The distinctiveness of the
Literal Translation of the Bible (LITV)


In the application of our principle of translating each word literally, many distinctive translations will meet the eye of the reader. For instance, it disturbs some that in most places in the New Testament the name of the mother of Jesus is written in Greek, Miriam (Miriam, or Mariam, rather than Mary). Apparently she came to be known as Mary because there is no word for Miriam in Latin. So both the mother of Jesus, and her sister, Mary of Clopas, came to be called Mary in our Bibles.

Other distinctive translations are: the descriptive names of places; the instructions in the titles to certain Psalms, the correct names of the history books, etc. Some technical names have been retained (Shephelah for lowlands, Negeb for southland, Arabah for the barren depression of the rift valley). In this volume the Red Sea is actually the Sea of Reeds; left-handed persons are seen to be impeded in the right hand; Jephthah is rescued from the charge of human sacrifice (the Hebrew word translated as "to lament" in the KJV should bear the literal translation of "to tell again."His daughter sacrificed her future as a wife and mother because of her father's vow. There certainly was no human sacrifice, nor did he vow to do such a thing).

Joseph's master is revealed to be a eunuch, adding light to his wife's lust. Literal meanings often make actions of Bible characters to come alive, e.g., king Ahab saying of the king of Syria, "he is coiling himself toward me" (2 Kings 5:7); people came to Jesus with the sick and the lame and "flung them down at His feet" (Matt. 15:30); Jesus bending down and then bending back up creates a mental picture of the action to the reader (John 8:6,7).

Of all the available translations, in this volume alone you will find proper distinction between vexers, haters, foes, adversaries, enemies, or oppressors. Trouble, distress, desolation, pain, etc. are distinguished. Surely, lovers of God are lovers of God's words. The distinctive literal meanings of those words in this volume will cause God's children to more thoroughly discern the Divine mind. Obedience and blessings will most surely follow.


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