Which Bible Best Retains Most of the Original Wording Prior to the Emendations (Corrections) made to the Hebrew Text
E. W. Bullinger, in Appendix #33 of The Companion Bible, lists 18 emendations made by the Sopherim to the Hebrew Text.
"These emendations were made at a period long before Christ, before the Hebrew text had obtained its present settled form, and these emendations affect the Figure called Anthropopatheia."
Anthropopatheia: "or Condescension...Ascribing to God what belongs to human and rational beings, irrational creatures, or inanimate things." Bullinger, Figures of Speech
Does your Bible give you the primitive original reading? Or are you reading a later corrected text? Let's find out:
[Original text readings are exactly as written by E.W. Bullinger, or close to the KJV rendering where Bullinger is absent; any Scripture reading that starts with "ftn.," indicates that this is a footnote reading, a marginal note and not part of the main text.]
Emendations to the Torah
Genesis 18:22
"And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD."
But the original text reads:
"but Jehovah stood yet before Abraham."
Here the Sopherim felt that it was demeaning to Jehovah to say that He stood before Abraham, so they changed it to read otherwise.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: as for Jehovah, he was still standing before Abraham
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: but, Yahweh was yet standing before Abraham
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: but Jehovah still stood before Abraham but add a ftn. Abraham still stood before Jehovah
New Jerusalem Bible gives a somewhat Original Reading: Yahweh remained in Abraham's presence
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham was still standing before the LORD.
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: The LORD remained standing before Abraham
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham remained standing before the LORD, but adds a ftn. but the LORD remained standing before Abraham
Smith & Goodspeed's AT* gives the Original Reading: the LORD remained standing before Abraham
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: Abraham is yet standing before Jehovah
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: Abraham remained yet standing before Jehovah
Good News Bible-TEV** gives a somewhat Original Reading: but the LORD remained with Abraham
Revised English Bible gives the Emended Reading: Abraham remained standing before the LORD
Numbers 11:15
"And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in Thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness."
The original text reads:
"And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, our of hand, if I have found favour in Thy sight; and let me not see thy evil."
The Sopherim made the change as they did not want to ascribe evil to God.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All of the Bibles above give the emended reading with the exception of Good News Bible-TEV. The New World Translation does add the original reading in the footnotes.
Numbers 12:12
"Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb."
The original text reads:
"Let her not be as one dead, of whom our flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb."
The text was altered to avoid including Aaron in this comment about their flesh being 'half consumed.' This was thought to be a derogatory comment toward a High Priest such as Aaron.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All of the Bibles above give the emended reading with the exception of Byington's Bible in Living English. The New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible add the original reading in the footnotes.
Emendations to the Prophets (NEVI'IM)
I Samuel 3:13
"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."
The original text reads:
"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons cursed God, and he restrained them not."
The Sopherim softened this text due to a mistaken sense of reverence.
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: calling down evil upon God with an added ftn. for themselves
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: cursing God
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: insulting God
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: cursing God
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: curse on themselves
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., for themselves
New American Bible gives the reading: its flesh
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves contemptible with an added ftn., blasphemed God
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., blaspheming for themselves
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the reading: committed sacrilege
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., for themselves
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: making themselves vile
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: spoken evil things against me
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: blasphemies against God with an added ftn., to them
2 Samuel 12:14
"Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."
The original text reads:
"thou has greatly blasphemed Jehovah."
Here the Sopherim made a change so that the esteemed king David would not be seen as having blasphemed Jehovah.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: you have unquestionably treated Jehovah with disrespect with an added ftn., treated the enemies of Jehovah with disrespect
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: thou hast greatly blasphemed Yahweh with an added ftn., greatly blasphemed the enemies of Y.
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: you did treat Jehovah with contempt
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: you have outraged Yahweh by doing this
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD ftn. the enemies of the LORD
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: you have utterly spurned the LORD
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt with an added ftn., you have shown utter contempt for the LORD
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: you have openly spurned the LORD
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD with an added ftn. the enemies of the LORD
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: you have spurned the enemies of the LORD with an added ftn. spurned the LORD
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD with an added ftn. scorned the enemies of the LORD
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: thou hast caused the enemies of Jehovah greatly to despise by this thing
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Jehovah to blaspheme
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: you have shown such contempt for the LORD
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: you have shown your contempt for the LORD with an added ftn. the enemies of the LORD
2 Samuel 16:12
"It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
The original text reads:
"Jehovah will behold with His eye."
Bullinger: "This was thought to be to anthropomorphic, and so was altered, and the alteration recorded."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: Perhaps Jehovah will see with his eye
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: Yahweh will behold with his eye
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps Jehovah will look upon my wretched state
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps Yahweh will look on my wretchedness
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on mine affliction
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look upon my affliction
New American Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will see my distress
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on my affliction
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on the wrong done to me
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look upon my punishment with an added ftn., eye
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading:the LORD will look on my distress
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on my affliction
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: Jehovah doth look on mine affliction
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: Jehovah will look on mine affliction
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will notice my misery
Revised English Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will mark my sufferings
2 Samuel 20:1
"And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel."
The original text reads:
"'We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his gods, O Israel"
Bullinger: "One of the emendations of the Sopherim by which they transposed the middle two letters of the primitive text and made it read 'tents' instead of 'gods.'"
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the Original Reading: every one to his gods though Rotherham's Emphasized Bible adds it in a footnote
I Kings 12:16
"So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the People answered the king saying, 'What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David.' So Israel departed unto their tents."
The original text reads:
"to your gods, O Israel"
Bullinger: "The original text was 'to your gods', because the sin was apostasy from Jehovah's worship in Jerusalem.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the Original Reading: to your gods
1 Kings 21:10
"And set two men, sons of Belial, before him to bear witness against him, saying, 'Thou didst blaspheme God and the king.' And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.'"
The original text was emended to read 'bless' instead of 'blaspheme.' Thankfully, this time, the King James translators discovered the change and rendered it correctly.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All but Young's Literal Version gave the original reading.
1 Kings 21:13
The same situation as in 1 Kings 21:10.
Jeremiah 2:11
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit."
The original text reads:
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed My glory for that which doth not profit."
Bullinger explains that this change as being made out of a mistaken idea of reverence.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Onle the New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gave the original reading of "my glory" though the Good News Bible-TEV had "my people have exchanged me."
Ezekiel 8:17
"For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose."
The original text reads:
"... For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, to, they put the branch to My nose."
"This is one of the 18 emendations of the Sopherim, by which they record their change of 'aphphi (My nostrils), of the primitive text, to 'aphpham (their nostrils), in order to remove what was though to be an indelicate and derogatory Anthropomorphism." Bullinger
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible and Byington's Bible in Living English, though the Good News Bible-TEV had: "Look how they insult me in the most offensive way possible!"
Emendations to the Minor Prophets
Hosea 4:7
"As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: therefore will I change their glory into shame."
The original text reads:
"As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: My glory they have they changed into shame."
Another instance where the Sopherim displayed a mistaken sense of reverence toward God.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible had the original reading.
Habakkuk 1:12
"Art Thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, Thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, Thou hast established them for correction."
The original text reads:
"Art Thou not from everlasting, O Jehovah my God, mine Holy One? who diest not. ..."
This change was made as "...it was considered offensive to say this ["who diest not"] of Jehovah; ..."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
The New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Byington's Bible in Living English, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Smith & Goodspeed's AT, Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Bible-TEV and the Revised English Bible gave the original reading.
Zechariah 2:8
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye."
The original text read:
"... After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of Mine eye."
It was considered derogatory and too anthropomorphic to speak of God as having an eye in a literal sense.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version though the Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society has the ftn., Heb "My"
Malachi 1:12
"But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, 'The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.'"
The original text read:
"But ye have profaned Me, in that ye say, 'The table of the Jehovah is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.'"
Another change made due to a mistaken sense of reverence, and the idea that Jehovah cannot be profaned.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: you men are profaning me, with a ftn., 'him' or 'it'
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: ye are profaning me
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: you have profaned it
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: but you have profaned it
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: But you are profaning it
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: But ye have profaned it
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: But you profaned it
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: you behave profanely toward me
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profaned it
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: you are defiling it
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profaned it
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: you profane it
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profane it
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profane it
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: ye are polluting it
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: but ye profane it
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: But you dishonor me
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: but you profaned me
Malachi 3:9
"Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation."
The original text reads:
"Ye have cursed Me with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation."
Bullinger states: "The Sopherim say that they altered the letter (Mem = M) into (Nun = N), thus making it passive instead of active, and detaching it from the rest of the sentence. This was done to avoid a supposed irreverence."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the original reading.
Emendations to the Writings (KETHUVIM)
Psalm 10:3
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth."
The original text reads:
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, And the covetous man blasphemeth, yea, abhorreth Jehovah."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All Bibles but the King James Version give the original correct reading.
Psalm 106:20
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
The original text reads:
"Thus they changed My glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: they exchanged my glory with an added ftn., their glory
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: exchanged my glory with an added ftn., their glory
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: changed their glory ftn., his glory
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: they exchanged their glorious God
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their Glory
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: They exchanged the glory of God with an added ftn. Heb exchanged their glory
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: And change their Honour
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: they exchanged their God for...with an added ftn., Heb, their glory
Job 1:5
"And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all for Job said, 'It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.' Thus did Job continually."
Here the Sopherim changed the word 'cursed' to 'bless' in the Hebrew text, but the translators of the King James Version corrected it in the English version. The same is true of three other verses in the book of Job: Job 1:11; 2:5 and 2:9).
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All the Bibles listed give the correct original reading.
Job 7:20
"I have sinned; what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden to myself?"
The original text reads:
"I have sinned; what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden unto Thee?"
Not believing that any mere man could be a 'burden' to God, this Scripture was emended by the Sopherim.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: so that I should become a burden to you with an added ftn., myself
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: have I become unto thee a burden with an added ftn., unto myself
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: have me as a load to carry
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: why should I be a burden to you
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: so that I am a burden to myself
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: I am a burden to myself
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: Why have I become a burden to thee
New American Bible has the reading: take away my guilt
New International Version gives the Original Reading: have I become a burden to you? with an added ftn. I have become a burden to myself
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: I am become a burden to thee
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: have I become a burden to you?
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: why have I become a burden to you?
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself with an added ftn., You
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: Am I so great a burden to you?
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: become a burden to you with an added ftn., Heb me
Job 32:3
"Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job."
The original text read:
"Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned God."
Condemning God was considered derogatory, so the above was changed so that the condemnation was directed towards Job.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
The New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Byington's Bible in Living English, New Jerusalem Bible, Smith & Goodspeed's AT, Good News Bible-TEV and the Revised English Bible are the only Bibles in this list that had the original reading.
2 Chronicles 10:16
"every man to your tents, O Israel"
The original text reads:
"... every man to your gods, O Israel: ..."
This is a repeat of the emendation made in 2 Samuel 20:1 and 1 Kings 12:16. See above.
Of the 21 charts above, the New World Translation ranked the highest, only twice relegating the original reading to the footnotes. Rotherham's Emphasized Bible came in second. The worst offender was Young's Literal Translation, with the King James Version, New KJV, Darby and the New American Standard Version following closely behind.
The mainstream Catholic Bibles (New American, New Jerusalem, Good News-Catholic Edition) were more accurate than the mainstream Protestant Bibles.
*Smith & Goodspeed's An American Translation
**Good News Bible-Today's English Version
"These emendations were made at a period long before Christ, before the Hebrew text had obtained its present settled form, and these emendations affect the Figure called Anthropopatheia."
Anthropopatheia: "or Condescension...Ascribing to God what belongs to human and rational beings, irrational creatures, or inanimate things." Bullinger, Figures of Speech
Does your Bible give you the primitive original reading? Or are you reading a later corrected text? Let's find out:
[Original text readings are exactly as written by E.W. Bullinger, or close to the KJV rendering where Bullinger is absent; any Scripture reading that starts with "ftn.," indicates that this is a footnote reading, a marginal note and not part of the main text.]
Emendations to the Torah
Genesis 18:22
"And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD."
But the original text reads:
"but Jehovah stood yet before Abraham."
Here the Sopherim felt that it was demeaning to Jehovah to say that He stood before Abraham, so they changed it to read otherwise.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: as for Jehovah, he was still standing before Abraham
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: but, Yahweh was yet standing before Abraham
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: but Jehovah still stood before Abraham but add a ftn. Abraham still stood before Jehovah
New Jerusalem Bible gives a somewhat Original Reading: Yahweh remained in Abraham's presence
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham was still standing before the LORD.
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: The LORD remained standing before Abraham
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham remained standing before the LORD, but adds a ftn. but the LORD remained standing before Abraham
Smith & Goodspeed's AT* gives the Original Reading: the LORD remained standing before Abraham
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: while Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but Abraham still stood before the LORD
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: Abraham is yet standing before Jehovah
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: Abraham remained yet standing before Jehovah
Good News Bible-TEV** gives a somewhat Original Reading: but the LORD remained with Abraham
Revised English Bible gives the Emended Reading: Abraham remained standing before the LORD
Numbers 11:15
"And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in Thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness."
The original text reads:
"And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, our of hand, if I have found favour in Thy sight; and let me not see thy evil."
The Sopherim made the change as they did not want to ascribe evil to God.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All of the Bibles above give the emended reading with the exception of Good News Bible-TEV. The New World Translation does add the original reading in the footnotes.
Numbers 12:12
"Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb."
The original text reads:
"Let her not be as one dead, of whom our flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb."
The text was altered to avoid including Aaron in this comment about their flesh being 'half consumed.' This was thought to be a derogatory comment toward a High Priest such as Aaron.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All of the Bibles above give the emended reading with the exception of Byington's Bible in Living English. The New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible add the original reading in the footnotes.
Emendations to the Prophets (NEVI'IM)
I Samuel 3:13
"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."
The original text reads:
"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons cursed God, and he restrained them not."
The Sopherim softened this text due to a mistaken sense of reverence.
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: calling down evil upon God with an added ftn. for themselves
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: cursing God
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: insulting God
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: cursing God
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: curse on themselves
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., for themselves
New American Bible gives the reading: its flesh
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves contemptible with an added ftn., blasphemed God
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., blaspheming for themselves
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the reading: committed sacrilege
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: blaspheming God with an added ftn., for themselves
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: making themselves vile
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: made themselves vile
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: spoken evil things against me
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: blasphemies against God with an added ftn., to them
2 Samuel 12:14
"Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."
The original text reads:
"thou has greatly blasphemed Jehovah."
Here the Sopherim made a change so that the esteemed king David would not be seen as having blasphemed Jehovah.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: you have unquestionably treated Jehovah with disrespect with an added ftn., treated the enemies of Jehovah with disrespect
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: thou hast greatly blasphemed Yahweh with an added ftn., greatly blasphemed the enemies of Y.
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: you did treat Jehovah with contempt
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: you have outraged Yahweh by doing this
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD ftn. the enemies of the LORD
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: you have utterly spurned the LORD
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt with an added ftn., you have shown utter contempt for the LORD
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: you have openly spurned the LORD
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD with an added ftn. the enemies of the LORD
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: you have spurned the enemies of the LORD with an added ftn. spurned the LORD
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: you have utterly scorned the LORD with an added ftn. scorned the enemies of the LORD
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: thou hast caused the enemies of Jehovah greatly to despise by this thing
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Jehovah to blaspheme
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: you have shown such contempt for the LORD
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: you have shown your contempt for the LORD with an added ftn. the enemies of the LORD
2 Samuel 16:12
"It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
The original text reads:
"Jehovah will behold with His eye."
Bullinger: "This was thought to be to anthropomorphic, and so was altered, and the alteration recorded."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: Perhaps Jehovah will see with his eye
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: Yahweh will behold with his eye
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps Jehovah will look upon my wretched state
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps Yahweh will look on my wretchedness
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on mine affliction
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look upon my affliction
New American Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look upon my affliction
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will see my distress
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on my affliction
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on the wrong done to me
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will look upon my punishment with an added ftn., eye
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading:the LORD will look on my distress
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: the LORD will look on my affliction
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: Jehovah doth look on mine affliction
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: Jehovah will look on mine affliction
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will notice my misery
Revised English Bible gives the Emended Reading: Perhaps the LORD will mark my sufferings
2 Samuel 20:1
"And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, "We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel."
The original text reads:
"'We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his gods, O Israel"
Bullinger: "One of the emendations of the Sopherim by which they transposed the middle two letters of the primitive text and made it read 'tents' instead of 'gods.'"
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the Original Reading: every one to his gods though Rotherham's Emphasized Bible adds it in a footnote
I Kings 12:16
"So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the People answered the king saying, 'What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David.' So Israel departed unto their tents."
The original text reads:
"to your gods, O Israel"
Bullinger: "The original text was 'to your gods', because the sin was apostasy from Jehovah's worship in Jerusalem.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the Original Reading: to your gods
1 Kings 21:10
"And set two men, sons of Belial, before him to bear witness against him, saying, 'Thou didst blaspheme God and the king.' And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.'"
The original text was emended to read 'bless' instead of 'blaspheme.' Thankfully, this time, the King James translators discovered the change and rendered it correctly.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All but Young's Literal Version gave the original reading.
1 Kings 21:13
The same situation as in 1 Kings 21:10.
Jeremiah 2:11
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit."
The original text reads:
"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed My glory for that which doth not profit."
Bullinger explains that this change as being made out of a mistaken idea of reverence.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Onle the New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gave the original reading of "my glory" though the Good News Bible-TEV had "my people have exchanged me."
Ezekiel 8:17
"For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose."
The original text reads:
"... For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger: and, to, they put the branch to My nose."
"This is one of the 18 emendations of the Sopherim, by which they record their change of 'aphphi (My nostrils), of the primitive text, to 'aphpham (their nostrils), in order to remove what was though to be an indelicate and derogatory Anthropomorphism." Bullinger
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible and Byington's Bible in Living English, though the Good News Bible-TEV had: "Look how they insult me in the most offensive way possible!"
Emendations to the Minor Prophets
Hosea 4:7
"As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: therefore will I change their glory into shame."
The original text reads:
"As they were increased, so they sinned against Me: My glory they have they changed into shame."
Another instance where the Sopherim displayed a mistaken sense of reverence toward God.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation and Rotherham's Emphasized Bible had the original reading.
Habakkuk 1:12
"Art Thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, Thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, Thou hast established them for correction."
The original text reads:
"Art Thou not from everlasting, O Jehovah my God, mine Holy One? who diest not. ..."
This change was made as "...it was considered offensive to say this ["who diest not"] of Jehovah; ..."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
The New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Byington's Bible in Living English, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Smith & Goodspeed's AT, Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Bible-TEV and the Revised English Bible gave the original reading.
Zechariah 2:8
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye."
The original text read:
"... After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of Mine eye."
It was considered derogatory and too anthropomorphic to speak of God as having an eye in a literal sense.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, New Revised Standard Version though the Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society has the ftn., Heb "My"
Malachi 1:12
"But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, 'The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.'"
The original text read:
"But ye have profaned Me, in that ye say, 'The table of the Jehovah is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.'"
Another change made due to a mistaken sense of reverence, and the idea that Jehovah cannot be profaned.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: you men are profaning me, with a ftn., 'him' or 'it'
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: ye are profaning me
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: you have profaned it
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: but you have profaned it
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: But you are profaning it
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: But ye have profaned it
Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: But you profaned it
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: you behave profanely toward me
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profaned it
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: you are defiling it
English Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profaned it
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: you profane it
New Revised Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profane it
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: but you profane it
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: ye are polluting it
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: but ye profane it
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: But you dishonor me
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: but you profaned me
Malachi 3:9
"Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation."
The original text reads:
"Ye have cursed Me with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation."
Bullinger states: "The Sopherim say that they altered the letter (Mem = M) into (Nun = N), thus making it passive instead of active, and detaching it from the rest of the sentence. This was done to avoid a supposed irreverence."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
Only the New World Translation gives the original reading.
Emendations to the Writings (KETHUVIM)
Psalm 10:3
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth."
The original text reads:
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, And the covetous man blasphemeth, yea, abhorreth Jehovah."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All Bibles but the King James Version give the original correct reading.
Psalm 106:20
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
The original text reads:
"Thus they changed My glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: they exchanged my glory with an added ftn., their glory
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: exchanged my glory with an added ftn., their glory
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Emended Reading: changed their glory ftn., his glory
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
New American Bible gives the Original Reading: they exchanged their glorious God
New International Version gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their Glory
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: they exchanged their glory
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: They exchanged the glory of God with an added ftn. Heb exchanged their glory
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: And change their Honour
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: they changed their glory
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: they exchanged the glory of God
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: they exchanged their God for...with an added ftn., Heb, their glory
Job 1:5
"And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all for Job said, 'It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.' Thus did Job continually."
Here the Sopherim changed the word 'cursed' to 'bless' in the Hebrew text, but the translators of the King James Version corrected it in the English version. The same is true of three other verses in the book of Job: Job 1:11; 2:5 and 2:9).
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
All the Bibles listed give the correct original reading.
Job 7:20
"I have sinned; what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden to myself?"
The original text reads:
"I have sinned; what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou Preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against Thee, so that I am a burden unto Thee?"
Not believing that any mere man could be a 'burden' to God, this Scripture was emended by the Sopherim.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
New World Translation gives the Original Reading: so that I should become a burden to you with an added ftn., myself
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible gives the Original Reading: have I become unto thee a burden with an added ftn., unto myself
Byington's Bible in Living English gives the Original Reading: have me as a load to carry
New Jerusalem Bible gives the Original Reading: why should I be a burden to you
New American Standard Version gives the Emended Reading: so that I am a burden to myself
King James Version gives the Emended Reading: I am a burden to myself
Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: Why have I become a burden to thee
New American Bible has the reading: take away my guilt
New International Version gives the Original Reading: have I become a burden to you? with an added ftn. I have become a burden to myself
Smith & Goodspeed's AT gives the Original Reading: I am become a burden to thee
English Standard Version gives the Original Reading: have I become a burden to you?
Tanakh-New Jewish Publication Society gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
New Revised Standard Version gives the Original Reading: why have I become a burden to you?
New King James Version gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself with an added ftn., You
Young's Literal Version gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
The Holy Scriptures by J.N. Darby gives the Emended Reading: a burden to myself
Good News Bible-TEV gives the Original Reading: Am I so great a burden to you?
Revised English Bible gives the Original Reading: become a burden to you with an added ftn., Heb me
Job 32:3
"Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job."
The original text read:
"Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned God."
Condemning God was considered derogatory, so the above was changed so that the condemnation was directed towards Job.
Which Bible version bears the correct reading?
The New World Translation, Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Byington's Bible in Living English, New Jerusalem Bible, Smith & Goodspeed's AT, Good News Bible-TEV and the Revised English Bible are the only Bibles in this list that had the original reading.
2 Chronicles 10:16
"every man to your tents, O Israel"
The original text reads:
"... every man to your gods, O Israel: ..."
This is a repeat of the emendation made in 2 Samuel 20:1 and 1 Kings 12:16. See above.
Of the 21 charts above, the New World Translation ranked the highest, only twice relegating the original reading to the footnotes. Rotherham's Emphasized Bible came in second. The worst offender was Young's Literal Translation, with the King James Version, New KJV, Darby and the New American Standard Version following closely behind.
The mainstream Catholic Bibles (New American, New Jerusalem, Good News-Catholic Edition) were more accurate than the mainstream Protestant Bibles.
*Smith & Goodspeed's An American Translation
**Good News Bible-Today's English Version
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