was saying: “For as Jonah was. …so shall the Son of man be.” Now, to see what it was like for Jesus in the heart of the earth, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 KJV)

So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for we read: “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” (Matthew 12:39 KJV) Now, doesn’t this clearly show us that Jesus did suffer affliction in the heart of the earth? Why else would he compare it in such a way?

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 KJV)

From what we read above; we can see that Jesus was pleading to God to “save him from death.” Also, it says that he “was heard in that he feared.” Now, I believe that this wasn’t concerning his physical death because Jesus was crucified and put to death. Therefore, wasn’t Jesus pleading with the Father that his soul would not be left in hell? For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” from “the pains of death.” Now, what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself?

So, wouldn’t this be proof that Jesus not only suffered in hell, but was released from the torments of it after his three days and nights there? Also, if after his death he went to a place inside the earth (as some claim) called Abraham’s bosom, why was he pleading and crying with tears to get out of there? So, wouldn’t Abraham and the rest of God saints be in there as well? Therefore, I convinced that Jesus did not go to a place called Abraham’s Bosom inside the earth.

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24 KJV)

Now, from the account of the rich man and Lazarus, we can see that hell is a place of torment. For according to that passage above, the rich man was crying for mercy. Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself the agony and torments that was do all of us, for “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 KJV)

And so, being fully convinced that God the Father was going to raise him up out of the heart of the earth, Jesus said: “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:25-27, 31-32 KJV)

For videos concerning Jesus in hell click the link below:

• Jesus Suffered in Hell
• Did Jesus Suffer in Hell?
• Jesus became Sin for Us

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV)

This passage above poses a problem. For it appears as if Jesus promised the repentant thief that they would be together in paradise that literal day. But we know that Jesus said he had to spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth. So, how do we make sense of all this? Well, let us first keep in mind that there were no commas in the original Greek manuscripts. Therefore, translators both in the past and present placed these commas where it seemed best. So, concerning that passage above, the translators of the King James Bible chose to put the comma before the word “today.” Now, I do believe that these men who worked on the KJB bible were gifted translators. However, being human like the rest of us, these translators were not immune to certain views and biases of their day. Therefore, it would not be uncommon for these certain views to show up in their work.

Now, I must admit that most translations follow the comma placement of the KJV bible. However, there are those few that have the comma after the word “today.” Thus, this same passage would read “Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise.” (Luke 43:23 REV) This makes more sense because we have Jesus not promising the thief that they would be together that literal day, but at a given time in the future. Now, there was a man named E. W. Bullinger, a commentator of the Companion Bible who wrote: “say to you, today = ‘I say to thee today.’ Today; connect this with ‘I say’ to emphasize the solemnity of the occasion; not with “shalt thou be.” So, Mr. Bullinger admitted that it should have read: “Truly I say to you today.” So, in a sense, Jesus was telling the thief to listen and take heed to what I’m about to tell you right now. And that would be the assurance that they will be together at some point in the future.

So, even though a misplaced comma would normally be a minor thing, it can become a major one when it comes to such passages as above. So, it is important that you have more than one translation within your library. This would especially be true when those red flags pop up in your head telling you that something does not make sense. Therefore, it is important that we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate throughout the scriptures. So, let us always seek God’s help, even when it comes to something as simple as a comma placement.

Below are more translations that chose to place the comma after the word today:

• The Concordant Literal New Testament reads – “Verily, to you am I saying today, with me shall you be in paradise.”
• The Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible reads – “Verily I say unto thee this day: with me shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
• The Peshitta Aramaic English New Testament (by Andrew Gabriel Roth) reads – “Y’shua said to him, “Truly I say to you today: You will be with me in paradise”.”
• The Revised English Version reads – “And he said to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise’.”
• The Cepher Translation reads - "And Yahusha said unto him: So be it I say unto you today, you shall be with me in paradise."

Below are different passages which uses the word “today” to help emphasize what’s being said:

• “I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:18 KJV) Note: So, did they all perish that literal day? No, they didn’t.
• “Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of you all.” (Acts 20:26 KJV) Note: So, was Paul guilty of their blood before he mentioned this to them? No, of course not.

So, wouldn’t all this be a witness that the comma should have come after the word “today” and not before? I do believe so my fellow Christians. However, do your own studying on this and then righty judge.

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 ESV)

So, was our forgiveness and redemption finally completed when Jesus said those words above? For we must remember that Jesus said “It is finished” before he died and rose from the dead. So, to get a better understanding of what Jesus meant, we need to consider a few other bible verses as well. The first is: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 KJV) The next is: “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-14 ESV)

So, according to the apostle Paul, the death and resurrection of Jesus is crucial for our redemption. Now, let us examine another passage which may help clarify what Jesus meant when he said, “it is finished.” For we read “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:3-4 KJV) So, Jesus came to show us who the true God is which we would be the Father himself. Also, he came to show us that he (Jesus) is our promised Messiah, the only way to God the Father. And by believing this with all our heart, we will have eternal life as well. Praise God for that my brothers and sisters in Christ.

“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 ESV)

Jesus knew that he must spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth (hell). Therefore, Jesus was simply trusting his soul in the hands of God his Father. For we read: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:8-11 KJV) So, Jesus was trusting that God the Father wouldn’t leave his soul in hell nor allow his body to decay in the grave. Therefore, he committed himself into the hands of God his Father. And according to scripture, God raise Jesus up and deliver him from the pains of death which was hell itself. Thank God for that my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Therefore, we who have put our trust in both God our Father and Jesus our Savior will be brought into paradise. Yes, Jesus will descend from heaven with a commanding shout for us to rise up. For Jesus said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. ... Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:25, 28-29 ESV)

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV) So again, Jesus Christ shall return for us Christians who have put our faith and hope in him. This would be true whether we are dead or alive. For if dead, we shall be in the company of the dead in Christ who shall be returning with him. And if we are alive, we shall be caught up with them in heaven. Either way it is a win-win situation for us who have put our hope and faith in God’s mercy. Amen.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 ESV)

Now, as already mentioned earlier, let’s not come to the false notion that Jesus (after his death) descended into an earthly paradise called “Abraham’s Bosom.” (see Luke 16:22) For there are those who believe that Jesus was hanging out with the departed saints, some who would been there for a few hundred years. And if that was true, why was Jesus so glad to get out of there as we already read in Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27. Also, we read above that Jesus prayed earnestly, asking God his Father “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” So, wouldn’t this prayer be not only for the cross and the beatings that he endured, but for his three days and nights in hell as well? Something to consider and pray about my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. So, please make sure you are studying God’s word for yourselves as well. Yes, we must evaluate all things to see if they are true or not. This would also be true for the one who is preaching from the pulpit.

Now, where in the bible does it mention a place called Paradise? Well, the first is: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) So, where is the “paradise of God”? Well: “Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2 RSV)

Next, we have Paul the apostle’s own testimony saying, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4 NET) Now, according to the apostle Paul, he was “caught up into paradise.” Also, he said that this paradise was up in the third heaven. So, wouldn’t these scriptures be showing us that paradise is not inside the earth but in heaven itself? So, wouldn’t the only thing inside the earth is the fires of hell itself?

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV)

Okay, you may be still asking: “where is Abraham and the rest of the departed Saints of God?” Well, let’s first notice that it says we’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” in that passage above. Also, it says in Hebrews 11:13 that these witnesses are they who have died in faith. So, according to that passage above, doesn’t it sound like they are quite alive and we’re surrounded by them as well? We can see this also to be true from the account of the rich man and Lazarus. For after the rich man died, he was aware of his surroundings while being tormented in hell. And while looking up, his eyes were opened to see the realm of the saints. And there he saw Lazarus in the arms of Abraham being comforted.

Also, let’s remember while being with Jesus, Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elisha appeared before them. And didn’t Jesus himself say to the Sadducee’s: “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32 KJV)

So, even though a person’s body may be buried in the ground, their soul would still be alive. This is true whether one is in the realm of the saints above or being tormented in the flames of hell below.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.” (Matthew 17:1-3 KJV)

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24 KJV)

Now, you may be thinking, “didn’t the rich man in hell talk to Abraham afar off.” Well, even though this is true, that still doesn’t prove that there’s some chamber called “Abraham's Bosom” inside the earth. So, let’s first consider what that passage says above. First, we must realize that the rich man has never seen Abraham before. So, how could he have recognized and even communicated with him if this was some huge chamber containing God’s saints? That would be like you sitting in a packed stadium recognizing and communicating with a well-known radio host on the other side of the field whom you have never seen or heard speak before.

So, on the contrary, wouldn’t this be a vision that the rich man saw, just as it was for the disciple Stephen? For we read concerning Stephen: “But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56 ESV) So, that great gulf between Abraham and the rich man could have been the distance between hell inside the earth and the realm of the departed Saints outside of it. So again, I encourage you to do some studying on your own my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. For we must test everything that’s being said from the pulpit.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV)

According to that passage above, we can clearly see that it’s the blood that makes an atonement for our souls. Also in the New Testament, John the apostle said: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 KJV) So, we see that the shed blood of Christ is a vital part of our atonement for sin. For without it, there would be no forgiveness possible. Now that being said, we must also realize that all sacrifices had to be done according to procedure. This included the Passover Lamb, for we read: “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” (Exodus 12:7-8 KJV) So, the lamb had to be first slain, and its blood applied as mentioned above. Next, the lamb had to be roasted in the fire before the occupants of the house could finally partake of it.

Now, during communion, don’t we receive both the bread and wine which represents both the body and blood of Christ? So, just as the Passover lamb’s blood was shed and its body brought through the fire, Christ’s blood as well needed to be shed, and his soul brought through the fire. So, in a sense, this would truly make Christ our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed on our behalf. Therefore, we should always thank God for his great mercy towards us sinners who are saved by his grace. Amen.

Below are a few scriptures pertaining to the blood of Christ:

• “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 KJV)
• “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:1 KJV)
• “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:17-19 ESV)

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 KJV)

As mentioned earlier, Luke chapter 16 shows us that hell is a temporary abode for all who have died in their sins. So, even though Christ’s blood was a vital part of our atonement for sins, he still had to suffer the wrath of God that was do for all sinners. And let’s remember that God is not a respecter of persons. (see Acts 10:34) So, because our Savior Jesus died a sinner’s death, wouldn’t he also need to suffer a sinner’s death which would include hell as well? “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

Now, we must realize that we’re not all at the same level of faith. For there are some who have a limited knowledge of scripture while others have a much deeper one. However, all of us are saved by God’s grace that’s poured out upon us. And let’s remember what Paul the apostle said to the Corinthian believers: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” (Romans 14:1 ESV) So, if one only has the knowledge and belief that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and then rose the third day for our redemption, this person still would be saved. For he, believing in the saving blood of Jesus Christ, would still have eternal life even though he has a limited knowledge of the gospel. Therefore, it’s a daily learning process for us. For Jesus said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

• “And one of the criminals who was hanged there kept insulting him, saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not fear God, because you are in the same condemnation? And we indeed rightly so, for we are receiving what we deserve for what we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 REV)

So, knowing that the Holy Spirit lives in us and teaches us all things, lets dig deeper into God’s word to know all his truths. (see 2 Timothy 2:15) For it should be our desire to truly recognize and see everything that God did for us. Therefore, we shouldn’t only rely on what others teach us, but we must mainly rely mainly on God’s Holy Spirit. For as Jesus said above, the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things.” Also, he said: “take my yoke upon you and learn of me.” (Matthew 11:29 KJV) And not only that, he also said: “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” (John 6:45 ASV) And let’s also remember what John the apostle said: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27 KJV)

So, as said before: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

May God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen.

Note: The different bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God’s word:

• KJV = King James
• REV = Revised English Version
• RSV = Revised Standard
• ESV = English Standard Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible
• WEB = Webster Bible
• MKJV = Modern King James Version
• NET = New English Translation

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To the Reader: I would like to first say this. I’m not one of those who believes that we should throw out or burn all the modern translations of the bible. For I do believe that God can speak to us even through the most watered-down corrupt translations out there. So, even if you do read one of those “inferior bibles,” I do believe that you will be able to see God’s plan of salvation unfolding through the pages. Therefore, I’m not telling anyone to throw out their bibles. But that being said, shouldn’t we make it our aim to read a translation that more accurately represents what God is saying to us?

Now, my personal bible of choice is the King James version. For I do believe it’s the most literal translation available to us today. However, even though I do use it as my base text, I do find some of it’s words archaic and therefore hard to understand. And because of this, I have more modern translations in my library that I can us as well. So, that should make it clear that I’m not a King James only person. Nor do I believe that its translation is 100% perfect.

Now, I would like to make you aware of some scriptures that were (and still are) part of the 1560 Geneva bible and the 1611 King James bible as well. And even though Jesus himself quoted from these scriptures, they were removed from our bibles a few hundred years later. So, what scriptures am I talking about? Well, it’s the scriptures that are found in the Septuagint Old Testament. Now, even though the modern Protestant church has rejected these scriptures, they are still used and regarded as scripture by the Greek Orthodox Church of today.

So, for those of you who don’t know; the Septuagint Old Testament is a Greek translation that was written around 300 years before Christ by Jews. And I do include the Septuagint bible in my studies of the Old Testament. And in some cases, I even prefer it over the Masoretic Old Testament text we have today. This is due to the fact that there are inconsistencies in the Masoretic text. For it doesn’t always line up with passages quoted by the authors of the New Testament. However, they do line up more consistently with the Septuagint translation. Also, Masoretic text contains some errors such as the ones found in the genealogy of Seth.

And let’s keep in mind that the Septuagint was translated from the Hebrew scriptures around 300 years before the birth of Christ by Jews. On the other hand, the Masoretic text we have today came about almost 1000 years after the resurrection of Christ. So, did the Masoretic Jews alter the text in such a way that it wouldn’t line up with all the New Testament teachings? Well, I personally can’t answer that. However, I’m not ruling out the fact that there may have been unintentional errors in the Masoretic text. So, whatever the case may be, I study both in the Septuagint as well as the Masoretic text. But as said before, I mostly prefer the Masoretic text when it comes to proper word usage. For I find it more literal in its translation and that it has a better choice of words.

Below are a few passages found in the New Testament that are quotes from the Old Testament. I have compared these quotes both from the Septuagint and the Masoretic text. I put an asterisk by the ones that seem to be the closest to the New Testament (which I found to be the Septuagint translation).

Matthew 12:20-21: “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.” (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; but He will bring forth judgment in truth. He will shine forth and not be broken until He establishes judgment in the earth; and in his name the Gentiles will hope. (Isaiah 42:3-4 OSB)
• Masoretic Text: A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. (Isaiah 42:3-4 KJV) Note: It says: “and the isles shall wait for his law” instead of mentioning that it’s the Gentiles that will trust or hope. 

Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me; he has sent me to preach glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken in heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; to declare the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of recompence; to comfort all that mourn; (Isaiah 61:1-2 OSB)
• Masoretic Text: The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (Isaiah 61:1-2 KJV) Note: “recovery of sight to the blind” is missing)

Acts 2:26-27: “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: Therefore my heart rejoiced an my tongue exulted; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Psalms 16:9-10 Brenton LXX)
• Masoretic Text: Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:9-10 KJV) Note:“my tongue” was replaced with “my glory.” 

Act 15:15-17: After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: “In that day I shall raise up the fallen tabernacle of David, and I shall rebuild its ruins and repair its damages and rebuild it as in the days of old, that the remnant of men and all the nations upon whom My name is called will seek Me,” says the Lord, who does this thing.” (Amos 9:11-12 OSB)
• Masoretic  Texts: In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name,  saith the LORD that doeth this. (Amos 9:11-12 KJV) Note: this  passage removes the fact that the Gentiles will seek after LORD. For it      claims that they (the Jews) will “possess” the heathens instead. 

Hebrews 1:6: “And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people. (Deuteronomy 32:43 Brenton LXX)
• Masoretic Text: Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. (Deuteronomy 32:43 KJV) Note: This passage is missing the main text that’s referring to the angels of God worshiping Jesus.

Hebrews 10:5-7: Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come - In the volume of the book it is written of Me - To do Your will, O God.’” (Hebrews 10:5-7 NKJV)

• *Septuagint Text: Sacrifice and offering You did not will; But a body You prepared for me; A whole burnt offering and a sin offering You did not require.” Then I said, “Behold, I come (it is written of me in the volume of the book); I willed to do Your will, O my God, And Your law in the midst of my heart.” (Psalms 39:7-9 OSB)
• Masoretic Text: Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:6-8 KJV) Note: “But a body you have prepared for me” was replaced with “mine ears hast thou opened.”

Hebrew 11:21: By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. (Hebrews 11:21 ESV)

• *Septuagint Text: Then he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the top of his staff. (Genesis 47:31 OSB)
• Masoretic Text: And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head. (Genesis 47:31 KJV) Note: this passage says “bed” instead of “staff” which is used in both the New Testament and the Septuagint bible.

Peter 4:18: “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (KJV)

• *Septuagint Text: “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (Proverbs 11:31 (Brenton LXX)
• Masoretic Text: If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner! (Proverbs 11:31 ESV) Note: though this passage makes it clear that the righteous are going to be better off than the wicked, it removes the fact the righteous (though scarcely) will be saved.

Now we come to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their role in supporting the Septuagint. For according to the article “The ‘Original’ Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls” on the Biblical Archaeology Society website, we can see that some of the Dead Sea Scrolls actually support the Septuagint text. For Noah Wiener writes: “Some of the Dead Sea Scrolls actually have more in common with the Greek Septuagint than the traditional Hebrew Masoretic Text. This suggests that the Greek translators must have been translating from Hebrew texts that resembled the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

Then, Noah goes on and give us an example of one of the Dead Sea Scrolls that contains a clue to the accuracy of the Septuagint by quoting a question that was given to Emanuel Tov, which is: “Did Hannah bring one bull or three bulls as an offering at Shiloh?” (1 Samuel 1:24)

So, what was Emanuel Tov answer? Well, he said: “When the infant Samuel had been weaned and his mother, Hannah, finally came to Shiloh with her son, she also brought with her an offering for the Lord that is described in two ways in our textual sources. According to the Masoretic Text, she brought ‘three bulls,’ but according to the Septuagint and a Qumran scroll (4QSama from 50– 25 B.C.E.) she brought one ‘three-year-old bull.”

Then he goes on to say: “I believe that Hannah probably offered only a single bull (as in the Septuagint and 4QSama); supporting this choice is the next verse in the Masoretic Text which speaks about ‘the bull.’ I believe the Masoretic Text was textually corrupted. ...The evidence of the Septuagint, being in Greek, always depends on a reconstruction into Hebrew, and consequently the Qumran scroll here helps us decide between the various options. Incidentally an offering of a ‘three-year-old bull’ is mentioned in Genesis 15:9. It shows that a Hebrew text underlying the Septuagint once existed in which Hannah brought only one three-year-old bull”

So, according to Noah Wiener, the Masoretic text was showing its own error. For we don’t see anywhere about a three-bull requirement in the law of Moses. For as mentioned above, the Masoretic text itself says in Genesis 15:9: “And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old.”

Below we see that both the Masoretic and the Septuagint text agree that a “three-year-old” bull (heifer) is to be offered:

• The Masoretic text says: “And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. (Genesis 15:9 KJV)
• The Septuagint text says: “So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” (Genesis 15:9 OSB)

Below we can see that the Masoretic text is wrong in saying it was “three bulls” that Hannah took with her. For the Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls and the Syriac agree that it should read a “three-year-old” bull:

• The Septuagint text says: “And she went up with him to Shiloh with a calf three years old, loaves of bread, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She came to the house of the Lord in Shiloh, and the child was with them.” (1 Samuel 1:24 OSB)
• The Masoretic text says: “Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. And the child was young.” (1 Samuel 1:24 NKJV)

Now, for something else that might get controversial. I do believe that the writings of the Deuterocanonical books (called Apocrypha by the Protestant church) are part of the God’s inspired scriptures. For we can still find them in today’s reprints of the 1560 Geneva bible and in some King James Bibles as well. You can purchase these bibles at places such as Christianbooks.com, Amazon.com and other places as well. And as mentioned before, the King James bible contained these books since day one of the original 1611 version which is also available today. This is also true for the Geneva Bible which contains them as well.

So, if those brilliant, learned men who translated the 1560 Geneva bible as well as those of the 1611 felt that it was good to include the Deuterocanonical books in their translation, who are we to say otherwise. However, around the 1800 hundreds, certain publishers started printing some bibles without these books in it. And what is interesting is the fact that there was a renewed interest in the Olympics in the 1800 as well. So, could this have brought about the their removal? I ask this because contained within the Deuterocononical books is the books of Maccabees. And within the pages of Maccabees are some passages that speak negatively of sport activities.

So, as said before, there are those publishers who still rightfully include it in their versions of the bible. And yes, as mentioned earlier, Jesus himself quoted from these same books.

Now, you may have heard someone preach to you about the three or four hundred years of silence. For they claim that this supposedly existed between the last recorded prophet of the Masoretic Old Testament and the New. Well, that’s not true because the Deuterocanonical (Apocrypha) books were written during those supposed “silent years.” Therefore, we see the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ stand true when he said: “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” (Matthew 11:13 KJV) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, our Lord said that they would prophesy up to the time of John the Baptist. So why would we believe that they stopped at the prophet Malachi when Jesus Himself said otherwise?

• 400 years of silence myth - article 1
• 400 years of silence myth - article 2

Below are some interesting cross references between the 1611 New Testament & the Deuterocononical (Apocrypha) books. Those New Testament quotes below that have an asterisk by them have within their margins these Deuteroconocial passage. This shows me that the KJV translators had a level of trust in these books. For why else would they include them in their work? Please Note: Sirach is also called Ecclesiasticus in the 1611 KJV bible.

Matthew 6:6-7 and Sirach 7:14, 16

• *New Testament = “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
• Deuterocanonical= “Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest. ..Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.”

Matthew 6:19-21 and Sirach 29:10-13

• New Testament = “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
• Deuterocanonical= “Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost. Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold. Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction. It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.”

Matthew 7:17, 20 and Sirach 27:6

• New Testament = “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. ... Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (KJV)
• Deuterocanonical= “The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.”

Matthew 9:36 and Judith 11:19

• New Testament = “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
• Deuterocanonical= “And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou come before Jerusalem; and I will set thy throne in the midst thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee: for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and they were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee.”

Matthew 23:34-38 and 2 Esdras 1:29-33

• *New Testament = “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
• Deuterocanonical= “That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye would be my children, and I should be your father? I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face. When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feast-days, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken. I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble.”

Matthew 24:16-18 and 1 Maccabees 2:28-30

• New Testament = “Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes."
• Deuterocanonical= “So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city. Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there: Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.”

Matthew 27:42-43 and Wisdom 2:17-20

• *New Testament = “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.”
• Deuterocanonical= “Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall happen in the end of him. For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies. Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience. Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying he shall be respected.”

Luke 14:13-14 and Tobit 4:7-11

• *New Testament = “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
• Deuterocanonical= “Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor, and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee. If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly: if thou have but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little: For thou layest up a good treasure for thyself against the day of necessity. Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come into darkness. For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sight of the most High.”

James 5:4 and Tobit 4:14

• New Testament = “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.”
• Deuterocanonical= “Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee, tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect my son, in all things thou doest, and be wise in all thy conversation.”

As said before, the 1611 KJV bible contained the Deuterocanonical books. Now, within the margins of these Deuterocanonical books are cross-referenced passages that are found in the New Testament as well. Below, are some of these cross references found within the margins of these Deuterocanonical books.

1 Maccabees 4:59 and John 10:22:

• Deuterocanonical= “Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.”
• New Testament = “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.”

2 Esdras 5:2 and Matthew 24:12:

• Deuterocanonical= “But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou seest, or that thou hast heard long ago.”
• New Testament = “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

2 Esdras 8:3 and Matthew 20:16

• Deuterocanonical= “There be many created, but few shall be saved
• New Testament = “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

Now, that all being said. I personally don’t attend the Greek Orthodox Church (at least not at the time I wrote this article). However, I do agree with them that the Septuagint and the Deuterocanonical books are the inspired word of God. So, I encourage you to do some research on you own. Because when it comes down to the truth, you need to test everything that’s being told to you. And yes, that means to test what you beloved Pastor (or the more proper word: Shepherd) is telling you as well.

For we read that: “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:10-11 ESV) So again, if Paul’s message needed to be tested, how much more does today’s Pastors and Teachers as well.

Below are some links to videos, articles and some information on where to get a complete bible containing the New Testament and Septuagint Old.

• Orthodox Study Bible - Ancient Faith Store
• Septuagint in English – amazon.com
• History of the Apocrypha
• Why You Should Use the Septuagint - YouTube video
• James White & the Septuagint - YouTube video
• NathanH83 talks on the Septuagint - YouTube video
• NathanH83 concerning Masoretic corruption 

Note: Some of the bible versions used in this article are listed below to help in your study of God’s Word:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NKJV = Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• Brenton LXX = Published 1851; public domain.
• OSB = Scripture taken from the Orthodox Study Bible; Copyright © 2009 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. *

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A few words to the reader: I would like to remind you my brothers and sister in Christ, how important it is for us today to have God’s word handed down to us. This would be true even in these newer modern translations. For even though there may be some corruption within these newer texts, we still can see God’s plan of salvation unfolding in their pages. This I believe would be true even in the most watered-down corrupted translations.

However, by reading these inferior translations, we may not be getting the full meaning of the text. That’s why I like reading the King James Version for proper wording and for a more literal translation. This way I can get a clearer picture of what God’s word literally says. Also, I found that some of these modern versions have passages that are badly translated. Now, I’m not saying that my text of choice is perfect and the only one that we should be reading. For I do find that some of the wording in the KJV bible is not only hard to understand, but not lining up the majority of today’s texts. Therefore, I believe it would be best to have a set of different translations on hand. This way, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can examine for yourself these different bibles and chose one that may be closer to the truth.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (KJV)

In this passage of Isaiah, we have a description of Satan who is here referred to as “Lucifer” (light bearer) in the King James Bible as well as by some other versions of the bible. However, there are versions out there that make it confusing by calling him “morning star” or even “Day Star,” which are words used in the New Testament pertaining to Jesus Christ himself. Those other versions that read as the King James Bible are the Geneva, NKJV, Webster, DBY, as well as the Septuagint.

Below are a few of those translations that I believe got it wrong:

• “Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground.” (HCSB)
• “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!” (ESV)
• “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!” (NASB)
• “How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!” (ASV)
• “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”  (NIV)
• “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.” (NLT)
• “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of dawn! You are cut down to the ground, conqueror of nations!” (Isaiah 14:12 LEB)

“And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” (KJV)

Here in Zechariah 13:6-7 we have a prophecy concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In verse seven we have the prophecy of what would take place on the night of his betrayal concerning him and his disciples (see Matthew 26:31). However, in verse six we read about the wounds that he would receive by those who accused him of being a false prophet. Now, in the literal Hebrew it says that the accused would receive these wounds in his “hands.” (See Psalms 22:16 and Luke 24:39). However, from what we can see from the majority of the more popular versions quoted below, this Hebrew word for hands is being change into words such as arms, back or chest.

So, isn’t there in the Hebrew language a literal word for these other choices used? I would have to say yes there is and I included them below. So, wouldn’t it make sense if God wanted any of these other words to be used, He would have had Zechariah use their literal words themselves? God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). It is also worth noting that the NASV has in its footnotes that the Hebrew is literally “hands.” So why didn’t they use it? Some other versions that also use the literal translation “hands” are the Septuagint by Benton, the Geneva bible, the original NKJV 1982 edition, the Webster, Darby, Young's, MKJV, and the UKJV bible.

Below we have those Hebrew words for “arm,” “back” and “breast.” Again, wouldn’t it make sense if any of these words were to be used, God would have put it on the heart of Zechariah the prophet?

• The Hebrew for arm = zer-o'-ah the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force.
• The Hebrew for Back = gav; another form for H1460; the back: - back.
• The Hebrew for breast (chest) = khad-ee'; (Aramaic) corresponding to H2373; a breast: - breast.

Below are those other translations that refused to use the word “hands” in their text (why would they do this?):

• “And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.” (NKJV) (newer updated version)
• “And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will say, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.” (NASB)
• “If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’ “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.” (NIV)
• “And if one asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your back?’ he will say, ‘The wounds I received in the house of my friends.’ “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.” (ESV)
• “If someone asks him: What are these wounds on your chest? - then he will answer: I received the wounds in the house of my friends. Sword, awake against My shepherd, against the man who is My associate - this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will also turn My hand against the little ones.” (HCSB)

Below are commentary notes showing that this is a prophesy of our crucified Savior Jesus Christ:

• Matthew Henry Commentary - Christ was wounded in his hands, when they were nailed to the cross, and, after his resurrection, he had the marks of these wounds; and here he tells how he came by them; he received them as a false prophet, for the chief priests called him a deceiver, and upon that account would have him crucified; but he received them in the house of his friends-the Jews, who should have been his friends; for he came to his own, and, though they were his bitter enemies, yet he was pleased to call them his friends, as he did Judas (Friend, wherefore hast thou come?) ..... Of the sufferings of Christ, of him who was to be pierced, and was to be the fountain opened. Awake, O sword! against my Shepherd, v. 7. These are the words of God the Father, giving order and commission to the sword of his justice to awake against his Son, when he had voluntarily made his soul an offering for sin; for it pleased the Lord to bruise him and put him to grief; and he was stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, Isa. 53:4,10.
• Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary - perfects the type of Messiah, condemned as a false prophet, and pierced with “wounds between His hands.” Thus the transition to the direct prophecy of Him (Zec 13:7 ) is natural, which it would not be if He were not indirectly and in type alluded to.....The Holy Spirit in Zechariah alludes indirectly to Messiah, the Antitype, wounded by those whom He came to befriend, who ought to have been His “friends,” who were His kinsmen.

“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.” (KJV)

Here we have Jesus showing love and compassion to a Leper. Both the old and modern versions I checked use the word “compassion” or “pity” except for the NIV, LEB, ERV. For the NIV uses the word “indignant” and the LEB and ERV chose to use the word “anger.” What is interesting however, all three of these translations use words such as “pity,” “compassion,” or “sorry” everywhere else this Greek word is used. This is poor scripture translating for all three of these bibles. Below are those passage that use the corrupt wording.

• “A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” (NIV)
• “And a leper came to him, entreating him and kneeling down, saying to him, “If you are willing, you are able to make me clean.” And becoming angry, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be made clean.” (LEB)
• “A man who had leprosy came to Jesus. The man bowed on his knees and begged him, “You have the power to heal me if you want.” These last words made Jesus angry. But he touched him and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” (ERV)

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (KJV)

Here, we have John the apostle declaring that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. However, we have those other versions who are making things confusing by using the word “God” instead of the word “Son.” But, didn’t John himself call Jesus the “only begotten Son” in John 3:16 and 18 as well as in 1 John 4:9 of his epistle? So, it doesn’t make sense why some translations would insert the word “God” in John 18 instead. Therefore, I believe it makes more sense to use the word “Son” in reference to our Saviors relationship with the Father. Other versions that support this are the Geneva, NKJV, NIV, CSB, RSV, ASV, YLT, DBY, WEB, HNV, REV, MKJV, EMTV, BSB, BBE, AFV, ABP, LITV, JUB, GW, Weymouth, Webster, WEBA, TS2009, TPT, TCENT, RV, AENT.

Below are those versions that change the word “Son” into “God”:

• “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” (NLT)
• “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (ESV)
• “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.” (NASB)
• “No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.” (NET)
• “No man hath ever seen God; the only begotten God, he who is in the bosom of his Father, he hath declared him.” (James Murdock New Testament)
• “No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God who is on the bosom of the Father - He has expounded Him.” (LSV)
• “No one has seen God at any time; the one and only, God, the one who is in the bosom of the Father - that one has made him known.” (LEB)
• “No one has ever seen God. The unique God, who is close to the Father's side, has revealed him.” (ISV)
• “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, that one has made him fully known.” (UASV+)
• “No one has ever seen God; but the one and only God, in the Father’s embrace, has made Him known.” (TLV)
• “God no one has ever seen. The only-begotten God, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He unfolds Him.” (CLT)
• “No one, hath seen, God, at any time: An Only Begotten God, The One existing within the bosom of the Father, He, hath interpreted him.” (Rotherham's Emphasized Bible)

Below are some other versions that use the word “Son” for Jesus. However, they wrongfully include the word God or something similar in describing Jesus. For Jesus was not God when he came in the flesh. I say this because scripture clearly shows that he became a man just like us. However, we know that he was without sin because he was miraculously conceived by an act of God.

• “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” (GNB)
• “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” (BSB)
• “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.” (CEV)
• “No one has ever seen God; the only son, Deity Himself, who lies upon His Father's breast, has made him known.” (Williams)
• “No human being has ever seen God, except God’s One and only Son - Jesus Christ, who stands with his Father and has perfectly made the Father known - because Jesus and the Father are One: one in character, power, divinity and authority.” (Remedy)

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (KJV)

In John 3:1-12, we have Jesus in a discourse with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. However, starting at verse 13 and ending at verse 21, we have John the apostle (not Jesus) giving us detailed information concerning Jesus after his death and resurrection. For verse 13 make it clear that Jesus was already resurrected and in heaven. Now, there are some versions that leave out the last portion of John 13 which reads: “which is in heaven.” And yes, that last portion does makes it much clearer that John is talking about Jesus after his death and resurrection. However, even without that last portion, we can still see from the wording that it is talking about Jesus who has already died and rose again.

But that all being said, almost all versions (even those mentioned above) make it as though Jesus was speaking in verses 13-21. However, I (as well as others) believe that the scriptures make it clear that this is not true. For Jesus told Nicodemus in verse 12, “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12 NKJV)” So, why would Jesus start speaking of heavenly things to the already confused Nicodemus? So, wouldn’t it make more sense at this point that Jesus stopped speaking? And then in verses 13-21, wouldn’t it be John who is now speaking in light of Jesus death and resurrection that already took place? I do believe so my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Below are some bible versions that show John is the one who is speaking here, not Jesus:

• The Companion Bible makes the important break at verse 13: … because the past tenses which follow indicate completed events: … because the expression “only begotten Son” is not used by the Lord of Himself, but only by the Evangelist: … because “in the name of” in verse 18 is not used by the Lord, but by the Evangelist: … because “who is in heaven” in verse 13 points to the fact the Lord already ascended at the time John wrote: … because the break at verse 13 accords best with the context. (Words taken from E. W. Bullinger’s the comment section found in the Companion Bible
• The “Concordant Literal New Testament” and the “Revised English Version” ends the quotation mark in verse 12 showing that John is now speaking, not Jesus.

Below are a few versions (even though there is more) that do include “who is in heaven” (or the like) in John 3:13. This would even make it clearer that Jesus was already in heaven at this point. So, please don’t believe lie that this was Jesus who was speaking. For he being completely human like us, he could not be both on earth and heaven at the same time. For this would make him omnipresent which is completely unbiblical:

• “And no one has gone up into Heaven, except He having come down out of Heaven, the Son of Man who is in Heaven.” (LITV)
• “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” (ESV)
• “No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” (NASB20)
• “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man." (NIV)
• “No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.” (NLT)
• “No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.” (RSV)
• “No one has gone up into heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man.” (TLV)
• “And no one has gone up into the heaven except He who came down from the heaven – the Son of Aḏam.”(TS2009
• “And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of man." (UASV+)
• “And no one has gone up to Heaven, except He who came down out of Heaven—the Son of Man who is in Heaven.” (LSV)
• “And no one hath ascended to heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.” (Murdock)
• “And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, which is in heaven.” (RV)
• “No one has ascended into heaven, except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.” (TCENT)
• “And no man hath ascended to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man who is in heaven.” (Webster)
• “And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in heaven.” (ASV)
• “And no one has gone up into heaven, save he who came down out of heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.” (Darby)
• “And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven.” (DRB)
• “And no one has gone up into heaven except He who came down out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.” (EMTV)
• “And no one has ascended up to the heaven but he that came down from the heaven, even the Son of man, who is in the heaven.” (JUB) 

Below is a translation that totally gets it wrong by inserted their own words in John 3:13 to make this passage read as though Jesus was speaking:

• “No human now living on earth has gone into heaven except the One who lived in heaven and came to earth from heaven - which is I, the One speaking to you - the Son of Man.” (Remedy)

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.” (ESV)

In that passage above, we read that Phoebe is a “servant of the church in Cenchrea.” This is true for most of the translations out there. Now, there are some bibles versions that use the words deacon or deaconess which is fine also. For the bible clearly shows that women can serve within the church as well. However, there are a few others version makes it confusing by using the word minister instead of servant or deacon. This seems deceptive because it appears as if Phebe is some leader or teacher in the church. But the truth of it is, she’s not. For the Greek word simply means a servant, waiter or an attendant. So that should make it clear that Phebe is not a Pastor, Teacher, Elder, Overseer or a Minister. Again, she is simply a servant (deacon) who is chosen to help serve in the church in one capacity or another.

Now as said above, scripture clearly shows that a woman can become a deacon. For in 1 Timothy 3:11 we have the requirement for a woman deacon: “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” (NIV) So, women that want to be deacons (servants) in the church must have these credentials. Unfortunately, we have other translations, including the KJV that make verse 3:11 to be the wives of the deacons. However, I do not believe that this is not true because we don’t see this being applied to the Elders wives a few verses earlier.

Now, a good example of a deacon would be the disciple Stephen who was chosen to be a helper in the church at Jerusalem as declared in the book of Acts chapter 6. He was appointed to serve tables (not the pulpit) in the church fellowship along with seven others as well. We can see this to be true in Peters own statement in this same chapter. For he being an Elder said: “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.” (Acts 6:2 NKJV) So again, the word servant or deacon is a good translation.

Below is a version that’s trying to make Phoebe out to be some church leader:

• “But I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is minister of the assembly which is in Cenchrea;” (Darby)
• “And I commend you to Phebe our sister -- being a ministrant of the assembly that is in Cenchrea” (YLT)
• “Now, let me introduce to you our dear and beloved sister in the faith, Phoebe, a shining minister of the church in Cenchrea.” (TPT)
• “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a minister of the congregation at Cenchreae,” (Romans 16:1 UASV+)
• “I have good things to say about Phoebe, who is a leader in the church at Cenchreae.” (CEV)
• “And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:” (DRB)

Below are some reference notes that show deacons are not ministers or leaders, but servants within the church:

• diákonos, dee-ak’-on-os; probably froma n obsolete διάκωdiákō (to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);
• diakonéō, dee-ak-on-eh’-o; from G1249; to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend)

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (KJV)

Now, we came to those words that are being toned down in our bibles. For there are bible translators that are changing the meaning of God’s word to maybe make it less offensive to the reader. But wait a minute, are not the words in the bible inspired by God in the first place? And if God put these words on the hearts of his saints, who are we to change their meaning? For let’s remember that our “Father (God) knows best.” Amen.

So that being said, if we look at the original meaning of the word “filthy rags” above, we can see that it means a “menstrual rag.” This would clearly show that our best efforts and works are unclean before God. But again, there are those translators who think they need to tone done the word of God.

First, we have those versions which make it clear that our own righteousness is not good:

• “But we are all as the unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as a menstruation cloth. And we all fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (MKJV)
• “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind.” (NET)
• “And we are as unclean - all of us, and all our righteous acts are as garments of menstruation; And we fade as a leaf - all of us. And our iniquities take us away as wind.” (LSV)
• “But we are all as the unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as a menstruation cloth. And we all fade as a leaf, and like the wind our iniquities take us away.” (LITV)
• “And we all have become like the unclean, and all our deeds of justice like a menstrual cloth, and we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities take us away like the wind.” (LEB)
• “And became as unclean is as a menstrual rag sitting apart All our righteousness. And we flowed away as leaves on account of our lawless deeds; thus the wind shall bear us away.” (ABP+)
• “We are all dirty with sin. Even our good works are not pure. They are like bloodstained rags. We are all like dead leaves. Our sins have carried us away like wind.” (ERV)
• “And we become like someone unclean, all of us, and all our righteous deeds are like a menstrual cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our errors, like the wind, take us away.” (UASV+)
• “And we are all become as one unclean, and all our justices as the rag of a menstruous woman: and we have all fallen as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (DRB)
• “We are all dirty with sin. Even our good works are not pure. They are like bloodstained rags. We are all like dead leaves. Our sins have carried us away like wind.” (ERV)

Now there are a lot of versions that I didn’t list that use the words filthy rages or polluted garment. These kind of convey something that’s disgusting. However, there are those versions which have totally toned down this passage which I have listed below:

• “All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind.” (GNB)
• "For we have all become like an unclean person, and all our good acts are like a dirty robe: and we have all become old like a dead leaf, and our sins, like the wind, take us away." (BBE)
• “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a filthy garment, and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away, like the wind.” (TLV)
• "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." (NASB)
• "And we are as unclean - all of us, And as a garment passing away, all our righteous acts; And we fade as a leaf - all of us. And our iniquities as wind do take us away." (YLT)

“Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to everyone that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms. Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbors, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.” (KJV)

Here in this passage above, we can see God using an illustration of a whore giving herself over to fornication. For this is done to expose Israel of her sins against him. Now, there are many bible versions out there that do get the message across to us. One who I believe gets it right is the NIV bible, which I listed below. However, there are those bible versions who do tone-it-down a little too much. These I also have listed below as well.

Below is the one version that made it very clear on what’s being said:

• “At every street corner you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs with increasing promiscuity to anyone who passed by. You engaged in prostitution with the Egyptians, your neighbors with large genitals, and aroused my anger with your increasing promiscuity.” (NIV)

Below are those versions that kind of watered-down the word of God. For even though they still give us an illustration of a woman committing whoredom, they still lack the impact of the more literal translations:

• “You built your high places at the head of every road, and made your beauty to be abhorred. You offered yourself to everyone who passed by, and multiplied your acts of harlotry. You also committed harlotry with the Egyptians, your very fleshly neighbors, and increased your acts of harlotry to provoke Me to anger.” (NKJV)
• “On every street corner you defiled your beauty, offering your body to every passerby in an endless stream of prostitution. Then you added lustful Egypt to your lovers, provoking my anger with your increasing promiscuity.” (NLT)
• “At the head of every street you built your lofty place and made your beauty an abomination, offering yourself to any passerby and multiplying your whoring. You also played the whore with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, multiplying your whoring, to provoke me to anger.” (ESV)
• “at the head of every street you built your lofty place and prostituted your beauty, offering yourself to any passer-by, and multiplying your harlotry. You also played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, multiplying your harlotry, to provoke me to anger.” (RSV)
• “You built your mounds at the head of every road. Then you degraded your beauty. You used it to catch every man who walked by. You raised your skirt so that they could see your legs, and you acted like a prostitute with those men. Then you went to Egypt, your neighbor that is always ready for sex. With more and more sexual sin, you made me angry.” (ERV)
• “where you disgraced yourself by having sex with anyone who walked by. And you did that more and more every day! To make me angry, you even offered yourself to Egyptians, who were always ready to sleep with you.” (CEV)

Below are the definitions of the Hebrew words use for “spreading your legs”:

• Strong’s Definitions: pâsaq, paw-sak’; a primitive root; to dispart (the feet or lips), i.e. become licentious: - open (wide).
• Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon: to separate, to open wide, to throw apart the (the legs).

Below are those definitions of the Hebrew words for “great of flesh that’s also used in that passage mentioned above.”

• Strong’s Definitions: also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man.
• Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary: great of flesh - of powerful virile parts.
• Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee lexicon: By a euphemism for pudenda. …flesh nakedness
• Oxford English dictionary: Pudenda: A person’s external genitals, especially of women.

“Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.” (KJV)

Above, we have the KJV clearly showing that this passage is about the males in Jeroboam’s family line. However, there are those bible versions where the translators are toning down God’s word. For they have removed the literal words “pisseth against the wall” (or urinate in our modern English language) and the word “dung” (which means poop) that’s found the bible. And why? Do they think it’s offensive or inappropriate to use the literal words of the bible? We are not called to sterilize the Bible but to present it in all its truth.”

Now, even though most translations do include the word “dung,” they still leave out the reference to “urinate.” However, they do make it clear that it is the males that God is talking about here. However, as you can see below, the NKJV and the NLT do not convey much disgust as the scriptures intended. Nor does “those sitting on the wall” has anything to do with the male gender as the YLT has it.

Below are some bible versions making it clear that it’s the male descendants of Jeroboam that being referenced to:

• “therefore look, I will bring calamity upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam anyone urinating against a wall, both bond and free in Israel, and I will make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam, just as one sweeps away dung until it is all gone.” (UASV+)
• “therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates on a wall, he who is shut up and he who is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweeps away dung, until it is all gone.” (WEB)
• “therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone that pisses against the wall, the one that is shut up along with the one that is left in Israel, and will burn away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns away dung until it is all gone.” (JUB)
• “therefore, behold, I am bringing evil to the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him who urinates against the wall, bound and free in Israel; and will sweep away the rest of the house of Jeroboam as a man sweeps away the dung, until it is all gone.” (LITV)
• “therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates against the wall, bound and free in Israel, and will sweep away the rest of the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweeps away the dung, until it is all gone.” (MKJV)
• “On account of this behold, I bring evil to the house of Jeroboam, and I will utterly destroy of Jeroboam the one urinating against a wall, the one coming and the one being left behind in Israel. And I shall choose over the house of Jeroboam as one chooses the dung unto finishing it.” (ABP+)
• “Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who pisses against the wall, bond and free in Israel, and will sweep away the rest of the house of Jeroboam as a man sweeps away the dung until it is all gone.” (AFV)
• “Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Yarov`am, and will cut off from Yarov`am him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Yashar’el, and will take away the remnant of the house of Yarov`am, as a man takes away dung, till it be all gone.” (Cepher)

Below are some bible versions that water-down the literal wording. Now, I didn’t include those translations that make it clear that it’s concerning the male descendants that God is referring to:

• “therefore, behold, I am bringing calamity to the house of Jeroboam, and have cut off to Jeroboam those sitting on the wall—shut up and left—in Israel, and have put away the posterity of the house of Jeroboam, as one puts away the dung until its consumption;” (LSV)
• “Therefore, lo, I am bringing in evil unto the house of Jeroboam, and have cut off to Jeroboam those sitting on the wall - shut up and left in Israel, and have put away the posterity of the house of Jeroboam, as one putteth away the dung till its consumption;” (YLT)

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (KJV)

It’s so easy to follow traditions that have been handed down over the years. However, when those traditions involve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we should make sure it is based on truth. So, let’s examine Matthew’s account of the genealogy. First off, according to the majority of today’s teaching, there is a big problem. For there are supposed to be three sets of fourteen generations. However, if we add all the names mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, we don’t see this true be true.

So, how can this be solved so that Matthew’s gospel would be true? Well, in the “Aramaic English New Testament,” Joseph is recorded as the “guardian” (or “father”) of Mary instead of her husband. And in Luke’s account of the genealogy, Joseph would then be the literal son of Heli instead of his make believe son-in-law as some proclaim. And the Aramaic translation is not alone in this. For both the “Revised English Version” and the “Cepher” shows that Joseph is the literal “father” of Mary in Matthew’s account. This would mean that Mary’s father and husband both share the same names which wouldn’t be uncommon. For if we read through Luke’s genealogy account, we would see that there are others named “Joseph” throughout it as well.

Now, let’s remember that in the Greek, there is no distinct word for husband or for wife. It simply means a man or a woman. This would be true whether one is single or married. So, the only way to know how these words should be used is by the context of the passage that they’re in. Therefore, one can be totally wrong by asserting that the passage in Matthew’s gospel is saying “Joseph the husband of Mary.” This would also be true in light of the confusion surrounding the missing generation in Matthew’s account already covered above. But in the Aramaic language there is a distinct word for husband. And we see this word for husband being used in verse 19 but not in verse 16 of Matthew’s gospel. Therefore, the word used in verse 16 can mean a guardian or one’s father.

So, that all being said, Matthew’s account would be about Mary’s genealogy while Luke’s is about Joseph her husband. Therefore, I personally believe that these three translations (the Aramaic English New Testament, Revised English version as well as the Cepher) are declaring the truth. This would clearly solve the confusion surrounding these two genealogies. For there are one too many interpretations (which don’t make sense) that are trying to resolve the traditional account found in most of our bibles.

Below are those passages found in the Aramaic English New Testament, Revised English Version and the Cepher. Notice that Joseph is not referred to as the husband of Mary, but her “guardian” or “father” in the mentioned genealogies:

• “Ya’akov fathered Yosip, the guardian of Maryam, from whom was born Y’shua, who is called the Mashiyach.” (ARNT)
• “and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (REV)
• “And Ya`aqov begat Yoceph the father of Miryam, of whom was born Yahusha, who is called Mashiach.” (Cepher)

Below is the commentary section from the Aramaic English New Testament concerning what was mentioned above:

• The word gowra designates a protector-male or guardian; the context of this verse determines its specific meaning. Y’shua elsewhere says “which one of gowra, if he has a son…”; obviously “father” is intended. “Gowra” also applies to other forms of protector-male type relationships depending on the context, such as “husband”, “son”, and so forth. Ancient Aramaic Matthew ends at verse 17, not verse 25. The text not only establishes the subject, but shifts from “background history” into the present, from intro to body. This means that the Yosip in verse 16 (the guardian or ... father of Miriyam (Mary) is not the same Yosip as the husband of Miriyam in verse 19. There is no reason for Matthew to use two different words for the same individual, whereas gowra sometimes means “husband” but can also mean “father”. The other term baalah can only mean “husband”. On the other hand, there would most definitely be a reason to differentiate two men named Yosip, one being the adopted father, the other the husband of Miriyam. With this differentiation we now have three full sets of 14 generations, which satisfies the demands of verse 17.

Below is the commentary section of the Revised English Version bible:

• “father.” The Greek is anēr (#435 ἀνήρ), and means “an adult human male.” Anēr is generally assumed to mean “husband” in this verse, but that cannot be the case. For one thing, the list of the three sets of 14 generations that go from Abraham to Christ (vv. 2-16), makes this impossible. If Joseph is the husband of Mary, there would only be 13 generations in the last list of “14 generations.” Also, the Aramaic text reads differently in this verse than it does in verse 19, and in verse 19 Joseph is unmistakably referred to as the “husband” of Mary. The difference in the vocabulary indicates a difference in the relationship. …The Gospel of Matthew contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his mother Mary. In contrast, the Gospel of Luke contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his adopted father, Joseph.

So, in closing, I just want to remind you that there are so many false interpretations and watered down teachings that have crept into our churches over the years. This would be true for the Catholic church, Protenant church and most non-denominal churches or all out there. Therefore, it’s our job as Christians to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Yes, test all thing and be like those Bereans, for: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11 KJV)

So, the next time someone teaches you something from God’s word, go home and open up your own bible and test what was said. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to discern truth from error. Therefore, be diligent to walk after the Spirit, and be: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV) Amen.

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