- Jan 27, 2013
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Isaiah 7:14 is the English (KJV) translation that laid the foundation for "the virgin Mary." It states:
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
The problem is, the Hebrew word for virgin is betulah. That word was NOT used in Isaiah 7:14. The word used was almah, which simply means "young maiden...one who is able to bear children, and mature enough for nuptials." There is no mention of virginity. In short, the 47 scholars working on the KJV (which was done in 1611 CE), made a bad translation.
Before you tie me to the stake and set fire, know this...the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recently AGREED that the traditional English interpretation of Isaiah 7:14 is wrong, and that they are correcting it to reflect the Hebrew more accurately. The Pope/Vatican has yet to rule on their finding/request. According to the USCCB, it should read:
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a maiden shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Various translations are following the USCCB's lead. The NASB now includes the footnote for "maiden," and the NIV includes the footnote for "young woman."
Facts are facts, people.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
The problem is, the Hebrew word for virgin is betulah. That word was NOT used in Isaiah 7:14. The word used was almah, which simply means "young maiden...one who is able to bear children, and mature enough for nuptials." There is no mention of virginity. In short, the 47 scholars working on the KJV (which was done in 1611 CE), made a bad translation.
Before you tie me to the stake and set fire, know this...the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recently AGREED that the traditional English interpretation of Isaiah 7:14 is wrong, and that they are correcting it to reflect the Hebrew more accurately. The Pope/Vatican has yet to rule on their finding/request. According to the USCCB, it should read:
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a maiden shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Various translations are following the USCCB's lead. The NASB now includes the footnote for "maiden," and the NIV includes the footnote for "young woman."
Facts are facts, people.