5:133 – Is it the verse of the message?

#faithbites #faithjourney verse

Intro

Did you know there are over 118 different English Language Bible Translations? 118! That doesn’t include international translations or partial translations. That astounds me. Most are very similar while some like the Message, take the Bible from verse form, and turn it into a narrative with conversational language.

Yesterday, as I was looking for the scripture for #faithbites, I found Isaiah 7:14, which states (NIV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin^[b] will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. The footnote says “or young woman”. When I went back to the Torah. it used the word “almah” which means, young woman. Then I fell down the rabbit hole. In the 2nd century when the Bible was translated from Hebrew to Greek it was changed from young woman to virgin to align with the Gospels. The Bible is filled with changes that may seem minor but could have a major impact.

This #faithbites isn’t about specific changes but about the Bible as a whole.

Questions

• Does the rewording of one verse change your view of the Bible?
• Does it change your faith or relationship with God?
• How do you explain your faith? Verse? Actions? Sharing your story?

Scripture

• Revelation 22:18-19 – I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
• Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• Proverbs 30:5-6 – Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Reflection

We know we aren’t God and can’t add verses to his Word. Revelation tell us the danger of doing that. At the same time, we need to realize that God’s word is active. It helps us learn, grow, and behave as he wants us to. In Hebrews, it says “discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. This means God is active and knows how we think and why.

The bible is one verse or a collection of thousands of verses. It is one message that preaches love, understanding, forgiveness, atonement, resurrection, and eternal life.

As we close, try not to get hung up on one verse or one translation. Lean into God’s word and hear what he is trying to tell you.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your word. Help us to live by it as a collection of your love and promises. Help us not to get stuck on one verse or one translation. You know what is best for us and how best to live and lead. We turn it over to you and know that you are the one true God no matter what we do in our translations or interpretations of your Word. We pray this in your name, Amen.