Origin and Purpose
The New World Translation (NWT) is the official Bible of the Jehovah's Witnesses, first published in its entirety in 1961 and substantially revised in 2013. The translation was produced by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, the organization that oversees Jehovah's Witness theology and teaching.
Distinctive Translation Choices
The NWT is characterized by interpretive choices that clearly reflect Jehovah's Witness theology. For instance, the translation consistently uses "Jehovah" rather than "the Lord." One of the most theologically significant aspects of the NWT is how it renders passages relating to Jesus's identity. In John 1:1, the NWT famously translates the last clause as "the Word was a god" rather than "the Word was God."
The 2013 Revision
The 2013 revision of the NWT attempted to modernize the language while maintaining the theological distinctiveness of the 1961 version. The new translation is notably more readable and contemporary in style. However, the distinctive theological interpretations remained, particularly regarding passages about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.
Value for Comparative Study
For Christians outside the Jehovah's Witness community, the NWT serves as a valuable study resource precisely because it demonstrates how theological convictions influence translation. Comparing the NWT with other translations in passages about Christ's divinity, the atonement, or the Holy Spirit reveals how translation choices can reflect interpretive frameworks.
