The abbreviation “NWT” stands for the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which is a Bible translation published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, the organization associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. The NWT was first released in the early 1950s and has since been revised and updated several times. This translation is unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses and reflects their theological perspectives.
Overview of the New World Translation (NWT)
History and Development
The New World Translation was produced by a committee of Jehovah’s Witnesses who sought to create a Bible translation that they believed would restore the original meanings of the biblical texts and reflect the teachings of their faith. The New Testament portion, titled The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, was first published in 1950, and the complete Bible, including the Old Testament (referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures by Jehovah’s Witnesses), was released in 1961.
The translation committee was kept anonymous, a practice that differs from most other Bible translation efforts, which typically list the translators or contributors. This anonymity has been a point of controversy and criticism, as it raises questions about the qualifications and biases of the translators.
Translation Philosophy and Features
The NWT was translated from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translation committee emphasized what they called “literalness,” aiming to render the Bible as closely as possible to the original languages. However, many scholars and critics have noted that some of the translation choices reflect specific doctrinal positions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, particularly in areas where traditional Christian translations differ from their teachings.
One of the most notable features of the NWT is its use of the name “Jehovah” for God, especially in the Old Testament. The translators chose to use “Jehovah” where the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) appears in the Hebrew Scriptures. This is in contrast to most other Bible translations, which typically render YHWH as “LORD” in capital letters.
Psalm 83:18 (NWT):
“That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”
This choice to use “Jehovah” is based on the belief that this is a more accurate representation of God’s name, although the exact pronunciation of YHWH is uncertain, and “Jehovah” is a later, Latinized form.
Differences from Other Translations
The NWT contains several key differences from traditional Christian Bible translations, particularly in passages that relate to the nature of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and other doctrinal matters. For example, the NWT translates John 1:1 in a way that differs significantly from most other translations.
John 1:1 (NWT):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”
This translation reflects the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ belief that Jesus (the Word) is not equal with God the Father but is a distinct, subordinate being. This contrasts with the traditional Christian understanding of the Trinity, where Jesus is fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Theological Implications of the NWT
Views on Jesus Christ
One of the most significant theological differences reflected in the NWT is its interpretation of the nature of Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Trinity, instead teaching that Jesus is the first creation of God, through whom all other things were made. This belief is evident in the way certain verses are translated in the NWT.
Colossians 1:15-16 (NWT):
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth…”
The addition of the word “other” in this passage (not present in the original Greek) suggests that Jesus is part of creation rather than the Creator Himself, which aligns with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ theology but differs from orthodox Christian teachings.
The Holy Spirit
In the NWT, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as “God’s active force” rather than as a distinct person of the Trinity. This reflects the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ belief that the Holy Spirit is not a person but an impersonal force used by God to accomplish His will.
Genesis 1:2 (NWT):
“Now the earth was formless and desolate, and there was darkness upon the surface of the watery deep, and God’s active force was moving about over the surface of the waters.”
This interpretation contrasts with traditional Christian theology, which teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God and actively involved in the lives of believers.
Reception and Criticism
Scholarly Criticism
The NWT has faced criticism from many biblical scholars and theologians, particularly regarding its translation choices that seem to reflect doctrinal bias. Critics argue that the translation alters the meaning of certain key passages to fit the specific beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, rather than faithfully representing the original texts.
Use Within Jehovah’s Witnesses
Despite the criticism, the NWT is widely used and accepted among Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is considered their authoritative Bible translation and is used in their worship services, publications, and personal study. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the NWT is seen as a tool to understand God’s word more accurately and to live according to His teachings.
Conclusion
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a Bible translation produced by and for Jehovah’s Witnesses. It reflects their specific theological perspectives, particularly concerning the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. While it is a central text for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the NWT has been subject to criticism from other Christian denominations and biblical scholars for its translation choices, which some see as doctrinally biased. Understanding the NWT in the context of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs provides insight into how this translation shapes their interpretation of Scripture and their religious practices.