When translators create a new version, they use various types of documents tobring the message from one language to another whose readers they are targeting. In theprocess, they must make decisions as to the best wording that their potential readers will beable to comprehend. This can cause a shade of difference in meaning from version to version.Errors are inevitable, despite the sincerity of the translators. Denominational bias may occur,either intentionally or unintentionally. The following analysis of a portion of Numbers 15:38 is an example of what can occur. In some cases, the variation of words and theirmeanings may appear to be minimal.

The King James Version is used here as thebasic version. Four words from this version (underlined in the rendering below) head each list.Following them are the words used by forty-one other versions. A summary of the number of timeseach word is used is given. Following this is a conclusion.

Following is a list of the translations of the four words in theKing James Version. The number of versions using the variouswords is stated. There is no distinction given between singular and plural words.

It is noted that all the Jewish versions use the color blue. Most of theecumenical, Catholic, and Lutheran versions use violet. Most of the others use blue. Is thiscoincidence, or is there a definite pattern and reason? In Esther 8: 15, it is stated that theroyal colors are blue and white. The ones which referred to violet above have also used violethere, as well. There is a relationship between blue, purple, and violet. Does it matter whichcolor, or any other color, should be used? When one considers that the verse being discussedabove is part of a commandment given by Yahweh, it is evident that there can be only one, nota choice of three, that should be stated. Thus, there has to be a change made by ancienttranslators or copyists. The changes are so subtle that they can be missed by the averageChristian. This probably was not done by a Jewish rabbi or scribe because the Jewish versionsuse blue.

There are also variations with the other three categories of words used. Theonly true Jewish word is tzitzit. The other words are interpretive translations. Oneinteresting word used is ribband (with two b's). This is a nautical term meaning "a lengthwisestrip following a vessel's curves and bolted to its ribs, to hold them in place until theyreceive the planking or plating." There is an archaic word, riband (with one b), which means"a decorative ribbon". This word is an earlier form of ribbon. There is obviously a spellingerror. It is strange that two versions of the Scriptures have not had this error corrected. Allthe other words can be checked in a dictionary to see the different shades of meaning. Whichone is right?

What was the purpose of this thread or string and tassel or fringe? The answeris found is Numbers 15: 39. "... and you shall see it, and shall remember all the commands ofYahweh, and shall do them, ... ." There is no reference as to the shape and form of these, assome Jewish or Messianic groups avow.

The woman with a blood issue (Matthew 9: 20, 21) and other sick people(Matthew 14: 35, 36) recognized the healing powers that were represented in this partof Yahshua's garments. These two instances of the fulfillment of Malachi 4: 2 in reference to"with healing in His wings." These people remembered the meaning of the tassels and tzitzit.

There appears to have been changes in this passage over the centuries.Translators seem to have had problems with it and made interpretations, some of which may notgive the true meaning. When one recognizes the true meaning of this passage, along with thoseabove which refer to the healing of the sick, one should examine the importance of keeping thecommandments. How can they all have been eliminated by the death of Yahshua? Have the changescaused Christians to forget the commandments of Yahuweh? Are Christians and Jews missingsomething in their interpretations of the Scriptures? This may be another example of replacementtheology.