Reasoning From the Scriptures Archives

Condemnation: Where Do You Stand According to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society?

May 22, 2016 By Sean

This is something that the Watchtower regularly commits to yet it has the tendency to talk out of both sides of it’s mouth. I’m going to address the subject of condemnation. For this, we are going to define it as “strong disapproval.”

I would like to spend some time on the topic of condemnation. Starting with the Bible first, I’m not going to read all of Revelation 2 and 3. However, when you look at the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, they are representative of various gatherings today. Each church was either commended or condemned for something. I’m going to quickly go over these using the New World Translation:

Ephesus: Verse 2 and 3 are commendations

‘I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary.

Verse 4-Condemnation Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.

Smyrna

Commend-verse 9 ‘I know your tribulation and poverty—but you are rich—and the blasphemy by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but they are a synagogue of Satan.

Pergamon

Good verse 13 ‘I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my name,+ and you did not deny your faith in me+ even in the days of Anʹti·pas, my faithful witness, who was killed by your side, where Satan is dwelling.

Bad-verse 14 “‘Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, that you have there those adhering to the teaching of Baʹlaam, who taught Baʹlak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.

Thyatira

Good verse 19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first.

Condemnation-Verse 20 “‘Nevertheless, I do hold this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezʹe·bel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and misleads my slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

Sardis

Commendation-verse “To the angel of the congregation in Sarʹdis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven spirits of God+ and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead.

Some individuals are pointed out in verse 4: “‘Nevertheless, you do have a few individuals* in Sarʹdis who did not defile their garments, and they will walk with me in white ones,+ because they are worthy.

Philadelphia

Good-verse 8, 10 ‘I know your deeds—look! I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut. And I know that you have a little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name.

Because you kept the word about my endurance,*+ I will also keep you from the hour of test,+ which is to come upon the entire inhabited earth, to put to the test those dwelling on the earth.

Bad-verse 16

So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.

So you notice there is only one group of believers that had no type of condemnation at all mentioned. The irony here is that there is no indiciation that they would ever be perfect in the least bit.

Let’s contrast that with the organization:

Now the Watchtower is very quick to talk about the good that is has. Here’s one quote: God has produced a spiritual paradise and has brought his people into it. The term “spiritual paradise” may seem abstract, hard to grasp, but such a paradise was foretold, and it really does exist.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 15, 2004 p. 8

The closest the organization ever said anything was not a spiritual paradise was this: Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah's organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality, wife swapping, and child molesting."

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1986 p.13

Even though the Watchtower loves to condemn earthly government as being under the control of Satan, instead of praying to Jehovah for a divine intervention, they send their army of lawyers to speak on the organization’s behalf. If this organization was truly run by Jehovah, why doesn’t he just simply intervene in a case? When a case is won, the organization is very quick to point it out and insert the information on the official website. I did a simple Google search for “watchtower wins legal ruling” and the third link led to a January 8, 2003 Awake! article titled, “Supreme Court Rules for Freedom of Speech” on the official website. Doing a search for “watchtower loses legal ruling” lead to only Candace Conti being mentioned by various news outlets. The only thing by the organization that was mentioned was, “Russia Bans Official Website of Jehovah’s Witnesses” hosted July 27, 2015.

So here’s an older quote that has the society condemning just a group of local officials:

Consolation condemned San Diego County officials for their refusal to grant a permit for Rutherford's burial at either property, stating "It was not the fate of the bones which they decided, but their own destiny.

San Diego officials line up against New Earth's princes", Consolation. May 27, 1942 p. 6,9

However, one thing has been constant, the organization has reinforced the “us vs. them” mentality and that is where we will focus today.

Christadelphian

If you have a copy of the Emphatic Diaglott, thank a Christadelphian. However, the organization has bitten the hand that helped developed a core doctrine. The organization condemned all Christadelphians with the following quote:

The tenor of the foregoing may cause some to conclude that Christadelphianism is indeed of God. However, as we examine it more closely we find that it contains such gross shortcomings and false doctrines that it simply could not be of God but must be of men.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. August 1, 1962 p. 474

The organization has been against the Catholic Church even though it models the structure much the same way. Here’s the Catholic Church and Watchtower structural comparison:

Catholic Church-Watchtower Society

Pope-Governing Body

Cardinals-Branch Committees

Archbishops-District Overseers

Bishops-Circuit Overseers

Priests-Elders

Deacons-Ministerial Servants

Laity-Publishers

Judge Rutherford was very keen on attacking the Catholic church. Here’s a small sampling from the publication: Judge Rutherford Uncovers the Fifth Column published in 1940.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy are the chief instrument on earth of the Devil. p. 10

Now the interesting thing is there is a lot of time spent condemning the Catholics. However, this was kind of forgotten since the organization used the Catholic church with a sampling of the following quotes:

The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges: “The date of Christ’s birth is not known. The gospels indicate neither the day nor the month . . . According to the hypothesis suggested by H. Usener . . . and accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian Calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began its return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated the dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun).

Awake! December 8, 2002 p. 17

“The soul in the O[ld] T[estament] means not a part of man, but the whole man—man as a living being. Similarly, in the N[ew] T[estament] it signifies human life . . . The Bible does not speak of the survival of an immaterial soul.”—New Catholic Encyclopedia.

Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? 1998 p. 168

The New Catholic Encyclopedia revealed that “astrology was used by Pope Julius II [1503-13] to set the day of his coronation and by Paul III [1534-49] to determine the proper hour for every Consistory.”

Awake! July 8, 1994 p. 3

“The Christian concept of a spiritual soul created by God and infused into the body at conception to make man a living whole is the fruit of a long development in Christian philosophy. Only with Origen [died c. 254 C.E.] in the East and St. Augustine [died 430 C.E.] in the West was the soul established as a spiritual substance and a philosophical concept formed of its nature. . . . His [Augustine’s] doctrine . . . owed much (including some shortcomings) to Neoplatonism.”—New Catholic Encyclopedia (1967), Vol. XIII, pp. 452, 454.

Reasoning From the Scriptures. 1985, 1989 ed. p. 379

The commonality between all of these quotes is the organization is freely quoting them. Now if Rutherford said that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the devil’s chief instrument and by extension the writings are to, why does the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society openly use material from Satan? Notice the graphic below when the search parameter is set. It is possible that it is pulling in articles that just have "new."

Regardless, one must ask the question, if this organization is so bad, evil, and part of Satan’s system, why does this organization have a steadfast reliance upon it?

I wish to spend some more time on one of the organization’s favorite enemies, the League of Nations/United nations by starting to look at some negative quotes:

Babylon The Great Has Fallen! Gods Kingdom Rules (1963) p.577

No, the UN is not a blessing, even though the religious clergy of Christendom and the rabbis of Jewry pray heaven’s blessing upon that organization. It is really “the image of the wild beast,” the visible political, commercial organization of “the god of this system of things,” Satan the Devil. So the UN will soon be destroyed along with that beastly organization.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. September 15, 1984 p.15

However, this organization initially didn’t speak negatively with this quote:

We cannot but admire the high principles embodied in the League of Nations... Truly this is idealistic, and approximates in a small way that which God has foretold that he will bring about after this great time of trouble."

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. February 15, 1919 p. 51

It's also worth nothing the League of Nations preceded the United Nations.

However, what many Witnesses are still not aware of is that the organization was part of the Scarlett Beast for nearly 10 years.

Here’s an article that a journalist used to uncover the association:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/oct/08/religion.world

The organization, as usual gave a half truth as an excuse. It was done to obtain a “library card.” However, here’s the weblink that you can search: http://unbisnet.un.org/

Now, admittedly, it’s been 15 years since this story broke. What you can do as a Witness if you’re curious is simply reach out to the UN and inquire about past procedure if membership was needed for a library card.

Further irony is here when you break out your slightly older you will see this: Two articles that were favorable to the United Nations: Awake! Dec 8, 2000 and April 8, 1998 Awake!

In a similar vein, I just mentioned that a journalist uncovered this. Condemnation goes for the media as well. Let’s look at this:

Satan makes full use of the media to put across this degraded mentality.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. September 1, 1988 p. 16

In the new world, Satan’s propaganda media will have been removed.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. April 1, 1997 p. 17

However, when there’s a need, the organization will employ use of the “Satan’s propaganda media” as the following quote says:

Coordinators’ Committee – The brothers serving on this committee oversee legal matters as well as the use of the media when it is necessary to convey an accurate picture of our beliefs. They also respond to disasters, outbreaks of persecution, and other emergencies affecting our brotherhood anywhere in the world.”

God’s Kingdom Rules! 2014. p. 131

Remember earlier how I called the organization a spiritual paradise? Let’s look again:

Now the Watchtower is very quick to talk about the Good that is has. Here’s one quote: God has produced a spiritual paradise and has brought his people into it. The term “spiritual paradise” may seem abstract, hard to grasp, but such a paradise was foretold, and it really does exist.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. October 15, 2004

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1986 p.13

So here are some things to keep in mind as a Watchowerite, the organization doesn’t want you to believe anything but what it has to say. They are willing to speak out of both sides of their mouths with what they print. Do you possibly believe they are thinking out of both sides when it comes to dealing with you? Come to the Jesus of the Bible and you will never ever regret it. I’d like to finish up by starting with 1 Peter 2:22 (New World Translation): He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. Let's contrast that with the organization. How often has it been deceptive to the public? If it's deceptive to the public, do you believe that they would be deceptive towards you? Leave the organization today.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society: Changed Writings

March 20, 2016 By Sean

I would like to start by looking first at I Peter 1:24-25. It says the following in the New World Translation: For “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of grass; the grass becomes withered, and the flower falls off, but the saying of Jehovah endures forever.” Well, this is the “saying,” this which has been declared to YOU as good news.

Let’s take a few moments and examine these two verses. The author of this passage is attributed to Peter, who is identified in 1:1. However, this has disputed. Regardless, the context of the entire book is that it’s addressed to the early believers who are in Asia Minor (present day Turkey). They were enduring persecution. The simplistic meaning behind this passage is that things done or said by men is temporary, anything associated with God is eternal. This goes for the Word of God (the Bible), His attributes, to eternal security of salvation.

One would think that this organization’s material would have a longer life then what it actually does. This organization has claimed inspiration at times, hence the words of this organization should last forever. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. With that in mind, I’m going to bring forth some various statements by this organization through it’s history. This organization revises the text, slips it in, and doesn’t explain the reason why behind it at all. This can be a tedious task but it’s a fun one.

Studies in the Scriptures: Has the following quote:

Text version of Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 1-7. Volumes 1-6 were written by Charles Taze Russell (1916 edition) and were originally entitled "Millennial Dawn." Earlier editions of volumes 1-6 contain significant differences. Predictions for the year 1914 were altered in the 1916 printing. Volume 7 is entitled "The Finished Mystery" and was written by G. Fisher and C. J. Woodworth (1918). These volumes were published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (now known as Jehovah's Witnesses). Text is in the public domain.

https://archive.org/details/StudiesInTheScripturesVolumes1-7

This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top seven inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”

Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898. p. 335, 336

So note it is only seven inches.

This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top 20 inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”

Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898, 1911 ed. p. 335, 336

Somehow this monument that was during the time designed by Jehovah grew 13 inches somehow. It had to be Jehovah because Newton’s first law of motion (an object in motion/rest tends to stay that way).

Here's a video that depicts the quotes from above:

Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years AD. equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.

Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1904 ed. p. 342

Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years AD. equals 3457 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.

Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1910 ed. p. 342

We call attention to a few slight changes which have been made in four pages of Vol. II. and six pages of Vol. III., "STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES." These are all trivial and do not alter the real sense and lesson, but conform to the facts as we have them today. The pages containing these corrections are as follows:
Vol. II., page 77, line 1, "will be the farthest limit," reads "will see the disintegration."
Vol. II., page 77, line 6, "will obtain full universal control," reads "will begin to assume control."
Vol. II., page 77, lines 16,17, "end of A.D. 1914," reads "end of the overthrow."
Vol. II., page 81, line 9, "can date only from A.D. 1914," reads "could not precede A.D. 1915."
Vol. II., page 170, line 16, "at that time they will all be overturned."*
*How long it will require to accomplish this overturning we are not informed, but have reason to believe the period will be short.
Vol. II., page 221, line 25, "full favor until A.D. 1914," reads "full favor until after 1915."
Vol. III., page 94, line 29, "in this end or harvest," reads "at the end of this harvest."
Vol. III., page 126, line 12, "at A.D. 1914," reads "after 1914."
Vol. III., page 133, line 21, "ere the harvest is fully ended."+
Vol. III., page 228, line 11, "some time before 1914," reads "very soon after 1914."
Vol. III., page 228, line 15, "just how long before," reads "just how long after."
Vol. III., page 362, line 11, "some time before," reads "some time near."
Vol. III., page 364, line 14, "must not only witness," reads "may not only witness.""

+The end of the harvest will probably include the burning of the tares.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. March 1, 1915 p. 5649

Take note that this Watch Tower spoke about changes.

We know nothing so good to give them as the six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, in our opinion they need no change nor alteration.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 1, 1915 Reprints p. 5794

Just eight months later, the Watch Tower didn’t need any change or alteration at all.

Just how long before 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished. With these two thought in mind, we can approximate the time of the deliverance.

Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908 p.228

Notice how the deliverance of saints was to take place within six years.

Just how long after 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished.

Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908, 1915 ed. p.228

Contrasting this with the 1915 edition, the deliverance was to take place soon after.

Let’s look at the publication Watchtower Jesus would have inspected: The Finished Mystery.

Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 485

So what we have was in less than a year, Christendom as present day Jehovah’s Witnesses describe mainstream Christianity was to be destroyed.

Also, in the year 1918, when God begins to destroys the churches and the church members by millions it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.

The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 485

Now from when the churches were to be destroyed, they were now only beginning to be destroyed. So what does that destruction look like now? Not saying that quantity is better than quality but today, mainstream Christianity is still far bigger in terms of size. Also, the organization is not undergoing the scrutiny that the organization is.

While the Temple is an architectural possibility, as shown in the accompanying illustration, (and may be erected at Jerusalem), it, in its various parts, surroundings, rites and worshippers, is a type and symbol of better ‘things to come', after the wars, revolutions and anarchy of the period from 1914 to 1925 have passed.

The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 569

So here as I said recently, the organization has the affinity of dates. Let’s look a little bit more.

The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 569

So we go from having a date to an indefinite period.

Back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acherson declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence" And he warned: "I know enough of what is going on to assure you that, in fifteen years from today this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968. p.9

So from this quote, 1960 plus 15 years equals the year 1975. This is yet another time where the organization has a quote regarding 1975.

"Also, as reported back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence." Based on what he knew was then going on in the world, it was his conclusion that soon "this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968, 1981 edition. p.9

So again, we have a case where we go from the organization having a definitive date to “soon.”

Let’s look a little more at the publication You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982 and the 1989 edition on page 179 you will see the following difference in paragraph 10:

In short, this is when the organization taught the resurrection of the Sodomites would occur in 1982 yet in 1989 they wouldn’t receive a resurrection.

I mentioned this recently, but it is pertinent for today.

He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12

Definite time given. The work still goes on.

He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our day.

(Bound volume and CD)
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12

How long does “our day” last?

Here are some other publications that the organization has had one or more editions:

Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. 2001, 2012 printing.

The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s. 1989, 2006 printing.

Come Be My Follower. 2007, 2012 printing.

Draw Close to Jehovah. 2002, 2014 edition.

God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah. 2010. 2012 printing.

Harp of God. 1921, 1928 edition.

Keep Yourself in God’s Love. 2008, 2014 edition. 2015 printing.

Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969, 1985 edition.

Live With Jehovah’s Day in Mind. 2006, 2014 printing.

Make Sure of All Things. 1953, 1965 edition.

Qualified To Be Ministers. 1955, 1967 edition.

My Book of Bible Stories. 1978, 2004 editions.

Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! 1999, 2006 printing.

Pay Attention To Yourselves and To All The Flock. 1977, 1979, 1981, 1991 editions.

Reasoning From The Scriptures. 1985, 1989 edition.

Revelation! It’s Grand Climax At Hand. 1988. 2006 printing.

The following link has an indepth analysis: http://www.jwfacts.com/images/rev-bk-adjustment-comparison.pdf

Shepherd the Flock of God. 2010, 2012 online edition.

What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005. 2014 revision. Most likely has agreement with the revised version of the New World Translation.

Given the trend of having changes in later editions, what could possibly be contained within the various publications?

This is from the January 2015 Awake!

With this in mind, I started in the New World Translation, I would like to finish by looking back at some of the verses within the New World Translation itself.

John 17:3

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

New World Translation. 1984 edition.

This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

New World Translation. 2013 edition.

Colossians 1:16, 17

Because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all other things and by means of him all other things were made to exist,

New World Translation. 1950 p. 589

Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,

New World Translation. 1984 p. 1468

New World Translation. 1984, 2006 printing p. 1469, 1470

Notice how the brackets were not originally used, then inserted in the 1984 edition. Today, the organization gives the appearance of the word “other” being included by again going to the old practice of removing the brackets yet again.

Hebrews 1:6

But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels worship him.”

New World Translation. 1950 p. 634 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969 p. 964, 965

Within those pages, here is definitive proof that the organization was engaged in “creature worship” since the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society proclaims Jesus to be a created being.

Let’s contrast…

But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.”

New World Translation. 1984 p. 1490 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1985 p. 948, 949

Obeisance is showing reverence but not full worship.

One significant passage that’s been removed is John 7:53-8:11. Prior editions of the New World Translation would at least state that this passage was not present in some of the oldest manuscripts of the Greek Scriptures/New Testament. However, they have been taken out completely.

With these changes in mind, it is quite obvious that the organization doesn’t fit with Malachi 3:6 which says the following, “For I am Jehovah; I have not changed.” The manuscripts that are the basis of all recognized translations have not changed (recognized being accepted and not attached to a particular group) yet the organization changes things in a short period of time. How about you place down the fallible reading material that changes on a whim and rely on the Word of God.

The Imperial Bible-Dictionary

In its articles on Jehovah, The Imperial Bible-Dictionary nicely illustrates the difference between ʼElo·him′ (God) and Jehovah. Of the name Jehovah, it says: “It is everywhere a proper name, denoting the personal God and him only; whereas Elohim partakes more of the character of a common noun, denoting usually, indeed, but not necessarily nor uniformly, the Supreme. . . . The Hebrew may say the Elohim, the true God, in opposition to all false gods; but he never says the Jehovah, for Jehovah is the name of the true God only. He says again and again my God . . . ; but never my Jehovah, for when he says my God, he means Jehovah. He speaks of the God of Israel, but never of the Jehovah of Israel, for there is no other Jehovah. He speaks of the living God, but never of the living Jehovah, for he cannot conceive of Jehovah as other than living.”—Edited by P. Fairbairn, London, 1874, Vol. I, p. 856

Insight On the Scriptures-Volume II. 1988. p. 8

Professor of Hebrew D. H. Weir therefore rightly says that those who claim Exodus 6:2, 3 marks the first time the name Jehovah was revealed, “have not studied [these verses] in the light of other scriptures; otherwise they would have perceived that by name must be meant here not the two syllables which make up the word Jehovah, but the idea which it expresses. When we read in Isaiah, ch. lii. 6, ‘Therefore my people shall know my name;’ or in Jeremiah, ch. xvi. 21, ‘They shall know that my name is Jehovah;’ or in the Psalms, Ps. ix. [10, 16], ‘They that know thy name shall put their trust in thee;’ we see at once that to know Jehovah’s name is something very different from knowing the four letters of which it is composed. It is to know by experience that Jehovah really is what his name declares him to be. (Compare also Is. xix. 20, 21; Eze. xx. 5, 9; xxxix. 6, 7; Ps. lxxxiii. [18]; lxxxix. [16]; 2 Ch. vi. 33.)”—The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, Vol. I, pp. 856, 857.

Insight On the Scriptures-Volume II. 1988. p. 12-13

Concerning this The Imperial Bible-Dictionary (edited by P. Fairbairn, London, 1874, Vol. I, p. 664) observes: “It is interesting to know that this [the goat] was the recognized symbol of their nation by the Macedonians themselves. Monuments are still extant in which this symbol occurs, as one of the pilasters of Persepolis, where a goat is depicted with one immense horn on his forehead, and a Persian holding the horn, by which is intended the subjection of Macedon by Persia” (something accomplished by the Persians toward the close of the sixth century B.C.E.).

Insight On the Scriptures-Volume I. 1988. p. 966

“The later Hebrews looked on the celebration of birthdays as a part of idolatrous worship, a view which would be abundantly confirmed by what they saw of the common observances associated with these days.”—The Imperial Bible-Dictionary (London, 1874), edited by Patrick Fairbairn, Vol. I, p. 225.

Reasoning From the Scriptures. 1985, 1989 ed. p. 69

The Greek word rendered “cross” in many modern Bible versions (“torture stake” in NW) is stau·ros′. In classical Greek, this word meant merely an upright stake, or pale. Later it also came to be used for an execution stake having a crosspiece. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary acknowledges this, saying: “The Greek word for cross, [stau·ros′], properly signified a stake, an upright pole, or piece of paling, on which anything might be hung, or which might be used in impaling [fencing in] a piece of ground. . . . Even amongst the Romans the crux (from which our cross is derived) appears to have been originally an upright pole.”—Edited by P. Fairbairn (London, 1874), Vol. I, p. 376.

Reasoning From the Scriptures. 1985, 1989 ed. p. 89

Of interest is a comment in The Imperial Bible-Dictionary of 1874: “[Jehovah] is everywhere a proper name, denoting the personal God and him only; whereas Elohim partakes more of the character of a common noun, denoting usually, indeed, but not necessarily nor uniformly, the Supreme. . . . The Hebrew may say the Elohim, the true God, in opposition to all false gods; but he never says the Jehovah, for Jehovah is the name of the true God only. He says again and again my God . . . ; but never my Jehovah, for when he says my God, he means Jehovah. He speaks of the God of Israel, but never of the Jehovah of Israel, for there is no other Jehovah. He speaks of the living God, but never of the living Jehovah, for he cannot conceive of Jehovah as other than living.”

Awake! February 8, 1999 p. 8

The Imperial Bible Dictionary Volume I