A Letter About Bible Translations

Hampton, Virginia 17 Sept. 1981

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
3512 W. North Ave.,
Milwaukee, Wisc. 53208

Att'n: Rev. Carl W. Mischke, President

Dear Pastor and Brother in Christ:

Subject: Thoughts re modern Bible translations

As a member of the Lutheran faith for nearly seventy (70) years, I have learned to acknowledge and respect Dr. Martin Luther as a truly called servant of the Word; chosen by God long before his birth to serve as His instrument in providing His true written Word to all people of every nation of the world. (Rev. 14:6, 7.) Our Lutheran hymnal on page 64 "The Festival of the Reformation" recommends these verses as the Epistle Lesson applicable to this Festival, so this concept of Luther as God's chosen instrument is neither original nor unique with me.

Today when one refers to Rev. 14:6, and 7 one begins to wonder if God was giving us His "everlasting Gospel" through Luther since He gave him only the Hebrew and Greek texts now known as the "Textus Receptus" which our religious leaders of today now tell us are full of errors and should be replaced with something more reliable. This is being told us in spite of what our Lord has promised us in Matthew verses 9 thru 11:
(9) "Or what man is among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone ?
(10) "Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent ?
(11) "If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.

If there were better and more reliable sources of God's Word available in Luther's day, I find it wholly impossible to believe that God would withhold them from him and provide His chosen instrument with unreliable and incorrect materials with which to accomplish His work of spreading His word to the world especially keeping the words of verse 11 above in mind; or can you as a believing Christian believe that our God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to suffer and die for us, would on the other hand be so cruel and sadistic that He would deliberately withhold the true Gospel from Luther and the world and provide unreliable and incorrect texts for the use of His Church on earth.

The following is a comparison of the old King James Version (KJV) which runs practically word for word with Luther's translation of the scriptures in German, and other versions which I have available to me as follows:
(LUTH) Luther's "Die Bibel" 1964 edition.
(GER) a German "Luther Bibel" 1972 Rev.
(NKJ) The New King James New Testament 1979 Edition.
(NAS) New American Standard
(BECK) An American Translation
(NIV) New International Version
(WMS) Williams "Language of the People" (Moody Press)
(RSV) Revised Standard Version 1952 Edition

The discrepancies which have been underlined show words, phrases, or entire verses which are deleted. It is also to be noted that some of the discrepancies have no bearing on the meaning of the cited verse but seem to have been made only to provide some variance from the King James and Luther Textus Receptus versions to display modern man's brilliance and progressive thinking. I have not taken the time nor space to delineate in detail in each instance what the overall effect the listed deletions or changes have made in God's Word. I would earnestly recommend that you examine each of the cited references and see for yourself what effect the deletion or change is accomplishing; what purpose does it serve ?, has it improved or clarified the original biblical doctrine or statement without changing its meaning or purpose ?; or are the deletions merely introducing doubts to previously accepted biblical truths and principles ?; or doubts re the infallibility of God's Word ?.

MATTHEW

1:25 brought forth her firstborn - - the (LUTH) and (NKJ) uses the term. Neither the (GER) (NAS) (RSV) (BECK)(NIV) or (WMS) include the underlined.

5:22 Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement, - - OK in (NKJ). - The (LUTH) (GER) (NAS) (NIV) (WMS) (BECK) and (RSV) all omit "without a cause". Some introduce other minor changes.

5:44 Bless them that curse you - - The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) have the clause. The (NAS) (BECK) (RSV) (NIV) and (WMS) do not have.

6:13 For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever, Amen. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS) - Omitted by (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV). Footnoted by (BECK) and (NIV).

8:29 Jesus, thou Son of God - - The (LUTH) (NKJ) include. The (GER) (RSV) (NAS) (BECK) (NIV) and (WMS) do not include the name Jesus.

9:13 Call sinners to repentance - - The (LUTH) and (NKJ) include the underlined; The (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (RSV) (NIV) and (WMS) do not.

12:35 good treasure of the heart - - (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include. The (NAS) (RSV) (NIV) (BECK) and (WMS) do not.

13:51 They say unto Him yea Lord - - (LUTH) and (NKJ) include "Lord". The (GER) (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) (BECK) and (WMS) just say "yea".

15:8 - draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth - - (LUTH) and (NKJ) include. The (RSV) (NIV) (GER) (NAS) (BECK) and (WMS) all omit.

16:3 O ye hypocrites - - (LUTH) (NKJ) include. Omitted by (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (NIV) (RSV) and (WMS).

16:13. I the Son of Man am - - "I" and "am" only in (NKJ). - The (LUTH) has "am". The (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (NIV) (RSV) and (WMS) all omit "I" and "am".

17:21 (about prayer and fasting) - - This verse included in (LUTH) (NKJ) (NAS) and (GER). Not in (BECK) (RSV)(NIV) or (WMS).

18:11 The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. - Included in (LUTH) (NKJ) (NAS) and (GER). Omitted in (RSV) (NIV) (BECK) and (WMS).

19:9 Put away - - adultery - marrieth her. - Only (LUTH) and (NKJ) retain this verse. (NAS) (GER) (RSV) (NIV) (BECK) and (WMS) all change or delete part of it.

20:7 Whatever is right that shall you receive. (LUTH) and (NKJ) keep this sentence. The (NAS) (GER) (RSV) (NIV) (BECK) and (WMS) all omit it.

20:15 Is thine eye evil because I am good? OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) -:- The (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) all change it in various ways.

20:16 Many be called but few chosen. (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) retain. This sentence is omitted by (NAS) (NIV) (RSV) (BECK) and (WMS).

20:22 - baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with - - (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) retain. -:- Omitted by (NAS) (NIV) (RSV) (BECK) and (WMS).

22:20 -but are as the angels of God in heaven - OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) -:- All of the others say "angels in heaven" omitting "of God".

23:14 Woe, Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites - OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NAS) - The (WMS) (RSV) (BECK) omit entirely and the (NIV) changes, adds to, and deletes from.

24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). The (GER) (RSV) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK) all add "nor the Son". The (NIV) footnotes "nor the Son". All of the translations except the (LUTH) and (NKJ) change the words "My Father" to "the Father".

25:13 When the Son of Man cometh - Retained by (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). - Omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

27:35 Scripture fulfilled - - spoken by the prophets - cast lots -:- Retained in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). Omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

27:54 Truly this was the Son of God. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (NIV) (BECK) and (GER). Changed in the (NAS) (WMS) and (RSV).

MARK

1:14 Gospel of the Kingdom of God - OK in (LUTH) AND (NKJ) -:- (BECK) (NIV) (RSV) (GER) (NAS) and (WMS) all change.

1:31 Immediately the fever left her:- Only (LUTH) and (NKJ) use the word "immediately" (BECK) (NIV) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) and (RSV) do not.

2:17 to repentance - call sinners -:- Only (LUTH) and (NKJ) include. The (RSV) (GER) (BECK) (NIV) (NAS) (WMS) do not include.

3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). The underlined is omitted by (NAS) (GER) (BECK) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

6:11 More tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah -:- Only (LUTH) and (NKJ) include. The underlined is excluded by (GER) (BECK) (NIV) (RSV) and (WMS).

7:8 (Washing of pots, cups, etc.) (LUTH) and (NKJ) come close with Jars, Pitchers and cups. -:- Excluded entirely by (GER) (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV)

7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include. (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV) all omit.

9:44 Worm dieth not, fire not quenched -:- (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include this passage. It is excluded by (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV). It is footnoted by (BECK) and (NIV).

9:46 Exactly the same as 9:44 above.

9:49 Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- Excluded by (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

10:21 Take up the cross and follow me -:- Included in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). It has been excluded by (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

10:24 For them that trust in riches -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). It is excluded by (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

11:10 That cometh in the name of the Lord -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (BECK). - It is excluded in (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- It is omitted by (BECK) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

13:14 spoken by Daniel the Prophet -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- Neither (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (NIV) nor (RSV) make any reference to the Prophet Daniel.

9:29 This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- The fasting is omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray. -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- (GER) (BECK) (WMS) (NAS) (NIV) and (RSV) all omit the underlined.

14:68 and the cock crew -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (BECK) -:- Omitted in (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

15:28 Scripture was fulfilled - - numbered with the transgressors. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- Verse omitted by (WMS) (NAS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

16:9-20 "The Resurrection testimony" -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) to and (GER). The others all carried vv. 9-20 :20 included the following footnotes: (Underlining supplied by the writer for emphasis.)
   (NAS) Some of the oldest mss omit verse 9 through 20.
   (WMS) Later mss added vv. 9-20
   (RSV) footnotes "other texts and versions add as 16:9-20. (The testimony)
   (BECK) The 2 oldest and best mss do not have Mark 16:9-23 but end with verse 8.
   (NIV) The 2 most reliable early mss do not have Mark 16:9-20
NOTE: I know of nowhere in Scripture where God has cataloged them as "Reliable", "Unreliable", "Best", or "Worst".

LUKE

1:28 Blessed art thou among women -:- Only (LUTH) and (NKJ) retain. (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV) all omit.

2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- Not so in (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

2:33 Joseph and His mother marvelled -:- Only (NKJ) is so worded. The (LUTH) (RSV) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) say "His father and mother". The (NIV) says "The child's father and mother" (Small "c")

2:43 and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. -:- The (NKJ) retained. -:- The (RSV) (LUTH) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) and (NIV) changed to "His parents".

4:4 Not by bread alone but by every word of God. -:- The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) have it OK. -:- The (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV) all omit.

4:8 Get thee behind me satan. OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- Omitted by (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

4:34 Saying, let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- This verse is changed around quite a bit by (GER) (BECK) (WMS) (NAS) (NIV) and (RSV).

6:48 - it was founded upon a rock -:- (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include. -:- The (NAS) (RSV) (NIV) (WMS) (BECK) changed it to "it was well built".

7:31 And the Lord said - - (LUTH) and (NKJ) include. -:- The (NIV) (RSV) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK) all omit.

9:55 Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include. Omitted by (WMS) (BECK). Added as a footnote by (NIV) (RSV) and (NAS).

9:56 The Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives but to save them. -:- Included in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- Carried as a footnote only in (NIV) and (NAS). Omitted entirely by (BECK) (WMS) and (RSV).

11:2-4 "The Lord's Prayer" "Who art in heaven" "Thy will be done". The underlined is omitted by (NIV) (RSV) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK). It is included by (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER).

17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left. -:- This verse is included in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- Only carried as a footnote by (NIV) (RSV) (NAS) and (BECK). Not mentioned by (WMS).

22:19 This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NAS) (BECK) and (NIV). Changed in (WMS). Omitted by (RSV).

22:64 they struck Him on the face -:- Included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- Omitted by (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

23:17 For of necessity he must release one of them -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). The (NAS) (RSV) (BECK) and (NIV) all footnote v. 17 only. (WMS) omits it.

23:38 "Superscription" - in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew. -:- Included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- Omitted by (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV).

24:36 - and saith unto them, Peace be unto you -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NIV) (WMS) and (BECK). -:- The underlined omitted by (NAS) and (RSV).

24:40 He shewed them His hands and His feet -:- All include this except (NAS) and (RSV) who carry it only as a footnote.

24:51 and was carried up into Heaven. -:- All include this except (NAS) and (RSV) who carry it only as a footnote.

JOHN

1:3 All things were made by Him - The (NKJ) and (BECK) read the same. -:- The (LUTH) (NAS) (GER) (NIV) (RSV) and (WMS) all read "through Him" not "by".

1:14 as of the only begotten of the Father -:- Included in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS). -:- The (NIV) (RSV) (WMS) and (BECK) read "as an only Son from His Father". The (NIV) carries a footnote "or the only begotten". The word "only-begotten" reflects a relationship much deeper, greater, complex and personal than a simple father/son relationship. A review of our Nicene and Athanasian Creeds should make one realize that the use of the word "only begotten" represents much more than a simple use of the past tense of the obsolete and archaic word begat". As examples we have "Begotten of His Father before all worlds". "The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. "A distinct person from the Father but equal to Him in Godhead"; "True God, of one nature with the Father". I would here like to quote from a paper prepared by Prof. Armin Panning of our Northwestern College, titled "The New American Standard Bible, Is This The Answer?" in which he states "another word that has a critical bearing on the deity of Christ is the word "only begotten". When one looks back at church history and sees what a hard fought battle it was to retain the Scriptural truth that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and when one realizes the Nicene Creed's emphasis on that concept, then we begin to see the folly of accepting a Bible translation that reduces the force of the distinctive word (Hebrew), only-begotten, to the less distinctive word only. And yet that is what has regularly been done by contemporary translations. Hence we will be interested in knowing if the (NASB) has followed the lead of the (RSV) (NIV) (TEV) and others." Prof. Panning is today probably pleased to learn that the NASB which he expressed concern about has used the word only begotten in all references including Heb. 11:17 in which case Prof. Panning is pleased that "the NASB has reserved the translation "only begotten" as a technical term that it uses to describe the unique generation of the only-begotten Son of God". (underscoring provided). I do not know if the Professor has noted that his now mandated (NIV) does not use the word "only begotten" in any of it's text and is not even footnoted in Heb. 11:17.

1:27 - is preferred before me - The (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (WMS) include this phrase. It is omitted by (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) and (BECK)

1:18 the only begotten Son -:- (See comments under 1:14 above.)

3:13 The Son of Man, which is in Heaven - The (LUTH) and (NKJ) includes the underlined portion. The (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) all omit. The (NIV) and (RSV) carry it in footnotes.

3:15 should not perish - (LUTH) and (NKJ) include the phrase. -:- (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) all omit it.

3:16 gave His only begotten Son -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS). The (WMS) and (BECK) and (RSV) say "His only Son" -:- (NIV) reads "His one and only Son". (NIV) carries a footnote "or His only begotten Son". NOTE: See also notes under John 1:14 above.

4:42 This is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). The (NAS) (GER) (BEC ThiK) (WMS) (RSV) and (NIV) all omit the underlined.

5:3b-4 "The miracle at the pool of Bethesda". Carried OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER).
(NAS) footnotes that "many authorities insert wholly or in part "(the words of 3b and 4)"                     They are omitted from the Bible text.
(BECK) eliminates but footnotes "our oldest mss incl. Papyrus 66 and 75 do not have vv3b-4              waiting for the waters etc. to end of v4."
(WMS) eliminates 3b and 4 but footnotes "v4 not in best mss"
(RSV) eliminates but footnotes "other ancient authorities insert" (the words of 3b and 4.)
(NIV) eliminates but footnotes "(the words of 3b and 4)" They introduce the words of v4 with            "some less important manuscripts continue - "v4".
NOTE The underlining in the above notes was provided by the writer who is curious and would like to learn about the method by which God commissioned and authorized these translators to judge and to establish grades for words of Scripture as to what parts of God's word are important, unimportant, reliable, of unreliable, what should be preserved in His Scriptures and what should be eliminated.

6:47 He that believeth on Me -:- (LUTH) (NKJ) (WMS) and (GER) read as stated. -:- (NAS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) omit the "on Me".

6:65 No man cometh - - given unto him of My Father. -:- The (LUTH) (NKJ) (WMS) and (GER) read as stated. -:- The (NAS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) reads of the Father

6:69 that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) are as written. -:- The (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) read instead "You are the Holy One of God"

7:53 and every man went unto his own house OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NAS) and (NIV). The (WMS) (BECK) and (RSV) do not have v 53

8:1-2 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again in the temple and all the people came into Him and He sat down and taught them. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NAS) (BECK) and (NIV) -:- The (WMS) and (RSV) omit these vv.

8:3-11 "Woman taken in adultery". The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include as in the old King James version.
(BECK) and (NIV) include the story but add a footnote "the earliest and most reliable manuscripts do not have John 7:53-8:11.
(RSV) and (NAS) include but footnote "most current authorities omit 7:53-8:11. (WMS) Omits verses 1-11 with footnote that they are not in best mss.

NOTE See comments under 5:3b-4 above

9:35 Son of God -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) so address Christ. -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) all read "Son of Man".

11:41 from the place where the dead was laid -:- (LUTH) and (NKJ) include this phrase. The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) omit it.

16:16 Because I go to the Father (LUTH) and (NKJ) include this phrase. -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) omit it.

ACTS

3:13 glorified His Son Jesus -:- Carried as stated in (LUTH). All of the others refer to His servant Jesus.4:27 against Thy holy child Jesus.-:- Reads as stated in (LUTH). All of the others refer to "Your holy servant Jesus."

4:30 name of Thy holy child Jesus -:- Read same in (LUTH). All of the others refer to "your holy servant Jesus." (NOTE) This substitution of the word servant for "son" or "child" seems to be universal in all texts checked however they are not consistent in their capitalizing of "His" or "Thy".

8:37 "Eunuch's testimony" - I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. -:- Reads same in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). The (NAS) (NIV) (RSV) (BECK) and (WMS) all eliminate the verse but carry it in footnotes as follows:
(NIV) Some late mss add - - "37" (NAS) Late mss insert v37
(WMS) v37 not in best mss
(BECK) Our oldest mss do not have v37
(RSV) Other ancient authorities add all or most of v37.

9:5 it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ). -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) omit.

15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning. The (LUTH) and (NKJ) are in accord. -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV) all change this verse including the meaning.

15:34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) -:- Verse 34 is not carried by (NAS) (NIV) (RSV) (WMS) and (BECK) but all carry footnotes. (NAS) (RSV) and (NIV) say some mss add v34. (WMS) says v34 not in best mss. - (BECK) "Our oldest mss do not have v34."

20:25 The kingdom of God. -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) include "of God". -:- (GER) and (BECK) while eliminating the "Of God", capitalize "Kingdom". -:- The (NIV) (RSV) (NAS) and (WMS) eliminate "of God" and do not capitalize the "Kingdom".

23:9 - let us not fight against God. The (LUTH) and (NKJ) carry this clause. -:- The (BECK) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (NIV) and (RSV) have all omitted it.

28:29 The Jews departed and had great reasoning among themselves. The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include this verse. -:- It is eliminated by (NAS) (RSV) and (NIV) who footnote "Some mss add v29." -:- (WMS) "Not in best mss" -:- (BECK) footnotes," Our oldest mss do not have v29." NOTE: (BECK) and (WMS) have also eliminated verse 29 from their texts.

ROMANS

3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS). -:- The others differed as follows:
(WMS) "as a sacrifice of reconciliation through faith"
(BECK) "to take away sins through faith to show His righteousness"
(NIV) "as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood"
(RSV) "as a expiation by His blood"
NOTE: Please refer to 1 John 2:2 for a more comprehensive discussion of the subject.

5:2 By whom also we have access by faith -:- The (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NIV) read as stated. The (NAS) (WMS) (RSV) and (BECK) either change or eliminate words.

11:6b But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work. The (LUTH) and (NKJ) include this verse as written. -:- The (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV) omit this half of verse 6 but (NIV footnotes "some mss by grace. But if by works, then it is no longer grace, if it were, work would no longer be work.)

13:9 Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, - -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) carry the commandments as written in the King James version. -:- The (GER) (NAS) (BECK) (WMS) (RSV) and (NIV) all omit "Thou shalt not bear false witness".

15:29 I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) read as stated. -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV) omit the underlined portion. The (RSV) carries it in a footnote.

16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) read as stated. -:- This sentence is omitted by (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK). NOTE: Footnoted by them all.

1 CORINTHIANS

5:7 for even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. -:- Carried as written in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER). -:- The words "for us" are omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (RSV) (NIV) and (BECK).

6:20 Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) include the underlined phrase. -:- The (NIV) (RSV) (WMS) and (BECK) omit it.

10:28 For the earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof. -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). Omitted by (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV). Only (NIV) footnotes it.

11:24 Take eat, this is my body which is broken for you. this do - -:- The (LUTH) (NKJ) and (GER) include the underlined. -:- The words "Take eat" are omitted by (NAS) (BECK) (WMS) (RSV) and (NIV) without footnotes.

11:29 - eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NIV). -:- "The Lord's body" omitted in (NAS) (WMS) (RSV) and (BECK).

15:47 - the second man is the Lord from heaven. -:- The Designation "the Lord" is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- It is omitted in (NIV) (RSV) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK).

16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. -:- The (LUTH) and (NKJ) are OK. -:- The name Jesus Christ is omitted by (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) and (GER). No footnotes.

GALATIANS

3:1 - who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (GER) (RSV) and (NIV).

6:15 - for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. -:- The underlined portion is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ) and (GER). -:- The words "for in Christ Jesus" are omitted by (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV).

EPHESIANS

3:9 - hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. -:- The underlined is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The words "by Jesus Christ" are omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

3:14 - I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. -:- The underlined is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). The words "and the Lord Jesus Christ" are omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

COLOSSIANS

1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. -:- The underlined phrase is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). The words "and the Lord Jesus Christ" are omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (NIV) and (RSV). NOTE: The (NIV) carries it in a footnote "some mss - -"

1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood. -:- Carried as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined portion is omitted by (NIV) (RSV) (NAS) (GER) (WMS) and (BECK). NOTE: The (NIV) footnotes "a few late mss - -"

1 THESSALONIANS

1:1 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Included as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined part is omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV). NOTE: The (NIV) footnotes "some early mss - - Jesus Christ".

1 TIMOTHY

6:5 From such withdraw thyself. Included as written is (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is omitted in entirety by (NIV) (RSV) (NAS) (GER) (WMS) and (BECK) - No footnotes.

2 TIMOTHY

4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. -:- Included as written in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (BECK). -:- The (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) (GER) and (WMS) omit the name Jesus Christ.

HEBREWS

1:3 When He had by himself purged our sins. -:- Written the same in (LUTH) and (NKJ) -:- The (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) and (NAS) all omit the underlined.

2:7 - and did set him over the works of thy hands. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) (NAS) (WMS) and (BECK). -:- The (RSV) and (NIV) omit the underlined phrase. NOTE: The (RSV) carries it as a footnote.

7:21 Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Included as written in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (NIV). -:- The (GER) (NAS) (RSV) (WMS) and (BECK) omit the underlined portion.10:34 - knowing that in yourselves ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Text is the same in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (WMS). -:- The (GER) (RSV) (NIV) (NAS) and (BECK) omit the "in heaven".

11:11 - - and was delivered of a child when she was past age. -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (WMS). -:- Neither (NAS) (GER) (BECK) nor (RSV) has Sarah delivering a child. The (NIV) pretty well writes Sarah out of the picture, - has Abraham having the son.

1 PETER

1:22 - purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love. -:- Carried as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is not carried by (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) and (BECK). The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (RSV) and (NIV) omit "for us". NOTE: (RSV) carries it in a footnote.

4:14 - - on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. -:- Included as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- Omitted entirely by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

5:11 To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen. -:- Carried as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) eliminate "glory" speak only of dominion or power.

2 PETER

1:21 - but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is changed in (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV). However (RSV) footnotes it correctly.

2:17 - - to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. -:- The underlined is included in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The words "for ever" are omitted by (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (NAS) (RSV) and (NIV).

1 JOHN

4:9 God sent His only begotten Son into the world. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS). -:- Not so in (BECK) (WMS) (RSV) and (NIV). NOTE: (NIV) carries footnote "His only begotten Son". See also further comments under John 1:14 above re the same subject.

2:2 and He is the propitiation for our sins. OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS).
(WMS) and (NIV) say "He is the atoning sacrifice"
(BECK) "He has paid for our sins"
(RSV) "He is the expiation for our sins"
I would again like to quote from Prof. Panning's article referenced in the comments re John 1:14 above and again I quote:
"But there are subtler ways in which the atonement of Christ is undercut in the translations. There e.g., the liberty that is taken with the Greek word that means "propitiation". Properly "propitiation" means turning away wrath with an offering. Scripture speaks at length of God's wrath against sin and the need to propitiate Him. But this thought is obscured in those translations which substitute the idea of expiation or an equivalent paraphrase. Expiation speaks of the cancellation of guilt, not the placating of a just and holy God. Thus in 1 John 2:2 the (RSV) says of Jesus, our Advocate with the Father, "He is the expiation for our sins", The (NEB) translates" He himself is the remedy for the defilement of our sins," while (TEV) speaks of Him as the "means by which sins are forgiven". (End of Quote) The (NASB) has in all cases retained the translation "propitiation" NOTE: Since the (NIV) was not reviewed by Prof. Panning in his article, I will add their translation "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins", They also add a footnote which reads; or, "He is the one who turns aside God's wrath, taking away our sins". (They missed both times)

4:3 - - spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God. -:- Carried as written in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined portion is not included in (NAS) (BECK) (WMS) (GER) (RSV) and (NIV).

4:10 - to be the propitiation for our sin -:- OK in (LUTH) (NKJ) (GER) and (NAS). Not so in (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) -:- See comments under 2:2 above.

5:7 For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one. OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- All of the others have changed it:
(GER) says "there are three that bear record", the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood".
(NAS) (RSV) (WMS) read "it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the witness is truth".
(BECK) and (NIV) just say "there are three who testify".
NOTE: (BECK) and (NIV) carry footnotes which quote the King James Version words.

5:13 Know - eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is omitted without comment by (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

REVELATION

1:11 I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and what thou seest - -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined is ommitted in (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

5:14 and the - - elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever. OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined portion is omitted by (GER) (NAS) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

11:17 O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come, -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV) all omit the underlined thereby Christ's second coming is denied.

14:5 - for they are all without fault before the throne of God. -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

20:9 - and fire came down from God out of heaven -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV). NOTE: The (RSV) includes it in a footnote.

21:24 - nations of them which are saved shall walk - -:- OK in (LUTH) and (NKJ). -:- The underlined
phrase omitted by (NAS) (GER) (WMS) (BECK) (RSV) and (NIV).

Some closing thoughts on the above; I am sure that this listing does not represent all of the discrepancies between the old King James Bible and the version listed on Page 1. I have not as yet attempted to assemble all of the verses where the meanings have been changed, however as far as I have gone makes one reflect on God's word:
(a) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Tim. 3:16
(b) "We speak not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth," 1 Cor. 2:13
(c) "When ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectiually worketh also in you that believe."
1 Thess. 2:13

Since the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, it goes without repeating that they contain no errors, but are in all their parts and words, the infallible truth. Regarding His Word, God has further commanded us "Thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it. Deut. 12:32. And in the New Testament, we are again warned against adding to or deleting from the Word of God"written in this book". Rev. 22:18,19. So why do otherwise sensible church bodies even gibe secondary consideration to these Satan inspired man made Bible imitations when we have God's true Word which he gave to our forefathers many years ago. His Word has not changed, so any changes must of necessity be man made. When we read God's appraisal of man's wisdom in 1 Cor. 1:19,20 and 1 Cor. 3:18, 19 one is all the more convinced of such fallacy.

I had wondered what motivated the actions of our synod and other church bodies in cramming and pushing these ersatz Bibles upon their congregation, but felt somewhat enlightened by the lead editorial in the 7 June edition of the Northwestern Lutheran which exulted over the sale of $150 million a year in Bible sales. If these sales figures represent anything other than the dollar sign ($) it is very good news. One wonders however if there has been a corresponding increase in Christian church membership and activity in relation to the $$s worth of books sold. I agree with the editorialist that an increase in Bible reading is a good thing. I would agree however only if the reading is of a genuine Bible and not one of the many ersatz varieties presently being pushed which do more to destroy ones faith in the inerrancy and infallibility of God's Word more than any good which they could possibly accomplish. These many so called Bibles add confusion to a knowledgeable Christian man's thinking rather than to his knowledge of God and His ways. From the many examples of deletions and other changes which I have cited above, you will note that the authors and purveyors of these books have wholly ignored God's injunction re additions, deletions, and changes, and have acted completely contrary to these instructions.

Our church which is one of the prime pushers of the (NIV) wholly ignores its basic make up and unscriptural composition. It has as many deletions as almost any of it's competitors, and our Lord has told us that there should be no deletions. Rev. 22:19. It has been represented that the (NIV) is better than it's competitors because it carries much of the deleted material as footnotes. Most scholars will agree that footnotes are generally not accepted or considered as text. Actually footnotes detrimentally call attention to those words, phrases, and entire verses which have been omitted from the Biblical text by our so called scholars and experts thereby creating doubts as to the infallibility of God's Word, as well as to the motives and intent of our modern day experts and church authorities. Most of the examples which I have listed above represent deletions. We have been told that what has been left our or omitted, does not change anything; this is wholly untrue. From personal experience, I can state that it has severely weakened my faith in the written Word. Today when I hear the Pastor end the Gospel reading with the words "this is God's Word", I no longer immediately accept what I hear and usually mull it over for a while trying to decide if it really is God's Word, or if the Pastor has been duped into believing some present day wise man's idea as to what he thinks God should have said.

I do not believe that a man or a church body can with impunity throw away of discard any of the Word which God has preserved for His church through the years. To Satan's delight that is what the present day emphasis on the use of the variants is now in process of being accomplished in the Christian church of today. I am aware of the fact that Luther's "Bibel oder Heilige Schrift" as well as the King James Version of the Bible are not verbally inspired as is the original Greek and Hebrew; but trusting and believing in the Lord and His foretelling of Luther's Bible in Revelation 14:6, 7 as well as the judgements outlined for us in the closing verses of Revelations, I would strongly recommend that the WELS as well as individual congregations take a long hard look at that path down which they are presently being led.

I am confident and feel quite strongly that this confusion of Biblical versions and false representations is one of the signs of the last times a s foretold by Scripture in 2 Timothy Chapter 3. It also fulfills another of the predicted signs that we shall have many false prophets in those days Matt. 24:11. However what I consider to be the most pointed and significant to today's world religious situation was foretold by the Prophet Amos when he wrote in Chapter 8:11, 12; "God will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord; and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, and they shall run to and fro to seek the Word of the Lord, AND THEY SHALL NOT FIND IT".

In the opinion of this writer we are rapidly approaching this foretold condition. The true Word of the Lord is becoming increasingly hard to find today. In Christ

Most sincerely,
Stanley W. Rau
5 Keswick Lane
Hampton, Virginia 23669