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REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE #173116
05/08/15 01:30 PM
05/08/15 01:30 PM
APL  Offline OP
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REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE

A multitude of Bible translations exists, each with their own interpretation of what the biblical authors “felt” or “thought” was most important. Therefore,we must be diligent, so that when we discover a bias that has changed the meaning from the Greek word so that it implicates something other than the intent of the original author, we then perk up our ears to discover the truth.

The basic Greek word for “humanity” is “anthropos.” This is a gender-inclusive word. In many translations, “anthropos” (singular) and “anthropoi” (plural) are translated as “man/men.”

Unfortunately, these renderings often contribute to misunderstandings.

Partial Sentence of Paul’s Correspondence Labeled as Ephesians 4:8

“Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives, And he gave gifts to men.” (NASB version)

The Word:
The Greek word here is “anthropois,” the plural form of “anthropos.” It is not a gender-specific word.

Reality:
“Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives, And he gave gifts to people.”

The above may not seem important, but let’s remember that in his letter to Ephesus, Paul writes about important gifts of function in the body of Christ–”apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11) Are only males included in these functions? Phoebe was a deacon in the ekklesia in Cenchrae; Junia was an apostle (Romans 16:1, 7); Philip had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21:9).

A Sentence of Paul’s Correspondence Labeled as 2 Timothy 2:2

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (NASB)

The Word:
The Greek word here is “anthropois” (plural), and it is an inclusive word which embraces men and women.

Reality:
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”

Upon the Ground of Men?

Biased and wrongly translated non-gender words often become the norm, because those mistranslations are read over and over again. And usually no thought is given to the divisive implications for the body of Christ.

Now, if you are thinking that it doesn’t matter, because women consider themselves to be included in “man” or “men,” I think the reality of our lives shows just the opposite. I ask you the following questions: Do you, brother, open a door labeled “women”? Do you, sister, generally shop for all your clothing needs in a store area labeled “men”? If you do, then never mind about this Greek word that is inclusive to both genders. However, if you do not, then imagine what else hides in the recesses of our perceived reality when we are exposed to biased translations.

The Walls of the World

There is a great barrier created when we use inaccurate, gender biased words. This gender divide has become a hidden thought that plays out in the reality of our everyday lives together.

We have become so accustomed to this bias of gender distinction that we no longer see the wall dividing us. Thus, we cannot see that the wall is built from the perspective of the unbelieving world. This bias has no ground in Christ. He broke all the barriers. All the walls came tumbling down. In Christ, there is no divide, no walls, no hills, no valleys, only level ground. All other ground is faulty and will be shaken until it is level or no longer exists.

The One New Human

Ephesians 2:14-16 reads, “For he himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the dividing wall of the barrier…so that in himself he might create the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” (NASB)

The word translated here as “man” is the Greek word “anthropon.” Yet again, not a gendered word. This Greek word is more accurately translated as “human” or “person.”

Reality:
“so that in himself he might create the two into one new human.”

When the above Greek word is translated without bias, far more meaning is given to Paul’s words in his writing to the saints in Galatia –”There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” ( Galatians 3:28, NIV).

Our Unshakeable Ground

If there is any hope for the church, it must begin with everyday life, so that when we come together as one, we will know that we are all priests in equal standing upon the one unshakeable ground of Jesus.

“It’s a Man’s World”

We also need to understand that there are women all over the world who deeply resent men, because of how men have sinned against them. In many parts of the world, women live in the cruel bondage of men. Thus, when they come to the Bible and see gender biased verses, they figure the Scriptures are not for them. You can suggest that when women see the word “men” in Scripture, they see themselves included in it. But the truth is, to use the word “men” in the Bible today is unnecessary and extremely misleading. The inspired reality of the translated Greek words would be best served with designations like “people,” “humans,” “men and women,” “persons,” “folks,” and “brothers and sisters.”

The image of God is both male and female (Genesis 5:2). In order for Christ to be expressed in his fullness, the manifestation of the Spirit in each part of the “new humanity” must be living and active. As God’s people, may we be aware of any divisive bias that has influenced our thinking, so that together, we may have the mind of Christ, and be found standing upon the one unshakeable ground.

By Jon Zens-- an American author, speaker, scholar and theologian on Christian topics. Jon and his wife, Dotty also have a ministry that aids women who have been taken into the sex slave industry.

And by Kat Huff--who has been writing prose, poetry and articles for years. Kat also blogs at Harvest of Pearls at kathuff.com. She is part of the Searching Together editing team, and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.


Oh, that men might open their minds to know God as he is revealed in his Son! {ST, January 20, 1890}
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173118
05/08/15 04:10 PM
05/08/15 04:10 PM
Mountain Man  Offline
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Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
Good point. The Bible translation should reflect the gender intended in the original. I usually don't like the use of he/she or him/her. I prefer the word people.

Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173423
05/17/15 11:30 PM
05/17/15 11:30 PM
Johann  Offline
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Retired Pastor
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Iceland
It is intereting how Paul sends his greeting to the "Brethren" when we know he is writing to a church where there is a number of women. That helps us to understand his vernacular.


"Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you."
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173424
05/17/15 11:36 PM
05/17/15 11:36 PM
Johann  Offline
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It is clear that this is how James White understood the Scriptures.


"Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you."
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173672
05/25/15 05:06 AM
05/25/15 05:06 AM
Green Cochoa  Offline
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Both of the two versions cited in the OP as being "better" translations with respect to gender are major flops theologically. Here's a prime example.

King James Version (KJV)NASBNIV
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16, KJV)Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16, NASB)Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16, NIV)
All three of the above use the word "man" in their translations (so much for being gender neutral). But only one of the above would pass Mrs. White's approval: the KJV. Consider her comments about this verse (below).
Says the apostle: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." This scripture has been interpreted to sustain the practice of going to the priest for absolution; but it has no such application. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God because the brother whom you wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer. The case is not brought before the priest at all, but before the only true mediator, our great High Priest, who "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," and who is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity. {5T 639.1}
Obviously, we are not to confess our sins to each other (at least not the private ones that no one need know about), but our faults which we have committed against others personally only. Only the KJV maintains this clarity in support of the true doctrine as Mrs. White teaches it. The Revised Version (RV) came out before Mrs. White wrote and published her statement above. It also follows the same theological errors as other modern versions. Obviously, Mrs. White chose not to use it, preferring, instead, the King James Version, her usual preference.RSV
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. (James 5:16, RSV)


The gender benders err theologically while throwing out their red herrings as fodder for criticism by the unsuspecting adherents to culture over a plain "thus saith the LORD."


Blessings,

Green Cochoa.


We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We can discern the character of God, and accept Christ by faith, only as we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. And to all who do this, the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." [Colossians 2:9, 10.] {GW 57.1} -- Ellen White.
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173674
05/25/15 01:59 PM
05/25/15 01:59 PM
APL  Offline OP
SDA
Active Member 2020

5500+ Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,368
Western, USA
The KJV translates the same Greek word in James 5:16 as sins in other places.

green:"All three of the above use the word 'man' in their translations (so much for being gender neutral)." - Ah - man = male and female, according to the KJV.

And as for using EGW as an authority, do you still believe she is wrong in other places?


Oh, that men might open their minds to know God as he is revealed in his Son! {ST, January 20, 1890}
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: Green Cochoa] #173675
05/25/15 02:46 PM
05/25/15 02:46 PM
Green Cochoa  Offline
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5500+ Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,003
The Orient
Originally Posted By: APL
And as for using EGW as an authority, do you still believe she is wrong in other places?


You like to make false accusations. Why? Do you think God is not recording all that you do, and that you will not have to face your words later? Is this because you don't think God will ever punish anyone? Might this be related to the modern Bible translations you have adopted?

I don't think most people realize the influence a few mistranslated words of scripture can have.

Originally Posted By: APL
The KJV translates the same Greek word in James 5:16 as sins in other places.

Perhaps faults and sins are synonyms, and run quite parallel at times. But looking at where the KJV did NOT translate the Greek word as "sins" is revealing. Compare the following:

King James Version (KJV)NASBNIV
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (Matthew 6:14, KJV)"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14, NASB)For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14, NIV)
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15, KJV)"But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:15, NASB)But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:15, NIV)
Not once did the KJV translate that Greek word as "sins" when speaking of human beings forgiving such. But the modern translations present a different picture, because they are the Catholic-influenced versions, and Catholic priests claim to forgive sins.


Blessings,

Green Cochoa.


We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We can discern the character of God, and accept Christ by faith, only as we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. And to all who do this, the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." [Colossians 2:9, 10.] {GW 57.1} -- Ellen White.
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173676
05/25/15 03:30 PM
05/25/15 03:30 PM
APL  Offline OP
SDA
Active Member 2020

5500+ Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,368
Western, USA
So - it is a matter of translation. Some versions chose a different word. Condemn the whole version. Why did EGW choose marginal readings? Why did EGW drop words when quoting? Why did she use other versions? Is that a sin? Nope.

Oh - for an accusation to be false, it must be false.


Oh, that men might open their minds to know God as he is revealed in his Son! {ST, January 20, 1890}
Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173687
05/26/15 06:03 AM
05/26/15 06:03 AM
dedication  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,411
Canada
The topic concerns the use of gender in scripture, it is not another thread on what people think of various Bible versions.

The "male centered" translations can be discouraging to read at times unless a woman knows the word "men" also means "women". Men may not always realize this problem because, after all they are men, so the Bible speaks to them. But I know in my own private devotional reading of scripture I do read "men and women" or "man and woman" in verses that talk only about men. It's something we MUST do, and believe that scripture means women as well as men, or the Bible doesn't speak to us.

Quote:
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper


Is that text speaking only to men? The English language seems to imply it.
Yet I have always added women to the meaning -- blessed is the man and/or woman who ....who delights in the law of the Lord....and she shall be like a tree planted by the rivers.....

Quote:
Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile.

Is this speaking only to men?

I have always read it -- blessed is the man or woman unto whom the LORD does not imput iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Quote:
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.


Just men? No
Blessed is the woman that trusts in Him --

Quote:
Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.
37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.


Every woman needs to see that these texts apply equally to her!!!

Re: REFLECTIONS ON MALE-CENTERED TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE [Re: APL] #173689
05/26/15 06:20 AM
05/26/15 06:20 AM
Johann  Offline
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Active Member 2014

Retired Pastor
3000+ Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Iceland
A factory sign in our elevator states there is room only for 11 "men". Does that exclude women and children?


"Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you."
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