Aunty Jane,
The New World Translation of John 1:1 (NWT) is a profound example of how the NWT got it wrong: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was a god." "A god" violates a fundamental of Greek grammar:
The Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that the correct translation is “a god.” In so doing, they violate a canon of Greek Grammar. This rule has come to be known as “The Colwell Rule” (1933). It says that: “A definite predicate nominative has the article when it follows the verb; it does not have the article when it precedes the verb.” In the case of
John 1:1, the clause in question says και θεος ην (and was God). The verb “was” (ην) follows the noun “God” (θεος). In short, in Greek usage, we wouldn’t expect a definite article (the) because it’s not necessary. According to rule, we would expect the definite article to occur with a noun following the verb. The reason the definite article is absent is not because John is denying the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father but because the grammar doesn’t need the definite article. Further, as Countess continues, the New World Translation is not (as of 1967) even consistent with it’s own stated principles (
R Scott Clarke).
What many fail to realize is that 4of the 5 men on the translation committee producing the complete 1961 edition had no Hebrew or Greek training whatsoever. The fifth, who claimed to know both languages, failed a simple Hebrew test while under oath in a Scottish court. . . . Charles L. Feinberg noted, “I can assure you that the rendering which the Jehovah’s Witnesses give John 1:1 is not held by any reputable Greek scholar.” (
source)
JWs deny the deity of Christ and this translation of John 1:1 confirms that view.
What paraphrases of the Bible did I recommend?
Oz
P.S. Are you a supporter of Jehovah's Witness beliefs?