Above - a Tiny Glimpse of the Awesome Works Created by God through Christ. | Photo by Henry Chen
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Notice the first definition: 1) beginning, origin. Not once have the KJV translators chosen to use the word origin for arche which would have been the correct choice in this case. In fact, the word origin or originator is not found at all in the KJV.
Yes, I am pointing out a shortcoming in the KJV. And I state this with full cognizance that I am still in the beginning stages of demonstrating in a series of essays (blogs) why we recommend the KJV as one’s primary reading and study Bible.
Despite having been accused of being “King James only” by another minister, I have never advocated for using the King James Version exclusively. This deficiency in the KJV is one of numerous examples why I encourage every believer and Bible student to follow this admonition.
KJV 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Therefore, to preclude those with Arian tendencies from thinking that this verse supports the Christ-as-a-created-being position, this verse could and should have been rendered thusly.
Bruggeman Translation: Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the Originator [or Source, First Cause] of the creation of God:
Here are a couple of other versions as examples:
Ferrar Fenton Version (FFV): Revelation 3:14 To the messenger to the assembly in Laodicea write: “Thus says the Veritable, the Faithful and True Witness, The Beginner of God’s creation.”
New Revised Standard Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
“Origin” being understood there to be the Originator. For Christ was/is the Originator, the First Cause, the Creator of everything, as confirmed here.
KJV Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And do not let that phrase “firstborn of every creature” cause any doubt of the deity of Christ either; that is a separate study in itself. I could go on for many pages, but alas, the clock waits for no one.
~End
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