The Holy Spirit in Translation

Just as with Jesus, readers often ask: Is the same Holy Spirit mentioned in the KJV, NIV, ESV, and NLT?

1. "Ghost" vs. "Spirit"

The most obvious difference is linguistic, not theological. The KJV uses "Holy Ghost," while modern versions use "Holy Spirit."

• Explanation: In 1611, the English word "ghost" (from the Old English gast) simply meant "spirit" or "breath." It did not carry today's connotation of a spooky, disembodied soul of a dead person. Modern translations use "Spirit" to communicate the accurate meaning to contemporary readers. It is the exact same Third Person of the Trinity.

2. The Johannine Comma (1 John 5:7-8)

• KJV: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

• Modern Versions: Usually omit this phrase or place it in a footnote, reading instead: "For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood..."

• Analysis: This is the most significant textual variance regarding the Trinity. The KJV includes a clear Trinitarian formula found in late Latin manuscripts but absent from the earliest Greek manuscripts.

• Does this change the theology? No. Even without this specific verse in modern translations, the Holy Spirit is clearly depicted as God throughout the rest of the text (e.g., Acts 5:3-4, where lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God; 2 Corinthians 3:17). The same Holy Spirit—divine, personal, and active—is present in all these translations.

Unity in the Midst of Diversity

Should Fundamental and Evangelical Churches Divide Over Translations?

The short answer is no. Division over the choice of KJV versus NIV, ESV, or NLT is rarely a matter of "heresy" versus "truth," but rather a misunderstanding of translation philosophy and manuscript history.

1. Fundamentalism and the KJV: Some Fundamentalist circles adhere to "KJV-Onlyism," believing modern translations compromise the deity of Christ. This stance, while often born of a desire to protect God's Word, can create unnecessary division by labeling fellow believers as "liberal" or "apostate" simply for reading an ESV or NIV.

2. Evangelicalism and Modern Versions: Most Evangelical churches embrace modern translations for their readability and accuracy to the oldest texts.

Dividing over this issue weakens the Church. If a translation affirms the Deity of Christ, salvation by Grace through Faith, and the Trinity (which KJV, NIV, ESV, and NLT all do), then we are brothers and sisters in the same Gospel.

How to Unite in Different Bible Translations

Unity does not require uniformity. We can unite by:

1. Focusing on the Message, Not the Medium: The power of Scripture lies in the truth it conveys—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether one reads "Verily, verily" (KJV) or "Truly I tell you" (NIV), the command to love God and neighbor remains binding.

2. Using Comparative Study: Instead of fighting over which version is "best," use them together. Let the majesty of the KJV inspire worship, the precision of the ESV guide study, and the clarity of the NLT aid devotion. This approach enriches our understanding rather than narrowing it.

3. Practicing Grace in Non-Essentials: As the old maxim goes: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." The specific English translation we use is a non-essential liberty, provided it is a faithful translation of the text.

Conclusion

The Jesus of the Bible—whether described in the archaic beauty of the 17th century or the clear prose of the 21st—is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Holy Spirit referenced in these texts is the same breath of God empowering the Church. Rather than allowing translation differences to become walls of division, believers should see them as windows into the richness of God's Word. By anchoring ourselves in the person of Christ and the love of the Spirit, we can stand united, regardless of the version of the Bible we hold in our hands.