Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wycliffe begins to correct inaccurate names of God translations

In the wake of the controversy over translation of the divine familial terms that indicate the relationship between YHVH (God the Father), and Yeshua Mashiach (God the Son--Jesus), Wycliffe has halted the publication of Scriptures in languages that used a non-literal translation of the divine familial terms. Wycliffe did not indicate how many it stopped, but said in a statement, "Wycliffe USA has been involved in a small number of projects that use a non-literal translation of the divine familial terms, but which maintain an accurate and clear portrayal of the divine familial relationship...Efforts are currently underway to ensure those works are discontinued or corrected to meet with current standards."

In addition, Wycliffe has requested the removal of audio materials where partnering publishers used the equivalent of "Messiah" in place of "Son" in two Arabic dialects. Wycliffe states that the publisher complied, but "Unfortunately, previously released copies have been posted on the Internet by other sources. While Wycliffe USA is requesting that they be taken down, we do not control the sites in question." The statement discussed the intricate process it is undertaking to identify translations "which do not adequately convey the divine familial relationship and to work with project partners to remove them from circulation. This process is ongoing and may take some time to fully implement. Unfortunately, we do not control every website by external organizations that may have outdated translations available."

The use of "allah" as the name of YHVH, however, is still an issue. Wycliffe said in the statement that there was a project that it did not sponsor, "The True Meaning of the Gospel of Christ," which used the equivalent of "God" (sic allah--my addition) in certain places for the term "the Father."" A decision has been made to revise this translation. Wycliffe says there are 35 distinct Arabic languages in which many use "Allah" as the primary term to describe "God." Wycliffe says, "The use of the term "Allah" should be considered the same as translating the Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic terms as the English word "God."" Wycliffe adds that the term "Allah" pre-dates Islam, and most all of Christian Arabic translations of Scripture since "at least the 8th century have used this term."

My point on the use of "allah" as YHVH would be that if "allah" predates Islam, YHVH certainly predates Islam and there is only one YHVH. Why confuse the issue any further? All translations from now on ought to abandon the Westernized and Arabic uses and simply base themselves on YHVH for God and Yeshua Mashiach for Jesus The Christ--just my opinion. Notwithstanding, Wycliffe has heard the outcry and is taking steps to make changes. This is a very positive development. As the statement puts it, "Wyclieffe USA wants the help of the global Church in answering the issue in a meaningful and lasting way, ensuring that our standard of accurately and clearly translating is upheld."

The Wycliffe actions are a clear indicator that when YHVH's people speak in unison, true men and women of YHVH listen. Everyone whose hearts were right in this matter sought the Scriptures. Yeshua advises in Matthew 18:15-17, "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church." Wycliffe has heard the Church, and has begun to make changes. Let's keep the dialogue going on the "allah" issue that all may know "allah" and YHVH are not the same, and cannot be seen as the same in Scripture.

Read Wycliffe's statement here:
http://www.wycliffe.org/SonofGod/QA.aspx

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson