Why is the bible not updated and changed as time goes?

Question

Dictionaries are constantly updated and changed as the language changes, why is the bible not updated and changed to reflect the language changes? Wouldn't this create a better understanding?

Answer 1

New translations do come out as the language changes. For example, there's a new American version coming out with the word "holocaust" changed to something else so Americans can better understand it, because we ignorant colonists assume that it has to mean the gassing of Jews in Nazi Germany.

Answer 2

The Bible has been updated for a long time. Just read the news! Recently, there is some massive controversy over a new updated version of the bible.



Unlike what that person wrote about the evolutionist and christianity being the same as having to be updated, that is not true. Evolutionist have to update their essential beliefs and facts and stuff like that. Christians update the bible based on the translation of the original Greek, Hebrew, or Aramic word into the most modern version of the English word that will make it comprehendible to all.



For instance the King James Version. Very few people have the actual King James Version becaue it was written somewhere in like the 1600s I think. During that time, the English language transformed so much that now, people who read the King James Version don't understand it very well. That's why they updated it to make the New King James Version.



The essential beliefs and laws of Christianity however are never changed.

Answer 3

The bible is the same yesterday, today and in the future. It's the pseudo-christian cults who have constantly "changed" not only what the bible says but they also changed the meanings. The original christian bible stands, not matter age we're in. When Jesus comes back for his loved ones, he will expect his saved loved ones to adhere to the law today and in the future, just like it was in the past. However, the bible has new translations which change the words but not the meaning of the scriptures. These include the New Living Translation, the New International Versions, etc. I'm referring to protestant bibles here, not catholic. And, in the bible, it is said that God is the same yesterday, today and the future. So, therefore his word must be the same as he.

Answer 4

Well, the language of the translations is updated as 1) our language becomes farther removed in time from the last translation (e.g., the King James Version is 400 years old, the Geneva Bible is even older) and 2) as we discover more archaeological texts containing the scriptures. We now have over 5,000 Greek texts alone, and many more in early Latin, Syriac, Coptic, & other languages.



@ Believer -- Great answer!

Answer 5

The reason that scripture is (at least historically) slow to be updated along with the changes in language, is because anytime you translate something from one language to another (or simply make changes to the text of something as you are asking about) you risk changing the meaning that was trying to be conveyed by the original authors.

Answer 6

Bibles are occasionally updated to reflect words in common use today, but this is a huge undertaking because translators often go back to the original Hebrew, greek and Aramaic words to make sure they have the proper meaning.



Bibles, however, are not changed to reflect modern society's viewpoint on various issues (ie abortion, sexual immorality, living together, etc) because this would be changing what God has commanded.

Answer 7

It is.



First there was the old testament. Then when the religious no longer wanted to follow some of it's writings there was the original new testament. Then when they didn't like that in it's original form any longer there was the "King James" version.



It does create a better understanding for some of us. The understanding that the bible is nothing more than a book written by man to be used in controlling the thoughts and actions of their fellow man.

Answer 8

First and foremost, God has not changed. (Malachi 3:6) “For I am Jehovah; I have not changed." The things that he asks of us has not changed. There are new translations that attempt to put into modern day English what the Bible is conveying. However, one must be careful to obtain an accurate translation. Some have changed the bible to suit their desires or their agenda. (2 Peter 3:16) 16 speaking about these things as he does also in all [his] letters. In them, however, are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unsteady are twisting, as [they do] also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

(Acts 20:30) . . .from among YOU yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.



But understanding and aids to understanding are provided to those earnestly seeking them.

(Proverbs 18:15) 15 The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge, and the ear of wise ones seeks to find knowledge.

(Proverbs 1:1-6) . . .The proverbs of Sol′o‧mon the son of David, the king of Israel, 2 for one to know wisdom and discipline, to discern the sayings of understanding, 3 to receive the discipline that gives insight, righteousness and judgment and uprightness, 4 to give to the inexperienced ones shrewdness, to a young man knowledge and thinking ability. 5 A wise person will listen and take in more instruction, and a man of understanding is the one who acquires skillful direction, 6 to understand a proverb and a puzzling saying, the words of wise persons and their riddles.



For more information or answers to your Bible questions, feel free to email me.

Answer 9

What do you mean by updating? The bible is a series of records from people about a set of events in the past. You can update your interpretation of those events, you can produce new records about them, but you can't update past records about them.



It's like asking why no one updates Roosevelt's speeches. There's nothing to update in an historical document.

Answer 10

It is. There are many translations of the Bible, even the English version. Go check out www.biblegateway.com for NIV 2011 version. Or go find the "the word on the street" Bible.

Answer 11

The Holy Bible is the word of God. God has no shade of turning. He has laid down His laws and guidance and there is no need to make changes. However, the Catholic church does it all the time. They add and delete things at will and their parishioners follow along as if this is right and good. They will have to answer to God about this someday.

Answer 12

It is. There was a new edition put out like a month ago.



EDIT-Blooper- Evolution is just as much of a presupposed conclusion as Christianity whether you want to believe it or admit it or not.

Answer 13

Because unlike science, which evaluates evidence and arrives at a conclusion, religion starts with a conclusion and tries to force reality to fit it. Sort of like hammering a round peg in a square hole.

Answer 14

It's called themessage Bible.

But there are still many many prophecies that have not come to pass yet.

Answer 15

Because the Bible is perfect and complete. It needs to updating or changes.

Answer 16

New translations do come out periodically.

Answer 17

the jehovahs do change the meaning of their n.w.t.

Answer 18

I can't wait to read Ghetto Christ.

I might actually find a virgin birth plausible........

Answer 19

Because its lies have been working well enough for the past 1600 years.

Answer 20

because it is the truth...it is the past and it contains prophecies

Answer 21

God never changes.