Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Genesis 6:3 – NASB vs. HCSB
Genesis 6:3 NASB Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”
Genesis 6:3 HCSB And the LORD said, “My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever, because they are corrupt. Their days will be 120 years.”
Apparently the meaning of this verse is one of the most disputed which gives the translators challenges as to how to put the meaning into English. The NASB, HCSB, and ESV are the same in capitalizing “Spirit” thereby referring to the Holy Spirit. The KJV and NET read “spirit.”
The next disputed translation is “strive” (NASB), or “remain with” (HCSB). The ESV translates as “abide in.” The last word given a different translation is flesh (NASB; ESV) but translated as “corrupt” in the HCSB. The NET Bible translates as “mortal.”
Should bâśâr be understood as flesh vs. spirit (or Spirit), as corrupt vs. Spirit (i.e, Holy Spirit), or just as mortal?
When there is doubt, it is best to translate literally, and let the reader decide.
Comments