The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (1985 edition), “Foreword”

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (1985 edition), “Foreword”

1 January 1985 · pp.7-8 · pars. 2, 5 · Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

“No translation of these sacred writings into another language, except by the original writers, is inspired. . . . No uninspired translator or committee of translators can claim any direct command from the Most High God to engage in translating the divine Word into another language.”

The foreword, signed “New World Bible Translation Committee, January 1, 1985, New York, N.Y.”, opens by saying that human copying introduced error, that “no two copies are exactly alike”, and that “from this fact arises the need for a fresh translation from time to time”. It states that earlier English versions “have fallen victim to the power of religious traditions in varying degrees” and that “The endeavor of the New World Bible Translation Committee has been to avoid this snare of religious traditionalism.” It adds: “Our primary desire has been to seek not the approval of men but that of God” and “those who provide a translation for the spiritual instruction of others come under a special responsibility as teachers before the Divine Judge.”

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