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Questions From ReadersThe Watchtower—1959 | August 1
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● Why is it that the New World Translation, at Luke 11:2, omits from the model prayer that Jesus taught his disciples the part that says: “Let your will come to pass, as in heaven, also upon earth”?—R. M., U.S.A.
At Luke 11:2 some translations include the words: “Let your will come to pass, as in heaven, also upon earth,” because certain of the old Greek manuscripts contain those words. However, the oldest of the most authentic Greek manuscripts, namely, Vatican Manuscript 1209, omits the words. Hence the Greek text by Westcott and Hort, which is the text upon which mainly the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures rests, and the Greek text by the German scholar D. Eberhard Nestle omit the words. For this reason the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures does not contain the words even though they are found in Jesus’ formula of the prayer as given in Matthew 6:9-13. Why Luke omitted the words in Lu chapter 11 verses 2-4 of his account, according to the Vatican Manuscript, we do not know, but the first verse of the chapter Lu 11:1 shows that this rendering of the model prayer was given on a different occasion from that of Matthew chapter six, when Jesus delivered his sermon on the mountain. So on the occasion recorded by Luke when Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he gave a shortened form of the prayer. The foremost things were to pray for God’s name to be sanctified and also for his kingdom to come. When this would be fulfilled, then, of course, the other part would follow, that God’s will should be done on earth as it is up in heaven, and there would be no need to specifically utter a petition to this latter effect. It was implicit in the sanctifying of God’s name and of the coming of his kingdom.
● In connection with the ark constructed by Noah, Genesis 6:16 makes reference to an “opening for illumination” and Genesis 8:6 refers to “the window.” Are they the same? Also, what was the “covering of the ark” spoken of in Genesis 8:13?—E. F., U.S.A.
The “window” of the ark and the “opening for illumination” are one and the same thing. This opening for illumination also provided for the ventilation of the ark, so it must have extended all around the ark at the top under the eaves, which protected the ark from having the heavy downpour of water get inside. The “covering of the ark” mentioned in Genesis 8:13 was doubtless something on top of the ark. Whether it was the whole roof or part of the roof we do not know. But when this covering was removed from the top it would afford ample way of escape for the birds to fly out of the ark, soaring into the air above the ark. The other animals would have to make their exit through the door, which was the only other opening in the ark besides the window or opening for illumination.
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AnnouncementsThe Watchtower—1959 | August 1
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Announcements
FIELD MINISTRY
During August Jehovah’s witnesses will continue to offer the informative Bible study book “Your Will Be Done on Earth” and a booklet on a contribution of only 50c. For information as to how you may share, write us or contact the nearest Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses.
PRESERVE AND RENEW YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH
Few men will expend their physical energy beyond the safety limit, yet few of these same men think seriously of renewing their spiritual strength. Day by day the exacting toll of daily problems saps them of their Christian vitality. Soon the corrupted values of this world infect their thinking and they become an easy prey to the many spiritual “diseases” afflicting the world. Do you have a proper safeguard? Millions are finding it in each issue of The Watchtower. Absorb regularly its healthful admonition in Bible study. Send $1 today for a year’s subscription.
“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS
September 13: Be Filled with Spiritual Discernment, ¶1-20. Page 457.
September 20: Be Filled with Spiritual Discernment, ¶21-23, and Spiritual Discernment—an Evidence of Christian Maturity. Page 462.
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