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original. To add to the problem, although verse 30 introduces another preposition, apo
theou exelthes, yet both the A.V. and the R.V. translate this preposition as they translate
para in verses 27 and 28. None but those who have attempted translation know the
problems and the pitfalls that beset the translator's path, and they who are loudest in
condemnation of their proposals, are generally (like the street-corner politician) those
most unfitted for the work.
The phrase "in Christ" stands for that which is so vital, that its restoration in many
passages obscured by the A.V. would alone justify the use of the R.V. Thus in
Rom. 6: 23 we read, "The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord".
The R.V. shows that this should read, "in Christ Jesus our Lord". So in Rom. 6: 11, we
are alive unto God "in Christ Jesus"; and we are justified not merely "by Christ" but "in
Christ" (Gal. 2: 17). The peace of God not only guards our hearts and thoughts
"through" but "in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 7). The R.V. of Phil. 4: 13 reads, "I can do all
things in Him that strengthened me". And again, in Phil. 4: 19:--
"My God shall fulfil every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ
Jesus" (not simply "by Christ Jesus").
These are important examples of the restored force of the original Greek prepositions,
and emphasize that "all our springs are in Thee".
In our next article we must consider the problem of the Greek verb and how it has
been dealt with by the Revisers.
#27. The Revised Version.
The verb and its tenses.
pp. 156 - 158
The English word "verb" is the Latin verbum, meaning a word, because the "verb" is
the word in a sentence. Hitherto we have been concerned with questions of vocabulary,
and even then we found some words almost impossible of exact translation. When we
come to the Greek verb, and especially its tenses, we have something which finds no
equivalent in English or in modern languages. Let us take a view of some of the tenses of
the Greek verb and see how the R.V. has made alterations for the better.
The imperfect tense is one that is recognized by most scholars. "The idea of purpose,
or of beginning, or of repetition" is conveyed by the imperfect, and has been expressed in
the R.V. in many places. Note the following:--
"Their nets were breaking" is a truer rendering of the imperfect than the A.V. "their
net brake" (Luke 5: 6).
"The boat was now filling" (Mark 4: 37).
"John would have hindered Him" (Matt. 3: 14).
"He continued making signs" (Luke 1: 22).