The Misunderstood Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses: Debunking Misconceptions About Jesus Christ's Deity

Among the beliefs that often set Jehovah's Witnesses apart and sometimes lead to confusion, one of the more misunderstood teachings relates to the deity of Jesus Christ. It is a belief that is indeed rooted in a careful examination of scripture, but it can be easily misconstrued as denying Jesus' divinity. This article delves into the reasons behind this belief and sheds light on the mistranslations that have contributed to such misconceptions.

Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses' Perspective

Jehovah's Witnesses affirm that Jesus was a human man with two human parents and that no human being can or ever can be God. They base this belief on what they interpret as key passages from the Bible, particularly focusing on the concept of Jesus being the Word or Divine Messenger. The core argument is rooted in the precise translation and interpretation of certain epistles and gospel accounts.

The Mistranslation of John 1:1

The crux of the matter lies in the translation and understanding of John 1:1. The Greek text beyond literal translation needs careful consideration:

Koine Greek: tν ρχ ν λγο κα λγο ν πρ τν θεν κα θε ν λγο.

Greek Transliteration: In arkhêi ên ho lógos kaì ho lógos ên pròs tòn theón kaì theòs ên ho lógos.

Koine Greek to English: In the beginning existed the Word and the Word existed with the God and god“god-like”/”divine” was the Word.

Key here is the differentiation between τ?ν Θ?ν (tòn theón) and θε?? (theòs). The former refers to the individual deity (God), whereas the latter can mean either the deity or a god-like being. This is a nuanced distinction that can significantly impact the interpretation of the passage.

A Closer Look at Biblical Context

The term theó? (theós) seen in John 1:1 is used in several places in the New Testament. For instance:

1. Exodus 4:14-16: Jehovah describes how "the Word" or theós serves him by speaking God's will and purpose to all creation. In this context, theós is clearly a subordination, as it serves a Higher Being.

2. Genesis 2:16-17: The Word warns Adam about the consequences of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil on behalf of God.

3. Genesis 18:1-33: It is the Word who appears as a man to speak to Abraham face to face.

4. Jacob's Wrestling: The Angel who wrestles with Jacob is identified as the Word representing God.

5. Role of Angels: Angels, often termed spirits with invisible, powerful forms, are also referred to as sons of the true God, morning stars, and holy myriads.

6. Guiding of Israel: The Pillars of smoke and fire guiding Israel and repelling the Egyptians were manifestations of the Word.

Conclusion

The belief of Jehovah's Witnesses that Jesus is the Word or Divine Messenger, rather than God himself, is based on deep scriptural analysis. Their interpretation stems from a careful consideration of terminology and context, which can easily be misunderstood. While their teachings may seem controversial, they are built on a foundation of meticulous study and adherence to what they believe to be the original meanings of scripture.

Through a clearer understanding of the nuanced language and context, we can appreciate the depth of their beliefs. True respect for these beliefs requires a fundamental understanding of how they interpret key passages and why they place such emphasis on the distinction between Jesus as the Word and God as a separate entity.