The Significance of Bible Versions

Walking in Grace with Matthew and Whitney

In this discussion, we will provide a snippet of our study for next Sunday dedicated to Galatians Chapter 2. We'll primarily focus on Galatians 2:7, examining different Bible versions and their implications. We aim to clarify misconceptions about the gospels preached by Peter and Paul, and how versions can potentially impact our understanding of the content.

Our main tool will be blueletterbible.org, which allows for a comparison across varied versions of the Bible. We'll delve into the King James Version (KJV), recognized as the pure, preserved word of God, along with other versions created over time. Our goal is to highlight contrasting interpretations brought about by minor yet impactful changes in wording—specifically, Galatians 2:7.

Galatians 2:7 states, "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter" (KJV). In comparison, the NIV and NASB versions subtly alter the text, which can lead readers to believe that Paul and Peter were preaching the same Gospel to different audiences. However, the KJV clearly identifies two distinct gospels—of the circumcision and the uncircumcision.

It's these small textual discrepancies—like "of" and "to"—that can cause confusing interpretations among readers. Both versions suggest different messages, with one insinuating the existence of separate gospels and the other implying that it's the same gospel targeted at different audiences. It's discrepancies like these that confirm why the KJV, devoid of contradictions, remains the pure, unaltered Word of God.

Join us in this enlightening journey as we dissect and understand the significance of Bible versions and their role in shaping our understanding of the sacred text.