xjwsforChrist

At least that definition that you found explains what one should love being loyal TO, Leaving. The covenant, which at the time would have been between Israel and Jah, through the law... the first two commandments of course being Love God with all your heart and strength and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself; and all the other commandments stem from these first two.

Not loyalty to a false organization, or to lies spoken falsely in the name of God.

The versions that I looked up most are translated as loving kindness/loving mercy.


Elders is used in most versions too, and I noticed it also with the changes, that their bible is more in line with mainstream christian bibles now; and some of their doctrines might be moving in that direction too.

I think it is just that the word and title 'elders', and their position and 'authority' is abused in the wts, so the word itself becomes like nails on a chalkboard.

Peace,
tammy

I have a "gasp" to add to this topic (which I will do in a bit - peace to you, all!)... but I need to clarify that "elders" is NOT with reference to age... but as to those who walked with Christ the longest amount of time (i.e., the apostles and disciples who were around from the start or very early on)... AND were still following him, IN INTEGRITY, through spirit[/i] - because some had STOPPED following him, even early on... AND/OR shown themselves to be the most MATURE, from a spiritual POV).

The WTBTS makes a HUGE issue out of how "long" someone has been "in the truth"... which would be RIGHT... if they WERE the truth! They are NOT, and so bragging over how long one has been a JW is ridiculous. It's like saying how long one has been a Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, or whatever. Christ was a Jew (by religion/tradition) for close to 30 years before he said, "Okay, enough of THAT; now let's do this the RIGHT way!"

They (and many others) also OVERLOOK that longevity means NOTHING... if the person is a fraud/unfaithful. The High Priest Eli... was replaced by the CHILD, Samuel. As was the King Saul. Moses was hidden as a baby. Josiah was installed as king when he was 8 years old. Jeremiah was called when he was 17. What of Elihu, who apparently knew more about the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies, than his "elder" counterparts... Eliphaz, Zophar, Bildad... and even Job.

So the word "elders" doesn't mean older (in age)... but "older" in SPIRITUALITY (having received holy spirit earlier) AND/OR manifesting spiritual MATURITY, regardless of their age or length of walk.

Now, the WTBTS does say/ALLUDE to this... but the "scribes and Pharisees" don't walk the talk... so neither do the wolves"... and the R&F don't get it. They consider those to be "elders" and "spiritual" folks they personally "LIKE". And that like is gauged by "company" (WTBTS) loyalty... versus TRUE spiritual maturity (of which even the oldest among them have little or no clue).

I hope this helps!

Again, peace to you, all!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

In Watchtower World..
A JW Elder can be a "Twenty year old plus" kid still living in his parents basement..I`ve seen it..
Even an Older Adult Elder leaves a lot to be desired..

From past experience I`d say changing the wording to Elder..
Has more to do with WBT$ Politics,than Bible translation accuracy..

.......................................OUTLAW

_________________

Oh, I absolutely agree with you, dear Sher'f (peace, luv!). WTBTS politics = putting in "position" (of authority over God's sheep) whomever THEY "like" = whomever shows themselves to be a "company" man (versus whomever the Spirit/Christ TELLS them is "deserving") = whomever they can use to their own end (and so, not God/Christ's).

Yep, I can "see" that. Even someone with the THICKEST "glasses" could see it. The only ones who can't... are those who are BLIND!

Absolutely agree with you, luv!

Peace!

YSFS of Christ,

Shellamar