There are many translations of the scriptures. It is impossible to completely eliminate the bias of a translator from their translation. I say this not to condemn the translator but to make readers of different translations aware of fundamental biases that affect their work.
Specifically, there is a fundamental difference in Calvinism and Armenianism with respect to sovereignty.
→ Calvinists believe that the Lord is tight-fisted with respect to His authority
→ Armenians believe that the Lord has given man authority on this earth.
Accordingly, if a Calvinist is looking at a verse which deals with authority they will tend to interpret and so translate that verse in a way that emphasizes the Lord's authority and diminishes that of man.
Likewise, when an Armenian is looking at a verse which deals with authority they will tend to interpret and so translate that verse in a way that emphasizes the Lord's gift of authority to man.
Not having an in depth knowledge of other translations I can't say how extensive the differences are along the lines of this bias. However, I strongly encourage those of you who use translations other than the King James version (or minor variations of it) to consider the following verse which emphasizes my point.
Here is the KJV:
Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command you me.
Here is the NIV:
“This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands?
Having used Strong's Concordance to inspect the words in this verse, I see no reason to turn the commands that the Lord issues into questions.
In the KJV you hear the Lord commanding us to ask Him about His sons, and to command us to command Him.
In the NIV you hear the Lord chastising us for asking Him about His sons and chastising us for trying to command Him.
Now, this is not a minor difference. This is a major difference totally reflecting the bias of the translator.
Calvinists believe in a strong-armed God who cannot be questioned and who demands blind faith.
Armenians believe in a loving, giving Father who wants intimate personal relationship with His Sons to whom He gives authority and power.
So, read your preferred translation but recognize this fundamental difference that likely permeates the translation because of the bias of the translator. You may be getting a wrong idea about our Creator because of that bias.
As to the approachability of our Lord, listen to what He says to us:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Truly I say unto you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say unto this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; it shall be done. - |
Beloved, now are we the sons of the Holy Spirit, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. - |