1. God’s Word Is Not Limited to One Language
1 Corinthians 14:9 (NIV): "Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air."
Acts 2:6–11 — On Pentecost, the Spirit allowed people to hear the Word of God in their own languages. This shows God values accessibility in many tongues.
Revelation 7:9–10 — A great multitude from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” worship before the throne. The gospel is meant for all languages.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV): "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
2. Scripture Emphasizes Inspiration, Not Translation
2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (referring originally to the Hebrew and Greek writings, not specifically the KJV). The authority comes from God’s Word itself, not one English rendering.
2 Peter 1:20–21 — Prophecy came as men were moved by the Holy Spirit, again pointing to the originals rather than a single translation.
3. Translations Have Always Existed
Nehemiah 8:8 — Ezra and the Levites read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand. That’s essentially translation and explanation.
Luke 4:18–19 (quoting Isaiah 61) — Jesus quoted the Septuagint (a Greek translation of Hebrew Scripture) rather than the Hebrew text word-for-word.
4. Avoid Division Over Non-Essentials
1 Corinthians 1:10–13 — Paul warns against dividing over leaders or human preferences. Similarly, dividing the church over which English Bible translation is “purest” causes unnecessary strife.
Romans 14:1–4 — Reminds us not to quarrel over disputable matters but to honor one another’s conscience before God.
5. The Goal of Scripture Is Understanding and Obedience
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The purpose of Scripture is to guide us, not to be locked into one form.
John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The truth of God’s Word is what sanctifies — not the English style of one translation.
Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV): "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."
Practical Advice:
God never restricted His Word to one translation or one language.
The earliest Christians used different versions (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic).
What matters most is understanding and obeying God’s Word, not defending one English rendering.
Galatians 6:1 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness."
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