Introduction

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses ignore certain biblical verses, such as Revelation 22:18-19, and how does this relate to their name usage practices? This article explores these questions, examining the context in which these issues arise and clarifying the reasons behind the decisions made by Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Significance of Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation 22:18-19 states: “‘I am bearing witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, I will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll. And if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, I will take his portion away from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this scroll.’” (New World Translation)

This passage is crucial for understanding the importance of staying true to the original text and maintaining the integrity of divine revelation. However, some might question why certain translations, like the New World Translation (NWT), interpret this differently compared to traditional translations such as the King James Version (KJV).

Biblical Name Usage and Accuracy

A crucial point to consider is the difference in name usage in various translations of the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses have historically and consistently used the name 'Jehovah,' which is the correct rendering of the Hebrew tetragrammaton YHWH. Other translations, such as the KJV, use the capitalized 'LORD' (ALL CAPS) to represent the name, while they use 'Lord' (lowercase) to indicate titles.

The choice to use 'Jehovah' instead of 'LORD' is rooted in a commitment to accuracy and authenticity in representing God's name. This practice is justified by the understanding that the name 'Jehovah' is the only representation of the divine name in the original Hebrew text, as evidenced by Psalms 110:1 and other scriptures.

The Clue in Psalms 110:1

Consider the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees in Matthew 22:41-46 regarding Psalms 110:1: “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They responded, “The Son of David.” Jesus then asked, “How then does David in the spirit call Him Lord saying, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’ If David calls Him Lord, how is He his son?” (King James Version)

This passage highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between 'LORD' as a divine name and 'Lord' as a title. The proper rendering of these terms can provide insight into scriptural truths and the accurate representation of God's identity.

Understanding the ALL CAPS

One key point to note is the use of ALL CAPS in translation texts. In many modern translations, ALL CAPS in the text stands for 'Yahweh,' the original divine name. For example, in Exodus 2:15 and Exodus 3:2-3, the ALL CAPS 'LORD' clearly indicates the original divine name YHWH.

This practice of using ALL CAPS is done as a nod to ancient manuscripts and the historical text of the Bible. It helps readers to recognize and understand the original context of the divine name, ensuring that the text remains faithful to its roots.

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Name 'Jehovah'

Some critics argue that Jehovah's Witnesses ignore certain verses because of a double violation in Revelation 22:18-19. However, this view is incorrect. Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the importance of the name 'Jehovah' and the significance of Rev. 22:18-19. They explain that the removal of the divine name from the text is a violation of the commands given in the Bible, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:4.

Instead of ignoring these verses, Jehovah's Witnesses have shown a commitment to restoring the name 'Jehovah' in the text where it belongs, thereby upholding the integrity of the divine revelation.

Contemporary Examples and Verification

To see the original name of God in its original form, consider the Hebrew alphabet within the English text in Psalms 119. The rules of Hebrew writing, which is from right to left, can help you understand the original name YHWH as it appears in the text. This shows the dedication of Jehovah's Witnesses to maintaining scriptural accuracy.

For an even clearer understanding, consider the use of a bright red gel pen to circle all the words 'LORD' (ALL CAPS) in Psalms 113 to 118. The circles represent the 2 violations per word, indicating the large scope of changes made to the divine name in the Bible.

Conclusion

The decision to use the name 'Jehovah' by Jehovah's Witnesses is not an act of ignoring certain verses like Rev. 22:18-19, but a commitment to scriptural accuracy and faithfulness to God's word. The removal of the divine name is a double violation of biblical commands, and the restoration of this name is a way to honor the divine revelation. Jehovah's Witnesses stand by their interpretation, upholding the integrity of the divine name and the truth of the scriptures.

For those seeking to verify this understanding, consider the evidence provided in the text, including the biblical references and practical examples.