YOU or YOURSELF in block capitals?
Why does NWT print words such as...
by jaffacake 13 Replies latest jw friends
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AlmostAtheist
I don't think this is unique to the New World Translation, it conveys the fact that the word applies to many people instead of just one. For instance, I am writing this post in response to the question you (singular) asked, but if any of YOU (plural) disagree, please correct me.
It would be a matter of interpretation, since there are surely times in the Bible when it isn't clear who exactly is being spoken to. Even the Watchtower admits they can't tell for sure who is speaking to who in the Song of Solomon. (Interesting admission from a group that holds that every blessed word is inspired)
Dave
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tijkmo
and i believe there are times when YOU is written as plural in original language but translated as 'you' in bible cos would seem to back up trinity doctrine otherwise
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Oroborus21
Greetings:
TJMax or whatever, you are way off base. Please provide some scriptures/passages where you believe this is happening to back your assertion.
moving on...
I think the problem is in the translation away from the archaic language to the modern tongue....
You singular of old is "THOU" and You plural is "YE" hence two words which are not confused. But both of these translated to modern english are both "YOU" so to make it clear that plurality is involved the Society used a regular you when it is singular or obvious but when it is unclear they use a YOU lower-cap to clarify for the reader.
No problem, no conspiracy to reinforce doctrine, just simple editorial decisions.
-Eduardo
PS; Pick a thread please.
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blondie
you means one person
YOU means a group of people
Similar to you'all in southern English
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confusedjw
What a happifying discussion about YOU.
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tijkmo
i remember coming across it ....just cant remember where..and cant be bothered looking....as you say it is an editorial decision which is fine by me....i dont believe in the trinity..
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Euphemism
It would be a matter of interpretation, since there are surely times in the Bible when it isn't clear who exactly is being spoken to.
If memory serves, Hebrew and Greek--like most languages--have different pronouns for the singular and plural. (As Oroborus mentioned, English used to have different words as well.) So there's no need for any interpretation; it's a matter of very basic translation.
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AlmostAtheist
If memory serves, Hebrew and Greek--like most languages--have different pronouns for the singular and plural. (As Oroborus mentioned, English used to have different words as well.) So there's no need for any interpretation; it's a matter of very basic translation.
Ah, that makes sense.
And English has 'em too, as has been pointed out: Y'all, Yous, You'uns. (Probably not in Webster's, though!)
It might be more clear in the English translations if they'd use Y'all. "Y'all go preachin', ya hear?"
Dave's Amplified Redneck Bahble, coming soon to a bait-shop near you.
Dave
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Leolaia
I always thought this was so unnecessary and jarring. Usually it is clear from context whether the "you" is singular or plural (we get by just fine in English).