Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Applying the Quick Primer of a Former Post

In a recent post, I explained how thee/thou is second-person singular, and you/ye is second-person plural. Now, applying this rule to the KJV rendering of Luke 22:31-23:
31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

the passage becomes in "The Message":
Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."
The text of the English Standard Version does not reveal the meaning:
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
but the footnote in that version does:
  1. Luke 22:31 The Greek word for you (twice in this verse) is plural; in verse 32, all four instances are singular
What we need is an English language version of the Bible that's not afraid to use the term "y'all".

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