SortingBeans

Or maybe not

I am part of a discipleship group of this church. As part of the group experience, we discuss the passage of Scripture that was taught in the sermon. Personally, I think this is a great idea because many times people do not remember the sermons they listed to from week-to-week. In our study, though, we came across an interesting word. Our study text is Titus 2:11-15. Within this passage, we found one of the most difficult conundrums of the night: verse 15

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Titus 2:15

So this sounds simple, right? Well, no so much. As what may be normative in many small group settings, many of us had a different translation. I am fond of the ESV and NASB. I typically use the ESV, but when I do some word searching and more serious study, I refer to the NASB or NAS. Other people in the group had an NIV and another translation I do not remember, but I will take a risk and say NCV.

First off, let me be clear

I have no problem with these other translations. I simply have preference. I used the NIV for the longest time and I still enjoy it. The conundrum was in the working of verse 15, in particular the last phrase “Let no one disregard you.” The NIV translates it this way:

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” Titus 2:15, NIV

Obviously, these are two different words which hold two different meanings. So, what do we do?

1. Do not simply throw out the translation you don’t agree with. I know, for some of you this is difficult. But you must know that people are NOT going to hell for reading a translation other than the KJV. Get over it.
2. Read the passage in the context of it’s surrounding verses, then to its chapter, and get an overall understanding of the core message being communicated in the text
3. Then understand that message in light of the entire book (in this case, it was Titus).

Somewhere in between 2 and 3 you can do an original word study.

That is precisely what I intend to do in my next blog post!

Until then, you can tell me how terrible I am to build suspense and not follow through with the answer. Don’t worry, I will still love you! Or, you can tell me what you think this verse means. And by the way, I know some of you are waiting for my next post on worldviews. Don’t worry, I have it. I am just waiting to post it. It should be up in the next couple days. Thanks for waiting!



—Jonathan