[Billhafen]

4:1 But the Spirit is explicitly saying that in later times some will withdraw from the faith paying attention to misleading spirits and demonic teachings

2. by hypocritical liars each with a conscience seared as with a branding iron

3. forbidding marrying, abstaining from certain foods which God created for sharing with thankfulness by those who beleive and know the truth.

4. For everything God created is "good" (I believe this is an echo of the "good" that God Himself pronounced the entire creation see Genesis 1:4,8,10,12 and 18, note the word in all these verses is also 'kalov' in the LXX) and nothing is to be rejected, rather received with thankfulness

5. since it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6. Presenting (this is tough, 2 Maccabees 6:8 and Jeremiah 36:22 LXX use this word in the sense of suggesting or presenting a course of action)these things to the brothers you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus being continually brought up by the words of the faith

and the good teaching which you have come to faithfully follow.

7. But reject worldly-even what may be called "old wive's" tales, but exercise yourself for godliness

8. since physical exercise is beneficial for a little but godliness is beneficial for everything, holding promise both for life now and the one to come.

9. Trustworthy is that statement and worthy of all acceptance.

10. For toward this we work hard and strive, because we have come to fix our hope on the living God Who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

11. Instruct and teach these things.

12. No one is to look down on your youth, rather become an (I almost wanted to translate 'become THE example") example of believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith.

13. Until I come give attention to the reading, the exhortation and the teaching.

14. Do not neglect the "in-you" gift. The one given you through prophecy with the laying on of the elders' hands.

15. Cultivate these things, be IN them so that your progress may be plainly seen by everyone.

16. Keep a hold of yourself and the teaching, continue in them, for by doing this you will preserve yourself and those who hear you.

[ABlair]

Bill,
I read my Greek text along with your translations and I think you did a really good job!
I thought the way you translated verse 2 in relation to verse 1 was very interesting, I had never seen it phrased that way before.

"But the Spirit is explicitly saying that in later times some will withdraw from the faith paying attention to misleading spirits and demonic teachings by hypocritical liars each with a conscience seared as with a branding iron"

I have seen it translated before like this:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy...(KJV)

i.e. the ones that departed from the faith were the ones speaking in hypocrisy.

But your translation seems to imply that the people withdrew from the faith due to others speaking in hypocrisy.

I just thought that was interesting.

Good work on translating.

Ashley Blair

[Billhafen]

Ashley,

Thanks for the feedback. I chose one option that is possible with the "ev" preposition —III. causal—1. expressing means or instrument with, in, by .

This seemed to "flow" best with the context. I might change my mind if I spent more time on it.

I think the New American Standard (Updated) Version also translates it "by".

Thanks again,
_________________
William B. (Bill) Hafen
thethread7@yahoo.com