{"id":1174,"date":"2022-02-10T14:19:11","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T14:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1174"},"modified":"2024-01-17T01:11:37","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T01:11:37","slug":"the-nrsvue-bible-translation-of-1-corinthians-69-10-keeping-practicing-homosexuals-on-the-road-to-hell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/?p=1174","title":{"rendered":"The NRSVue Bible Translation of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Keeping Practicing Homosexuals on the Road to Hell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

INTRODUCTION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is due for release an updated version of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV 1989) translation of the Bible.  The update uses the abbreviation \u201cNRSVue.\u201d  The press release[i]<\/a> reads [in part] (italics in the original):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The NRSVue<\/em> is informed by the results of discovery and study of hundreds of ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, in the more than thirty years since the first publication of the NRSV<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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With new textual evidence, historical insights, and philological understandings, the NRSVue<\/em> brings greater precision in interpreting Scripture today. With modern scholarship applied to ancient texts, the NRSV Updated Edition<\/em> is designed to help readers explore the meanings of ancient texts in light of the cultures that produced them with unprecedented readability, accessibility, and inclusivity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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We are pleased to present you with what we can in full confidence call \u201cthe world\u2019s most meticulously researched, rigorously reviewed, and faithfully accurate\u201d<\/em> English-language Bible translation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If a person accepts the claims in the press release at face value that the NRSVue is a \u201cmeticulously researched, rigorously reviewed, and faithfully accurate\u201d translation of God\u2019s Word, they ought to discard every earlier English translation and rely solely on the NRSVue to express to humankind God\u2019s very words by which to live life[ii]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question is: Should the NRSVue be every believer\u2019s \u201cgo-to\u201d English translation of the Bible?  The only correct answer is \u201cNO WAY!!!!!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The translation by the NRSVue of the Greek adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] as \u201cmale prostitutes\u201d and the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] as \u201cmen engaging in illicit sex\u201d in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 exempts practicing homosexuals from God\u2019s warning of eternal damnation thereby giving them false assurance that their damning sinful lifestyle is acceptable to God when it is not.  Hence, the title of this article is \u201cThe NRSVue Bible Translation of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Keeping Practicing Homosexuals on the Road to Hell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 LISTS THOSE PERSONS ON THE ROAD TO HELL<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (NASB95[iii]<\/a>) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9<\/sup> Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor homosexuals [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> nor thieves, nor the<\/em> covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The expression \u201ckingdom of God\u201d refers to eternal life in heaven.  One commentary[iv]<\/a> reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The Corinthians had forgotten a basic Christian doctrine: there is a big difference between believers and unbelievers. Wicked people are not destined to inherit the kingdom of God\u2014they face a future of divine judgment. They will not receive the blessings of God when Christ returns in glory (Rom. 2:5\u201310; Heb. 10:26\u201327).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Another commentary[v]<\/a> reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In reference to \u2018God\u2019s kingdom,\u2019 see on 4:20. Considered in its perfection, as the object of Christian hope, the kingdom of God is the blessed state, wherein the will of a holy, loving, all-restoring, beatific God is fully realized; or, in other words, a condition wherein men and angels are unitedly and perfectly controlled by the Divine will, lead a life of righteousness and peace, and together with this, possess the highest good which it is desirable for men to participate in.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

According to Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46 (NASB95), heaven and hell are the only two eternal destinations [boldfacing added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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31<\/sup> \u201cBut when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32<\/sup> \u201cAll the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33<\/sup> and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. \u2026 41<\/sup> \u201cThen He will also say to those on His left, \u2018Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; \u2026 46<\/sup> \u201cThese will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life<\/u><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

For a person to not inherit the kingdom of God equates to spending eternity in hell.  The gotquestions.org website (see link: https:\/\/www.gotquestions.org\/not-inherit-kingdom-God.html<\/a> ) addresses this issue in the context of \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By saying the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God, Paul is stating that the wicked are not children of God, nor are they heirs of eternal life (Romans 8:17).   \u2026 If a person actively, perpetually, and unrepentantly lives a homosexual lifestyle, the lifestyle of a thief, a greedy lifestyle, a drunken lifestyle, etc., that person is showing himself to be unsaved, and such a person will definitely not inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

While there is a dispute[vi]<\/a> about the translation of the Greek adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>], there is no argument that the serial and unrepentant offenders listed below are on the road to hell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], homosexuals [arsenokoitai<\/em>],  thieves, the<\/em> covetous, drunkards, revilers, swindlers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

THE RELEVANT TRANSLATION GENEALOGY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The words in the original of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 are God-breathed[vii]<\/a>.   The Apostle Paul was moved along by the Holy Spirit when he wrote this passage[viii]<\/a>.  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 expresses God\u2019s warning to humankind about serial and unrepentant behaviors that send people to hell for eternity.  But, salvation is available through repentance and trust in Christ\u2019s finished work on the Cross alone per 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NASB95):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11<\/sup> Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A Bible translator must exert their very best efforts to convey the accurate meaning of those words in the offender list of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 because eternal destinies are at stake.  A Bible translator cannot allow societal pressure to influence their translation of \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>].  Their translation must be consistent with the meaning the apostle Paul intended to convey to his original audience, i.e., the church at Corinth.  In the context of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, a Bible translator should keep in mind what the UBS translation handbook[ix]<\/a> writes about this passage [boldfacing added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To translate the idea of being sexually immoral needs a more general expression than adulterers, which refers to the violation of the marriage bond. Another way to say this is \u201cpeople who commit sexual sins.\u201d Sexual perverts translates two Greek words that refer respectively to \u201cthe passive and active partners \u2026 in male homosexual relation\u201d (Barrett). Translations generally combine these expressions, otherwise one would have to find technical expressions such as \u201ccatamites and sodomites\u201d in English. Even \u201chomosexual perverts\u201d (TEV) is rather difficult language; REB has \u201csexual perverts.\u201d GeCL has \u201crelations with partners of their own sex\u201d; TNT has \u201cmen who submit to or who practise homosexuality.\u201d Many languages can use roundabout ways of speaking about homosexual relations. Paul thought of the practice of homosexuality as a form of perversion. If the people for whom this passage is translated do not normally share Paul\u2019s attitude, it may be important to use a word meaning \u201cpervert,\u201d to make Paul\u2019s meaning explicit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Through their translation, a translator essentially speaks God\u2019s words no different than the words spoken by an Old Testament prophet.  A translator who distorts God\u2019s Word is on thin ice per Deuteronomy 13:5 (NASB95):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5<\/sup> \u201cBut that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the Lord your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from among you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A corrupt translation may very well equate to adding or subtracting from God Word in violation of Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB95):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2<\/sup> \u201cYou shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

And, Deuteronomy 12:32 (NASB95), which reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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32<\/sup> \u201cWhatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

According to Revelation 22:18 (NASB95), there are severe consequences to anyone who adds or subtracts from God\u2019s Word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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18<\/sup> I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A translator who engages in eisegetical gymnastics to arrive at a desired result rather than exegete the passage can expect to incur God\u2019s wrath in this life or the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Genealogy of the New Revised Standard Version<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Cambridge Annotated Study Bible, the Preface to the New Revised Standard Version (pages vii-xiii) reads [in part]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This preface is addressed to you by the Committee of translation, who wish to explain, as briefly as possible, the origin and character of our work.  The publication of our revision is yet another step in the long, continual process of making the Bible available in the form of the English language that is most widely current in our day.  To summarize in a single sentence: the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is an authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version, published in 1952, which was a revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901, which, in turn, embodied earlier revisions of the King James Version, published in 1611.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In other words, the genealogy of NRSVue comprises the following: KJV (1611) \u00ae \u201cearlier revisions\u201d of the KJV (1611) \u00ae ASV (1901) \u00ae RSV (1952) \u00ae NRSV (1989) \u00ae NRVSue (2022).  For the purpose of this article, the \u201cearlier revisions\u201d of the 1611 King James Version comprise the AV, the AV1873 and the KVJ 1900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Translation Genealogy of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The translation of the Greek adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em> ] and the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 has changed throughout history.  As will become apparent, these changes are not without substantive impact on eternal destinies.  The translation genealogy is below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KJV (1611): KJV 1611 – 9<\/sup> Know yee not that the vnrighteous shall not inherite the kingdome of God? Be not deceiued: neither fornicatours, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor abusers of themselues with mankind [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> Nor theeues, nor couetous, nor drunkards, nor reuilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cearlier revisions\u201d of the KJV (1611): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (AV) – 9<\/sup> Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cearlier revisions\u201d of the KJV (1611): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (AV 1873) – 9<\/sup> Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cearlier revisions\u201d of the KJV (1611): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (KJV 1900) – 9<\/sup> Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ASV (1901): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (ASV 1901) – 9<\/sup> Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi<\/em>], nor abusers of themselves with men [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RSV (1952): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (RSV) – 9<\/sup> Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts [malakoi<\/em> and arsenokoitai<\/em>]  10<\/sup> nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NRSV (1989): 1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (NRSV) – 9<\/sup> Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes [malakoi<\/em>], sodomites [arsenokoitai<\/em>], 10<\/sup> thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers\u2014none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NRVSue (2022):  Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes [malakoi<\/em>], men who engage in illicit sex [arsenokoitai<\/em>], thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, swindlers\u2014none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. (2021 NRSVue)  (see Christian Forums at link:  https:\/\/www.christianforums.com\/threads\/nrsvue-edits-homosexual-passages.8233928\/<\/a> )<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussion of the Translation Genealogy of the Greek Adjective <\/u><\/strong>\u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 <\/u><\/strong>[malakoi<\/em><\/u><\/strong> <\/u><\/strong>]<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning in 1611 up to 1952 RSV, the adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] was translated as \u201ceffeminate.\u201d   According to The Oxford Compact English Dictionary, 2nd<\/sup> Ediiton at page 497, the adjective \u201ceffeminate\u201d means, \u201cOf persons: that have become like a woman: a. womanish, unmanly, enervated, feeble; self-indulgent, voluptuous; unbecomingly delicate or over-refined.\u201d  In the context of sexual activities, the adjective \u201ceffeminate\u201d would appear to describe the passive male partner in male-male homosexual sexual activities.  One commentary[x]<\/a> writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nor effeminate (\u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76). This word occurs in Mat. 11:8, and Luke 7:25, where it is applied to clothing, and translated \u201csoft raiment;\u201d that is, the light, thin garments worn by the rich and great. It occurs no where else in the New Testament except here. Applied to morals, as it is here, it denotes those who give themselves up to a soft, luxurious, and indolent way of living; who make self-indulgence the grand object of life; who can endure no hardship, and practise no self-denial in the cause of duty and of God. The word is applied in the classic writers to the Cin\u00e6di, the Pathics, or Catamites; those who are given up to wantonness and sensual pleasures, or who are kept to be prostituted to others. Diog. Laer. vii. 5, 4. Xenoph. Mem. iii. 7. 1. Ovid Fast. iv. 342. The connection here seems to demand such an interpretation, as it occurs in the description of vices of the same class\u2014sensual and corrupt indulgences.\u2014It is well known that this vice was common among the Greeks\u2014and particularly prevailed at Corinth.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Jamieson et al.[xi]<\/a> defines \u201ceffeminate\u201d as, \u201cself-polluters, who submit to unnatural lusts.\u201d  Beginning with the NRSV and carrying through to the NRSVue, the adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] was translated as \u201cmale prostitutes.\u201d  In the relevant context, The Oxford Compact English Dictionary defines \u201cprostitute\u201d as a man who undertakes male homosexual acts for payment uss. \u201cmale prostitute.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In discussing \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em> ], the NET Bible[xii]<\/a> reads [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 tn This term is sometimes rendered \u201ceffeminate,\u201d although in contemporary English usage such a translation could be taken to refer to demeanor rather than behavior. BDAG 613 s.v. \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2 2 has \u201cpert. to being passive in a same-sex relationship, effeminate esp. of catamites, of men and boys who are sodomized by other males in such a relationship.\u201d L&N 88.281 states, \u201cthe passive male partner in homosexual intercourse\u2014\u2018homosexual.\u2019 \u2026 As in Greek, a number of other languages also have entirely distinct terms for the active and passive roles in homosexual intercourse.\u201d See also the discussion in G. D. Fee, First Corinthians (NICNT), 243\u201344. A number of modern translations have adopted the phrase \u201cmale prostitutes\u201d for \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u03af in 1 Cor 6:9 (NIV, NRSV, NLT) but this could be misunderstood by the modern reader to mean \u201cmales who sell their services to women,\u201d while the term in question appears, at least in context, to relate to homosexual activity between males.<\/u><\/strong> Furthermore, it is far from certain that prostitution as commonly understood (the selling of sexual favors) is specified here, as opposed to a consensual relationship. Thus the translation \u201cpassive homosexual partners\u201d has been used here.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (1 Co 6:9). Biblical Studies Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his January 6, 2022 article entitled \u201cAn Assessment of the New Revised Standard Version: Gaywashing in the Translation\u201d in The Aquila Report (link: Report (An Assessment of the New Revised Standard Version: Gaywashing in the Translation – The Aquila Report<\/a>) [accessed February 8, 2022]) , Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon writes [emphasis added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As for the Greek term malakoi, which literally means \u201csoft men\u201d and which NRSV continues to translate as \u201cmale prostitutes,\u201d this translation should have been changed to eliminate any restriction to prostitution and any inference that heterosexual relations might be in view.<\/u><\/strong> It is more accurately rendered as \u201cmales who feminize themselves to attract male sex partners\u201d or even as \u201cmale-to-female transgenders.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Discussion of the Translation Genealogy of the Greek noun <\/u><\/strong>\u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9<\/u><\/strong> [arsenokoitai<\/em>]<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It appears that beginning in 1611 and up to 1952, the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] was translated along the lines of the 1901 translation, which reads, \u201cabusers of themselves with men.\u201d  Matthew Henry[xiii]<\/a> appears to equate the expression \u201cabusers of themselves with men\u201d with \u201cSodomites\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barnes[xiv]<\/a> expands on the phrase \u201cabusers of themselves with men:\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Abusers of themselves with mankind (\u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9). P\u00e6derast\u00e6 or Sodomites. Those who indulged in a vice that was common among all the heathen; see Notes, Rom. 1:27.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page ___) defines \u201cpaederasty\u201d as an unnatural connextion with a body; sodomy.  According to the Oxford Compact Dictionary, paiderast\u03ae\u03c2 [paiderastos<\/em>] is the Greek word for paederast.  The word paederastic refers to a sodomite.  According to The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 1255), paidera\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03bf\u03c3 [paideratikos<\/em>] is the Greek word for paederastic which means pertaining to or practicing sodomy.  The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 1817) defines \u201csodomite\u201d as one who practices or commits sodomy.  Sodomy is an unnatural form of sexual intercourse, esp. that of one male with another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1989, the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] was translated as \u201csodomites.\u201d[xv]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NRSVue translates the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] by the expression \u201cmen who engage in illicit sex.\u201d   The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 515) defines \u201cengage\u201d as to enter upon or employ oneself in an action.  The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 814) defines \u201cillicit\u201d as not authorized or allowed; improper, irregular; esp. not sanctioned by law, rule, or custom, unlawful, forbidden.  The Oxford Compact English Dictionary defines \u201csex\u201d as sexual intercourse frequently used in the phrase \u201cto have sex (with).\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In discussing the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>], the NET Bible[xvi]<\/a> reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

6 tn On this term BDAG 135 s.v. \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u03af\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 states, \u201ca male who engages in sexual activity w. a pers. of his own sex, pederast 1 Cor 6:9 \u2026 of one who assumes the dominant role in same-sex activity, opp. \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2 \u2026 1 Ti 1:10; Pol 5:3. Cp. Ro 1:27.\u201d L&N 88.280 states, \u201ca male partner in homosexual intercourse\u2014\u2018homosexual.\u2019 \u2026 It is possible that \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u03af\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 in certain contexts refers to the active male partner in homosexual intercourse in contrast with \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2, the passive male partner.\u201d Since there is a distinction in contemporary usage between sexual orientation and actual behavior, the qualification \u201cpracticing\u201d was supplied in the translation, following the emphasis in BDAG.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In the same article from the Aquila Report, Dr. Gagnon writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The word literally means \u201cmen lying with (i.e., having sexual intercourse with) a male.\u201d It is a specifically Jewish and Christian term formed from the Greek (Septuagint) translation of Hebrew Levitical prohibitions of man-male intercourse in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

These Levitical texts prohibit absolutely (no exceptions) a man from lying (verb koimaomai) with a male (arsen) as though lying sexually (abstract noun koite) with a woman.* All future uses of the term arsenokoitai in Christian literature that have sufficient context to make a determination involve men lying with a male.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

There is absolutely no doubt, based on extant evidence, that the term arsenokoitai in 1 Cor 6:9 is correctly translated as \u201cmen lying with a male.\u201d If any updating of the NRSV were to be done on 1 Cor 6:9, it should have been done in the direction of translating arsenokoitai as \u201cmen lying with a male.\u201d The previous NRSV translation of \u201csodomites\u201d was not the best translation because \u201cSodom\u201d is not part of the stem of this Greek noun.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The nebulous expression \u201cmen who engage in illicit sex\u201d is like a nose of wax that the reader can twist and turn to say whatever they want it to say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussion of the Translation of <\/u><\/strong>\u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76<\/u><\/strong> and <\/u><\/strong>\u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 <\/u><\/strong>in the RSV<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RSV (1952) translated the Greek adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] together as \u201csexual perverts.\u201d   The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 1727) defines \u201csexual\u201d as of or pertaining to sex \u2026 relative to the physical intercourse between sexes or the gratification of sexual appetites.  The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 1318) defines \u201cpervert\u201d as one who suffers from a perversion of the sexual instinct.  The word perversion means the action of perverting or the condition of being perverted; turning aside from truth or right.  In the sexual context, it is a disorder of sexual behavior in which satisfaction is sought through channels other than those of normal heterosexual intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is of interest that the New American Standard Bible (2020) translates \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] together as “homosexuals” along with the note that reads, \u201cTwo Gr. Words in the text, prob.  Submissive and dominant male homosexuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOW THE NRSVeu KEEPS PRACTICING HOMOSEXUALS  ON THE ROAD TO HELL<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In reference to the translation by the NRSVue of the Greek adjective \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>], the translation \u201cmale prostitute\u201d distorts what Paul meant by \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] in two ways  The NRSV translated \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] as \u201cmale prostitutes.\u201d  To the extent the translation genealogy kept practicing homosexuals on the road to hell, it began with the change in 1989 from \u201csexual perverts\u201d (RSV 1952) to \u201cmale prostitutes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the term \u201cmale prostitutes\u201d can refer to men who for compensation engage in heterosexual activity with women.  In no way does Paul\u2019s use of \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] refer to paid male-female sexual activity.  Paul\u2019s use of \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>]  refers to male-male sexual activity.  This is especially true because \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] should be read as a pair in the sexual context. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, compensation of any kind was not within the scope of Paul\u2019s usage of \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>].  Therefore, the term \u201cmale prostitute\u201d which implies some compensation, is misleading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adjective \u201ceffeminate\u201d paints a more accurate picture of Paul\u2019s meaning.  However, the NET Bible translation is closer still to Paul\u2019s meaning by its usage of the phrase \u201cpassive homosexual partners\u201d to translate \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the reference to the Greek noun \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>], the NRSVue has done a great disservice to the practicing homosexual by keeping them on the road to hell.  Prior to the NRSVue, the English expressions \u201cabusers of themselves with men,\u201d \u201csexual perverts,\u201d and \u201csodomites\u201d conveyed the meaning of unrestricted male-male homosexual sexual activity.  Male-male homosexual sexual activity was sufficient to fall within the scope of any of these translations of \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tragically, the NRSVue\u2019s use of the expression \u201cmen who engage in illicit sex\u201d corrupts what Paul intended to mean by his use of \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] for two reasons.  First, in view of the legality of same-sex \u201cmarriage,\u201d all male-male homosexual sexual activity is not \u201cillicit\u201d in the secular legal sense.  Second, this expression encompasses male-female heterosexual activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a tragedy of eternal proportions that serial and unrepentant male and female[xvii]<\/a> homosexuals will make the NRSVue their “go-to” Bible to justify their damning lifestyles. While the NRSVue translation of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 may allow a practicing homosexual to feel better for now, unless they repent of their sin and trust in Christ\u2019 finished work on the cross alone for their salvation, they will be very disappointed come Judgment Day.  The same may very well be said about the translators who developed, or acquiesced to the development of, a translation that keeps practicing homosexuals on the road to hell.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overarching purpose of the church is to preach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to lost sinners, which includes serial and unrepentant male and female homosexuals.  Any Christ-follower worth their salt will push against any obstacle that impedes the proclamation of the gospel.  Such resistance is consistent with what Pastor John MacArthur preached on January 16, 2022, in a sermon entitled “Such Were Some of You:”[xviii]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Any attack on this operation of converting sinners to Christ is an assault on God, on Christ, on the Holy Spirit, on the Bible, on the church, that will be met by the church with one hundred percent resistance because this is our mission.  Sinners must be converted, or they will not enter the kingdom of God.  Being outside the kingdom of God means eternal punishment in hell forever.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The NRSVue is a translation that further widens the already broad road to hell[xix]<\/a> for practicing homosexuals.  It is a translation that prevents practicing homosexuals from entering the kingdom of God.  Not unlike what Pastor MacArthur said about the Canadian government through enacting Bill C-4 to ban so-called \u201cconversion therapy\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

What interest does the government have in protecting homosexuals from the kingdom of God?  Why is it a threat to convert a homosexual, to convert a transgender person?  Why do they want to make laws to prevent that?  Do they have a particular interest in populating hell with a certain kind of sinner?  What business do they have in telling the church under divine mandate that it’s a felony to convert a sinner?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I serve as an elder at Fairview Community Church in Fairview, Tennessee.  FCC is a small church that wants to see serial and unrepentant homosexuals exercise biblical saving faith.  Regrettably, the salvation of a practicing homosexual becomes more difficult in light of a translation like the NRSVue, which “gaywashes” God\u2019s warning in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, unless it is for forensic analysis, I will discourage folks at our church and other people I talk with on this subject from using the NRSVue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SALVATION<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are unsure about your salvation, you need to check out my new (published in October, 2021) book The Salvation Meter: Biblical Self-Diagnostic Tests to Examine Your Salvation and Spiritual Growth<\/strong><\/em> (book link at Xulon Press: https:\/\/www.xulonpress.com\/bookstore\/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781662828638<\/a> ).  At Amazon the book link is  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Salavation-Meter-Biblical-Self-Diagnostic-Spiritual\/dp\/1662828632<\/a> .  I also have website in which I am updating the content in the book.  The link to my website for the book is https:\/\/thesalvationmeter.com<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are reading this post and are not a Christian, your eternal destination is hell unless God intervenes.  But, your destiny can change.  Today can be the day of your salvation.  Please see my blog (https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/2020\/04\/20\/for-god-so-loves-you-2\/<\/a>) for a description of how you can be saved and a more concise description at my (https:\/\/stevebelsheim.com\/2020\/10\/20\/there-is-hope-even-when-there-seems-to-be-no-hope-2\/<\/a> ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTICE OF PERMISSIONS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am mindful of and respect the rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  I thus try my best to not violate any copyright rights other authors and\/or publishers possess in their works.  The below copyright permission statement is the result of my best efforts to understand that limited usage or “fair use” is available and\/or to secure direct permission for specific works.  The quotations from commentaries are considered to be “fair use.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are from the ESV\u00ae Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked \u201cNASB95\u201d are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE\u00ae, Copyright \u00a9 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “NCV” is taken from the New Century Version. Copyright \u00a9 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scriptures marked “NET” are quoted are from the NET Bible\u00ae  http:\/\/netbible.com copyright \u00a91996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright \u00a9 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture marked “GW” is taken from the God’s Word Bible that is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/a> See the announcement by Friendship Press (link: NRSV Updated Edition – Friendship Press<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/a> According to 2 Timothy 3:16\u201317 (NASB95), the Bible is the only rule for faith and practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16<\/sup> All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17<\/sup> so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/a>  The New American Standard Bible \u2013 1995 update (NASB95) is my \u201cgo-to\u201d Bible translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/a> Pratt, R. L., Jr. (2000). I & II Corinthians (Vol. 7, p. 89). Broadman & Holman Publishers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/a> Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Kling, C. F., & Poor, D. W. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 Corinthians (p. 125). Logos Bible Software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/a>  By saying there is a \u201cdispute,\u201d I do not acknowledge that the pro-LGBTQ position has merit.  All I mean is that a \u201cdispute\u201d exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vii]<\/a>  2 Timothy 3:16\u201317 (NASB95) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16<\/sup> All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17<\/sup> so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[viii]<\/a>  2 Peter 1:21 (NASB95) reads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21<\/sup> for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ix]<\/a> Ellingworth, P., Hatton, H., & Ellingworth, P. (1995). A handbook on Paul\u2019s first letter to the Corinthians (pp. 130\u2013131). United Bible Societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[x]<\/a> Barnes, A. (1884\u20131885). Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians (R. Frew, Ed.; pp. 101\u2013102). Blackie & Son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xi]<\/a> See Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 273). Logos Research Systems, Inc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xii]<\/a> Note the reading of 1 Corinthians 6:9  in The NET Bible First Edition (Noteless) [boldfacing added]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9<\/sup> Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners<\/strong>, practicing homosexuals,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiii]<\/a> Matthew Henry\u2019s Commentary \u2013 Acts to Revelation Vol. VI, (1708-1710), McDonald Publishing Company, McLean Virginia at p. 533.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiv]<\/a> Barnes, A. (1884\u20131885). Notes on the New Testament: I Corinthians (R. Frew, Ed.; pp. 101\u2013102). Blackie & Son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xv]<\/a> As stated earlier, The Oxford Compact English Dictionary (page 1817) defines \u201csodomite\u201d as one who practices or commits sodomy.  Sodomy is an unnatural form of sexual intercourse, esp. that of one male with another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvi]<\/a> Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (1 Co 6:9). Biblical Studies Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvii]<\/a> In light of Romans 1:26-27, the warning and penalty for \u03bc\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f76 [malakoi<\/em>] and \u1f00\u03c1\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 [arsenokoitai<\/em>] from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 applies to serial and unrepentant female practicing homosexuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xviii]<\/a>  The link to the sermon  Such Were Some of You (gty.org)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xix]<\/a> The road to hell, according to Jesus\u2019 teaching in Matthew 7:13\u201314 (NASB95), is easy and the gate to hell is wide:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

13<\/sup> \u201cEnter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14<\/sup> \u201cFor the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION There is due for release an updated version of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV 1989) translation of the Bible.  The update uses the abbreviation \u201cNRSVue.\u201d  The press release[i] reads [in part] (italics in the original): The NRSVue is informed by the results of discovery and study of hundreds of ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[319],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lgbtq"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1174"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2110,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1174\/revisions\/2110"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stevebelsheim.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}