The Laws of the Land – Exodus 20-22

No matter what version of The Bible you choose to read, I recommend always to compare it with the NKJV simply because, the newer translations use a vocabulary that sometimes can lighten the message to some readers than the older versions.  These older versions like KJV or NKJV use stronger words, making a deeper impact on the reader. The following chapters on both versions are filled with amazing details that sometimes you might think you’re reading a court document, especially when is regarding to the laws of the land. I will be detailing here only the subtitles on both of these versions, but you can compare the entire chapter on both version and you’ll find more details alike. Check it out!

New Living Translation -NLT	New King James Version- NKJV
I.      Ten Commandments for the Covenant Community    II.      Proper Use of Altars  III.      Fair Treatment of Slaves  IV.      Cases of Personal Injury    V.      Protection of Property  VI.      Social Responsibility	I.    The Ten Commandments            II.    The People Afraid of God’s Presence          III.    The Law of the Altar          IV.    The Law Concerning Servants            V.    The Law Concerning Violence          VI.    Animal Control Laws        VII.    Responsibility for Property      VIII.    Moral and Ceremonial Principles

From the very beginning we can’t help to noticed is that for the same three chapters there are more subdivisions in the NKJV than in the NLT, it is because the NKJV is more specific and wants to leave no margin for misunderstanding when the law is being applied. Following are just a few of the most marked differences in regards to the way things are said, and how applying it in individual versions can make such a difference.

In the first subtitle, right away we noticed the distinction that is made for whom the commandments are for.  In the NLT are to be apply only to those of the covenant versus NKJV which by not making a statement to who are these for, it makes it fit for everyone; in other words, these apply to all, not only to a determined group of people.  This is important, because we humans are GOD’s creation and we all ought to live our lives the way who created us says to.  Certain groups of people might use these as an excuse to live careless lives, saying that these do not apply to them, which is wrong.

After verse seventeen, NKJV has another subtitle to mark the reverent fear people shows God; which is inexistent in the NLT.  We know today’s society, sadly but true, has little or no fear or reverence at all for God and His commands.

The next subtitle in common refers to the Altar, the NLT talks about the proper use of it. The problem here is that if you’re in my house what I found proper might not exactly be proper for your point of view or in your home. For example, when I lived in Asia, the proper thing to do was taking my shoes off as I entered a neighbor’s property, if I didn’t I was being “improper”, perhaps disrespectful.  On the other hand, if they would come to my house, although I didn’t require them to take their shoes off, they still did it, because although I didn’t mind them to keep their shoe on, for them was the proper thing to do.

The NKJV does not give a chance for some to be proper while others not, therefore is just a law; and expected to be followed. And this is the end, on that matter.

The same happens with the third subtitle, because what’s fair for you might not be fair for me; therefore the NKJV does not give a chance to be question, and just settles it, this is the law and you just have to follow it. No questions asked.

On the fourth subtitle the words used on the NLT are more up to today’s society, because what was considered a “strike” in the past today is consider an “assault”.  When I was growing up, the kids played and while playing if anyone got hit, that was just a game, and a few minutes later, back to playing. In today’s society, the kids play and whoever gets hurt comes home and some parents call the police and file an “assault” report. The NKJV is pretty detailed about what goes and what does not, to the point that the animal laws have its own individual subtitle, so it does not goes lightly or passed by.

In regards to the Property, the NLT speaks of protection of that property, which is the act of preventing somebody or something from being harmed or damaged. The NKJV speaks of responsibility of that property which is none other than accountability, who to blame for something happened.

A great example is on chapter 22:6 – the NKJV reads - “If fire breaks out…” while on the same verse of the NLT makes it very personal, it reads- “If you are burning thorn bushes and the fire gets out of control…” This is due to the distorted society views where things are taken very personal at times and too light on matter that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Another issue we are having in today’s society has to do with the moral principles.  The NLT speaks of social, which allows people to meet and interact with others in a friendly way but again, what’s friendly for one person not necessarily is for another; and when a society sets responsibilities we all know not necessarily are right because it all depends on the leader.  On the other version, NKJV speaks of morality which has to do with the rightness or wrongness of something as judged by accepted moral standards in which God is the ONE who has the lead, not the society.

One thing also noted on the NKJV is in regards to the ceremonial principles of giving because everyone knew that offering the first of the harvest was due not matter what.  We can also see a clause is given for the live offerings, like firstborn, oxen and sheep; because it was only acceptable after the eighth day, the first seven days belong to the mother. Several things are noticed in the NLT; the first one is in regards to the amount and or the part of the offering like on the NKJV which states “the first part of your …”   By not stating the amount it leaves a door open to personal interpretation which is not what’s intended because as we study the Word we all know giving the first of your harvest speaks about the principle of tithing. Which is why the phrase “you must not hold anything back” is used, as a reminder that is not half, is not three quarters, is a whole ten percent and we do not need to be tight fisted.

The word use on verse twenty nine also caught my attention.   The NLT uses the word wine instead of juice in the NKJV. There are some, who call themselves Christians, which in social events they have incorporated, wine as an acceptable drink, that does not mean is right, but in the NEW Living of today’s life “is acceptable” using the excuse that The Bible (and other translations including NLT) speak of the wine as they brought it as offering.

I pray you find this study exciting, and also I pray you give yourself an opportunity from here and on to explore other Bible translations comparing it to the King James Version; you'll be amazed! Try it!