First draft ... COMPLETED!

Rev. Jefferson Vann

Today is a special day for me. One of my life projects is completed … at least the first draft. My translation of the Bible was finished about an hour ago. The book of Revelation was my last book to translate.

Here are some highlights of my translation of Revelation:

I use the word slave for δοῦλος and fellow slave for σύνδουλος. The culture to which John wrote understood the nature of slavery in their time, and we should as well. Using the words “servant” or “fellow servant” seemed like hiding the facts to me.

I use the word agent for ἄγγελος rather than transliterating it. Some of God’s agents are supernatural beings, but the agents of the churches in Revelation 2-3 are not.

I use the word congregation for ἐκκλησία. What is in mind is a people, not a building.

I use the word notice for ἰδού. John uses the word to get us to take note of what he is seeing in the vision.

I use the word tribulation for θλῖψις consistently. This helps those who read Revelation understand that believers will not be rescued from this period, but are going through it. In 7:14 we learn of the great crowd of people from mixed nationalities who are said to come out of the great tribulation. These are people from all nations who are being won to Christ now.

I use the word quickly for ταχύ and τάχος. The point is not that the events are going to happen soon, but that they will happen without warning — suddenly.

I consistently use the word throat for ψυχή. What John saw under the altar was the throats of his friends. They had been cut because of their faith. The word cannot mean immortal soul. It is used of sea creatures in 8:9 and 16:3. It refers to mortal throats of the martyrs in 12:11 and 20:4.

Like other translators, I use destruction for ἀπώλεια in 17:8, 11. I find it interesting that many interpreters insist that the fate of those thrown into the lake of fire is perpetual suffering, but these verses (which are explanations, not symbols) say that their fate will be destruction.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates as I continue to tweak the translation.

Jefferson Vann

Delco North Carolina

May 29th, 2024