Many started bible studies with one version of the Bible and changed to other versions over the years. Some are easier to read than others. Some versions contain errors inserted by religious groups trying to enhance their false doctrines. Some versions like the American Standard Version (ASV) became known for its literal translation and being more accurate to American English, updating sixteenth-century wording to twentieth-century usage. The ASV, however, did not conform to the newsprint or novel readability the general population likes. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) released in portions beginning in 1960 satisfied the “comfortable to read ” requirement of many Bible students. Still, others preferred paraphrasing versions like the Living Bible, later changed to a partial translation, the New Living Translation. Today the English Standard Version and New International Version in a “journal” style binding with large margins to take notes is very popular.

Since the First World War, there has been a gradual movement to turn away from God’s Word’s accepted standards and the laws derived from that standard. We have also seen the call to modernize our thinking and specifically the interpretation of scripture. The changes placed into the New International Version and Living Bible Translation result from that movement. Both are thought-for-thought versions containing many doctrinal errors. The more literal NASB 1995 update produced a more accurate word choice along with a Strong’s interlinear edition. It has become an important “first-choice, go-to” bible translation.

Now the “progressive” movement is trying to remove gender-specific references in everything from sports participation to God’s Word and the separation of duties between men and women in worship. The Lockman Foundation, translators of the New American Standard Bible, has updated its text’s language to “be more accurate” (their words) to the oldest manuscripts. The changes include “man” referring to mankind, changed to “people,” which provides for both men and women. The term “brethren” changed to either “brothers” or “brothers and sisters” depending on the person or persons meant. A few of the examples follow, some of which enhance the meaning of the verse, some change the meaning of the passage, and others not only change the meaning but leave interpretation open to false doctrine. (Note: Nelson Publisher made some of these changes to the New King James Version years ago.)

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy “brethren” changed to “brothers and sisters,” partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;

John 20:17 Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to “My brethren” changed to “My brothers” and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'” 

John 21:23 – Therefore this saying went out among “the brethren” changed to “the brothers,” that that disciple would not die… (I think it was heard by sisters also)

Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider how to “stimulate” changed to “encourage” one another “to love and good deeds” changed to “in love and good deeds,” not “forsaking our own assembling together” changed to “abandoning our own meeting together,” as is the habit of “some” changed to “some people,” but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 

Hebrews 13:5  for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER “FORSAKE” changed to “ABANDON” YOU,”

Acts 1:15-16 At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the “brethren” changed to “brothers and sisters” (“a gathering of about “one hundred and twenty persons” changed to “a group of about 120 people” was there together), and said, “Brethren” Changed to “Brothers,” the Scripture had to be fulfilled…

Psalm 23:2 He “makes” changed to “lets” me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

1 Pet. 2:15-17 – The word “may” is removed, “men” is changed to “people,” and “bondslaves” is changed to “bond-servants.”

Matthew 19:9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for “immorality” changed to “sexual immorality.” (Also in NKJV)

Micah. 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good,” changed to “He has told you, mortal one, what is good.” [The poetic “O” is removed from here and all psalms like 104, 146-150 and any other passage where the “O” was used to indicate that it was initially Hebrew Poetry or an imploring plea, 1086 times in 969 verses beginning with (Genesis 15:2). Changing “man” to “mortal one” opens the door to refer to God as The Divine One or The Eternal One to identify an impersonal creator rather than the God of Heavens Godhood.]

Psalm 104:1 “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God…” changed to “Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord my God…”

Galatians. 3:26 “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,” changed to “For you are all sons and daughters…”

We must watch what we read and study, confirming that it is God’s word and not man’s word. Let us all be like those in Berea, “for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11)