Ye do err not knowing the Scriptures!

The Authorised Version of our English Bible is different in another way compared to a number of modern day translations of the Scriptures such as the New International Version.

It has been emphasised that the underlying text is very different between the Authorised Version and modern translations. Modern versions rely on the Alexandrian text, the Authorised is based upon the Antioch, Majority text.

In addition to this difference in the underlying text, there is also a great difference in the translation method followed by the respective translators of the Authorised Version and the New International Version.

The translators of the Authorised Version followed the method of 'formal equivalence'. By this term is meant that they sought to adhere as closely as possible to the actual words of the original and sought as far as was possible to use the equivalent word or phrase in the English language which corresponded to the word or phrase in the original Hebrew or Greek text.

The translators of the New International Version followed a different method. They employed the method known as 'Dynamic Equivalence'. They claimed to reproduce the message of the Bible using such expressions as would produce in the modern reader a response equivalent to that which the original would have produced in those to whom it was addressed all those years ago.

The method of translation gives another important reasons why we must endeavour to hold fast to the Authorised Version.

Having said all that by way of introduction I want us to consider this text and notice the importance of accurately discerning the teaching of the Scriptures.