Alisa Childers I Blog

Here's Why Christians Should Be Concerned About The Passion Translation of the Bible

6/25/2018

Have you ever been tempted to change a word of the Bible to make it communicate something you wish it said? Ever been inclined to leave out certain verses that make you uneasy … or add ones that make you feel a little more comfortable? That's exactly what Old Testament scholar and NIV Translation Committee member Dr. Andrew Shead believes has happened with The Passion Translation (TPT) of the Psalms. In a recent international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal, Shead describes TPT as:

...abandoning all interest in textual accuracy, playing fast and loose with the original languages, and inserting so much new material into the text that it is at least 50% longer than the original. The result is a strongly sectarian translation that no longer counts as Scripture; by masquerading as a Bible it threatens to bind entire churches in thrall to a false god.

Those are strong words to describe a best-selling Bible translation (1) that has some well-known church leaders raving. However, Shead and other highly regarded Christian scholars respond differently. (2) Here are three quick points:

1. TPT was not translated by credible scholars who have a command of the biblical languages.

Bible translations are typically written by teams of scholars who are well-trained in the original languages. There have been single-author exceptions such as the Wycliffe Bible, the Tyndale Bible, and The Message Bible (see update below). However, the writers of these works were qualified and respected in the field of biblical translation. In contrast, the sole translator of TPT, Brian Simmons, is not trained in the biblical languages, and lacks the credentials necessary to produce an accurate translation of the Bible.

Another thing that sets TPT apart from these other single-author translations is that Simmons claims that Jesus visited him personally, took him to the library of heaven, and asked him to write the translation. He claims to have received "downloads," and "secrets of the Hebrew language" from Jesus Himself. Simmons even admitted that he has minimal background in biblical languages and needed the Lord's help to translate.(3)

If all of that isn't troubling enough, in the television interview cited above, he claims that Jesus promised to bring him back to heaven and give him a brand new chapter of the gospel of John that has never yet been discovered—John chapter 22.

Although the website for the Passion Translation states that a team of "respected scholars and editors" evaluated the material, no names are given. Trustworthy versions of the Bible are safeguarded from the insertion of individual biases, interpretations, denominational backgrounds, theology, and personal preferences by utilizing teams of scholars who have one goal in mind: faithfulness to the original words and meanings of the text.

2. TPT adds to the text or changes the meaning.

In his review of TPT of the Psalms, Shead noted that the end result is at least 50% longer than the original. Here is an example:

Psalm 18:1:

NIV: "I love you Lord, my strength."
ESV: "I love you, O Lord, my strength."
KJV: "I will love thee, O LORD, my strength."

Compare these with Simmons's translation:

TPT: "Lord, I passionately love you! I want to embrace you, For now you’ve become my Power!"

At first glance this rendering may not seem very objectionable—loving God with passion is a good thing. However, Shead explains that for a translation to be faithful, it must not "add or subtract from the original words, or change their meaning." He goes on to warn that even if a translation is generally faithful, these additions can cumulatively add up to a picture of a different God—much like in the New World Translation used by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Along with adding words, TPT also changes the meaning of the text in several places. Shead notes that TPT frequently changes the conversation of speech about God or others into speech to God, concrete images into more abstract ones, and removes historical references—even deleting about half the references to enemies and nations.

Bible scholar Dr. Andrew Wilson noted:

The Passion “translation” inserts all kinds of concepts, words and ideas of which the original gives no hint whatsoever (despite the occasional footnotes which say “implied by the context”).

3. The manuscript sources are sketchy.

Without getting too deep in the weeds about the science of textual criticism, the standard among scholars is to use the earliest and/or most reliable manuscripts when translating the Bible. (Sometimes the earliest manuscript is not the most reliable, but scholars who specialize in this field endeavor to discover the best manuscript evidence for a given text.)

Contrary to the consensus of the vast majority of scholars, TPT claims that the New Testament may have been written in Aramaic, rather than Greek. (4) Thus, Simmons translates some of his New Testament from the Aramaic, rather than the earlier and more reliable Greek manuscripts.

In his review of TPT of the book of Romans, Dr. Lionel Windsor wrote:

Aramaic was a language spoken in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was common in Syria, Judea, etc. Jesus probably spoke it, and Paul probably knew it too. But nobody thinks that Paul actually wrote Romans in Aramaic. Why would he? Very few people in Rome would have understood him if he did that.

Andrew Shead sums it up, "The Passion Translation shows little understanding, either of the process of textual criticism, or of the textual sources themselves."

Shead's closing words are succinct:

TPT is not just a new translation; it is a new text, and its authority derives solely from its creator. Like Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon, Brian Simmons has created a new scripture with the potential to rule as canon over a new sect. Judging from The Psalms alone, I would say that it would be a Christian sect, and that unlike the Mormon cult its scriptures will point its adherents to saving faith in God the Son, the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. But TPT is not a Bible, and any church that treats it as such and receives it as canon will, by that very action, turn itself into an unorthodox sect. If the translation had been packaged as a commentary on Scripture I would not have needed to write this review; but to package it as Scripture is an offence against God.

The Word of God is perfect and doesn't need any embellishments, changes, or added emotional flourish. In the original languages, the Scriptures are exactly what God communicated to us, and our translations should endeavor to convey His words as faithfully and honestly as possible. TPT fails to capture the purity, intended meaning, and tone of the biblical texts, and therefore it should not be called a “translation,” nor should it be used as such.

*Since this article was originally published, I have become more informed about some problems with The Message Bible. See JR Miller's post here for more info.

References:

(1) At the time of the writing of this post, the PT translation of the New Testament was #23 on Amazon in the Bible category.
(2) See Dr. Andrew Wilson's review here, and Dr. Lionel Windsor's review here. Also see author Holly Pivec's series of posts on TPT here.
(3) In an interview with the Welton Academy's Podcast, Simmons stated, "I had minimal background in biblical languages, so yeah, it was something that, honestly, something the Lord has really helped me with." (14:52) **UPDATE** Since the publishing of this article, the Welton podcast has been taken down. However, the audio is saved and can be listened to here: https://videopress.com/v/dDTilIPH
(4) In the introduction to the 2013 edition of Letters From Heaven by the Apostle Paul, (Five Fold Media) Simmons wrote, "Some scholars now lean increasingly towards the thought that Aramaic and Hebrew texts of the New Testament are the original manuscripts, and that many of the Greek texts are copies, and a second generation from the originals! This is radically changing translation concepts, and will result in many new translations of the New Testament based on Aramaic."

192 Comments

Phil

6/25/2018 12:24:16 pm

Thanks for drawing attention to this. Keep up the good fight.

Dawn Summers

8/14/2019 06:30:13 pm

Thank you so much for your thoughts on TPT me and my husband agree that this is not an accurate translation and should not be termed a translation of the Bible our former pastor of a church that we ended up leaving peacefully would not agree to even consider not using the passion translation and that was the ultimate reason why we left I couldn't sit there Sunday after Sunday and hear that preached as the word of God when I knew in my heart that it was not. It broke my heart and set off an internal alarm every time I heard it.

[email protected]

3/3/2020 12:27:16 am

Who or what receives monetary gain from the sales of this translation and how is it distributed?

KAPIL BALU B

3/20/2020 05:37:19 am

Text in raw form is not important, whatever version it may be. Holy spirit is the key to interpretation and understanding of the Word.

tyler ann harrison

8/6/2020 11:13:12 pm

I am in the same position Dawn Summers, over here in Australia, but one difference The Passion and The Message is also used, which makes life interesting. I am trying to leave peacefully. Honestly some times believing this kind of stuff I find the Pastors incredulously not aware of these translations .It just breaks my heart as so many people are deceived.

Billy Wall, Jr.

9/8/2020 08:39:56 am

Thank you for your comments, our pastor and wife have started preaching solely from tpt and i just don't have peace in my heart about it. I'm seeking God about what to do. 🙏☝️💪

Harold Zeager

12/15/2020 08:10:44 am

KAPIL BALU B you nailed it. Somehow we as the church have skipped over the part that Jesus said he gives us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all truth. The Bible is the most important book ever by far. Nothing compares. However we've become too much like Pharisees and have studied 'the word' without KNOWING him. John 5:39, John chapters 14 and 16.

Carla

12/19/2020 10:09:35 am

Thank you for writing this article exposing TPT. Very deceptive that Brian Simmons is. He needs to repent. We would be wise to avoid him and any minister who supports him since he is a false teacher. Thanks again for exposing this heretical translation. Proverbs 24:11-12....we must warn people about this translation.

Amanda

1/31/2021 04:33:31 pm

Quote “Nobody thinks that Paul wrote in Aramaic” and there lies the problem, not one can actually say he didn’t therefore why condemn The Passion Translation if it has been translated from the Aramaic.

Sad to say, who needs Satan as the accuser of the brethren when he’s got Christians to do his work for him.

I personally have been referring to TPT for a number of years now, and in the midst of personal challenges and now this pandemic I have no fear. Why? Because the Holy Spirit leads me to verses in TPT that fills me with an inner Godly strength and peace. I can also accredit the reading of TPT for being instrumental in deepening my love for God and His Word and for unlocking a fresh appreciation and understanding of the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Whatever translation a person chooses to read, and remember they are all translations, the Holy Spirit will meet that person at their point of contact.

Dawnie

2/11/2021 04:41:48 am

I am very suspicious of anyone who says they've been to heaven and looked through Gods library.????

Debbie rogge

4/7/2021 04:40:07 pm

What qualifies your meaning of scholar? Are they filled with the Holy Spirit? Do they believe in the 5 fold ministry? I’d like to know if they are mere book learned people who you are using or actual followers of Jesus

Rachel R Tonner

4/15/2021 03:38:33 pm

I tried lovelingly sharing my concerns with a public pastor and she kind of shrugged it off...kind of made it sound like it was ok because her peers do..This is a woman pastor!!!...who leads 2 churches with her husband. I felt like it was a fight worth fighting, but I did not think she would shrug it off...I guess my words fell on deft ears. I just cannot understand how someone in that role could be so careless as if not to have the fear of the Lord! Out of concern for the flock I gave her a video and some background info. and she basically posted a video the next day about how we need to be careful with our words.Geesh. I really have no patience with these people...Lord help me!!! 2 of her pastor friends (both woman...that's a whole other issue) also endorse the passion on facebook and I'm assuming in their congregations as well.

Art

7/20/2022 08:51:47 am

Dawn,
Thank you for your comments and commitment to truth.

I do disagree with the leaving peacefully comment, I am going to assume that means you left and "God lead you to another church" type of scenario. Everything is warm and fuzzy.

Your pastor wouldn't look at what you are saying because he is a prideful false teacher and your silence is an endorsement. You need to state that what he was doing is wrong. I guarantee if you go through his sermons, there would be numerous problems with them.

We are taught to speak truth in love, the truth is the Bible is the word of God and you can't change it to fit your needs.

Alison

2/20/2024 05:02:21 am

Hi our new Pastor has just started to use The Passion narrative on his first set of sermons with us. I'm so disappointed. We are a small congregation of the Presbyterian church in Australia. I don't know who to speak to about this.

Trenda F Lineback

6/14/2020 10:31:55 am

I want to thank you my sister for doing your homework I knew something didn't settle right in my spirit every time I would see someone share the scriptures using this (TPT) I love how God exposes The Truth from a Lie 📖🙏👍🙋🏼‍♀️

Jeremy

1/28/2021 11:22:53 am

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Zeagler and Mr. Balu B in their light view of the importance of scripture. John 5:39 is being taken completely out of context. Jesus was saying that they were missing the very One (Himself) that the scriptures they were studying should have been pointing them to. The Pharisees thought that obeying the law was their ticket to salvation. The truth is that the only way we today know anything about God, other than that He exists, is through the revelation found in scripture. If the text is not carefully preserved, how can we know the truth? Accurate, precise translation of scripture is of the utmost importance.
Can you tell me that you would know anything about the Son of God if you didn't have the Bible? The Holy Spirit helps us understand the scripture we are reading (illumination), He doesn't give us independent enlightenment.

Donna. Rose

3/6/2021 11:49:58 am

I agree with Amanda. Read it and if it ministers to your spirit than good. Other words, Eat the chicken and spit out the bones.
There is only two Bibles that are word for word translations, how much do you read those. I didn't think so. This is easier to read. I do think that Brian Simmons, probably should have added the word Amplified instead of calling it translation.

And to Dawnie, there are a lot of pple who have been to heaven and seen the different rooms, rivers and lakes. I have seen a small part of heaven. They are called Seers. (So I would check out or goggle some of those pple - and see can this many pple can be wrong or seem supicious ). There is a book called "Hippo in the Garden". I have given this book to probably over 20 pple and they have all had dreams from God except 2 and they gave the book to a relative and the relatives had a dream for God. (If you can still find the book)

Miriam

8/11/2021 06:44:10 pm

We have a textural criticsm site and have looked at many translations so undertand the concerns - However, we believe that if it helps people come to Jesus it’s not dangerous to read the “good news bible or the TPT” as critics might insist but to look for accuracy in translations is not wrong - In fact it is prudent

however, it can be short sighted to assume the translator is a heritic in need of repenting. That seems a lot like how a Pharisee would see things

We do criticize some of the modern translations but only because of the motive behind them and the fact that they did remove many verses -

We are also aware that the Holy Spirit teaches but those textural critics who criticize translations “ on another level” (not led by the spirit ) are usually are the ones that think some parts like the pericope de adultera is not authentic - the irony

It is a religious rabbit hole
a blessing (and a curse!) to see both sides - this causes divison beibng too critical - most believers WILL figure it out and the danger is not as acute as it seems - only to those who benefit off a "Christian carrerr " perhaps :)

Blessings

11/21/2020 05:43:38 pm

Sounds like some jealousy going there

11/26/2020 11:58:18 pm

2 Tim 4:3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

This is exactly what the TPT and teachers who use it, do.

1/28/2021 07:11:49 pm

I've posted about 3 responses total in my life so not sure how to do this. I'm trying to reply to Jeremy but don't see a reply tab under his comment.
Thanks for being respectful Jeremy. And I 100% agree with you that Jesus meant the Pharisees missed that scripture was pointing to HIM. And I want the text preserved as you do but I believe it is good when someone allows God to speak through them in a unique way. I would oppose with all my being if Brian Simmons or anyone said "the translation I have written is better for everyone" and tried to eliminate past versions. My only point that may differ is Jesus said he sent the Holy Spirit to communicate with us. He didn't send scripture. Jesus referenced scripture when he preached at the synagogue but then he taught and lived out of what his Father said or did. Then He told us (because we read it in scripture) he set it up for us to do the same thing. That's what Jesus said (red letters), this isn't my idea. I didn't come up with it. Fortunately we have scripture to show us what He said. I would say that God isn't dependent on scripture being translated into an unknown language before that people group can follow him. They just have to be told about Jesus and the helper (Holy Spirit) that He sends will guide them. Having the written word is hugely beneficial. No other single item is close to as important. But what is more important to new believers is that we disciple and teach as Jesus did. To believe in faith that we hear and to act on the voice of the Holy Spirit. There are people that God uses scripture to speak to them most of the time. There are other people that hear His voice giving direction audibly (not me so far but I'd love it). For me it's mostly an inaudible voice or pictures that I get from the Holy Spirit. He's so gentle it's just amazing. When I hear His voice, that is still the word God. We need to write it down and act on it. Read what He said specifically to us days or weeks later when we may need the encouragement and go after that thing He said for us to be or do. Church leaders tend to be overly concerned when their congregants say they heard from God. I agree a lot of people have acted very wrong and said God told them. This is partly why it is so important for us that do know him, and hear His voice, to act in LOVE and make WAVES wherever we go. Being a follower of Christ is to walk with sinners and the so called 'scummy' people. Again Jesus said that... it's not my idea. I thank you Jeremy (and others) for your responses. Keep pursuing truth as I'm going to do. I know I am complete.... but yet there is more. God is amazing in that way.

Tonya Hasty

12/12/2020 11:49:08 pm

The Bible strictly states. Not to Add to or Take away from His Word!!! And when the Apostles were here God commissioned them to go ye and preach the gospels. So as to preach the Gospel. So it could spread. To all the World. This man is adding to taking away and being more expressive. I'm Not buying it...

Jeff S.

12/29/2020 09:37:55 pm

Why stop at the Passion Translation? How about the two versions of the Amplified Bible or the ESV or the ever popular NIV (which absolutely leaves whole phrases out and adds new words).I don't claim to be a scholar, so how much of a particular Bible has to be translated from the original languages to make it a translation? Aramaic was certainly a language that was prevalent in Jesus day. Are there no reliable manuscripts in that language? Are all of the translations I mentioned above comparable to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon?

Let's see what was the group called, in Jesus day, that kept criticizing Him for misquoting the Law and many times not following it at all???

April

1/19/2021 01:04:06 am

Jeff S.
It is important for everyone to do our research on everything we read, watch, listen to … Brian seems to love the Lord, but his credentials are either not there or he lied about them. There are so many videos out there to check out his credentials , character, and claims. Brian Simmons says the following are his credentials:

1.He has some linguistic training with New Tribes Mission, now known as Ethnos 360. Don Pederson from Ethnos 360 says "Brian is not a linguistics of any sort".

2. He says he co translated with Wycliff the Kuna Bible and handed the NT Kuna Bible to the Kuna people in the late 1980's. The NT was completed and given to the Kuna people in 1995.

3. He states that he used the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts for the NT. As of yet there are no Aramaic manuscripts for the NT. It's is clear that he is lying about the Aramaic manuscripts.

Brian Simmons has lied and mislead us about his qualification/credentials. How can we believe his other claims?( https://youtu.be/1vMTufSKaY8 )

https://youtu.be/IBmS5ywXtkY

Reina

2/2/2021 03:04:53 am

God isn’t stupid. His word is as he wants it. It has stood the test of time. Re the NT: Persia succumbed to the Greeks Greek was the language when the apostles who penned the NT wrote it in the language of the time- Greek. Greece succumbed to Rome and Rome built the roads and ship routes that connected the ancient world. These were the very roads the apostles and Jesus would walk and take to spread the word of God. The very Roman road where Saul who became Paul had his encounter with the Lord. Jesus the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. God knows what he is doing. His word is as he intended it to be.

Mr Simmons isn’t Jesus. We can disagree with him. The Bible says try the spirits and see if they be of God. To add to the word of God or to take from it... IS NOT OF GOD.

“Woe...”

Sanders

5/6/2021 01:12:49 pm

You are absolutely correct, especially regarding the NIV which is notorious for tampering with the text to force it to conform with the theological biases of the translators. Look what they did with 2 Peter 4:6. The deplorably added the word "now" which does not exist in the original language. They wanted to make it seem like Jesus did not preach the gospel to the dead, which is indeed it's plain reading.

Melynn

1/29/2021 12:44:58 pm

Can we all not give the title THE Passion TRANSLATION to this? Rather the Passion "translation", or the Passion book, or the Passion novel, or the Passion supraphrase? Giving it the full title is like saying "choice" instead of abortion-murder. Titles are VERY important. Naming is VERY important. We give creedence to this abomination by adhering to this self proclaimed title.

Harriet Akinwande

3/16/2021 02:45:15 am

In truth we have the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things. I have been greatly blessed by this version. Some may choose to call it version, commentary, expansion, review, or whatever. Let's be mindful of the meaning it is conveying in comparison with other versions so as not to arouse unnecessary 'war' over it that can detract from its original intents - of bringing passion into reading and understanding the 'same' word. Which is what it has done for me. The English language has evolved so much from the original form, there is greater need for the younger generation - modern English speakers to speak, read and understand modern English

Elijah P.

6/6/2021 04:21:51 am

Never tamper the Scriptures. It’s as simple as that. The Scriptures are complete, the Bible is already finished. It is Holy and set apart from other books. TPT undermines this attribute of the Bible.

Any sound follower of Christ should feel aghast by the blatant, whimsical, arbitrary and unceremonious tampering, twisting and insertion of completely new sentences and words that would change the very essence of the scripture.

It is very offensive and alarming, for more than 3,000 years, the Holy Bible has never been tampered, and here comes a man who claims to have heard from God (did God also tell him to add words and sentences to the Bible?) and arbitrarily add these new words to fit his organization’s core beliefs.

Absolutely horrifying. You can only tell if it really is the voice God that you hear inside your head if it does not contradict the Bible. The Bible is the only true gauge all Christians have. I agree that the Holy Spirit speaks directly in person, but how can we be sure that it is not merely Human Spirit (your own thoughts)? Answer: the Bible. The Bible is the uncorrupted test. If the revelation is contrary to the Bible, or it is nowhere found in the Bible, then it’s a red flag.

This is frightening. TPT is dangerous because it bends the Word of God outright. I was horrified, what have they done to the Holy Scriptures? Diluting and marring it with blasphemous heresies.

All Christians with sound faith should act together to defend the sanctity of our Holy Bible.

Sola scriptura!

Jeremiah

3/19/2021 11:55:16 am

I am curious. Does Jesus matter anymore? When Jesus appeared to Paul he spoke to him directly. Does God need men or women or do we depend, live, move and breathe in God? Jesus saves and God Loves to do so. These divisions in the "Church" have nothing to do with the body of Christ. Where two or three are gathered in MY NAME I will be there. End of story.

"They will maintain the outward appearance of religion of religion but will have repudiated it's power. So avoid people like these" 2 Tim 3:5

Some of us remember people condemning the scholars that Translated the NIV this way (one of whom was my Old Testament history teacher in college).

All of us like sheep have gone our own way. Each one has gone astray! But the free gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Come Lord Jesus Come! What a wonderful message. Remember, God loves us so much. So much! There is one body! Bless every one of you.

Elijah

6/6/2021 04:40:48 am

You cannot compare NIV to TPT for the very obvious reason that TPT adds new sentences to the verse. Don’t you see the stark difference when the creators of TPT add infuse new words and sentences. I’ve seen insertion of two or even more new sentences... that’s horrifying. If you’re not horrified, you clearly not value the integrity of the Holy Scriptures.

Preserving the sanctity and integrity of the Holy Bible is NOT religiosity as you imply. The Holy Bible is the only manual we have to live this world. It is the only gauge from real personal spiritual revelation from mere whims of man.

The Bible is our protection from the whims of man who claims to be the voice of God.

Tell me then, what difference have you from the Mormons and Jehova’s Witnesses whose founders likewise claim to have received revelations from God. They claim to have heard the voice of God instructing them to write and do new things.

When what you “hear” from God is aligned with the Bible, meaning it does not contradict or it is mentioned therein, then we can be assured that it’s a true and real revelation from God. But if it contradicts and run afoul to the tenets of the Bible, or when the Bible did not say anything about it, chances are it could be plain products of human emotion, mistake of judgment and whims.

What is the test to modern day prophecies and spiritual revelations? The Holy Scriptures. Take away the accurate translations of the Bible and floodgates of heresy and lies will overflow.

Sola scriptura!

Charles Hector

3/30/2021 11:42:54 pm

Jesus warns us about false teachers and preachers in the last days. Thanks for sharing this with us

Heather

6/28/2021 04:55:36 pm

My question is why would you trust NIV and not TPT? NIV takes stuff out of the bible!! For example in Matthew 6:13 NKJV it sayss “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
But in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭NIV “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’”
‭it doesn’t have the last part “for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”! Why would you take that out!??

Pragtig

7/27/2021 03:12:13 am

The Passion Translation is just beaútiful, it só speak to my heart !! Why criticize any translation, as all of them have "mistakes" ? its the message of Christ that counts, His love for His Bride.. you and me :)

Kate Zimmerman

9/13/2021 11:46:37 am

I guess I’m pretty dismayed by the vitriol I read in too many of these posts, the judgmental attitude, and divisiveness. I would recommend reading the introduction to his Book of Genesis for an explanation of the purpose behind this work. I am an avid student of the word, of the “original” languages and own many and varied translations. When a passage in the TPT causes my brow to wrinkle, I go to other trusted translations (or sometimes to the Hebrew or Greek) for a clearer understanding or for clarification. Hebrew is a language of the heart, and simply cannot be fitted into a Western a=b formula. Even Jewish scholars cannot agree on the meanings of many words. I appreciate a scholarly evaluation of any new translation and will prayerfully consider what they have to say as I make a personal evaluation. I know that not everyone has the background to do this kind of evaluation, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but anyone can read prayerfully, and seek revelation and understanding! Some of my wisest mentors have been people with few credentials from this world, and very little scholarship, but they knew Him intimately, and that is far more valuable to me. Let’s try for a bit of gentleness, humility, and a Berean attitude. If you’re concerned about others’ understanding, why not pray for them and then make yourself available to the Lord for helping those whom you fear might be led astray.

Bert Branson

11/7/2021 11:20:20 pm

I am a Christian and practicing Charismatic for 42+ years. I came from a pagan background. I knew nothing of the Scriptures when I first came to faith drawn by the Holy Spirit though at the time I didn't even know what that meant. But being born-again by faith hearing the Word of Christ, I wanted to know everything about Him I could. I am thankful today, more than ever, for God's Word which will NEVER pass away. Heaven and Earth and the CHARISMATIC movements may (the Holy Spirit made Heaven and Earth, too, so why not Charismatic movements?), but His Word will not.

It concerns me deeply today as I read some of the comments defending TPT. I thought Charismatic folk were DEEPLY 'Word' people! We, who are truly involved in Charismatic ministry KNOW subjective 'leadings,' or 'words,' ARE NOT Scripture grade reliable! Have we become so 'inward' that objective truth doesn't matter? Just because something brings a sensation of 'peace' or blessing doesn't mean it is true. I hope none of us are so arrogant to believe that our subjective experience of the Spirit makes us infallible. Our faith must be IN JESUS as THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL HIM.

Listening to some of you fellow Charismatics just make me chuckle. You haven't thought this through very well. 🤣 We know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor. 13:9), right? Well shouldn't we want the BEST God has to offer in both spheres of 'encounter,' the objective as well as the subjective? I would want to make sure I had the most 'trustworthy' translation of the Scriptures available to me, as well as trustworthy spiritually gifted people and experiences, right? Why should we compromise either? Lets be excellent in both.

Collaterally, if we believe the Holy Spirit 'guides us into all truth,' would we want a claimant to a 'translation' to do that work for us? Put another way, do we want to subjectivize another's subjective experience of the Scripture, even if it is Spirit-led, as a 'primary' SOURCE of truth? Because, if TPT is adding and subtracting substance in the original text, that would mean the, regardless the reason, it ceases being the Word of the Spirit of God, and goals of the translator becomes the focal point, because the Holy Spirit's (Author OF THE TEXT) ORIGINAL intention in communicating wasn't sufficient. He has ceased being the 'eternal' Spirit.' TPT as a interpretive study help? Fine. But Scripture? Not so much. Give me the best TRANSLATIONS available (I like the NET due to the multitude of translators' notes for transparency, though I like ESV, NIV, AMP, and NLT as differing lenses) to get as confidently close to the original as possible, and let me wrestle with the text MYSELF in the aid of the Spirit Who wrought "it is written."

Last, and not least, I hear so many in our ranks that quote Jesus as though He was the 'Charismatic' Jesus. We tend to forget that Jesus was a 'religious' Jew. He probably held more in common with the Pharisees than us. Jesus' charge against them was hypocrisy, not fidelity! It isn't that they trusted the Scripture too much, but rather too little! Jesus was a man of the Word, and said when the Spirit was come He would form believers to be like their Master, Jesus. If Jesus depended on the Spirit in the ways we claim, why did HE see them as supreme in authority? In His face off with evil in the desert, why not just prophesy against 'the spirit of lawlessness?' Or stand on His 'identity' and declare His 'authority?' Why this nearly 'fundamentalist' like wooden (to us) assertions of "It is written..."? Obviously if He was a Charismatic, He wasn't a very dramatic one. He needs to come to one of our 'schools of the supernatural.'

We Charismatics need a re-reformation around Jesus as "the Word made flesh." We might become HIS disciples once again.

Marolyn Briggs

2/24/2024 02:53:59 am

Disappointed that you have defended the TPT & believe people's genuine concerns are vitriol!
I think if Brian Simmons had published his understanding of Scripture as a paraphrase there would be no issue.
To claim that you have had Divine interpretation from God in God's library 'without' the necessary qualifications to transcribe languages is scary at the least.
It may be warm & fuzzy to defend Brian on his understanding of God, & Brians l9ve for God, no one has issue with that, but to translate is a whole different matter.
If we take away true translation of languages & say "God said", we are in danger & have no absolute foundation to work from or build doctrine on
My husband & I have felt very troubled as we saw meaning of verses change & a personal view written as God breathed.

Sammie

6/18/2022 02:19:01 am

We are so dependent on these ancient manuscripts of the Bible, that we forget that sometimes, we just better take a break, & read what others have written about the Bible, by means of doing so & how it speaks to them, all through grace of the Holy Spirit. That’s exactly what the TPT is, a Christian man’s godly take on the Scripture from his perspective, a Holy one at that Though I am very skeptical of the inventor’s stories of how the TPT came to be, the TPT is a very good book of records.

Scott MacPherson

6/25/2018 12:41:46 pm

THANK-YOU for your timely article on The Passion "Bible"! It is about time, too: I have been talking it up for many months now, to little avail. But you have some greater credibility on the Net, so I welcome this accurate purview, and am sharing it on Facebook! (Why NOT me??) Thanks!

Shawn link

5/11/2019 05:09:32 pm

As a chrustian and believer in Jesus Christ. As a child that was born into an old babtist church. As a vessel for the one and only God. We are supposed to pour out our love to the Creator and the creations. I undwrstand not taking wmaway ir adding verses. But how would you decribe your relationship with God ? How would you decribe your love for him and his creations ? We should love God with the upmost part of us. We as his children should give ALL of us to him. TPT shows the fact that we as his children should show the love and gratitude and the power he has given each and everyone of us. To show the world who Jesus is and who Jesus is so that they too might be saved. Our relationship with Jesus should be Greater Love, Joy like crazy, and giving ALL of us to him daily. I love the old king james version cause theres no add or take away. But a version to show the depth of his love towars us and how we should show that same love towards him and all creation is vital.

Donmali

2/4/2020 03:48:17 pm

I love this, you're really on point. The world is fast changing, the use and understanding of the old english language is getting harder in the society today, so there is need to integrate the word of God into the current lifestyle so people could really identify with the word as it applies to their lives in this dispensation.

Tim

7/23/2020 12:33:56 am

I don't think it's the right thing to ask her to get personal with you about her own relationship with God. That is between Her and the Lord. If the Original manuscript isn't enough (that translated from the original texts and languages) then somehow God didn't get His message across and now we have to create a new translation adding fluff that isn't supposed to be there. I don't agree with this TPT translation at all. And the way it came about is completely unbiblical.

Naijwa

9/10/2020 01:43:23 pm

Thank you for standing out. I fully believe that God led me to this translation because it has so much love in it. Just like He has so much love in Him. It sucks that we as His children, still can't let our guard down with Him because we want to look scholarly correct instead of fallin' freely in love with our Savior. I'm grateful for what Jesus Christ has done for me, including giving me the TPT bible.

Graham

6/26/2018 06:39:45 am

Hi, I was just going to ask for links to the reviews by Dr. Wilson and Dr. Windsor but I now see that you gave them in the references. Great little article by the way. And one last thing... any links to material written by Dr. Shead? Thanks :)

Alisa Childers

6/26/2018 08:23:02 am

Hi Graham,

Here's the link to the Shead piece: http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/burning-scripture-with-passion-a-review-of-the-psalms-passion-translation

Inemesit-Abasi Emmanuel

7/16/2021 07:01:59 am

Hi Donmali, so your answer to the darkness in the world is for Christians to 'modernise' God? Are you talking about the God who said in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the LORD, I change not"? Are you sure you know the "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14)? I doubt that you have encountered Him or His Son Jesus Christ.

Scott Roberts link

6/26/2018 08:53:00 am

Interesting that Simmons supposedly saw a "John chapter 22" - but chapter and verse separations are a man-made invention and were later added to the books of the Bible.

6/26/2018 09:28:10 am

Good point!

Abraham Tadesse

10/8/2020 01:10:12 am

Why take everything literally when it's the idea that matters and serves to communicate a point. If John 22 expresses what is intended to be expressed, why not have a John 22!

Brad Dixon

6/26/2018 11:32:08 am

I've read and listened to "The Message" Bible and have some concerns about it, too. I understand that it's not promoted as a translation, but most people - even believers - won't understand the difference between a translation and a paraphrase.
I'm not aware of "The Passion Translation", but the name itself will attract those who like the word "passion." It's a commonly used word by some Christians.
We don't need any more English translations of the Bible. If we don't have enough by now, we never will. Let's take a break for a hundred years or so. bjd

Carol Morris

3/21/2019 11:29:26 am

The Message is New Age inspired and includes New Age rhetoric.

Kate

9/29/2019 11:18:43 am

Have you read any of Eugene Peterson’s books? All of my research, I’ve never seen any of his stuff as rooted in The New Age. Just wondering. I do believe that TPT is borderline heresy, especially if they publish the “22nd chapter of John.”

sanders thornburgh

5/6/2021 01:15:13 pm

absolute nonsense. The Message has brought countless people to Christ.

Darcy Bridgman

4/10/2020 08:32:50 pm

Brad Dixon, I appreciate you bringing up your concerns about "The Message" Bible. I have great concerns about it as well. When people have quoted from it in Bible studies I have been astounded at how much the verse is different (not just a synonym here and there) from versions like ESV and CSB and NKJV. The verses are sometimes almost unrecognizable. I would NOT recommend "The Message" as a good Bible translation even with it being a paraphrased version.

10/8/2020 01:12:01 am

A tree is known by it's fruit and we have seen a lot of good fruit from people who have been using The message bible.

5/5/2020 10:15:46 pm

Thank you

Nick R

6/17/2021 10:03:05 pm

My sentiments exactly, as if sentiment and passion were the way to ascertain truth. American Christians like all Americans are tempted by the more is better fallacy. More more more Bibles. We're swimming in Bibles. We need to start agreeing on matters of the Christian Faith and move toward unity in the one catholic (small c) and apostolic Church, which is the bride of Christ.

But I haven't checked it out. It's a paraphrase, not a translation, that much is evident. To say otherwise is disingenuous or delusional. If it helps, I'm for it, like the Amplified version. But it just looks like more commodifying of the Scripture. It's not cheap, that I'm going to go out and declare by faith, not by sight, as I haven't checked Amazon. Blessings of revelation and peace in HIM TO ALL HIS PEOPLE.

Daniel

6/26/2018 04:02:09 pm

If you want a great defense for the AV1611 Bible and a great source to show the corruption of the new versions. I highly recommend Jack McElroy's book ''Which Bible Would Jesus Use: The Bible Version Controversy Explained and Resolved. (God Bless)

6/26/2018 08:02:12 pm

Hi Daniel, thanks for your comment. I'd recommend that readers also get "The King James Only Controversy" by James White for the other perspective.

Rick

2/20/2020 09:34:35 pm

Good catch on the King James Only adherent above and Great book recommendation.

David Smith

6/5/2020 10:47:58 am

Yes I agree...wonderful book.

Ken Long

6/26/2018 04:06:48 pm

The author is a New Apostolic Reformation believer and has written this based upon their beliefs.

4/1/2019 10:39:02 am

Aka heresy

Kathleen Chiaro

7/11/2020 01:59:08 pm

Which Bible author were you referring to as being of the NAR - The Passion or The Message? Thank you. I wasn't quite clear on which one, after posts were written after yours. Thanks again, for clarifying.

7/11/2020 02:04:52 pm

I wrote about the author of Passion or Message being NAR - I forgot to checkmark to notify me via e-mail of your post to the website. Sorry! Thanks again -

greg wilson link

6/27/2018 10:20:55 pm

The bible is the best selling book in history, and selling can turn to greed , and greed can turn to idolatry, and idolatry can turn us away from God, a lot of these versions and translations are unnecessary and nothing more than people trying to make a buck by bowing down to the ( golden calf of wealth and power) and watering down and perverting the truth along the way, whether intentional or unintentional (God knows) this is an intense subject, one that should not be taken lightly by anyone truly seeking Gods guidance in their lives, truly seek God (Jesus) with all your heart, and you will find Him and His (Holy Bible)!!!!!

Marilyn

6/24/2020 05:22:40 pm

Excellent point, in this day when corruption and greed overshadow everything...we need to be mindful of end times and the deception that is present. Confusion and distraction can lead you from God rather than draw you closer. Be prayerful and diligent in seeking and studying. I appreciate this information as I was considering the book.

John Stewart link

6/29/2018 11:33:43 am

Brian Simmons' pseudo-Bible is the latest in a long line of tendential Bible versions. In 1933 George Lamsa created "The Holy Bible from Ancient Eastern Manuscripts" based on his claim that the Aramaic New Testament pre-dated the Greek New Testament ("Aramaic primacy"). Despite virtual unanimous rejection of Aramaic primacy by scholars, now Simmons appears to have resurrected Lamsa's error. That, on its face, is sufficient to reject "The Passion Translation." However, when one adds in Simmons' mystical revelations that are included in his "Translation" (an inaccurate term where there exists no formal ability to translate from the original text--"Paraphrase" would be more apt), then The Passion Bible bears the same problems as The Book of Mormon or the Qur'an, namely no way to empirically verify the "revelations" because they are entirely subjective.
Ultimately, Simmons' work should be rejected for the same reason that Lamsa's version and The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures ("Jehovah's Witnesses' Bible) are rejected (bias), with the additional ground that Simmons' personal "revelation" has no place in a work that is marketed to the world. Despite the obvious problems with The Passion Bible, don't be surprised if many embrace Simmons' version, since it is human nature to be attracted to "some new thing" (Acts 17:21).

Marty Robinson link

1/23/2021 12:34:53 pm

I am late getting to the point of research on this subject; however, the Lord has shown me that what you say in reference to its being on par with The Book of Mormon or the Qur'an is true. I am not a renowned scholar of the Bible, but I know what the Word of God has done for me. I just wanted to thank you for your comments, as they were very supportive to what I had felt to be true.

Ben link

6/29/2018 04:47:47 pm

I definitely agree with Miss Childers that this translation almost doesn't deserve the name, as the mostly straightforward meaning of the underlying text has been augmented with a lot of extra interpretation.

You know what it reminds me of? Movies based on books where artistic license causes the plot to be almost unrecognizable. I guess this so-called translation isn't quite as bad as that. It's not like the entire plot of the Gospels has been changed. But there's still a lot of artistic license involved, so it's hard to call it a "translation" with a straight face.

I also agree that this does not appear to be a work of scholarship. I have a strong suspicion, in fact, that Simmons' source material mostly is just other English translations. He might consult scholarly sources from time to time when there are text-critical issues at play (e.g. when the Aramaic/Syriac differs from the Greek) but I very much doubt he actually knows any ancient language. So, I would be curious to know whether my suspicion here is correct.

That said, it's not necessarily a bad thing to take an older text and update it with a new perspective and interpretation. Ancient texts can be very dry, and so a little bit of extra flourish helps us get excited about them. Only, let's be open and honest about what we're doing. Simmons shouldn't pretend that this is just another translation when it's clearly something else. He should have been more transparent, like Eugene Peterson was when he produced his "idiomatic" translation called The Message.

J R link

2/23/2020 05:23:52 pm

God doesn`t need scriptures updated. Holy Spirit will explain to you, and that is where the relationship is expected to flourish and grow in you is at.....

lucy

12/14/2020 05:16:37 am

Wow. Ok. So much to unpack with this comment. You’re right God doesn’t need scripture updated, but we are not God. If a translation is able to bring a person to Christ isn’t it worth it? Isn’t that the main goal? To be ambassadors? 1 Corinthians 9:22 - “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”.

Let’s not get so high and mighty on our pure Christian throne, that we forget some people need milk. Some people need the new perspective and interpretation. What’s important is to let them know to study to show themselves approved. To always verify and understand the original meaning and text, how to search the scriptures, and to always have a KJV or NKJV close by.

Maybe this statement is why a whole generation of people no longer want God because they see Him as irrelevant and not connected. It’s sad to say because God is always relevant and connected, but look around, less and less people see Him and I think it’s because we as Christians have made Him seem aloof and that way. That God only works in this particular way, but that’s not true. God uses everything anything to reach people, even a Bible that maybe watered down.

If we as His ambassadors are so inflexible to allow God to use even the most nonsensical things we have made God a relic, which He most definitely is not.

I agree that this needs to be called a commentary and not a translation like the Message Bible.

Let’s not forget that even if one person is able to receive God from reading it, then it’s worth it.

Lucy

12/14/2020 05:18:43 am

Esther

1/2/2021 09:35:03 am

I used to be a strong proponent of the KJV as the only truly accurate translation, and even mailed copies to various parts of the world... until I realized that for many of these people, English is a third language at the least. They have a tribal tongue, then a regional language, then they learn English in school. And I came to understand that the only Bible that is going to do anyone any good is a Bible that a person can understand. Why would they even pick it up if the language is so strange to them?

Then I came to also realize that I had studied the Bible for so many years as a means to learn about God and to formulate doctrine, that I really didn't actually know the God I had studied so much about. One day I picked up a copy of the Message Bible because I concluded that I had come to the point where I couldn't see the forest for examining the individual trees. I wanted a "storybook" that I could read through quickly and, hopefully, see the larger picture.

I completed my reading of that version in 6 months, and it really changed my life! The gospel is there in plain language. If I want to really understand a text, I still go to the KJV and Strong's, and the Interlinear, but I LOVE my Message Bible because it really got the MESSAGE of the Bible across to me.

However, I do have some serious concerns regarding this Passion Bible. Those have been very much discussed here by others.. And yet, I also have no doubt that the Holy Spirit of God can take even that version and use it for God's glory. It's amazing what God uses when He wants to teach us something. Don't forget that with Balaam He even used a talking donkey.

Nicholaus Berens

8/9/2020 08:07:12 pm

There is a reason why we Christians who are trained in the ancient languages: Greek and Hebrew, and some of the other ancient semitic languages, to translate the scriptures from the original language to modern English in a way that is not only keeping with the original language and the intent of the human author who wrote it, but also in keeping with the Lord who inspired the text. These folks work together and check each other on their translation accuracy and come to an agreement on the best possible translation into modern English. It appears the Simmons guy has no interest in this process.

Dan H

11/14/2020 09:52:32 am

“In a way that is not only keeping with the original language and the intent of the human author who wrote it, but also in keeping with the Lord who inspired the text.“ - this is a slippery slope if doctrine gets involved! Such as the NIV’s use of the term ‘sarx’?’ Most other translations use the term ‘flesh’ when referring to the condition of man (i.e. Galatians 5:16) because the word means ‘covering of the skeleton’, but the NIV uses the term ‘sinful nature’ - a Calvinist concept. This is very doctrinal and should not be in a Bible translation. It’s a doctrinal concept, not a transliteration.

Brittania

6/30/2018 05:16:50 pm

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Joell

10/17/2019 07:06:40 am

Brittania, In response to your comment, it is in reference to the book of Revelation. It says the BOOK (Revelation) of THIS prophecy. Just trying to keep what's written in context.

Blessings!

thomas healey

12/8/2019 04:28:25 am

Deuteronomy 4:2 King James Version (KJV)
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. it is all so from the law the father does not want us to change any of his words

Ken

2/9/2020 10:31:45 pm

Joel, it sounds like you are saying one can take away or add words to any other book of the Bible so long as it not the Book of Rev.if simmons could have just left the book of Rev. Alone he would have been home free

Janie L

6/29/2020 09:40:39 am

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Proverbs 30:5-6

Delkin

7/2/2018 04:11:32 pm

Here's a counter-response from Simmons to one of the sources you used:

https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/the_passion_translation_debate_brian_simmons_responds

7/8/2018 03:34:27 pm

Alisa, you may want to examine this quote in more depth:

"If all of that isn't troubling enough, in the television interview cited above, he claims that Jesus promised to bring him back to heaven and give him a brand new chapter of the gospel of John that has never yet been discovered—John chapter 22."

Here's a direct link to his statement. Both he and his interviewer (Sid Roth) are not interpreting this in the same way you are interpreting this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkUomLwpZpI&t=19m

Simmons seems to clearly believe this is actually something more along the lines of a generational movement which will carry on what he believes the mission of Jesus handed to his disciples in John is (similar to the concept of the Acts 29 church movement). Simmons clearly and explicitly says John 22 is a generation of people that, "will not add to Scripture, that is a sealed book..."

7/8/2018 04:44:35 pm

Hi Delkin,

I have examined the quote in depth. In fact, I watched this entire episode before using it as my source material.

It's clear to me that Simmon's was referring to an actual book in the library of heaven, sitting alongside books on science and cures for cancer (as per the opening of the show.) Simmon's stated:

"...if I could just take this book back with me to the natural realm it would trigger awakening in all the nations of the earth. It would bring, it would make the name of Jesus famous in the world.”

In context, he seems to be saying that the content of John chapter 22 would be the catalyst that would unleash this great revival that he is calling the "John 22 generation."

If Simmons would clearly state that "John 22" is not a book or recant his claim that Jesus promised to bring him back to heaven and give it to him, I would applaud him and update this blog post. Until then, I am taking his words at face value.

7/8/2018 04:47:29 pm

"Until then, I am taking his words at face value."

Then why are you calling it a new "chapter" to the Bible when he clearly calls it a separate "book"?

There's a big difference - he never said he's adding a new chapter, he said he's writing a new "book".

7/8/2018 04:51:14 pm

In fact, this:

"It's clear to me that Simmon's was referring to an actual book in the library of heaven, sitting alongside books on science and cures for cancer (as per the opening of the show.) Simmon's stated:"

Even further challenges the narrative the discernment ministries are given here. Unless he's proposing writing chapters of the Bible including science and cures for cancer, then the very nature of the "book" he believes he will be given is materially different than Scripture.

7/8/2018 05:48:20 pm

One more doodle then I'll buzz off. A few minutes ago I said this:

"There's a big difference - he never said he's adding a new chapter, he said he's writing a new "book"."

Even my statement here isn't entirely correct. He said he could "take" the book. He didn't say he would write a literal book by that title with words straight from Heaven.
We are both assuming that he means a physical text which he will author - assumptions which could be wrong.

But I agree - more specification would be helpful.

thomas

12/8/2019 04:42:41 am

the part of the revaltion was that he was thinking of stealing
in heaven i thought there was no sin in heaven

Rod Saunders

3/11/2020 05:35:25 am

I just watched the video. Brian Simmons says clearly "They will not add to the Scripture, and that's a sealed book".

11/21/2020 06:00:05 pm

I’ve always been sick when I see articles like this. There are many people who think the king James version is the only “godly one” come on people. Why don’t you worry more about sharing the love of Jesus instead of acting like everyone who experiences the holy fire of God differently than you do are worthy of a money changers in the temple beat down. Have you ever considered when talking down about Gods other kids that you might actually be of the religious spirit that Jesus was put on the cross under? Stop accusing! That’s Satans job! Why join him in his works and say “im a great Christian it’s my job to accuse”. Jesus sure as heck interpreted scripture in a very different way as their Holy Scriptures came to life right in front of them with their own participation unknown to them as the “most learned in the land”. God doesn’t always talk through scholars. Check all your versions for who wrote the original versions and tell me they all were as “learned” as you and the niv scholars. May God give you peace and an understanding that we should join Jesus in His work sharing His love and the gospel of freedom from fear rather than joining Satan in his works of beating down others and accusing them alongside him.

11/27/2020 12:10:30 am

1 Thess 5:20-22 "20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil."

1 John 4:1 "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

The Bible expects believers to test truth claims, especially those called "Christian".

Michael

8/26/2018 09:27:35 am

Delkin,

Your support of TPT is consistent across different sites, but I’d ask that you consider the responsibility of those desiring to be pastors.

He changes the meaning of the closed canon. The good news is that he appears to be open to changing his translation based on critical feedback. I just wish he had not marketed his paraphrase as a translation and that he didn’t create confusion around the closed canon with his claim of an almost revealed new chapter.

I hold teachers to a standard of not misleading others and I know from firsthand conversations that people do not understand by his comments, his statements and his marketing. He has a responsibility to be more clear as one that leads others.

My conversation with those inside of other NAR teaching organizations have revealed agreement with my position on his work.

Thanks and God Bless You!

Michael

8/31/2018 09:44:12 am

"I just wish he had not marketed his paraphrase as a translation..."

I agree - he shouldn't have called it a translation. I consider it very similar to the Message - have fun reading it, but if you really want to know what a verse says, open your ESV.

"...and that he didn’t create confusion around the closed canon with his claim of an almost revealed new chapter"

Yeah, we'll disagree here. He explicitly called it a "book" and said it will not conflict with Scripture which is a closed canon. He could clear things up and I'm sure he will. I've been around charismatics long enough to be 99.9999% sure that he's not going to release a Passion Translation Bible with a 21st chapter of John in it - I know that's not his intent, but I can see how those outside of the stream won't understand this type of prophetic language and experience he's describing.

But hey, no point debating this thing out - time will tell. If he actually releases a Bible with John 21 included in it, I'll throw the Passion Translation into the trash and call it a heretical work.

8/31/2018 11:26:22 am

Hello Delkin,

Thanks for your reply.

I'm glad to see we agree on his error in calling it a translation. Scripture not only supports, but actually suggests, that we call for accountability from prophets and for those that are teaching when it's impacting people we are discipling. In my case, this has happened because of how he is distributing and marketing his work.

The same issue/logic related to calling it a translation applies to him suggesting further revelation as a prophet(what you call prophetic language) - not only in his reference to John 21, but in the way his existing 'translation' changes the meaning of the closed canon. Examples of changing the meaning are widely documented.

Additionally - the fact that Mr. Simmons quickly changes his 'translation' when facing criticism points out the duplicity of calling this either a 'translation' or calling it a 'prophetic' work. Let me explain:

- If it changes the meaning, it should not be called a translation. Poor judgment and leadership.

- If it is called a prophetic work, then the fact that it is wrongly interpreting scripture (as evidenced by Mr. Simmons frequent updates and changes of his prophetic download as well as his personal eschatology being inserted into the book of Revelation) would be a deadly outcome in terms of OT prophetic requirement, or to be judged as false by NT prophetic requirements (1 Corinthians 14:29).

Either way it has failed: a Biblical based translation test or a Biblical based prophetic test. This is why i disagree with you.

1) It should be rejected as a translation.

2) It should be rejected by those that believe in prophecy or do not believe in prophecy as a prophetic work as it does not pass Biblical tests of prophecy.

3) should not be continued to be marketed as a translation or a prophetic work.

4) Is should be referred to as a commentary, with a concern that the author implied falsehoods about it being a legitimate translation and about having a true prophetic revelation and has not publicly corrected his error.

Thank you for altering your position on the previous discussions on the topic of this being a translation. I hope this provides you with further example of how the text discusses judging prophecy.

Thanks and God Bless Delkin!

Jason

8/29/2019 08:28:43 am

The Message 'have fun with it'! I think that sums up the Biblical discernment your comments are showing.

Alisa's article is pretty good, but she is wrong to suggest The Message is better because the writer is a scholar - 'wisdom' as perceived by the world still needs to be tested. The knowledge of the Pharisees etc should be plenty enough warning of that.

While 'having fun' with the Message, maybe we should ask ourselves why he removes homosexuality from the list of sins that Paul will rob people of eternity with God and replaces it with environmental crimes!

OK, he's paraphrasing the entire Bible (have to say it's slightly weird paraphrasing considering the Message is often longer than the scripture and actually makes the Lord's Prayer less clear, adds bits for no apparent reason than to include the satanic phrase 'As above, so below'), but CHANGING the Word of God to remove things and add things that aren't even slightly in the text is surely not something you want to do. It also shows the author's brazen happiness in putting words into God's mouth.

A generation of Christians will be mislead because of this nonsense.

R.A.Wells

10/29/2018 01:46:19 pm

I respect the commitment to education of theological scholars and I join in holding sacred that which is holy. However, I couldn't help but look at this review in light of the way scholars of the day critiqued Jesus and charged him with blasphemy before they murdered him; or how William Tyndale translated our Bible from original language to English, but was strangled and burned at the stake because of it.
In our divisive world, I hope the body of Christ can discover ways in which the head and the heart can work together without wanting to kill the other (metaphorically speaking...or not).
May we all have the humility to remember 1 Corinthians 13: For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. NIV

Lynette Afonso link

8/4/2019 02:38:04 am

That is lovely truth to bring in here. Thank you for saying it so eloquently. While we argue satan has his way.

10/29/2018 02:22:24 pm

Hello R.A. Wells,

Did Simmons claim to be like Jesus and Tyndale now? I thought it was bad enough with a claim on John 22 when the Bible already says it's complete.... :)

Seriously, though here are 2 questions:

1) What would a good way to be discerning in this situation? I seriously am open to feedback. If I knew Brian, I would talk with him. Until then, this 'divinely inspired translation' is being marketed and sold to those in local communities with the assumption that it is an authentic translation. Even Michael Brown says this should not be viewed and studied as a translation.

2) What are the similarities you are seeing in this article and to what Jesus and Tyndale experienced? I'm failing to see the parallels?

This is Gospel vs. Gospel + topic. A good new documentary on that is "American Gospel" available on Vimeo.

God Bless!

Priscilla Beggs

1/18/2019 05:52:02 pm

Oh, my goodness. All this criticism from the guy who did the NIV? The NIV? Written in third-grade English and well known that large portions of KJV are left out. I didn't have my children learn "the baby bible" and which is written in a language so colloquial that they never could figure out whether it was a "scripture" they were quoting or just something from their head. I told them at least with KJV you know it's a Bible verse. NIV is dumbed down for the sad population, so they shouldn't be kicking the Passion.

Eds

4/20/2019 03:14:20 pm

The only Bible there that is fit to be called a Bible is the KJV. The NIV and ESV both used the corrupt Alexandrian text by Wescott and Hort who weren't Christians.

6/5/2020 11:00:46 am

Eds--you should read James White's book about the KJV controversy.

8/29/2019 08:32:47 am

Indeed Patricia Beggs, if the NIV is badly translated I totally agree that every future translation should be free from criticism.

How dare people question rank heresy if bed translations already exist. Clearly if we have some bad Bible versions we may as well just give up translating all together and just rewrite it.

2/20/2020 09:48:41 pm

Priscilla, you have been deceived by the King James Only Cult. The KJV used inferior manuscripts and archaic English that no one uses or understands anymore (including you). Read the "The King James Only Controversy" by James White. It will set you straight on some things.

Andre

5/11/2020 12:26:19 pm

Quote:
" ..."the baby bible" and which is written in a language so colloquial..."

Adapted from a quote in Martin Luther's "Open letter from the translator"

"One should ask the mother at home, the children in the alley, the simple man at the market about it and look at their mouth and see how it talks and translate accordingly."

Shannon Cook

5/14/2019 05:28:06 pm

I was reading part of TPT in comparison to the NIV and was feeling a little testy about the said 'translation'. So decided to do just a little digging and found that a not a few people take exception to it being called a 'translation'. I agree is should not be called a translation. I perhaps understand the added words may have been meant to clarify yet I found them at times to be just more confusing. If I was a new Christian trying to grapple with the language, sentences, and context then the TPT is not helpful. That said while I do agree who should not be adding it the Word of God I also am a little confused why people play the Revelation 22 card when verse 18 is more often then not taken out of context. Let me explain:
At chapter one John writes: "The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place He made known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw -- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY (repeat, THIS PROPHECY), and blessed are the ones who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (vv 1-3) Then starting at verse 10: On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a Scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:.......
So John writes what he sees to the churches as is read in the following 2 Chapters. John then continues to write about what he witnessed and heard in and from heaven through the Spirit which is the remainder of the PROPHECY of Revelation.
Chapter 22 ends Revelation with the River of Life, and the reminder that Jesus is coming. Chapter 22 verse 7 brings with a warning Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in THIS BOOK. Verse 16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give this testimony (THIS BOOK) for THE CHURCHES. Verse 18 I warn everyone (this is Jesus still talking) who hears the words of the PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK: If anyone adds anything to them (THE PROPHECIES OF THIS BOOK), God will add to him the plagues described in THIS BOOK (REVELATION on the scroll John was writing down what he saw and heard). And if anyone takes words away from THIS BOOK (the SCROLL John was writing on) of PROPHECY, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in THIS BOOK (REVELATION). This scripture applies to the PROPHECY given in REVELATION only. We need to remember that at the time John received this he was exiled to the Island of Patmos and was not with his brother and sister disciples. This book was received and written by John in the mid to late 1st century. Many of the apostles if not had all died by the time John wrote Revelation. Let's remember that the Canon (the Bible) we read today was complied in the mid to late 3rd century with the Book of Revelation being added and omitted even as late as the 6th century. So there was some debate about the importance of his book. All that to say although the TPT is written with lots of words added and I personally do not like it and agree it should not be considered a translation. Let's remember to keep what we read in context knowing that some of what we read may be allegorical, and metaphorical. Perhaps though we can agree regardless that " 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3). Blessings to us all as we become better biblical scholars who are open to debating, in love, some of the finer aspects of the canon.

Andre Dahmen

6/2/2019 02:17:11 am

It is a paraphrase and not a translation. If read as such it can be a real help as an incentive to greater devotion. I love the colourful turn of phrase and find the comments interesting although I believe some explanations go too far and are perhaps a little fanciful. (Eg to say that the the first letters of the inscription on the cross in Hebrew/Aramaic are the letters for the name of God is a bit of a stretch) But any reading of Scripture must be done with discernment and sound judgment.

Kim McKay

6/2/2019 10:54:30 pm

When did we start playing God? God can, will, and has used ordinary people since the beginning of time to so sad the Good News of the Gospel by personal testimony of transformation in lives. There are countless people who have NO access the the written word who clearly have been transformed by the message of God's only Son, the Cross, and the blood. The Bible was never intended to make man more knowledgeable, it was written to transform us into the image of Christ. We know them by their fruit ... I happen to love the Passion Translation and there is NO doubt in my heart or mind that the KING OF ALL KINGS has used it to help me know Him better.

marko

6/3/2019 09:40:15 am

I believe Simmons fell into the same trap as Taze Russell and Joseph Smith. Both were deceived by Satan. But we should use the same rule of thumb as we did with Russell's Translation with how he changed John 1:1 saying the word was "a" God. Simmon's changed John 14:16 by saying " I will pray to the father and he will send you another saviour" . Another Savior!! There is only 1 Savior and that's Yeshua(Jesus). That alone should be enough to throw this book out. There are other versus's here did the same. We have enough translations. We don't need any more. Thank you Alisa for revealing the truth about this translation. God Bless you

Austin C Verbeck

7/23/2020 11:00:42 am

John 14:16 in TPT says 'helper' not 'savior'. Jesus is talking about the Holy spirit which God would send after He left them. Your passion seems to be hardening your heart, but be careful not to blaspheme the Spirit. If the Spirit is working through Brian to create a new paraphrase of the Scripture and you're claiming he's serving Satan and not God you're doing more damage than good.

We don't have enough translations. King James versions fail to speak truth into the lives of youth all over America because they can't grasp the language. The word of God is living, not confined to a dead translation that takes a knowledge of old English to understand. And what about unreached people who don't have a translation in their own language? Should they have to learn English just to read God's love letters to them? Or perhaps if we loved more and the Spirit produced understanding in us we could allow Him to use one humble man to speak truth in vivid ways into more and more people's lives.

Omar

8/4/2020 09:16:15 pm

Austin - Here is the text as it reads in The Passion "And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you." John 14:16

I does say Savior, which can lead to and cause confusion

"The most important problem with The Passion Translation of the Bible (TPT) is actually found in its name—specifically, the term translation. In truth, The Passion Translation is a re-worded and re-written Bible, apparently intended to support a particular strain of theology.

The Passion Translation cannot honestly be called a translation or even a paraphrase. The TPT goes well beyond the idea of “translation” and reimagines the Bible as one human author thinks it ought to be written.

The Passion Translation of the Bible not only reflects Simmons’ New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) theology, but it appears to be deliberately written in order to promote it.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Passion-Translation.html

Omar Perez

6/20/2019 07:29:10 am

Here is a comparison of the Passion rendering of the Scriptures with four Bible translations/versions. There is clearly a difference on verse 13 chapter 1 of the book of John where the Passion which is not a transalation or parphrase states a different thing than the others which is an important verse, in which it refers to Jesus in the Passion yet it refers to born again believers and sons of God in the four versions, how did scholars and other folks who were supposed to help with the Passion rendering could make this mistake https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+1%3A12-13&version=TPT;KJV;AMP;ESV;NLT

Tabatha

7/10/2019 04:01:12 pm

I've been reading up on this paraphrase for a while (yes, I said paraphrase). This site was chock full of technical and intricate details of language and translations.

http://larryoverton.com/a-critique-of-the-passion-translation/

I never agreed with The Message Paraphrase, but at least that guy not only never called it a translation, but he also said it was not written to be used from the pulpit.

TPT is just sneakier in its differences because of it's (mostly) subtleties- but isn't that how Satan works? He sneaks and lies.

Robert Barbeau link

7/23/2019 04:56:25 am

I was initially attracted to this seeming translation because there is, literally, passion in it. I have some knowledge of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek and I know that quite often a single English word fails to adequately capture the full meaning of the original. This translation addresses this frequently by providing fuller meanings. However, there are several other occasions where I find no basis for addition, subtraction or change. As such, I get the sense that Mr. Simmons may have let himself be carried away by his own imagination rather than being inspired by the Holy Spirit.

8/29/2019 08:42:48 am

The amount of time people spend defending the Message and Passion translations seems pointless to me. Certainly seems like people spend more time defending Bethel and other totally messed up organisations than they would ever stand up for the Word of God.

Rip up the Word of God, no problem, we'll justify it, but dare to criticise someone's favourite pastor, bible version or worship group or song (such as Reckless Love or the NAR member who wrote it) and they will be all over you like a rash.

It's extremely sad. There are enough Bible versions out there and they are readable and easy to understand IF you have the Holy Spirit in you. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus explains, has the power to blind people and harden their hearts to apostasy or open their eyes.

Seems to me that, as with the Old Testament prophets, God's people don't want to hear harsh truths so just keep on walking and shun anyone who questions their actions.

I wonder if the prophets, Jesus and Paul had the same reaction from God's chosen people when they tried to point out errors (in love) that would lead to destruction...

Oh yeah, I remember. And who ends up victorious even after being put to death by those oh so clever chosen people who wanted to carry on doing what they were doing despite ample warnings?

T

Shane

12/21/2019 10:13:30 pm

Could you tell me what nar is?

5/2/2020 11:42:18 am

New Apostolic Reformation

6/8/2020 07:16:30 pm

The New Apostolic Reformation is a global church growth trend that Fuller Theological Seminary church growth professor C. Peter Wagner wrote about in his book Churchquake back in 1999. Somehow critics of Bethel Church in Redding, California decided that it's actually this 21st century Charismatic movement that has apostles with equal authority to those in the Bible with new revelations equal to Scripture that plans on taking over the world and imposing some kind of theocracy. Silly conspiracy nut stuff.

8/29/2019 11:44:39 am

I wonder what the consequences would be from such a blatant mistake in the Passion “Bible” in John 13:1? How could they make such an error with the claims of even Jesus “personal revelation” and of “respect scholars”

Linda Bertrand

8/31/2019 06:14:47 am

I am sorry but have you even read this translation? And I say this in love, but Brian Simmons has an amazing command of the Greek and Hebrew languages! If you read something and it actually deepens your relationship with God and draws you closer in your walk with Him, well, what can I say, that is my experience with this translation! I am sorry that yours has not been the same and that you have missed out on such an incredible blessing!🙂

8/31/2019 10:05:58 pm

I am sorry but did you even read the article you've commented on? Quote "Another thing that sets TPT apart from these other single-author translations is that Simmons claims that Jesus visited him personally, took him to the library of heaven, and asked him to write the translation. He claims to have received "downloads," and "secrets of the Hebrew language" from Jesus Himself. Simmons even admitted that he has minimal background in biblical languages and needed the Lord's help to translate.(3)" End quote. And there are numerous sources (on the internet and elsewhere) that record (audio and video) where Brian admits to lacking in ability, experience and in terms of scholarly accreditation to under translation from ancient Hebrew and Greek.

12/8/2019 02:57:28 pm

brian simmons is a lair he claims to be a co translator for new tribes missions when he was only a church planter for the kuna people in panama

Craig

8/31/2019 09:23:02 am

Bottom line is we don't need any more translations/new bibles.

Bufard

10/18/2019 11:35:33 pm

When we get a person from the niv version to say another bible translation is bad we have hit rock bottom. The niv has deceived so many and a bad translation

12/13/2020 12:38:55 pm

The NIV is certainly suspect, and your comment is well taken. One of my professors in college translated some of the Psalms for the NIV and didn’t even claim to be a Christian; he was just a Hebrew scholar. And he said he wasn’t the only such translator on the project.

Christine

11/5/2019 08:21:02 am

All one has to do is go to the original language and study for one's self the language of the times to get an accurate reading of scriptures regardless of the translation. Having studied Hebrew and Greek, I find the Passion Translation to be highly accurate. Also, I've learned to never discredit someone's heavenly visitation from my experience or lack thereof. In doing so, I would have to discredit the entire book if Revelations, regardless of translation. After all, John claimed to be taken to heaven and shown things n one else has experienced or seen and then had the task of relating that experience. By the way, he had no formal training either. So based upon your entire blog, no one can trust the book of Revelations, except for the fact that it is written in the earliest accepted form of the Bible, the KJV.
I believe we all have the responsibility of finding for ourselves what God is trying to convey to His people.

Shayne Palmer

11/5/2019 06:16:43 pm

Well said.

1/8/2020 12:34:29 pm

Hi Christine, could you say what happened with the TPT in John 1 verse 13 taking verse 12 into context compared with NKJV, ESV and Amplified version which explains things clearly, other versions too?

5/2/2020 11:46:51 am

Dive into this. It helped me to understand.

https://www.academia.edu/31712575/Textual_Criticism_of_John_1_13_-_An_Inquiry_into_the_Authenticity_of_the_text

Abi

4/2/2020 04:18:30 am

What I know is this. As long as the Spirit lives in you and He is actively ordering your steps, you will be able to know when something is from me.

This article is bad faith. All the commentators seemed to be highly invested in "guarding the word of God". What has me confused is them thinking God needs help in guarding His word. His children have no issue knowing His word because it is buried in our hearts and real recognise real.

So I am going to go out on a limb here to say that all of you judging the man who wrote this by calling him a heretic simply do not know the God you claim to serve. Y'all are gonna be those people who claimed they know Jesus but He will spit you out saying He doesn't know you.

Rule of thumb, Jesus followers are actually kind people, they don't go around writing blogs bashing someone's work under the deception of "criticism" and invite others to ridicule someone.

5/7/2020 09:04:50 am

Quote: "...Rule of thumb, Jesus followers are actually kind people,..."

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Matthew 23:23+24

So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. John 2:15

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:2

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Luke 6:26

----

Which Jesus do you follow?

Btw: I see the main problem in this topic the interpretation of the Bible : "The letter kills. The Spirit invigorates."

fay wheeler

6/16/2021 11:44:17 pm

Well said Christine

David Sandvik

11/11/2019 06:48:45 am

TPT or KJV - either way, God will judge you based on your works, and not which translation you read!

For modern-day scribes and pharisees, the written word becomes an idol. And they create their own "parties", each party built around their preferred translation or understanding even.

I've studied theology for years, and I practically lived in the greek texts and lexicon. Trying to find the "correct" doctrine and understanding. Because there is 33.000 different denominations "inside" christianity.
So even if the Bible do have the answer, people don't seem to find it. Or at least not agree on it.

So my conclusion is: You can study the Bible for years and years, and end up having less faith. Because there is a major difference between "information" and "revelation."

God gives Wisdom to all those who asks. But first you need to rid yourself of your own understanding and doctrinal principles made by men. The Spirit of God will lead you into all Truth, and you don't need anyone to teach you. But that is exactly what we tend to do. Instead of seeking Wisdom from God directly, we are lazy and ask other christians about their revelations!

Sometimes KJV is written in such a way, that it is almost a mystery, how intricate you can write something that is ment to be simple.

Example:

2. Samuel 8:2 - KJV

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.

Oh, OK. That's a real tongue twister.

But if you read the same passage in NIV, it is suddenly very easy to understand:

NIV:

David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

JESUS IS LORD

12/5/2019 02:56:45 am

You do know the NIV has omitted 16 very important verses, right? And and someone else already mentioned, the very last verse in the entire Bible needs to be re-read. I (gasp) don't believe the King James version is exactly what it's supposed to be, as it, too has been defiled by man and cultural tradition. But I definitely don't agree with any verses being taken away or added to the original Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic Scriptures.

rajkumar

5/10/2020 02:37:25 am

Could you please give the verses. That would be helpful.
Thank you.

5/11/2020 10:26:03 am

So it is explained on Wikipedia:

"List of New Testament verses not included in modern English translations"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_Testament_verses_not_included_in_modern_English_translations

Tennessee

12/5/2019 08:33:37 am

The most important part of our life is a personal relationship with our Father God. I believe there will be many surprises when we go to Heaven. Jesus accepted everyone, the only ones he had issue with were the religious.

11/21/2020 06:13:48 pm

Amen! These scribes and “learned” missed everything in the scriptures they supposedly knew to the point that they became the perpetrators of killing their own savior themselves! God help those with a religious spirit That mock and beat up on their brothers and sisters that make up the save body!

Fred

12/10/2019 11:45:47 am

I agree with everything in this article, great article and well written. Except for you can find just as many problems with The Message Bible as you can with TPT. Stick to a real Bible like the ESV, KJV, NASB, or RSV or something.

Neal

1/8/2020 11:08:44 am

Wow, errors such as the one pointed out above by the Omar Perez should put an end to this discussion. Arguments about whether or not this is a true translation are rendered moot by such a glaring error as the TPT “translation” of John 1:12-13. This verse is central to all christian doctrine, folks! In my view, this error alone is enough to justify pulling this book off the shelves of every bookstore. Use this book if you must, but use it alongside other commentaries and with the full knowledge that it contains significant errors.

Carole link

3/3/2020 12:12:02 am

In postmodern times, I’ll stick with a premodern Bible translation. I love the KJV, even though I often need to refer to pre-modern Bible scholars to clarify words and references. I pray for God to illuminate my understanding of His Word.

Ann

1/27/2020 09:36:43 am

I have been enjoying the Passion Translation, however I wouldn’t use it to study the Bible. I would go back to the King James Version. There are a lot of verses I have enjoyed meditating on in the TPT but only after I have read them in the KJV and the Amplified. There have been a few verses that haven’t really clicked with me when comparing them to the KJV and using Strongs. Overall it expresses a “passion” for the God. But I would recommend sticking with either KJV or NKJV to really study the Bible. Not matter what version you read or preacher you listen to be led of God. He will never lead you astray.Blessings!

Simon

3/15/2020 11:26:29 am

That is exactly why people are are hating christianity, because of the likes of people who wrote this article.

I am an Xmuslim and I despise authority, telling me to read KJV is like when I was a muslim the muslims telling me to read the mainstream koran.

TPT is the version i am going for, its more to the point. Done.

7/14/2020 08:29:41 pm

Simon, I try to understand where you might be coming from. I share hoping you receive this knowing it’s coming from gentleness and respect.

Good article for your examination and study if you would like https://www.gotquestions.org/sound-doctrine.html

And this https://www.gotquestions.org/false-doctrine.html

You can ask for wisdom as it says in James 1:5, and trust God with all your heart as it reads in Proverbs 3:1-8.

It is the Spirit of truth as Jesus says that will guide you into all truth, John 16:13, and in 1 John 2:20-27.

You can as well use this Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom in Ephesians 2:15-23

I have ex Muslim friends now believers in Christ, it you are interested I have other resources and links also.

Grace to you 🌿

Courtney

4/24/2020 05:33:49 pm

So true. I've known this now for awhile. Keep up the good work in shedding the truth on darkness and deceit. God bless you and your ministry.

Lynda Scotson

5/9/2020 06:41:22 am

Excellent piece. I am researching a paper on the subject.

Sadly the link in Reference 3 seems to have been hacked and I can't get to the Weltons Academy Podcast.

Sabrina

6/5/2020 07:52:46 pm

Joseph Smith did indeed translate the Book of Mormon by the power of God. He was a prophet called by God to restore Christ's church and reveal to the world another testament of Jesus Christ (just as the New Testament was another testament added to the Tanakh).

The Book of Mormon is without a doubt God's word. There is nothing in the Book of Mormon that contradicts what the Bible teaches:

Latter-day Saints believe we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift from God (2 Nephi 26:27).

Latter-day Saints believe there is one God, three persons (2 Nephi 31:21).

Latter-day Saints believe hell exists (2 Nephi 28:22).

Latter-day Saints believe in endless fire, brimstone, and torment (2 Nephi 28:23).

Latter-day Saints condemn prosperity theology (Jacob 2:12-14)

6/6/2020 02:32:13 pm

The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. Christians do not have a reason to believe that the Bible is untrue or inadequate. To truly believe in and trust God means to believe in His Word, and all Scripture is inspired by God, which means it comes from Him (2 Timothy 3:16). -– excerpt from this article https://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html

On this gotquestions.org website you can do a search for “Mormon”, “Catholic”, “Jehovah Witness”, “sound doctrine”, “false doctrine” and much more on answers to questions based on the Bible and the Scriptures well explained and applied.

I am a Mormon. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? https://www.gotquestions.org/Mormon-Christian.html

6/6/2020 04:17:05 pm

Show me the contradictions. Latter-day Saints do not believe the Holy Bible is "false". The Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Christ, just as the New Testament was an additional testament added to the Tanakh.

Latter-day Saints believe we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a free gift from God. You can't earn something that is a "free gift" (2 Nephi 26:27).

Latter-day Saints believe there is one God, three persons (2 Nephi 31:21).

Latter-day Saints believe hell exists (2 Nephi 28:22).

Latter-day Saints believe in endless fire, brimstone, and torment (2 Nephi 28:23).

Latter-day Saints condemn prosperity theology (Jacob 2:12-14)

6/7/2020 10:43:06 am

Quote:
"The Book of Mormon is without a doubt God's word. There is nothing in the Book of Mormon that contradicts what the Bible teaches"

Hi Sabrina,
Everyone says this. Even the Devil teached the Bible to Jesus in the desert. The main problem is, he pulled it out of context.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1John 4:1

"All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." Matthew 11:27

"All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him." Luke 10:22

Check this out : What Mormons Don't Tell

https://www.crcmin.org/research
https://www.crcmin.org/what-mormons-don-t-tell

God bless you.

6/8/2020 01:59:24 am

You're welcome to believe in those theories. I know "Mormonism" very well. This isn't what the Bible warns as "false preaching". False preaching would be people like Steven Anderson, Kenneth Copeland, and Todd White.
The Book of Mormon is 100% in agreement with the Bible.

6/8/2020 02:04:50 am

Remember that not everything taught by an LDS leader is counted as official doctrine.

6/8/2020 07:23:24 pm

Hi Sabrina (and anyone else following these comments),
You asked that you be shown contradictions between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Here are some for you: Scripture References:
Bible & Book of Mormon Contradictions

There are a number of contradictions between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Some of them are substantial doctrines that define key doctrines; others are factual contradictions that may or may not have much in the way of doctrinal consequence, but beg the question: Is the Book of Mormon really the "most correct of any book on earth"?

The Book of Mormon Says...
Salvation is by grace and works. 2 Nephi 25:23

The Bible Says...
Salvation is by grace alone. Ephesians 2:8&9

The Book of Mormon Says...
The Fall of man was a necessary part of God's plan. 2 Nephi 2:23-25

The Bible Says...
The Fall of man was a violation of God's command. Romans 5:12-14

The Book of Mormon Says...
Jesus was born at Jerusalem. Alma 7:10

The Bible Says...
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1

The Book of Mormon Says...
The Gospel, Church, and Christianity existed prior to the time of Christ (in the Americas) 2 Nephi 26:12

The Bible Says...
The Gospel, Church, and Christianity began following the time of Christ. Matthew 16:18

The Book of Mormon Says...
Children are born without any sin. Moroni 8:8

The Bible Says...
Children are born with original sin. Psalm 51:5

The Book of Mormon Says...
The priesthood did not need to be Levitical. 2 Nephi 5:26 (Lehi was of the tribe of Joseph.)

The Bible Says...
The priesthood could only be through the lineage of Aaron, a Levite. Numbers 3:9-10

The Book of Mormon Says...
It was commanded to build temples in the Americas. Alma 16:13

The Bible Says...
Jerusalem was explicity chosen by God as the one place for the temple. 1 Kings 8:44-48

The Book of Mormon Says...
At Christ's crucifixion, there was three days of darkness. Helaman 14:27

The Bible Says...
At Christ's crucifixion, there were three hours of darkness. Luke 23:44

The Book of Mormon Says...
At the tower of Babel the Jaredites had a separate language which was spared the confusion of languages. Ether 1:34-35

The Bible Says...
At the tower of Babel there was one language, which was then confused by God. Genesis 11:1

6/9/2020 09:47:09 pm

1. That is a commonly misinterpeted verse. 2 Nephi 26:27 says salvation is a free gift. How can you earn a free gift?

2. Ephesians 1:4-14 - It was always a part of God's plan for Jesus to save us from our sins. Had there been no fall, there would be no need for Jesus. But God said that we were predestined to be redeemed through Jesus' blood.

3.The town of Bethlehem is in the "land of Jerusalem." In fact, Bethlehem is only 5 miles south of Jerusalem: definitely "in the land," especially from the perspective of Alma, a continent away. Even locals considered Hebron, twenty five miles from Bethlehem, to be in the "land of Jerusalem."

4. Not sure what point you're making here. People prosephied of Christ in the Old Testament. Of course prophets in the Americas were doing the same.

5. The action of eating the fruit changed Adam's whole nature as well as his relationship with God. Adam became a sinner and as such he died. His spiritual death was immediate, the physical death progressive. Adam, who began the human race, then became the source of sin for the world. We are all sinners by nature because Adam sinned. We inherit sin from Adam in our natures in the same way we inherit many of our physical characteristics from our parents. Sin is a universal part of our spiritual inheritance.

BUT we do not believe children will be damned to hell for never having known Jesus. That is what Moroni 8:8 is about.

6. As pertaining to the problem of Nephites and Lamanites officiating in the priesthood (Mosiah 2:3), it seems clear that the authority by which sacrifices were offered was the Melchizedek and not the Levitical priesthood. That there are two priesthoods is clear in Hebrews 5:1-10 and Hebrews 7:5-28. Both the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood and the higher Melchizedek priesthood were exercised in Old Testament times and the higher priesthood was used to offer sacrifice (Heb. 7:27). Five Old Testament prophets who were apparently not Levites are mentioned in connection with the offering of sacrifices:

Joshua (Ephraimite) - Josh. 8:30-31; 24:30
Samuel (Ephraimite) - 1 Sam. 1:1-2, 20; 2:18; 7:9-19; 11:14-15
Elijah (Gad or Manassah) - 1 Kings 18:31-38; 17:1
David (Judah) - 1 Chron. 16:2; Matt. 1:2-6
Solomon (Judah) - 1 Kings 3:2-3; Matt. 1:2-6

The Cambridge Bible Dictionary affirms the fact that although Samuel was "not a priest he performed priestly functions and constantly offered sacrifice at various places"

Latter-day Saints believe that all prophets from Adam to Moses held the higher or Melchizedek priesthood [3] Until Moses, no other priesthood existed and all sacrifices offered prior to that time were done by the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood (Gen. 4:4; 8:20-21; 31:54; 46:1; Ex. 5:3, 8, 17). Since the Nephites held this priesthood, they also were empowered to offer sacrifices just as Old Testament prophets had.

7. You're misinterpreting 1 Kings 8:44-48

8. Some argue that the "three days" of "darkness upon the face of the land" in the New World following Christ's death is implausible. There are also a number of references to the destruction in the New World that accompanied Christ's death to "the whole Earth." However, When the Book of Mormon says “the whole Earth” it does not actually mean the entire planet, but rather every place within the local people’s experience.

Note that in the gospel of Luke is says that Caesar taxed "all the world" (Luke 2:1). But he clearly could not have taxed anyone outside the Roman Empire, which, large as it was, was not "all the world." It certainly did not include India or China, or much of anywhere else east of Judea, nor most Arabia to the south and the vast majority of the African continent--let alone the Americas, obviously, which they did not even know. Likewise, when Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel throughout "all the world" (Mark 16:15) there no evidence they went beyond the Roman Empire either.

The phrases "all the world" and "the whole earth" in the scriptures and other ancient sources generally lack the global perspective we have today, and are in fact hyperbolic, referring to a more limited region.

9. This could be hyperbolic as well.

6/8/2020 10:42:41 pm

Sabrina, have you read the article I shared here https://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html?

It mentions this "The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible"

Anyone can search this site for articles on mormon, based on the Scriptures.

This link lists a list of contradictions of the Book of Mormon versus the Bible http://mit.irr.org/contradictions-between-book-of-mormon-and-bible

This is Melissa who explains differences between Christian and Mormon based on the Scriptures in this video, she is a friend of Alisa Childers. They both have interesting stories you can watch videos on their channels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AWu4aFiu7c

And this is a testimony and story of Hayley, who prayed and asked God for the truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAqWXd8YZ1I

One of the things God desires is for His creation to be reconciled to Himself thru Jesus, to come to the knowledge of the truth, and of of Him, experience His mercy, grace, forgiveness and love... anyone who believes Him

6/9/2020 10:05:48 pm

Thanks for sharing those links Omar, some great stuff there.

Jessica

9/4/2020 07:12:58 am

Sabrina, Christians (who are Christians by second birth rather than nominally) do not accept another testament or another prophet, in this sense, precisely because the Holy Scriptures do not prepare us for such. The word of God is divinely complete in the collection of 66 books by 40 authors, and Jesus Christ is considered our final Prophet, as Hebrews chapter 1 explains... how God spoke in the past to the fathers by the prophets but (in contrast) has in these LAST DAYS spoken to us through His Son. This was foretold by Moses, how at the end God would raise up a prophet like unto himself. Of course, all people are free to follow and believe the latter-day, self-proclaimed prophets with their words and works.. and many religious men freely do. (Historically, various sects and cults have come out of this decision.) However, Christians born of the Spirit of God have no biblical reason to heed them.

6/6/2020 01:29:16 am

The Book of Mormon.... translated by supernatural power but not from God but of the god of this world. It preaches a different gospel.... salvation by works. Does it contradict? Possibly not with the points that have been have raised, the Devil believes these things to be true too by the way and that's generally why he constantly seeks to confuse on these issues... but it's the additions to God's revelation of Himself and His only begotten son Jesus Christ that it does err. Satan and Jesus are not brothers, as the book of Mormon and the Mormon church teach. Satan is a created being, a fallen angel, whereas Jesus is the eternal Son of God - He is God the creator, always was, is and always will be.

6/6/2020 04:14:23 pm

No where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that Satan and Jesus are brothers.

Latter-day Saints believe we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift from God. You can't earn something that is a "free gift" (2 Nephi 26:27).

Latter-day Saints believe there is one God, three persons (2 Nephi 31:21).

Latter-day Saints believe hell exists (2 Nephi 28:22).

Latter-day Saints believe in endless fire, brimstone, and torment (2 Nephi 28:23).

Latter-day Saints condemn prosperity theology (Jacob 2:12-14)

6/8/2020 03:07:09 am

Do you just rely on the Book Of Mormon for your views on God the Son - Jesus, God the Father, salvation, God the Holy Spirit? You would also use the Bible am I correct? But then have a proviso that says 'only as far as it is correctly translated'. So no, you don't just rely on the Bible - you have The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price and the Christian Bible. And yet... the Bible has had additions, changes if you like, by Joseph Smith. This "Bible" originated in the 1800s and was authored by Joseph Smith. He took the Bible and changed the content by taking away parts, added his own words, copied parts from his own Book of Mormon, and in the end, published it as his "New Translation". The question has to be asked, can it be trusted? Joseph’s translation was not carried out in the traditional sense. He didn’t consult Greek and Hebrew texts or use lexicons to create a new English version. Rather, he used the King James Version of the Bible as his starting point and made additions and changes as he was directed by a spirit who he thought was the Holy Ghost.
But I digress.... getting back to this question of Jesus and His brother according to Mormonism. Now it may not say in the Book Of Mormon that they are brothers... but here is a direct quote from some Mormon literature written by the Mormon General Authority Milton R. Hunter. It is taken from page 15 in his book "The Gospel Through the Ages." You can also read present day Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie's book "Mormon Doctrine" page 193 under the subtitle "Devil" where this same doctrine is taught about Jesus being Satan's brother.
Quote:
Leaders Chosen
At the great council in heaven, God stood in the midst of His spirit-children....
Lucifers Paln
The appointment of Jesus to be the Saviour of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus...
End Quote.
So there it is. Get a hold of what your leaders teach/write and read it for yourself. It's all there.... you won't see these things initially maybe, you might have just joined, but the differences between the Mormon Church and true Christianity will become more evident the deeper you go.

6/8/2020 05:32:13 pm

Graham,

First of all, the JST is used as commentary. It isn't the standard Bible we read. And yes, it's important to read a Bible that is translated correctly. There are some poorly translated Bibles out there.

The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) is not a translation in the traditional sense. Joseph did not consider himself a "translator" in the academic sense. The JST is better thought of as a kind of "inspired commentary".

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible is not, as some members have presumed, simply a restoration of lost Biblical text or an improvement on the translation of known text. Rather, the JST also involves harmonization of doctrinal concepts, commentary and elaboration on the Biblical text, and explanations to clarify points of importance to the modern reader. As expressed in the LDS Bible Dictionary "The JST to some extent assists in restoring the plain and precious things that have been lost from the Bible".

Joseph did not claim to be mechanically preserving some hypothetically 'perfect' Biblical text. Rather, Joseph used the extant King James text as a basis for commentary, expansion, and clarification based upon revelation, with particular attention to issues of doctrinal importance for the modern reader. Reading the JST is akin to having the prophet at your elbow as one studies—it allows Joseph to clarify, elaborate, and comment on the Biblical text in the light of modern revelation.

Not everything taught by an LDS leader is considered official doctrine. Nothing you are sharing with me is a surprise. I know it all.

There is nothing written in the Bible that says God didn't have prophets in America who wrote scripture.

6/22/2020 09:28:11 am

Jim Warner Wallace is a police homicide detective, author of several books, speaker, Christian apologist, former mormon, grew up in the Latter Day Saints community, now is a Christian born again of the Spirit into the Kingdom of God. He has a website called Cold Case Christianity.

This is an article he has on his website and Facebook page "If God is truly immutable and eternal, Mormonism is false. As Christians, our faith has to begin and end in truth." -- https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/did-joseph-smiths-doctrine-of-god-change-over-time/?fbclid=IwAR0pN8Omd1BeSHSyjMf9Cnx78dUqfVJT1asUT1bwk5yozwjvTbpp7wTlHbA

6/23/2020 02:12:14 pm

*correction, Jim was an avowed atheist, his six half siblings and their mother (step-mom) are mormon

Here is another article form him titled

"Mormons Are Not Christians Because the Mormon Jesus Is Not the Christian Christ"

https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/mormons-are-not-christians-because-the-mormon-jesus-is-not-the-christian-christ/

From the Cold Case Christianity website a search can be done using key words "Jesus mormon" or "mormon" for several scripture based apologetics articles on many subjects

6/23/2020 05:41:19 pm

Thanks for sharing those resources Omar. I had heard of Jim Wallace but had completely forgotten about him... now his website is bookmarked for future reference and I must get his book for my library.

William Nunn

6/19/2020 04:30:54 pm

the link provided for the interview is no good ... in order to verify your footnotes please provide an accurate link or another one with this interview... It would be a very powerful interview but without the link working it puts into doubt your argument.

Alisa Childers link

6/20/2020 07:46:17 pm

Hi William, it looks like they took the podcast down. However, I typed this quote directly from the podcast myself. I was able to track down a recording that someone pulled before they deleted it here: https://videopress.com/v/dDTilIPH

Hope that helps. Thanks

6/20/2020 09:20:48 pm

Thank you. Do you have any referances or links for the other statements in your blog. "Another thing that sets TPT apart from these other single-author translations is that Simmons claims that Jesus visited him personally, took him to the library of heaven, and asked him to write the translation. He claims to have received "downloads," and "secrets of the Hebrew language" from Jesus Himself. Simmons even admitted that he has minimal background in biblical languages and needed the Lord's help to translate."

I find this fascinating. I come from a charismatic background however became a christian in my 20's never had a religious background before that... thank God. I have been studying NAR as well and have been influenced by Ravi Zacharias after his death ... never heard of him before but now I cant get enough of videos books etc.
This is so important ... to have an answer to those with questions in and outside the Church.

Thanks for the links on the above and have a great evening.

William Nunn
Canada

6/20/2020 09:52:46 pm

William, it looks like they took that down too! Here's another link to the same show. My hunch is that if they keep taking it down, someone will post it again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMwnUM5g_n8

6/20/2020 10:07:03 pm

Are you serious! I watched the video and the people there ate it up like I eat up my sugar crisp... they believed that ... we need biblical teaching that is founded and grounded in the Word of God ... not the experience of man. John 22 LOL.
Lord have mercy on these people.

Paul Battershill

7/1/2020 06:11:28 pm

I was reading The Passion translation, and was aware that there was considerable new narrative, upon which the translator sites Aramaic and Hebraic authority for NT scriptures (when Greek is the language of the original texts) which he then expands on, or extrapolates, extra-biblical content.
However my concerns amplified with the footnotes to Revelation that simply made my mind boggle, I have never heard such teaching before.
My worries are that this ‘translation’ opens the floodgates for subjective translations, similar to what we have heard demanded from the world coupled with the aggressive ingress of Critical Theory into the church, that simply masks the spirit of the pseudo-christ behind good works.
Even if this translation was done for the best of reasons it’s approach is dangerous and instead of submitting our thoughts to the Word, it subjects the Word to ours.
I can’t help but feel all these compromises have formed a perfect storm, one which the Family of God will ultimately suffer from.

Kathleen

7/11/2020 03:14:32 pm

David Sandvik's comment on KJV's 2 Samuel 8:2 being difficult to understand -- the NKJV explains it very well.

Andre link

8/7/2020 04:05:49 pm

It would be best if the discussion about the correct translation of the Bible sparked a movement: So that
everyone learned Bible Greek and Hebrew. Started in Sunday school.

With the free Bible software "theWord" ( for offline use). You can open ten or more different translations in comparison! Also Greek and Hebrew.

1 בְּ·רֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַ·שָּׁמַ֖יִם וְ·אֵ֥ת הָ·אָֽרֶץ׃
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

If Mark Zuckerberg could do it , you can do it !
With the free Bible software for offline use. In comparison, you can open ten or more different translations! Reading right to left would spark a revolution in the best sense. The kids would become smart like Mark .

Michael Sewell

8/10/2020 07:33:46 am

Thanks for that very useful as readers in my church are using it and house group members. We are about to start on The Book of Proverbs and straight away in Ch 1 v2 I noticed the word impartation which is very N.A.R. keep up the good work.

Julie

8/18/2020 07:18:31 am

Does anyone else find it incredibly ironic that someone who is associated with the NIV, which is notorious for leaving out whole passages of scriptures, is saying that TPT is not reliable because it leaves out and changes scripture?
Issues with TPT are valid, but anyone embracing the NIV needs to point that same finger of criticism back at NIV translation.

Scott Ebright

9/5/2020 04:23:02 pm

Alisa Childers!!! YES!!!!

I LOVE your purity of defining the exact meaning of the KJV bible. You said:

"The Word of God is perfect and doesn't need any embellishments, changes, or added emotional flourish. In the original languages, the Scriptures are exactly what God communicated to us, and our translations should endeavor to convey His words as faithfully and honestly as possible. "

And God has led my heart, through much nourishment of the Holy Spirit in believing that the Holy Bible (KJV) is the irrevocable, undeniable, indisputable word of God!

And this has been proven to me many, many times through my discernment, wisdom, faith and love of Lord Jehovah, and our Lord and Savior Yeshua.

Daniel Gray link

9/8/2020 02:53:06 pm

Thank you for such an excellent article. Or should I say, “Heads up.” You have really hit on a need. People have been replying for over a year now. A Bible presenting a new text such as this one is the last thing a person would expect to run across when choosing a Bible in a Christian bookstore. We can get caught off guard so easily if we do not do our homework. There are so many “translations” available that it is difficult to keep up with them. We do well if we are able to guide people to good Bibles that will help them grow in Christ and steer them away from the ones that are no good.

Brian Modra

10/22/2020 03:11:47 pm

Psalm 32:6 is an example of where the King James version translation is wrong, and most other translations followed suit, though a few e.g: CSB, CEV, ISV, YLT; translated it better. However, even the NASB (my favourite), got it wrong:
"pray to You in a time when You may be found" - what, so there is a time he may not be found?
Youngs Literal translates it:
"pray to Thee, As the time to find" - which begins to make sense, because in the preceding verses he was talking about confessing his sins. I.e. pray to him when your sin is found, immediately ask forgiveness.
The Passion Translation says:
"do it every time God has uncovered you in the time of exposing."
That is paraphrased, but so was the KJV. They took one word, and translated it as "when thou mayest be found".
That Hebrew word is "matsa", which means "to attain to, find" and the word preceding it is "eth", which means "time"... i.e. "when you were found out". Pray then, when your guilt is exposed, that's the time to ask forgiveness. It's so simple, even I can understand it, and can see that obviously, the Passion Translation got it right, and the KJV, and most other "more accepted" versions, got it horribly wrong.

Toby Grady

12/14/2020 05:44:28 pm

HI Alisa, thanks so much for this article and for your research. I am a New Testament professor at a Christian college and was unfortunately not surprised at the inaccuracy of the Passion Translation as I am quite familiar with Bethel Church and similar movements and how they interpret scripture. I am wondering if it is possible to lobby Bible Gateway to get them to remove it from their website? I have sent them a kind email asking them to consider removing it, and linked your article as a good explanation as to why. I would guess you have greater influence than I do! Bible Gateway is so influential and so widely used, it seems important for them to give this one the axe.

2/11/2021 08:28:03 pm

check out Mike Winger who is doing something called "the passion project" on youtube researching this, and also videos of Alisa and him on "progressive" christianity https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mike+winger+passion+project

2/2/2021 02:36:42 am

Truth is the word of God. It doesn’t matter what you feel. Faith is not a feeling. Gods word says in the OT and the NT Do not add to or take away from Gods word. So just as the word of God says, “Let God be true and everyman a liar.”

There is no library in heaven. If Jesus visited this man then he would have wrote in his word the 3rd coming of Jesus Christ after his 2nd appearance on earth to Mr Simmons.

Are people really deceived into thinking the creator of Heaven and earth was not wise enough, not powerful and perfect enough to have made the Bible what he already wanted it to be.

Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

Matthew 24:11 “And many false prophets shall rise, and deceive many.”

If Jesus were going to come to give us more words for the Bible by returning between his accession into heaven and the rapture, it would have been prophesied for our time. Just as his birth. (Or will he write that in his new and improved translation? Cause God needs help.) The second coming would be called the third coming. And if Mr Simmons went to heaven then he was raptured. So how’d he get back? How is there a library in heaven? Spirits can hold books? So he seen heaven? The Bible says eye hath not seen... So Mr. Simmons got back stage passes?

I pray we are all preserved from the snare of the enemy. I pray we are not deceived. Stay in the word of God.

2/8/2021 01:32:57 pm

I respectfully disagree with this article. While we can tell that the TPT has a mix of interpretation and translation, the content faithfully keeps the God on the throne and all the core content. How do I know? Because I read many translations and I have the Holy Spirit in me who interprets the word. The bible is not an intellectual book it is a LIVING book that can only be interpreted with the help of the Holy Spirit. If the guarantee to know God was in the KJV, we wouldn't have so many misinterpretations and religious leaders who act like the pharisees trying to control the Christian community with their own opinion. These leaders are not the Holy Spirit and it's Jesus who we are to follow, not them.

3/1/2021 06:05:59 pm

As concerning the Word of life, Luke 10 section 25-28 says: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
Luke 18 section 18-25 says: A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5 section 43-48 says: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
In Old Testament, the Jewish people and their ancestors were given the Law to observe. First, What Adam and Eve should observe was that they could not eat the fruits from the tree of wisdom. Then, their son Cain was told that he should not kill. As sins became increased, the laws were also added more. Up to the generation of Moses, the Law in Old Testament was given to Israelites. We know that the Law is good and the Law is used to punish people who commit sins, but people cannot obey the Law because the sinful spirits are in people. Even that we know stealing and giving false testimony are sinful, but greedy and pride spirits in us drive us to do sinful things. So as Old Testament prophesied we need to get rid of our sinful nature from our spirits.
Jeremiah 31 section 31-33 says: "The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the Lord. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Ezekiel 36 section 24-27 says: "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
The prophecies are fulfilled when Jesus begins to teach love. The two greatest commandments are " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Love is above the Law and if people have love they are free from the law of sin and death. People who are full of love will not think about stealing or giving false testimony but are merciful and they feed hungry people or give thirsty people something to drink or invite strangers in or clothe people who need clothes. The Law is for people who commit sins. Nobody will say that he will get reward because he does not steal before. But love is the grace we get. And with love we will get eternal life.
Romans 13 section 8-10 says: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Luke 17 section 2

Kevin Little

4/11/2021 01:44:22 am

I purchased a digital copy of TPT from Olive Tree, as a Pastor I want to do my own research. I notice however that the wording cited here and on other websites is different.

For example

Psalm 18:1:
TPT: "Lord, I passionately love you! I want to embrace you, For now you’ve become my Power!"

Mine says Psalms 18:1 (TPT)
1 I love you, Yahweh, and I’m bonded to you,
my strength!

Can anyone explain please?

4/15/2021 09:22:02 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebZ5sF9s8r0

He says "I translate the Bible as a hobby. AS A HOBBY!!!!!

Chubucca

4/17/2021 12:24:55 pm

He says he revises the books every two years based on the critics suggestions. He explains that God told him that the critics will help make the book better that way

4/17/2021 12:02:07 pm

TPT is popular to the Charismatic and Pentecostal, cause we know we need spirit and word which TPT relates well.

Brian Simmons explains on his FB of the many solo bible scholars whom wrote the bible including Tyndale's work which is a majority (83%) of the KJV bible.

Brian Simmon explains in his teaching material, the different types of translations, word for word, thought for thought and paraphrase. He explains that no one bible is best for understanding scriptures and that TPT is a dynamic translation which is a combination of all 3 languages, Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. He doesn't specifically categorise his bible in any of those 3 wfw, tft or paraphrase.

I feel your analysis is only surface and not truthful and fair. "He who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man receives the reward of a righteous man" (Matthew 10:42) more blessing for me if you and anyone else won't recieve it though. God bless all.

Zan link

7/22/2021 08:33:41 am

I have read all of these opinions, I love this passion translation. I have read the Bible through as I had Bible in school as a child. Why does everyone have to be so judgmental. It’s a very good translation and it explains very well what we need to know and believe to have eternal life. Jesus is the son of God sent to earth to save us from all our sins. We are saved by Jesus death on the cross.None of us would possibly be saved without God Grace. We come to Christ like a child therefore we sometimes need help understanding. Read the passion translation along with another translation, you will get the picture.

Denise

2/1/2022 05:34:00 am

Agreed, this is sad to read, it’s like reading about the Pharisees…. Yea they killed Jesus. I’m interested in what Jesus said, or what anyone actually said, Jesus spoke Aramaic not authorized KJV. When I read the TPT I feel the love of God. So don’t buy it, & don’t read it. But don’t bash the word of God.

Carl Solano

7/13/2021 10:43:26 pm

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ apart from the Bible. Saying the The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day saints is a cult makes one take your thoughts less into consideration.

Curtis Wilson

10/11/2021 01:07:13 pm

Jesus Christ is NOT the "words" (plural)
of God, He is the "Word of God" (singular). Jesus is NOT the Bible. The words (plural) contained in scripture point to the one who is the "Word" (singular)

Reading scripture without the aid of the Holy Spirit will always end up in error no matter what translation one is reading!

Michelle Coates link

1/2/2022 05:52:01 pm

Honestly, and this is upon reading the beginning of Proverbs for a bible study so I haven't read much, I feel this is speaking to my ego not my spriit.

The first verse Prov 1.1 says it will give wisdom to empower you to reign in life.

I've never believed God would give me power to reign in life, He gives me the spirit to do God's will, God will reign in my life and He will get the glory, not me.

I love reading my KJV and God really speaks to me thru it. And if i ever hear from God I know he will confirm it 3 times, that's how he revealed himself to me before I was a true Christian, 1 if not 3 of those times will always be with the word.

Susan

1/6/2022 06:34:08 am

The YouTube videos posted her may help in discerning the controversy with the PTT.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvXha4rjCj1Po0WLQc_jGGW

mohammad link

6/14/2022 09:37:20 pm

this is a great information

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Here's Why Christians Should Be Concerned About The Passion Translation of the Bible

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