The opening verse of the Gospel of John, as rendered in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, is a point of significant discussion and debate within theological circles. This particular rendition departs from traditional translations in its rendering of the Greek phrase “ho logos,” and its implications regarding the nature of Jesus Christ.
The importance of this specific translational choice lies in its impact on Christology. The rendering influences the understanding of the relationship between God and Jesus, with some interpretations emphasizing the distinctiveness of the two while others stress their unity. The historical context involves differences in translation philosophies and theological perspectives between various Bible translation committees.