Overview
"I warn you, as I warned you before: those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21 BSB
The New World Translation (NWT), produced by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and used exclusively by Jehovah's Witnesses, represents a significant departure from the original biblical languages and the faithful translation principles evident in manuscripts going back nearly two thousand years. Rather than pursuing word-for-word accuracy from the earliest Greek and Hebrew texts, the NWT systematically alters passages to support specific theological positions that contradict core Christian doctrine. This translation has been widely critiqued by biblical scholars, linguists, and textual authorities for introducing interpretive bias into what should be an objective rendering of Scripture. Understanding how and why these alterations occur is essential for believers seeking to ground their faith in the authentic Word of God.
Biblical Account
Scripture consistently presents Jesus Christ as fully divine and eternal, worthy of worship alongside the Father. However, the NWT deliberately obscures or denies these foundational truths through selective translation choices. In John 1:1, where the original Greek identifies the Word as theos (God), the NWT renders it "the Word was a god"—introducing an indefinite article absent in the original text to suggest Christ is a created being rather than God Himself. This contradicts what Scripture plainly declares.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 BSB
"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!'" John 8:58 BSB
Similarly, Colossians 1:16-17 affirms that Christ created all things and sustains all things, yet the NWT inserts the word "other" four times to suggest Christ created "other things," making Him part of creation rather than the Creator. The manipulation extends to Christ's worship; Hebrews 1:6 commands angels to worship the Son, but the NWT changes the Greek word proskyneo to "obeisance" rather than "worship," diminishing Christ's divine status.
"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16 BSB
"When He again brings His firstborn into the world, He says, 'Let all God's angels worship Him.'" Hebrews 1:6 BSB
Theological Significance
These translation choices strike at the heart of biblical Christianity and the person of Christ. The doctrine of Christ's divinity is not peripheral but central to salvation itself. When a translation system removes or obscures the clear testimony of Scripture regarding Jesus' nature, it fundamentally alters what believers understand about who Christ is and what His work accomplishes. God the Father Himself testified to Christ's deity, and the Holy Spirit moved the original biblical authors to proclaim it plainly. Altering these texts represents a serious tampering with the foundation of Christian faith.
"So Jesus said to them, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.'" John 8:28 BSB
Key Bible Verses
- Colossians 2:8-9 BSB — Warns against hollow and deceptive philosophy that fails to acknowledge Christ's fullness and supreme authority.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 BSB — Commands believers to present themselves approved to God, handling the word of truth accurately.
- 2 Peter 3:16 BSB — Notes that some distort Scripture to their own destruction.
- Proverbs 22:12 BSB — Affirms that God's eyes are on knowledge and He frustrates the words of the faithless.
- Revelation 22:18-19 BSB — Warns against adding to or subtracting from Scripture's words.
Application
Believers must test all translations and teaching against the original biblical languages and the consistent testimony of Scripture. When encountering any translation that introduces theological interpretations not present in the source texts, Christians should examine whether it serves truth or agenda. "Beloved, 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." 1 John 4:1 BSB The call to biblical faithfulness demands that we read God's Word from translations committed to accurate representation of the original texts, ensuring our foundation rests on what God actually revealed rather than human theological revision.