The Steamroller of Bible Publishing: How Jehovah's Witnesses Have Excelled in Disseminating Sacred Texts

For centuries, the sacred scriptures have been cherished sources of spiritual guidance and moral direction. However, the true extent of their message can only be realized when they are accurately interpreted and made accessible to all people. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their relentless dedication to this noble task. This article delves into the remarkable history of their Bible-publishing efforts, spanning from ancient times to the present day.

A Brief History of Bible Publishing by Jehovah's Witnesses

The roots of Jehovah's Witnesses' Bible-publishing tradition can be traced back to the days of Ezra, and even to the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Their primary goal remains to ensure that the scriptures are available to every person, regardless of religious affiliation or geographical location. This has manifested in various forms over time, from handwritten copies to modern printing processes.

Corporation for Bible Publishing

Formed in 1884, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania became a powerhouse in Bible publication. Initially, they relied on purchasing Bibles from other societies and then re-distributing them. However, by 1896, they took a bold step by printing their own versions of the Bible, including the Rotherham and Holman Bibles, and the Emphatic Diaglott. These early projects laid the groundwork for their extensive Bible-publishing efforts.

Transition to Independent Printing

With the advent of World War II, the need for independent Bible publication became even more urgent. In 1942, the Society printed the complete King James Version of the Bible for the first time. This marked a significant milestone, as it signified their commitment to ensuring an independent and accurate representation of God's Word. Subsequently, they acquired the complete American Standard Version in 1944 and published it in 1944, showcasing their dedication to providing reliable and accurate scriptures.

New World Translation: The Crown Jewel of Their Efforts

One of their most ambitious projects is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT). Since 1946, the president of the Watch Tower Society has been working toward a faithful translation of the Scriptures from the original languages, making it as understandable as the original writings. The first part of the New World Bible Translation Committee's document was presented to the Board of Directors in 1949, and the complete manuscript was typeset and printed early in 1950. This translation was then released in its parts, starting with the Christian Greek Scriptures in 1950, followed by the Hebrew Scriptures from 1953 to 1960. Each volume included valuable aids for Bible study, ensuring that the message of the original inspired scriptures is accessible and comprehensible to modern readers.

Conclusion

Jehovah's Witnesses have made significant contributions to Bible publishing, both in terms of volume and accuracy. Their relentless efforts to ensure that the scriptures are available to all individuals, making use of the latest printing technologies and rigorous translations, have earned them a place among the world's most prolific and reliable Bible publishers. Their dedication to the dissemination of God's Word is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith.