Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 22:85 (Jan 1865)
Article: Remarks On Renderings Of The Common Version (In The Epistle To The Galatians)
Author: Horatio B. Hackett

BSac 22:85 (Jan 1865) p. 138

Remarks On Renderings Of The Common Version
(In The Epistle To The Galatians)

H. B. Hackett

(Concluded from Vol XIX. p. 225.)

As remarked in the former Article, the object here is not to revise the common translation, in course or minutely; but only to point out some of the more obvious changes, which are regarded by interpreters as due to the sense, or to a clearer representation of the sense, of the original text. It will be noticed that the current version of the passage is

BSac 22:85 (Jan 1865) p. 139

given first, and then the corrected one, with brief explanations. The Greek has been cited to some extent; but an occasional reference to the Greek Testament may be necessary, in order to see the force of the criticisms.

CHAPTER IV.

Verse 2. But is under tutors and governors. ‘But is under guardians and stewards.’ The foregoing is now admitted to be the proper distinction between ἐπίτροποι and οἰκονόμοι. The former is a general term and designates those who act in any way (not excluding the παιδαγωγός) as the guardians or overseers of children who are the heirs of property; while the latter, on account of the importance of the particular trust, which that relation involves, singles out those among the overseers who regulate the pecuniary affairs of the estate. See especially Wieseler, Ueber den Brief an die Galater, p. 326. The common rendering is also that of the antecedent English versions, except Wiclif’s.

Verse 4. Made of a woman, made under the law. ‘Born of a woman, born under the law.’ This use of γενόμενον (strictly to begin to be, come into existence), as applied to the birth of persons, is common in the Greek language. See John 8:58 and Rom 1:3. In the latter passage, as well as in this, our version translates γενόμενον made, after Wiclif, and the Geneva and the Rheims versions, instead of born, as in Tyndale and Cranmer. It is barely possible that the more obvious rendering was set aside, as less congruous with the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth.

Verse 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ‘That he might redeem those under the law; that we might receive the adoption of sons.’ The ἵ�...