PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

Biblical truth standing on its spiritual head to get our eternal attention.

Acts 6:2 – NASB vs. HCSB vs. ESV

Acts 6:2 NASB  So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

Acts 6:2 HCSB (2004)  Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to wait on tables.

Acts 6:2 HCSB (2010) – Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters.

Acts 6:2 ESV  And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

There is a nice play on words that is missed by the HCSB with verse 4. In fact, while the NASB and ESV do a better job in translating “serve” in v.2, they miss the connection too in v.4. The apostles say it is better for them to “serve” (diakoneō) (v.4) the word of God, than to “serve” (diakoneō) tables. The updated version of the HCSB gives a correct and fuller understanding of the responsibilities of these men, because I am sure they were not glorified waitresses. But I still prefer the word play in the original. Both the apostles and these men “served.”


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