Preface (1945)
At least two valid reasons for fresh translations are clear to the thoughtful reader: First, the discovery of earlier and more reliable Greek manuscripts than those from which our Authorized Version was translated more than three centuries ago. Second, the need of employing current words and phrases rather than those that have become obsolete. As thought and action belong together so do religion and life. The language, therefore, that must serve to bring us God’s thoughts and ways toward us needs to be the language in which we think and live rather than that of our ancestors who expressed themselves differently.
Each new translation by a qualified and honest student is a contribution to the treasures of our Christian wealth, for it offers an added glimpse at the many riches of divine revelation. But in consulting the Versions that have come out during the last half century we grew aware of certain lacks which we hope in a measure to supply.
It is never easy and at times it proves impossible to translate a word or phrase adequately; at best the translator may then attempt approximate interpretation. We have therefore undertaken to clarify expressions without making such interpretations part of the Sacred Writings. Besides, we explain situations and conditions that may otherwise puzzle the reader. Which means that a brief commentary accompanies this translation.
To the best of our ability we have tried to determine the dates of events, of sayings, and of writings. For sake of reverence and of clarity we employ for such pronouns of Deity as He and Him, the initial capital; but where His disciples are still unaware of His deity, and certainly where His enemies accost Him, the use of initial capitals and of Thee and Thou would not reflect their attitude. This is a phase of the humiliation He voluntarily entered. And as Christ is Himself the Word His sayings are not in quotation marks.
Our basic Greek is Tischendorf’s, but we have at all points consulted Nestle’s edition. Leusden’s edition of the Greek and Latin New Testaments has also been consulted, as well as Luther’s and Weizsaeker’s German Versions and another in the Dutch language. Among the British we have observed the translations of Fenton and of Weymouth, and of Americans those of Moffatt, Goodspeed, and Ballantine. Also, of course, the Authorized Version, some words of which, if not based on early Greek manuscripts, are shown in parentheses. For the aid of them all in finding the choicest form of expression we are devoutly grateful, but we have earnestly striven to make this Version our own.
May the perusal of these Scriptures prove as helpful to the reader of our day as once the Holy Spirit enlightened and strengthened the authors and as more recently their study gave joy and comfort to the translator. And so it will be if with humble invocation of the Spirit’s gracious presence we receive and follow these divine suggestions.
G. V.
Berkeley 4, California