Bible Translations

Bible Highlighter said:

I am talking about “Divine Preservation.” Just as God used men to write the Scriptures initially, God also used men to preserve the Scriptures. As I told you before, the KJB comes from the Textus Receptus line of manuscriptus. The KJB was the standard Bible everyone had for hundreds of years long before Westcott and Hort showed up with the creating of their New Testament Greek text based upon the inferior manuscripts that can be traced back to Alexandria, Egypt. We know they are inferior by simply doing a side by side comparison between the KJB (Textus Receptus manuscripts) vs. the Modern Translations (Alexandria, Egypt manuscripts).

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While the word “scholar” can be used in a broad term for teacher, I believe in Theology it would refer to the scribes mentioned by Jesus. A scribe is someone who TRAN-scribed (copied) the Scriptures. Jesus said beware of the scribes (Luke 20:46). Why? Because they had the ability to change God's Word or give a wrong interpretation on God's Word. Today, the scribes would be those who believe they are copying the Scriptures but in reality they are changing them to suit their beliefs. They do not simply accept there is a perfect Word of God in existence today so they have to create one. It's as if there is no real Word of God that is perfect that they can hold in their hands. So THEY become the arbiters of truth and they do not let a pure Word of God speak for itself without them altering words or without playing around with them.

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There is no “One Word of God” (in existence today) for them. To them, the Word of God is like clay that can be molded and shaped to fit what they want to believe. The scholar in theology today is the guy who claims to either know Biblical Hebrew, and or Koine Greek. This is how it is generally understood by most Christians when you refer to a scholar. However, a Christian who just studies the Bible and accepts what it plainly says (the KJB), and God has revealed things to them, they are just teaching plainly what God's Word says. They are not like those in Modern scholarship who are always trying to perfect God's Word because they never have a perfect Word in their hands. The person who believes there is a perfect Word that was preserved as God's Word says accepts that there is a perfect Word of God in existence today and it should not be changed or altered in what it says plainly.

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Why would they want to believe in something like that?

While there are many KJB only folk who do not truly accept all of what the KJB plainly says (particularily when it comes to Soteriology), those Christians who are genuine with God truly want to be under God's authority and they don't want to change what His Word says or change God's authority.

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Side Note:

Please keep in mind that when I said about how Jesus told us to: “beware of the scribes,” he was speaking more generally or of the majority of them, and not all scribes in human history like those believers who did fearfully copy and preserve God's Word throughout time. The way to tell if you have a pure Word of God or not is to employ Observational Science, and not Historical Science. Meaning, do not look to scholars who are trying to push “Historical Science” upon you (as the primary basis of your faith), but look to the here and now by comparing the Bibles themselves and see which one is the most pure in doctrine, and truth, and goodness. Check out this short (almost 4 minute) animated video to see the meaning behind Observational Science vs. Historical Science.

In other words, you are convinced that the Alexandria, Egypt manuscripts (Which is the basis for most all English Modern Translations) are more superior because they are older. Have you seen these manuscripts in the past being copied from the original apostles to the faithful line of believers throughout time? It's Historical Science. You do not have a time machine to prove the statement made by scholars that says the older manuscripts are better (that you accept as cold hard fact). No. You take it by faith in what they say. But see, while I may at times use Historical Science, I don't use Historical Science as the primary basis of what line of texts I accept. I use Observable Science by checking the text in the here and now by observing which Bible today is the most pure in doctrine, truth, and goodness.

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I have discovered by using Observable Science that the KJB stands above the rest. But keep in mind, I do believe in Historical Science, but it falls in line after Observable Science and not before. My primary foundation for choosing the right Bible or right line of manuscripts is Observational Science (Testing what I can see in the here and now by doing my own homework with the text without any scholar talking in my ear or placing foot notes in my Bible to change what the Word says).

So while I may use teachers, their words are not the basis of my faith.
The Word of God is where I derive my faith.
You say that the scholars say that older manuscripts are better.
That takes FAITH to believe that statement by the scholar.
You are placing your faith in the scholar and not solely on the basis of what God's Word says to choose the right line of manuscripts.
For if you were to use the Bible and ask God for help, you will find the book of the Lord and know it is a divine book that is perfect and without error.

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Thank you. I hope it is enlightening to you, and that it will help you to see where I am coming from.

Here is a little more.

The Amazing Bible Number 46.

As you may be aware of: In the realm of medical science, we know that there are 46 chromosomes in the human body.

We know according to Scripture that under the New Covenant, our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).​

1 Corinthians 6:19 also confirms this truth, as well. What is interesting is that 1 Corinthians is the 46th book of the Protestant Bible.

Behold the scene in John 2:

[Jesus said]

“Destroy this temple,
and in three days I will raise it up.”​

The Jews
then said,

“It took forty-six years to build this temple,
and will You raise it up in three days?”
​

But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

(John 2:19-22).

Not sure if you caught it or not, but the Jews said that it took them 46 YEARS to build the temple. The Jews were confused and they thought Jesus was going to tear down the literal temple of worship, but Jesus was referring to His body. The body that has 46 chromosomes within it.

In 1 Kings 7:15-16, we learn that the two large bronze pillars which stood at the entryway of Solomon's temple. The shaft of the columns (structural) measured 18 cubits in height, with a capital (Structural top piece) measuring 5 cubits in height; this gives us a total height of 23 cubits. This parallels the pairs (two) of 23 chromosomes in each nucleus of the cell of our bodies. We see in a DNA molecule what looks like a twisted ladder. Two sides to that ladder, and 23 rungs or chromosomes. (Note: There was a flower or fruit like piece mentioned to be at the top of this; But this was merely the adorning feature of the structure). There is even a spiral staircase mentioned in Solomon's temple, and this reflects the spiral nature of the DNA ladder.

The word “the body” is found 69 (23 x 3) times in the Bible.

(Important Side Note: While I do use BlueLetterBible for quick keyword searches, it does not always give you the final accurate count number; Check out King James Pure Bible Search, which is available as a software (PC/MAC/Linux), a mobile app, and or as an online search).​

Anyways, we read in 1 Corinthians 10 the following,
"The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16).

The word “The bread” occurs 46 times in 46 verses of the Bible.

The phrase “temple of” (think about an empty temple or vessel) is found 46 times in the Bible. The phrase “the temple” is found in 23 books of the Bible.

The phrase “the word of God” occurs 46 times in the Bible.

The Word of God was made flesh.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1).

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14).

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Revelation 19:11).

"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13).
​

In Genesis 2:23-24 Adam speaks exactly 46 words:

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”​

“conceived” 46 times in the Bible
“multiply” 46 times in the Bible.
“the flesh” 46 times in the NT
“the seed” found in 46 verses of the OT

“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:21).

“vessel” 46 times in the Bible
“the vessels” 46 chapters of the Bible.

In Luke chapter 2, we see this in verse 46.

"And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." (Luke 2:46).​

While the text is referring primarily to the physical temple here, the secondary spiritual meaning should not be missed.

"...They found him in the temple, ...." (Luke 2:46).​

They found the him [The Living Word of God] in the temple (in His physical body or flesh) (i.e. For the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us - John 1:14).

What is also interesting is that the Bible mentions the words "the doctors" found him [Jesus].

"...the doctors...." (Luke 2:46).​

While these were Doctors of what we would call today as: "Doctors of Theology," a secondary metaphorical meaning implies that they were like medical doctors. For a medical doctor's job is to examine the body and to see if everything is working normally and or to treat the sick or injured; And these men were examining the Word made flesh (John 1:14). These men were examining the Word made flesh and his words (Which were also called, "the Word of God.").

Luke who wrote this gospel was a physician, as well. How fitting for the text by which we hold so dear today in our hands and or cherish on our mobile devices (or computer).

What an amazing number we find in our Bible:

The Amazing Bible Number 46.

This number is not a guide to rule our life by like in false numerology, but it is simply a number that speaks to how special God's Word is, and makes us appreciate His Word as being divine and amazing.

I hope that what I said here helps to build up your faith in Jesus Christ, and His word (Which today has taken form as our Holy Bible that we have available to us in so many ways).

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Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). So if it is not written, they are not going to believe it or have faith in it. But they have free will to accept or reject whatever truth you present to them (even if God were to reveal such a truth to them). The choice is their own to accept or reject that truth. For we gain our faith not by a vision, or by a feeling, but we gain our faith by hearing the Word of God (the words of Jesus and His followers that come from the Holy Bible). When any person (could be a Christian even) does not accept a certain part of Scripture in what it plainly says it is like in the parable of the sower. The enemy takes that seed of the “Communicated Word of God” out of their heart and it will be as if those verses or passage do not even exist for them. But when we accept the truth of Scripture, it can change our life. This is why we must study God's Word to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15 KJB). Note: 2 Timothy 2:15 is altered in Modern Translations because the devil does not want people to study the Bible to show themselves approved unto God. This is just one of the many attacks by the devil against God's Word.

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Bible Highlighter said:

We see divine preservation of God's Written words in these verses:

“Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.” (Jeremiah 36:28).

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.” (Exodus 34:1).

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Bible Highlighter said:

@Baby Cottontail

If somebody changed the truth slightly about Jesus, would they be representing the truth about Jesus or would they be telling us about another Jesus?

This is important to understand because there is a...

Symbiotic Relationship Between
The Living Word, & the Communicated Word:

1. Christ is good (John 10:11, John 10:14), and the word is good (1 Kings 2:42).
   
   
2. Christ is the truth (John 14:6), and the word is the truth (John 17:17).
   
   
3. Christ is called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11), and the word is called faithful and true (Revelation 22:6).
   
   
4. Christ is pure (1 John 3:3), and the word is pure (Proverbs 30:5).
   
   
5. Christ is incorruptible (Acts of the Apostles 2:27), and the word is incorruptible (1 Peter 1:23).
   
   
6. Christ abides forever (John 12:34), and the word abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
   
   
7. Christ’s name: “Jesus” is above all names (Which would include God’s name) (Philippians 2:9-10), and the word is above God’s name (Psalms 138:2).
   
   
8. Christ has flaming eyes of fire (Revelation 19:12), and the Word is like a fire (Jeremiah 23:29).
   
   
9. Christ can burn things like a fire (Matthew 3:12), and the word can burn things like a fire (Luke 24:32).
   
   
10. Christ can be eaten (John 6:57), and the word can be eaten (Jeremiah 15:16).
    
    
11. Christ is like the discovery of treasure (Matthew 13:44-46, cf. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10), and the word is like the discovery of treasure (Psalms 119:162).
    
    
12. Christ is the light (John 8:12), and the word is light (Psalms 119:105).
    
    
13. Christ is life (John 14:6, 1 John 5:12), and the word is life (John 6:63).
    
    
14. Christ is the living bread (John 6:51), and the word is the living bread (Matthew 4:4).
    
    
15. Christ is eternal life (Romans 6:23, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 John 5:20) and the word is eternal life (John 6:68) (cf. Matthew 24:35, John 6:63).
    
    
16. Christ quickens (makes alive) (John 5:21), and the word quickens (makes alive) (Psalms 119:50).
    
    
17. It is by Christ which makes the gospel possible (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and it is by the word which makes the gospel possible (1 Peter 1:25).
    
    
18. Christ is near to men (Acts of the Apostles 17:27) (Revelation 3:20) (Psalms 145:18), and the word is near to men (Romans 10:8).
    
    
19. Christ discerns the heart (Matthew 9:4, Luke 9:47), and the word discerns the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
    
    
20. Christ can get men through a storm (Mark 4:35-41), and the word can get men through a storm (Matthew 7:24-25).
    
    
21. Christ sanctifies (John 17:19), and the word sanctifies (John 17:17).
    
    
22. A person can stumble over Christ (Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:5-8), and a person can stumble over the word (1 Peter 2:8).
    
    
23. Christ will judge men (John 5:22), and the word will judge men (John 12:48).
    
    
24. Christ’s bones were never broken (John 19:36 cf. Psalms 34:20), and the word is never broken (John 10:35).
    
    
25. Believers are told to seek after Christ (Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:6), and believers are told to seek after the word (Isaiah 34:16).
    
    
26. Christ is our hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3, Colossians 1:27, 1 Timothy 1:1), and the word is our hope (Psalms 130:5).
    
    
27. Believers are to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), and believers are to meditate (use their mind) upon the word (Psalms 119:148, 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
    
    
28. Christ is to be heard and obeyed (Matthew 7:24), and the word is to be heard and obeyed (James 1:22).
    
    
29. The love of God is within Christ (Romans 8:39), and keeping the word places the love of God within us (1 John 2:5) (Also see John 14:23).
    
    
30. Christ is the way to the living waters, which is the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39), and the washing of the water of the word (Ephesians 5:25-27) (which is obedience to God) is the way to having the Spirit (Acts of the Apostles 5:32).
    
    
31. Christ is like the foundation that is a part of a house (1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:11), and He is like a rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), and the obeying the word is like a house built upon the rock (Matthew 7:24).
    
    
32. Believers are to follow after the steps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21), and believers are to order their steps in the word (Psalms 119:133).
    
    
33. Christ breathed the Spirit upon his faithful chosen (John 20:22), and the word is “inspired by God” (i.e. God breathed) for the benefit of his faithful chosen (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
    
    
34. Christ is the way to having the fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:11), and the word is the way to being instructed in righteousness so to be perfect unto all good works (fruits) (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
    
    
35. Christ can abide in us (John 15:4-7) (Ephesians 3:17) (Philippians 4:13), and the word can abide in us (John 15:7, Psalms 119:11).
    
    
36. Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17), and the word dwells in our hearts (Colossians 3:16).
    
    
37. Believers can be hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3), and the word can be hidden in believers (Psalms 119:11).
    
    
38. Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20), and the word is always with us (Psalms 119:98).
    
    
39. Christ can make our joy full (John 15:11), and the word can make our joy full (1 John 1:4).
    
    
40. Believers’ hearts rejoice with Christ (John 16:22), and believers’ hearts rejoice with the word (Jeremiah 15:16).

..41. Christ is called a seed (Galatians 3:16), and the word is called a seed (1 Peter 1:23, Luke 8:11) (Note: See my post below here for further details).


The communicated word of God that we have today is the Bible.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11).​

Jesus (the Living Word) was sent by the commandment (mouth) of the Father. Jesus said and did everything the Father told Him to do (John 12:49) (John 14:31).

What is interesting is that the Living Word accomplished that which the Father commanded Him to do and to prosper (accomplish) that thing He sent to do (i.e. Jesus suffered on the cross, and said, “It is finished” and died for man’s sins). Jesus was risen three days later, and ascended to the Father. God’s Word (the living Word) did not return void by whom the Father sent.

The communicated Word can also be sent out and not return void, as well. For many have believed and have stayed faithful to what God’s Word says.

In the creation: The Word made flesh (John 1:1, John 1:14) (i.e. Christ) created everything. In the beginning God spoke words to bring forth the creation in six days (Genesis 1:1-31).

So in the beginning was the Living Word, and the communicated Word.

In the end of this sinful world: Christ will return (Revelation 19:11-21) and a sharp sword will proceed from His mouth. This sword could be the “sword of the Spirit,” (Which is the Word of God) or it could be symbolic of such (Ephesians 6:17).

So in the end there will be the Living Word, and the communicated Word.

For at Christ’s return: His name is called The “Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13) (Living Word).

On His thigh, and vesture is a name written (words) “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Communicated Word).

Jesus was beaten to a pulp and crucified on a tree.

The Word we have today (the Bible) is a result of pulp made from a tree.

Jesus was the Word made flesh (covered in skin).

The Word we have today (the Bible) is popular to be available covered in skin (leather).

Words on the page hang on this tree (paper) (the Bible),
just like the Living Word hung on a tree (the cross).


So in conclusion:

If you concluded that the truth of Jesus cannot be altered slightly, then this means that the Communicated Word (Scripture) cannot also be atered slightly, as well. For just as changing the truth about Jesus slightly would be teaching another Jesus, the same is true that if the Word of God is altered slightly, it would be teaching another Communicated Word of God that is not the original one.

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Bible Highlighter said:

@Baby Cottontail

Seems like you just don't want to see that God preserved His Word perfectly for today.
For whatever evidence I present, it simply is not accepted because of a belief you prefer to be true.
If that is how you want to play it, good day to you in the Lord, and lets agree to disagree.

Moving on.

May God's love shine upon you greatly.

Sincerely,

~ BL. Highlighter.

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Davy said:

I definitely believe children's reading skills are not up to when I was in grade school. My sister is an elementary school teacher with a specialty in teaching reading skills, and she agrees. If you look back at letters written by common folk of the 18th and 19th century America, you'll find the English spoken and understood was quite advanced compared to our times.

It is recognized that not all brethren are given the gift of teacher. So a lot of folks aren't going to have the urge to plow through a work like the KJV in order to understand it. If this were not so, there wouldn't be so many newer translations. Still, for the sake of a certain level of accuracy in God's Word, one should be able to consult to the manuscript level, not just totally rely on a translation, not even the KJV. There are other reasons for being particular about one's choice of a study Bible...

Here's a note by the 19th scholar E.W. Bullinger about the KJV Revised Version:

"The Revisers ill-advisedly decided that "all such words, now printed in italics, as are plainly implied in the Hebrew, and necessary in English, be printed in common type."

One of the consequences of this decision is that the verb "to be" is not distinguished from the verb "to become", so that the lessons conveyed by the A.V. "was" and "was" in Gen. 1:2; 3 and 4; 9 and 10; 11 and 12, are lost. See the notes on Gen. 1:2.

For the general uses of various types in the English Bible see Ap. 48."


That means just by that Revision all the words that were in italics originally are in common type in later editions. Those italics, like Bullinger notes, were to help mark distinctions in Hebrew.

That is one of the reasons I recommend the KJV study Bible that Bullinger put together in the 19th century, called The Companion Bible. Here is what Bullinger wrote in the Preface:


"PREFACE

THE COMPANION BIBLE is a new Edition of the English Bible. Published originally in six Parts, it is now presented in one Volume, and the description which follows shows that the Work is a self-explanatory Bible designed for general use of all English readers throughout the world.

It has an amount of information (much of it hitherto inaccessible to the ordinary English reader) in its wide margins not to be found in any edition of the A.V. extant. Its position, in these respects, is unique.

In size and weight, and type of paper, as well as price, it will compare favourably with all existing editions.

It is called THE COMPANION BIBLE because its wide margin is intended to be a Companion to the Text; and the whole is designed as the Companion of all readers of the Bible.

The human element is excluded, as far as possible, so that the reader may realize that the pervading object of the book is not merely to enable him to interpret the Bible, but to make the Bible the interpreter of God’s Word, and Will, to him.

To the same end this BIBLE is not associated with the name of any man; so that its usefulness may neither be influenced nor limited by any such consideration; but that it may commend itself, on its own merits, to the whole English-speaking race.
It is NOT A NEW Translation.
It is NOT AN AMENDED Translation.
It is NOT A COMMENTARY.
THE TEXT.

The Text is that of the Authorized Version of 1611 as published by the Revisers of their "Parallel Bible" in 1885.

There are NO ALTERATIONS in the Text beyond what can be effected by a variation in the character of the TYPE. Hence, there is nothing that affects the ear when reading it aloud; but only that which meets the eye in order to call attention to important facts and truths.

All ancient readings and new and amended renderings are confined to the margin; which, for this purpose, extends to one-half the width of the page.

There are no minute English or Greek "superior" letters to confuse the Text; or to perplex the reader when searching for the corresponding number or letter in the margin.
THE TYPES EMPLOYED IN THE TEXT.

These distinguish ALL the Divine Names and Titles (See Ap. 4.)
All pronouns used for the above have their initials indicated by capital letters.
The pronouns, &c., emphasized in the Original are in special type.
Attention is given to the capital and small letters in other cases where they affect interpretation.
The words spoken or cited are placed within quotation marks.
Where the Hebrew Text is written in separate lines, these lines are preserved by being presented in the same way in the present Edition.
In the Book of Psalms, the Titles will be printed so as to present the super-scriptions and sub-scriptions as brought to light and demonstrated by Dr. J.W. Thirtle.
In the New Testament, all quotations from the Old Testament will also be specially indicated.
Proper Names with their pronunciation, &c., are included in a special Appendix, No. 52.

The chapters and verses of the Authorized Version are retained; but spaces are introduced to mark them off into paragraphs; so that the advantages of both Verses and Paragraphs are retained. These paragraphs are not divided according to the usual Paragraph Bibles, but according to the Structures (see page viii), which are given in the right-hand margin; while the corresponding Index-letters are repeated in the left-hand margin, by the side of the Text with the number of the page where they may be found; so that the subjects of the various Paragraphs (or Members) may be seen at a glance, and be intelligently followed.

The other figures in the left-hand margin are the B.C. and A.D. dates.
THE MARGIN.

A small circle (o) against a word or words in the Text calls attention to the same word or words which are REPEATED in the right-hand margin, with the number of the verse to which they belong.

In order to save repetition, and economize valuable space in the margin, words in the Text on which a note has already been given in a preceding verse in the same chapter, and to which the same note applies, are marked with the number of the verse in which such note is given.

When these words are referred to there will be found no “views” expressed, but only facts which are incontrovertible, and information which is indispensable.

Where references are given, these are not merely to PARALLEL PASSAGES, or to the same ENGLISH words, which are often as unnecessary as they are misleading; but only to those passages which explain the words in the Original, and which throw light upon their truth and teaching.

If an amended rendering is suggested in the margin, and several references follow, then the reader knows that he has before him ALL the occurrences of such words in the Original. Where there is “&c.” at the end of such references, then he will know that the Hebrew or Greek word in question occurs too many times for all the passages to be given; but that a sufficient number is selected as evidence in favour of such amended rendering. Thus the reader will be able to judge for himself as to the accuracy of what is suggested: and the Bible becomes its own interpreter.
THE MARGINAL NOTES.

In the OLD TESTAMENT all the important readings will be given1 according to Dr. C. D. Ginsburg’s Massoretico-Critical Text of the Hebrew Bible.2
In the NEW TESTAMENT all the important readings will be given according to the evidence of the great textual critics, Griesbach, Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Alford, Westcott and Hort, and the Revisers’ Greek Text.
There are no words in Hebrew or Greek characters to burden or hinder the English reader. But a complete system of Transliteration, generally approved by Oriental Scholars (see p. ix), will enable him readily to put back all such words into the Original characters with ease and accuracy. The Hebrew words are given not in the Inflection found in the Text, but in the root-form in which they will be looked for in Lexicons.
All important emendations are given-
(a) Whether required by the above readings,
(b) Or demanded for the sake of uniformity in translation,
(c) Or, where the current renderings are inadequate and open to amendment3: not otherwise, or merely for the sake of giving an alternative.
The facts and phenomena treasured up in the Massõorah are for the first time presented in connection with the A.V. 2 (see Ap. 30).
All Figures of Speech are noted, and their bearing on interpretation1. These are the Holy Spirit’s own markings, calling attention to what is emphatic, and worthy of our deepest attention (see Ap. 6).
The spiritual significance of Numbers is pointed out (see Ap. 10).
The principal synonymous words in the Original are distinguished, especially those bearing on sin, atonement, and psychology.
The first occurrences of important words and expressions are duly noted.
The most recent Archaeological discoveries in Assyria, Egypt, &c., are included.
Eastern manners and customs are explained, as they throw light on the Scriptures.
The meanings of Proper Names of persons or places are given where these are suggestive.
Money and Coins, Weights and Measures, are referred in every case to Appendix 51.
Chronology is dealt with on Biblical lines, which proceed on durations rather than dates. These are adhered to as given in the Bible itself, and are not adapted or made to conform to any system. This transforms a dry study into a subject of deepest interest. The various Charts and Tables are given in Appendix 50.
The Structures of the Books are given, and all their parts: which are the surest guide to their interpretation, and the strongest proof of their inspiration1. (See p. viii)

The marginal notes do not record every POSSIBLE Reading or Emendation, as these would only load the pages with a mass of needless matter. Only those new readings and renderings are given which will remove difficulties from the Text, enlighten the eyes, inform the mind, affect the conscience, instruct the head, and influence the life.

Several of the above points are, for the first time, placed within the reach of the ordinary English reader.
THE STRUCTURES

Referred to on p. vii make THE COMPANION BIBLE an unique edition, and require a special notice.

They give, not a mere Analysis evolved from the Text by human ingenuity, but a Symmetrical Exhibition of the Word itself, which may be discerned by the humblest reader of the Sacred Text, and seen to be one of the most important evidences of the Divine Inspiration of its words.

For these Structures constitute a remarkable phenomenon peculiar to Divine Revelation; and are not found outside it in any other form of known literature.

This distinguishing feature is caused by the repetition of subjects which reappear4, either in alternation or introversion, or a combination of both in many divers manners.

This repetition is called “Correspondence”, which may be by way of similarity of contrast; synthetic or antithetic.

The subjects of the various Members are indicated by letters, which are quite arbitrary and are used only for convenience. The subject of one Member is marked by a letter in Roman type, while the repetition of it is marked by the same letter in Italic type. These are always in line (vertically), one with the other.

When the alphabet is exhausted, it is repeated, as often as may be necessary.

The Structure of the whole book is given at the commencement of each book; and all the succeeding Structures are the expansion of this.

Each Structure is referred back to the page containing the larger Member, of which it is an expansion or development.

The large Members forming a telescopic view of the whole book are thus expanded, divided, and subdivided, until chapters and paragraphs, and even verses and sentences, are seen to form part of a wondrous whole, giving a microscopic view of its manifold details, and showing forth the fact, that while the works of the LORD are great and perfect, the WORD of the LORD is the greatest of His works, and is “perfect” also (Psalm 19:7)."

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