Contradictions in new world translation

The New World Translation (NWT) is a translation of the Bible published by the Jehovah's Witnesses. While the NWT is widely used by Jehovah's Witnesses, it has been criticized by some scholars and other Christians for its translation choices and handling of certain passages. Here are some examples of contradictions and controversies in the New World Translation:

  1. John 1:1c - "and the Word was a god" (NWT) vs. "and the Word was God" (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.)

The NWT translates John 1:1c as "and the Word was a god," which is a departure from the traditional rendering "and the Word was God." This change has been criticized for introducing a polytheistic concept, implying that the Word (Jesus) is one of many gods.

  1. John 1:14 - "the Word became a human" (NWT) vs. "the Word became flesh" (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.)

The NWT translates John 1:14 as "the Word became a human," which is a departure from the traditional rendering "the Word became flesh." This change has been criticized for downplaying the significance of Jesus' humanity.

  1. 1 John 5:7-8 - "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.) vs. "We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (NWT)

The NWT omits the entire verse 7-8, which is a significant departure from the traditional rendering. This change has been criticized for removing a clear statement of the Trinity.

  1. Matthew 24:36 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (NWT) vs. "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.)

The NWT adds the phrase "nor the Son" to the text, which is not present in the original Greek. This change has been criticized for introducing a contradiction between Jesus' statement and other passages that suggest Jesus has knowledge of the Father's plans.

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:47 - "The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven." (NWT) vs. "The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam a life-giving spirit." (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.)

The NWT translates 1 Corinthians 15:47 as "The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven," which is a departure from the traditional rendering "The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam a life-giving spirit." This change has been criticized for introducing a false dichotomy between the two Adams.

  1. Hebrews 1:8 - "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.) vs. "But to the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.'" (NWT)

The NWT translates Hebrews 1:8 as "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever," which is a departure from the traditional rendering "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." This change has been criticized for removing the explicit reference to God the Father.

  1. Revelation 1:5 - "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." (KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, etc.) vs. "To him who loved us and washed us from our sins by his own blood." (NWT)

The NWT adds the phrase "by his own blood" to the text, which is not present in the original Greek. This change has been criticized for introducing a false distinction between Jesus' blood and the blood of animals.

These are just a few examples of the contradictions and controversies in the New World Translation. While the NWT is widely used by Jehovah's Witnesses, its translation choices and handling of certain passages have been criticized by scholars and other Christians.