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Why Does the King james refer To the Holy Spirit as being An "IT"

Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by JesusFan, Apr 16, 2011.

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  1. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    Aren't there some passages where the KJV has the Holy Spirit referred to as being not he, but "it?"

    If so, how can it be that version and the Greek text underlining it is best available for today, since it commits a gregious error in calling HS that?
     
    #1 JesusFan, Apr 16, 2011
  2. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
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    The pronoun in Greek is neuter. Its just that simple. Greek is a language using synthetic logic, unlike English which is a language using analytical logic. In English the gender of a pronoun indicates sex. Not so in Greek. It is a function of the grammar and syntax of a synthetic language. It identifies the pronoun with the noun it stands in for using Case, Number, and Gender as the indicators of the proper antecedent. No error, just a difference between the grammar and syntax of English and the grammar and syntax of Greek.
     
    #2 TCassidy, Apr 16, 2011
  3. Martin Marprelate

    Martin Marprelate Well-Known Member
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    This has nothing whatever to do with the Greek texts; it is a choice made by the KJV translators. For a defense of that choice, try here:-
    http://brandplucked.webs.com/thespirititself.htm

    Steve
     
    #3 Martin Marprelate, Apr 17, 2011
  4. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

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    Thanks, now my eyes hurt from seeing that webpage address...:smilewinkgrin:
     
    #4 Mexdeaf, Apr 17, 2011
  5. jaigner

    jaigner Active Member

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    Why is this an error?

    You're right that the KJV is not even close to being the best text for us today, but I don't see this as horrible thing. The Holy Spirit is not a male person.
     
    #5 jaigner, Apr 17, 2011
  6. Askjo

    Askjo New Member

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    Watch a movie, Superman! You would notice what this superman's boss read a newspaper. Did you catch what it said?
     
    #6 Askjo, Apr 21, 2011
  7. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I personally change "it" to "Him" (and capitalize Him, or holy Spirit - holy is an adjective but the Spirit of God is 3rd person of the Godhead). That is my choice.

    Doc Cassidy is correct. "It" is perfectly fine and not an egregious (note spelling) error.

    In our culture "it" seems like a non-person, like the "Force" of Star Wars, rather than part of Deity. So I use "Him" like the AV1611 translators opted for (Jn 16:14) but do it consistently.

    Same with "holy Spirit". I replace "Ghost" all the time for the same cultural connotation. It is the same word, but the whim of translators. This translator sticks with Spirit.
     
    #7 Dr. Bob, Apr 22, 2011
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