The Reason Behind Jehovah's Witnesses Using Only One Bible and Their Preferred Translation

Introduction

Much has been discussed and debated about the Bible and its translations, particularly among religious groups. Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique perspective on this matter, emphasizing the concept of using a single Bible version for their teachings and meetings. This paper explores the rationale behind this practice and the specific Bible translation most commonly used by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Use Only One Bible?

The doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believes in upholding the sanctity and unity of Holy Scripture as one, complete, accurate, and authoritative text. This belief stems from a deep-rooted conviction that the Bible is the only inspired and inerrant source of truth, free from any human errors or additions.

Throughout their ministry, Jehovah's Witnesses consistently emphasize that there is one Bible, despite the numerous translations available. This belief is not due to a lack of respect for other translations but rather an acknowledgment of the complexities and nuances in translation involving different languages and cultural contexts. The desire is to ensure that the truth of God's word is preserved without distortion as it is shared across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Specific Bible Translation: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT)

Among the many translations, Jehovah's Witnesses predominantly use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT). This translation is renowned for its meticulous approach to rendering the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts into modern English. The NWT has been continuously refined over time, incorporating the latest scholarly insights and grammatical advancements into its text.

One of the distinguishing features of the NWT is its theological accuracy, which aligns closely with the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. For instance, in John 1:1, instead of translating 'the Word was God,' the NWT renders it as 'the Word was a god.' This reflects the Witnesses' understanding of Jesus Christ as a created entity, subordinate to God the Father.

Moreover, the NWT is recognized for its extensive footnotes, which provide valuable insights and explanations that are often absent in other translations. These footnotes serve to enhance the accuracy of the text and aid in the reader's understanding of complex theological concepts.

Why Not Other Translations?

Frequently, Jehovah's Witnesses are asked why they do not use other translations, such as the King James Version (KJV) or the New International Version (NIV). While they do utilize other translations in their research and studies, the NWT remains the preferred version for their public ministry and personal reading.

One elder from a congregation shared his experience, switching from the King James Version to the NWT after realizing the truth of certain passages was clearer and more understandable in the updated translation. This journey highlights the importance of staying current with scholarly advancements and ensuring that the message remains accessible to all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jehovah's Witnesses' practice of using only one Bible version is rooted in a commitment to preserving the accuracy and integrity of God's Word. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures stands as their preferred translation due to its theological fidelity, scholarly rigor, and the ability to convey the message in a way that is relevant and understandable across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

As with any religious group, the use of a single Bible translation is a matter of faith and a shared experience that binds the community together in their pursuit of truth. The globalization of Christianity necessitates the translation of scripture into various languages, and Jehovah's Witnesses believe the NWT is the best tool for this task.