The importance of the “Received Text”
Years ago in the beginning stages of my Christian growth, my pastor (through an interpreter) would often instruct us to correct errors in the French Bible we used to better comply with the English Authorized Version known as the King James Bible. Realizing that the French translation was not as accurate as the English translation was often troubling.
The more I studied, the more I understood the value of the King James Bible and the importance of the Textus Receptus (“Received Text”). I began to note a pattern. Weak churches were relying on the Westcott and Hort French translation called Louis Segond. Availability and affordability makes this translation popular among French cultures.
History of French translation
A few French translations have been attempted and even accomplished using the “Received Text” . In the mid-sixteenth century, Pierre Robert Olivetan (1506-1538) translated the Scriptures into the French language. The Olivetan Bible was published in 1535. Theologians such as Ostervald, Calvin and Luther used it and even revised it. Ostervald’s revisions were superior to the others because the integrity of the French language and the accuracy of the “Received Text” were kept.
Unfortunately, through the centuries many tampered with his text. Many of the changes were not well documented. Although the Ostervald version is the best in my opinion, it has been revised so many times that its reliability is problematic when compared to the “Received Text”. It was of paramount importance that an exhaustive revision be completed because we believed that God had revealed Himself through the prophets by His inspired word (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).
Comparaison de différentes traductions
A comparison and evaluation of the French versions of the New Testament is available here for your reading (french document). We compare the 2014 Ostervald version with those of the Trinitarian Bible Society, Louis Second 1910, J.N. Darby and Martin 1855. This study, verse by verse, reveals many omissions and differences that affect the meaning of God’s Word, the understanding of the doctrine of our Christian faith, and demean our Lord God.
Comparing for example the Ostervald Bible with the Louis Segond, we find 367 omissions and 99 differences in the New Testament alone. This includes:
- 3 entire verses missing
- 134 large portions of omitted verses
- 135 omissions from the names of our Lord God
- 95 various omissions that have a considerable effect on the meaning of the Word of God
- 99 differences in translations that affect comprehension
Revision 2018 of the Ostervald Bible is available
Since 2006, a concerted effort was made by another pastor and me to complete a trustworthy New Testament. The project was recently completed. After a thorough examination by numerous French speaking pastors around the globe, and the Dean Burgon Society, we are confident that a correct French translation, comparable to the King James Bible, now exists to assist the French churches in their pursuit of sound doctrine.
We thank God for allowing us to complete this first stage. The need is great! The French-speaking people need to be confident that they have the preserved Word of God in the French language. (cp. Prov. 30:5; Ps. 12:6; Ps. 119:40)
Place your order online to receive the Ostervald Holy Bible.