Watchtower Deception and the Out-of-Print Greek Interlinear

The Watchtower Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

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An interlinear Greek Bible allows the average person to see the direct correlation between an English translation and the Greek text.  Typically, underneath each Greek word in the text the equivalent of the simple English word will be placed.  Due to differences in Greek word order and unique idioms, the English under the text maybe rather clumsy.  Thus, it is common for an interlinear to set up each page with a column of the word for word Greek and English next to a column of an actual English translation of the text.

In 1969, the Watchtower organization (“Jehovah’s Witness”) printed a Greek Interlinear of the New Testament scriptures.  According the book itself, there were 500,000 copies printed for this first edition.  In 1985, the second edition was released in which 800,000 copies were produced.  The goal of this book is to help the “sincere” and “humble” student of the Bible to see the accuracy of the Watchtower’s own New World Translation of the Bible which promotes its unique teachings.  On the left side of each page, a person could see the word for word Greek and English.  On the right side of each page, a person could compare the New World Translation.

This Watchtower “gem” is now out-of-print.  Why is this book out-of-print if it clearly testifies to the truthfulness of the Watchtower teachings?  Simply put, the goal of the organization backfired.  As their own students began to see for the first time the Greek text and compare it with the translation and teaching of the Watchtower, it was made clear that the New World Translation was a deceptive translation of the Greek.  The Watchtower Bible is merely a man made book published to promote its false teachings.  The organization had to pull the plug and no longer make this resource available.  In fact, if you ask the current generation of Watchtower students about this interlinear, you will discover that they have never even heard of it.

If you have ever had a conversation with a Watchtower students (“Jehovah’s Witness”) about the identity of Jesus, most likely they have discussed their “scholarly” knowledge of the Greek text of John 1:1.  Understand that to the average person who has no knowledge of Greek, the mere fact that they can tell you that the Greek word for God is θεὸς (theos) is impressive in and of itself.  In addition, when the Watchtower disciple explains the Greek usage of definite and indefinite articles to either speak about “the God” or “a god,” you might just assume that they must be Greek scholars.  After all, it is all Greek to you.

Below you will see a scan of the 1969 Watchtower Interlinear.  As you can see, the left column consists of the Greek and English word for word and the right column consists of the New World Translation of the text.  Take note that  in John 1:1 the first time that the Greek word for God is used it has a definite article while the second time that it is used it is lacking a definite article.  Thus, the Watchtower “scholar” will explain to you that the first time the Greek is referring to “the God” while the second time the Greek is calling Jesus “a god” meaning that Jesus is not “the God” but just a demigod.  Therefore, when the Greek word θεὸς is used for the Father, then the New World Translation renders it “God” with a capital letter “G.”  When it refers to Jesus, then it is rendered “god” with a lower case “g.”

Next, notice that the Greek word for beginning (ἀρχῇ) is also lacking the definite article as it is in verse two.  Thus, according the the Watchtower “Greek scholarship” this should be translated as “a beginning” and not “the beginning.”  However, look at the way in which the New World Translation renders the text on the right.

Watchtower interlinear John 1

Furthermore, take a look at verse 6 above.  Notice that the Greek word for God (θεοῦ) is missing the definite article; yet, the New World Translation does not render that John was sent from “a god.”  According to their superior Greek “scholarship,” the text should be saying that John was sent from the Word who is “a god.”  However, they translate that John was sent from “the God.”

The same inconsistency happens in the New World Translation of John 1:12-13.  See the Watchtower interlinear below and compare the Greek with the translation on the right.

Watchtower interlinear John 1 part 2

 

Again, you can see this embarrassing “scholarship” starting with verse 18 above and continue to the page below by comparing the Greek to the translation.

Watchtower interlinear John 1 part 3

Later in John chapter 20, you can see from the Greek that Jesus calls the Father “a god” according to the Greek in verse 17 because there is no definite article.  But, the New World Translation has to say that the Father is “God” and not “god.”

Watchtower interlinear John 20

As you can see, the Watchtower Greek interlinear is not helpful in proving that Jesus is a demigod according to the Greek text while the Father is the God.  Again, why do you think that this “gem” is out-of-print?

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8 thoughts on “Watchtower Deception and the Out-of-Print Greek Interlinear

  1. nice! I love Interlinears – they really help since my Greek is 15 years ago and just a bit … ummmm… rusty!!

  2. The New World Translation was forced upon me when I was a mid teen. I am so thankful now that I didn’t go radical like some of my Bible Study Friends.

  3. For nearly 75 of my80 years I have been bleast with a heritage of Christian faith, based on bible truth! i have not taken part of the blood shead ,in witch the politically divided religons of christendom have.Jesus our savior said:to be seperate from the world, & seek first the kingdom!
    In over a hundred thousand congregrations earth wide Jehovahs people, follow Jesus instructions to preach the good news!Loveingly obeying!
    Sincerly a christian brother.Charlie

    • Charles,

      The problem is that if you are following the Watchtower man-made organization then you are a witness to them and you believe in a different Christ than the one preached by the Apostles. The Watchtower Jesus is a created angel named Michael. Yet, the Bible never teaches that Jesus is Michael. Jesus never claimed to be Michael nor did Michael ever claim to be Jesus. The Bible does not teach that the Archangel Michael took upon flesh and blood to die for your sins. Jesus alone took upon flesh and blood in order to atone for your sins including your sin of unbelief and false doctrine taught by the Watchtower. Repent! And seek Jesus who is not Michael the Archangel, but rather Jesus is Jehovah who created Michael. Worship Jesus alone with Michael who is command to worship Jesus (Hebrews chapter one). See the article “Who is Michael? More Deception by the Jehovah’s Witnesses”

    • Charles,

      “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3–4, ESV)

      “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13–15, ESV)

      Pastor Kachelmeier

  4. The good people who blindly follow the errors of the Watchtower Org. Need our Love and help to bring them back to the Light! They do not realise they are passively assassinating others with their Zeal and false teachings!

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