A Necessary Correction of Two Mistranslations

by GAT, written 06/03/2025 updated 11/03/2025

Several Scripture verses are translated incorrectly. Two verses in particular obscure truths relating to the transition from the Old Testament to the New Covenant and to the person of Jesus Christ; referring to the KJV and NASB Bibles. The first mistranslation noted here holds back the full meaning, where the second example adds to God's word.

Romans 1:17 should be translated as "For in it God's righteousness is revealed out from a faith into a faith; just as it is written, 'but the righteous man will himself live out from a faith.' " This interpretation is based on Rom 1:1-2, Rom 3:21-26, Rom 5:1 to convey that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a realization of the Gospel of God, that faith in Jesus Christ follows faith in God. The Law and the Prophets point to this. Just as Jesus said, "You believe in God, believe also in Me" John 14:1; see 1John 5:10.

Romans 10:9 should be translated as "that if you confess with your mouth LORD Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" The confession is not that Jesus is Lord as in Jesus is our Master. But instead, the confession is LORD Jesus, God's Only Begotten and Beloved Son sent into the world, who is Immanuel, YHWH God in the flesh. This interpretation is based on Rom 10:13 "whoever might call-upon the Name YHWH will be saved;" quoted from Joel 2:32 in reference to the Name YHWH. Believers "call on Him" by name (Rom 10:14), not by the title Master. There is no other Name by which we must be saved (see Acts 4:12; also 1John 4:15).

Jesus is our Master, our Lord. However, to interpret the text to say that confessing 'Jesus as Lord' results in salvation is to promote a false teaching and a strange gospel.