We can listen to many views of people on this topic
-- or we can listen to Jesus Himself --
as follows:
I shall list the same verse from three translations - first from the KJV, then from the NASB, and then from the NIV. Let me state here that the differences between translations seem so minimal as to rather emphasize the sovereign guard of scripture by none other than God Himself. You will need to know my basis for use of these versions - ie., the type of translations each is, as follows;
KJV..........A very good, but very old-English Idea for Idea translation of mid-dated manuscripts. (based upon the works of Desiderius Erasmus, 1469-1556 - ie., the origin of the “Textus Receptus”)
NASB......A good modern-English Word for Word translation made from the oldest reliable manuscripts. (manuscripts dated 1000 years earlier than those used by Desiderius Erasmus)
NIV...........A good modern-English Idea for Idea translation made from the oldest reliable manuscripts.
The Eternal Vitality of the Identity of Jesus Christ According to Jesus:
KJV......(JOHN 8:24)
"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."
- (The word “he” in italics is a word added to the text by the KJV translators - it does not appear in the manuscripts)
NASB...(JOHN 8:24) “I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
- (The word “He” in italics is not in the manuscripts)
NIV......(JOHN 8:24) I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."
Who Did Jesus Claim to be?
¥ (John 8:58) "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."
If Jesus was saying simply, “Before Abraham was in existence, I was in existence (an astounding claim in itself) why did he not phrase it, “Before Abraham was, I was.” There is rather strong evidence here that Jesus was claiming to be the I AM of Exodus 3:14 - “And God said unto Moses, I AM That I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
“Then took they up stones to cast at him:” (John 8:59)
In complete logical keeping with this interpretation,
those who did not believe that Jesus was God, made immediate preparation to
administer capital punishment for blasphemy.
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
By Lloyd Fortt
July - 2008
