The Jehovah's Witnesses use a unique Bible translation known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT). This translation was first published in the 1950s by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, the main publishing organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. The NWT has undergone several revisions, with the most recent edition being released in 2013.
The New World Translation was created with the intention of providing a Bible that reflects their theological beliefs and doctrinal positions. The translation committee, which included members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, aimed to produce a version that was both accurate and easy to read. They sought to translate the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into contemporary English while maintaining the integrity of the scriptures.
One of the most notable aspects of the NWT is its use of the name "Jehovah" to represent the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) in the Old Testament. This is a significant departure from most other Bible translations, which typically render the Tetragrammaton as "LORD" in small capital letters. The use of "Jehovah" reflects the emphasis that Jehovah's Witnesses place on the importance of God's personal name. For example, in Exodus 3:15, the NWT reads:
"This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘Jehovah, the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation."
The translation committee of the NWT also made specific choices in the New Testament that align with their doctrinal beliefs. For instance, in John 1:1, where many translations render the verse as "the Word was God," the NWT translates it as "the Word was a god." This reflects their belief that Jesus is not co-equal with God the Father but is a distinct, subordinate entity.
The translation process of the NWT has been a subject of controversy and criticism among scholars and other Christian denominations. Critics argue that certain translation choices reflect theological bias rather than linguistic accuracy. For example, the rendering of John 1:1 as "the Word was a god" is seen by many as a mistranslation that undermines the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
Despite the criticisms, Jehovah's Witnesses hold the NWT in high regard and use it exclusively in their worship and evangelism. They believe that the NWT provides the clearest and most accurate representation of God's word. The translation is also available in many languages, reflecting the global reach of the Jehovah's Witnesses' ministry.
In addition to the NWT, Jehovah's Witnesses also make use of various study aids and publications produced by the Watch Tower Society. These include the "Watchtower" and "Awake!" magazines, as well as books and brochures that provide explanations and interpretations of biblical texts. These materials are designed to help adherents understand and apply the teachings of the Bible in their daily lives.
The NWT's emphasis on readability and accessibility has made it a valuable tool for Jehovah's Witnesses in their evangelistic efforts. The translation is written in clear, modern language, making it easier for readers to understand the message of the scriptures. This focus on clarity is evident in passages such as Psalm 23, which in the NWT reads:
"Jehovah is my Shepherd. I will lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; He leads me to well-watered resting-places."
The use of contemporary language and the inclusion of explanatory footnotes and cross-references help readers to grasp the meaning of the text and to see the connections between different parts of the Bible.
In summary, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is the Bible translation used by Jehovah's Witnesses. It reflects their theological beliefs and doctrinal positions, particularly in its use of the name "Jehovah" and its interpretation of key passages. While the NWT has been subject to criticism, it remains a central and cherished part of the religious life of Jehovah's Witnesses, aiding them in their study, worship, and evangelism.
