A pastor friend, or even better, a friend who is a pastor, has recommended memorizing as much scripture as possible. This is something I have been reluctant to do. Not because I do not see the value. It is mostly because I’m never certain which translation I should use. Weak rationalization- mostly I’m lazy, and at this stage in my life, I fear failure. Maybe I can start with this one verse. Psalm 3:27
I have learned that I am not satisfied unless I have exhausted the English translation of all scripture. It has been very helpful to have a study application where I can easily access multiple versions. For this example I have chosen ten different English versions. Thankfully I am mono-lingual so other languages are complete out. I suppose the Greek and Hebrew versions should be considered, but that’s why I’m looking at the ten English versions, why reinvent the wheel?
So, briefly, this is my take on Psalm 3:27
27 Withhold not good from those to whom it is due [its rightful owners], when it is in the power of your hand to do it. [Rom. 13:7; Gal. 6:10] Amplified
I like reading the Amplified because it is so… amplified. The problem that I have is the unnecessary double negative. “Withholding not” good, seems awkward, but there is a hint of what the Latin suggests. As a species we “withhold”, we are not good about sharing, we are over concerned with the survival of the fittest, and other selfish acts. That’s a fair way to begin the psalm. “Hey, remember all that “withholding”? Well, don’t do it!”
And what are we “withholding”? The answer is “good”, and “good” that is obviously known as good, and it is due! Quit being a self centered creep, and give credit (good) when it is warranted. Oh, yeah, also do it when it is in your power to do it. Like, perhaps before you die! Or before you are chained in a dungeon, or before you are muted by some disease or man.
This is pretty good advice! Let’s briefly look at the other versions.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,[+] when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Complete Word Study
Okay, nice use of “thine”, gives more of a sense that it is “yours” to do. But how did “those” go to “them”?
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Darby
Thine reduces to thy, hmm.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. King James Version
The return of thine!
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Webster’s Bible
Nothing new here, it’s been said before.
27 When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one it belongs to. Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Wow, this is pretty straightforward. Scripture with contractions! The problem is that it starts with a phrase that “weasels”. I’ve known people that will sieze the moment, and use the excuse before they even get to the action.
27 Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do it.
Power of my hand? Hand tools?
27 Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help. Net Bible
Ah ha, helping! I like it! Everyone likes to help, well… most everyone.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. English Standard Version
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. New American Standard Bible.
Yep, both say the same thing and I suppose I will use them to memorize. I will add this scripture to the other one that I have memorized from years ago. “Jesus wept. John 11:35
