Galations 5:11-12, I Wish the Knife Would Slip!
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
//I grew up reading the King James Version of the Bible. It’s a poetic translation, but it seems to be careful here and there to shield its readers from crassness. In today’s verse, Paul is complaining about others who taught that circumcision of non-Jews was necessary, and he says he wishes such people would be “cut off” from the Galatians.
Or is that what he says? Read these verses in just about any other translation, and Paul’s passion comes alive. Ever with a flair for the dramatic, what Paul is really saying is that if these teachers are so keen on circumcision, he wishes they would let the knife slip and dismember themselves! Here are a few more descriptive translations:
NIV: As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
NKJV: I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
NLT: I just wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves.
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Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
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Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
I notice that the New Living Translation, which was originally based on The Living Bible, has that “WHOMP” that you’re looking for in a verse like this one!