What the Latins have done in this text (1 John v, 7) the…
“What the Latins have done in this text (1 John v, 7) the Greeks have done to Paul (1 Tim. iii, 16). They now read, "Great is the mystery of godliness; God manifest in the flesh"; whereas all the churches for the first four or five hundred years, and the authors of all the ancient versions, Jerome as well as the rest, read, "Great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifest in the flesh." Our English version makes it yet a little stronger. It reads, "Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The translation emphasizes that God himself became human, a stronger claim than earlier versions which suggested mystery was merely manifested.
In simple terms: God became human, not just showed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the shift in theological emphasis.
Themes
theology
translation
history
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- church doctrine
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Christology
scriptural interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wording affect belief?
- What impact does translation have on doctrine?
A Different Perspective
Earlier translations may reflect different theological agendas.