I like to frequently cross reference different translations of the Bible (usually Douay-Rheims, KJV, NIV, NASB). I’ve noticed that the older versions (KJV, Douay Rhiems) of the Revelation 7:14 translates as follows:
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they,
and where did they come from?”I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb. (emphasis added)
Whereas the newer versions (NIV, NASB) translates this passage:
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they,
and where did they come from?”I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb. (emphasis added)
It seems to me that this tiny little “the” makes a huge difference in the theological understanding of end times eschatology- especially for those who have a “premillenial” worldview.
What is the reason for this difference in translation?
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