The English is updated to reflect changes in usage because English is a living language. The original Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic remain the same as they were at the time they were written.
Replies
That's fair.
jul 19, 2025, 2:08 pm • 0 0 • view
Exodus 21:16 shows that the American model of slavery - kidnapping from native land,possessing or selling - was punishable by death in the Law. Your examples were letters written to a Hebrew audience living under Roman occupation, so they had little or no control of social norms.
jul 19, 2025, 2:24 pm • 0 0 • view
I was merely enquiring as to the origins of the NIV, and pointing out that the KJB used a different term - servant rather than slave.
jul 19, 2025, 2:40 pm • 0 0 • view
Both KJV and NIV translate from the same Greek sources. Paul in Ephesians and Colossians uses ‘doulos’’; Peter uses ‘oiketes’. Both words can mean ‘slave’ or ‘servant’, but Peter’s choice leans toward ‘servant’. Paul & Peter were Jewish; their audiences were mixed as Christianity had spread.
jul 19, 2025, 3:03 pm • 0 0 • view
Interesting. Translations will always be subjective and vary according to your chosen audience, and your own societal and political bents. (etc) It's unavoidable.
jul 19, 2025, 3:14 pm • 1 0 • view
Translations are subject to rigorous review standards. There are some English transliterations that are nonsense,though.
jul 19, 2025, 3:22 pm • 1 0 • view