The varied translations of the Bible
available to us offer a richer understanding of the text that one
single translation would. When we read or study a passage using one
than one version, we often find the same idea expressed in different
words. Sometimes though, comparing versions exposes us to
translational difficulties that have deeper implications for the
meaning of the passage.
Let's look at the second part of Acts
2:40 in several versions.
NIV
- "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
NLT
- “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
NKJ
- “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
ESV
- "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."
NAS
- "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
HCS
- "Be saved from this corrupt generation!"
YLT
- `Be saved from this perverse generation;'
Note
how the descriptive adjectives modifying “generation” use
different words to express the same idea: “corrupt, crooked,
untoward, and perverse.” The essential meaning of the text is not
changed but rather reinforced by the different word choices.
However,
in dealing with the verb “save” the translational choices affect
the meaning of the passage. In many languages including Spanish and
Greek, it's not as easy as it is in English to tell the difference
between a reflexive form and a passive form of a verb. For example:
For example, “He hit himself” (reflexive) and “he was hit”
(passive) can look exactly alike.
In
our study of Acts 2:40b, I believe the New International Version, The
New Living Translation, The New King James (and original KJV) and the
English Standard Version, all translate the verb “save” in the
reflexive form when it is should be passive form. The outcome “save
yourselves from … this generation” is not good.
The
New American Standard, the Holman Christian Standard and Young's
Literal Translation catch the passive verb form and give us a better
translation: “Be saved from … this generation.” One of the
central truths of this passage and throughout the Bible is that no
one can save themselves. However each of us needs to be saved by
Jesus the Messiah from this crooked untoward world that is corrupted and
perverted by sin.