We have many translations of the Bible available to us from the Biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Click HERE for an incomplete list of translations with publication dates. I read a few translations, particularly when preparing a class lesson. Two of my favorites are Tree of Life Version published in 2014 and Young’s Literal Translation published in 1862.
As long as I depend upon the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me as to what He said when He inspired the Original Penmen, I have confidence reading all the Translations I have explored thus far. After all, the Scripture does say:
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) 14 . . . in an abundance of counselors there is safety. source
Would you be willing to look at Ephesians 4:32 with me?
Perhaps the most familiar rendition of this verse is the KJV.
Ephesians 4:(KJV) 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. source
I’ve been quoting that one since primary school. However, the older I get the more I am convinced quoting it is only the beginning of what GOD has in mind for me.
Would you also entertain with me Ephesians 4:32 in the Young’s Literal Translation?
Ephesians 4: (YLT) 32 and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you. source
KJV is bluntly authoritative. Be ye kind! Perhaps I’m wrong, but as a child ‘be kind’ was a DO to me. It was an action I was expected to take whether I wanted to or not.
Now. For the YLT. Lets read it again: 32 and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you.
BECOME.
Become is more than DO, isn’t it?
Do is . . . well, something I do.
I submit, that BECOME is not DO but ARE (or AM).
I can DO something and my heart (the real me) not be in it, you know what I mean? But when I have BECOME (Ephesians 4:32), it’s no longer something I do, it’s just who I am.
I will admit though, it does take some considerable doing to actually become.
So there is no time like the present to get started BECOMING. Right?
Like BECOME
Kind people
Tender-hearted people
Forgiving people
Other Bible verses give us more to BECOME.
Selah ~ ~ ~ Kathie