Textual Criticism Begins
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• 2 Timothy 3:16. There are two possible readings of this verse: All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for . .”—2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV). Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for . .”—2 Timothy 3:16, RSV, footnote. If we assume that “Scripture” means the Bible writings, then there is no question: All Scripture is inspired of God! But the Greek word used here means “writings,” not “Bible.” We would not want to say, All writings are inspired by God. In the previous verse (3:15), Scripture is defined as those writings that are holy; i.e., inspired by God. Based on that, verse 16 is well-translated as “All Scripture is inspired by God.” However, we should keep both possible translations in mind; since a Catholic could say that
this verse proves that the Apocrypha in his Bible is also inspired, since it is included in his copy of the Scriptures! How did Ellen White handle 2 Timothy 3:16: In at least 66 instances, she translated it in the usual pattern. But in Great Controversy, p. v, she left room for the other concept: “The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands . . The truths revealed are all ‘given by Inspiration of God.’ ” For this reason, the 3-volume Index lists that passage as quoting the Revised Version (although it is not directly quoting it). 7 - Is there an example where she did not quote a verse which also happens to be omitted from the modern text? • Romans 14:6. “And he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it” is omitted in the RSV and most other modern texts. Ellen White does not quote it either.
Later postscript to this chapter: Earlier in this chapter, I mentioned that, along with some others, the Bible truth about hellfire is incorrectly translated. This quotation may help explain this: “I saw that God had especially guarded the Bible; yet when copies of it were few, learned men had in some instances changed the words, thinking that they were making it more plain, when in reality they were mystifying that which was
plain, by causing it to lean to their established views, which were governed by tradition. But I saw that the Word of God, as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking into and explaining another. True seekers for truth need not err, for not only is the Word of God plain and simple in declaring the way of life, but the Holy Spirit is given as a guide in understanding the way to life therein revealed.”—Story of Redemption, 391.
but she explains that the idea of an angel troubling the waters was a superstition.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.” —Isaiah 8:20 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” —Job 23:12132