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On translating "as you go, make
disciples"
In Matthew
28:19 you say "as you go, make disciples." This doesn't seem to be as
strong as most other translations which say "go, and make disciples." Do
you feel the original languages justify your softening of this important
command?
The ISV translation is not a "softening
of this important command", to
use your words. It is an exact rendering of the original passage, which
contains only ONE command. All translations (including the KJV) which
render the verbs in the passage as commands are incorrect. The original
grammar of the passage has only one imperative mood -- the command to make
disciples of all nations. The verbs go, baptize, and teach are all
participles, which mean they modify the main verb "make disciples". That's
why the ISV frames all verbs in this passage in such a way as to modify
the main verb command to "make disciples". Frankly,
the ISV is, in this particular instance, quite literally the most
"readable and accurate English translation ever produced" of this passage.
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