James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The first thing you might ask here is how this verse relates to history in any way. That would be a fair question and the thoughts I bring to this devotional stem from an impression I received from this verse. The quote is from the King James Bible version of the bible. This one thought struck me as I read it. Did they really use a word like superfluity in the 1600’s?
Looking up the word I found its roots in the 5th century, in Latin. The word was not in common use during the time of the origins of James 1:21. In the Greek the word used was perisseia. But was Greek the original language? Probably not. I seriously doubt that the original documents still exist. We have copies that were distributed widely in the most commonly used languages of the time.
Now I come to my point. We have throughout history tried to make the languages of the bible to fit and make sense to all the tribes and tongues of all the nations. Great care had been taken to render an accurate rendition of the original texts which were but ancient translations. Given that so many people had so much input to so many translations you would think that something would be lost.
The only danger of something being missed is the same today as it was the original first copy ever created. If we focus on the accuracy of words, if we seek words, we might stop seeking God.
Faith only has one version and that is written in the heart.
The words may slightly change but the important thing is the message…it remains the same and always has.
I had to smile when I read the question that came to you from that verse .
I love your final comment on the topic. This makes it totally personal, and that is what is precious to me. Thanks for this meditation, it is so special.