This question arises from the fact that the believers meeting in the local churches frequently use a translation of the Bible called the Recovery Version. The Recovery Version is a reliable translation which does not add to, take away from, or alter the text of the canonical Holy Scriptures to fit our doctrinal beliefs and practices. Our beliefs and practices are based solidly and exclusively on the Scriptures alone, not merely on any one translation or interpretation of them. In fact, the local churches had been meeting and enjoying the ministry of the Word for over sixty years before the Recovery Version of the New Testament was first published in 1985.
A team of scholars meeting with the local churches translated the Recovery Version from the original languages according to principles and standards of translation established by major English versions of the last five centuries. Their intention was to produce a translation true to the original text and context that is both accurate and readable.
- In some key instances its word choice is closer to the original languages than the rendering in other major versions.
- It is overall a more literal translation of the Bible than most modern English versions.
In addition, the Recovery Version comes in a study edition with many valuable footnotes and references.
The believers meeting with the local church love and honor the Bible as the infallible and complete truth inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. Although we primarily use the Recovery Version, we by no means rely on it exclusively. In our seeking to know the truth revealed in the Bible, we read and utilize many different translations because we recognize that no single translation is perfect, final, or definitive.
It is our hope that the Lord will continue to open up to all His believers and to all men the light and truth in His Word!
For more information, please see:
www.recoveryversion.bible, especially “Translating the Bible“
www.BiblesforAmerica.org (for a free copy of the study version: The Recovery Version of the New Testament)
“The Translation of the Bible,” by Witness Lee