The subtle , yet massive change of Matt 5:32 in the "New" New World Translation

by stuckinarut2 25 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • stuckinarut2
    stuckinarut2

    So I noticed this change in the text of the new silver NWT compared to the older NWT at Matthew 5:32

    Old NWT:

    "However, I say to you that everyone divorcing his wife , except on the grounds of fornication makes her a subject for adultery...etc"

    New NWT:

    "However, I say to you that everyone divorcing his wife , except on the grounds of sexual immorality makes her a subject for adultery...etc"

    So this got me thinking about how this seemingly subtle change can now lead to JW's having a changed view?

    I can just see a JW spouse who finds out their husband has watched "pornography", and comes to the elders with this scripture. According to the "bible" and JW's definition of "immorality", porn is not allowed.

    Or what if someone "engages in masturbation" which is considered to be "immorality" in the eyes of JWs?

    Technically, this change in the bible wording could allow room for such reasoning?

    In the past it could have been said by an accused "Oh I didnt actually commit "fornication", it was just porn or masturbation".

    Thoughts?

  • days of future passed
    days of future passed

    Certainly broadens the reason for a divorce. Still subject to the whims of the elders/wt.

  • slimboyfat
    slimboyfat

    I’ve never heard JWs define pornography as sexual immorality.

    I think the change to “sexual immorality” is mainly an attempt to modernise the vocabulary because nobody uses the word fornication any more, unless it’s a comedian using it for a joke.

  • john.prestor
    john.prestor

    I don't see much of a difference either.

  • stuckinarut2
    stuckinarut2

    I was always under the impression that "sexual immorality" was anything outside of normal marriage.

    So that is why I think that this wording change seems to allow a greater scope of reasons for divorce if the elders say so?

  • Listener
    Listener

    Lap dancing can be grounds for divorce, I'd hardly call that fornication.

  • DesirousOfChange
    DesirousOfChange

    Does it require more than just a "lap dance"

    Doesn't there have to be genital stimulation, ie masturbation even though still dressed?

    God may be unchangeable. But JW doctrines change as often as a whore changes underwear.

  • Maria Nieves
    Maria Nieves

    Stuckinarut2, I wonder if there is a Jehovah Witness who has never masturbated?

  • Crazyguy2
    Crazyguy2

    Wasn’t the word fornication traced to a Roman word meaning prostitution. So if my understanding is correct fornicating would be visiting a prostitute.

  • snakeface
    snakeface

    Maybe some had trouble coming up with proof of fornication (intercourse) before a.judicial.committee. so now they are saying, we will let you get a divorce if you can prove - or if one will admit to - any form of sexual conduct. Could that include kissing someone else? Viewing pornography? Going to a strip club?

    Maybe this is designed to make it easier to divorce an unbelieving spouse even if that spouse is not actually cheating.

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