Magnify His Glory

Given my extensive background in Koine Greek, encompassing undergraduate (4 Years), master's level study (4 Years), and further PhD coursework, along with years of teaching experience in this language, I find several concerns with the New World Translation (NWT) of the Bible: 1. Scholarly Integrity and Transparency: The NWT's translation committee has not publicly disclosed its members' identities or their scholarly credentials in biblical languages. This lack of transparency raises questions about the academic rigor and linguistic expertise behind the translation. Given my academic journey and experience in teaching Koine Greek, the scholarly process and credentials are fundamental for a trustworthy translation. The NWT's secretive approach and the reported lack of formal training in biblical languages among its translators cast doubt on the translation’s scholarly foundation. 2. Textual Fidelity: In my analysis, the NWT occasionally departs from traditional translations in ways that seem to support specific doctrinal views of Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly regarding the nature of Jesus Christ and the concept of the Trinity. For instance, the translation of John 1:1 as "the Word was a god" diverges significantly from the Greek text's implication and traditional Christian interpretation. Such deviations are not just linguistic choices but also appear to be theologically motivated, affecting the translation's neutrality and accuracy. 3. Theological Implications: The NWT's renderings, such as in Colossians 1:17 where "other" is inserted without manuscript support, seem to reflect a theological agenda rather than a strict adherence to the original Greek text. This insertion changes the meaning significantly and undermines the text's integrity, suggesting that Jesus is a created being, contrary to the orthodox understanding of His eternal nature. As a Greek scholar, I value translations that maintain the integrity and nuance of the original language, preserving the author's intended meaning. 4. Critical Reception: The NWT has faced significant criticism from the broader biblical scholarship community for its translation choices. Renowned scholars have pointed out instances where the NWT seems to align its translations with Jehovah’s Witnesses' doctrines rather than following a consistent, scholarly method of translation. From my perspective, a translation of the Bible should be conducted with scholarly detachment and aim to convey the most accurate meaning of the original texts. In conclusion, while the NWT serves as a vital scriptural resource for Jehovah's Witnesses, its approach to translation and the questions surrounding its scholarly underpinnings present significant concerns. My experience and study in Koine Greek lead me to prefer translations that are more transparent about their scholarly process, adhere closely to the original texts, and avoid doctrinal bias.