One of the more troubling mis-translations in the history of English
Bible translation (at least in terms of its popular acceptance and
impact) is the King James rendering of Luke 2:14
as “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men.” Despite the fact that nearly every modern translation has
corrected this unfortunate translation, properly narrowing the scope of
Christ’s ministry of peace “to people on whom his favor rests,” the
universally conciliatory rendering found in the KJV is etched on the
minds of millions in the English-speaking world. Christmas, it is
supposed, is about fostering tranquility and harmony everywhere.
This idea is not, of course, unique to the English-speaking world. It
is apparent that the utopian vision of universal peace was already
circulating during Christ’s earthly ministry—so much so that Jesus felt
compelled on multiple occasions to denounce the idea:
- Matthew 10:34–37: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth,” he said. “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Continue at Mark Snoeberger
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