The Way Version: Biblical Text Returning to Original Meanings

Back to the words. Closer to The Way.

The Way Version revisits the New and Old Testaments through their earliest textual sources, presenting their messages in language that is clear, readable, and faithful to original meanings.

Luke 5:9–10NAMES + MEANING

King James Version

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

The Way Version

For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; and so also were Ya'akov and Yochanan, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Shimon. Yeshua said to Shimon, ‘Don't be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.’

Proverbs 16:32SELF-CONTROL

King James Version

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

The Way Version

One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

Ecclesiastes 4:6ENOUGH

King James Version

Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

The Way Version

Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

Proverbs 3:30DON'T INVENT A FIGHT

King James Version

Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

The Way Version

Don't strive with a person without cause, if they have done you no harm.

Luke 6:31THE GOLDEN RULE

King James Version

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

The Way Version

As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

Luke 6:36–37RELEASE

King James Version

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful... forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

The Way Version

Therefore be merciful, even as your Cosmic Parent is also merciful... Set free, and you will be set free.

Matthew 5:48MATURE LOVE

King James Version

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

The Way Version

Let your love become all-inclusive and mature, as your Cosmic Parent in the heavens is all-inclusive in love.

Luke 22:25–27LEADERSHIP

King James Version

The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them... But ye shall not be so... he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

The Way Version

The kings of the nations dominate them... But not so with you... one who is governing, as one who serves... I am in the midst of you as one who serves.

Genesis 1:1–2; 2:4THE NAMES

King James Version

In the beginning God... the Spirit of God... the LORD God...

The Way Version

In the beginning Elohim... the Ruach of Elohim... YHWH Elohim...

Psalm 23:1YHWH

King James Version

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Way Version

YHWH is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

Mark 1:14–15YESHUA

King James Version

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God... Repent ye, and believe the gospel.

The Way Version

Yeshua came into Galilee, preaching the good news of the reign of Elohim... Turn back, and trust in the good news.

Luke 4:18–19FREEDOM

King James Version

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... to preach the gospel to the poor... deliverance to the captives... to set at liberty them that are bruised.

The Way Version

The Ruach of YHWH is on me... to proclaim good news to the poor... release to the captives... and to send the crushed away into freedom.

Religious Trauma Syndrome is one of the saddest results of mistranslations in Christian communities.

The Way Version does not use guilt, fear or shame in its translation for the purposes of nurturing an obedient flock. The word "repent" has a long history through Western Christian tradition, deriving from the Latin word "paenitēre", or to regret, make sorry, or be sorry. When Yeshua speaks of repenting, he uses the Aramaic word "shuv" (תּוּב), which means to turn back, return, or come back. The Way Version retains this original meaning.

Women Preserved

Some women in early Christian history became harder to see.

Romans 16 is one place where the question becomes concrete. Phoebe and Junia are not background characters; their names sit inside the early Christian record. The Way Version keeps that visible instead of letting later changes of the Roman church tradition paint the pictures.

Show The Work

Show how the wording got there.

The Bible did not arrive in English all at once. Canon lists, copying traditions, Jerome's Latin Vulgate, the Council of Trent, and later English committees all shaped what many people now hear as normal Bible language. The Way Version is an attempt to bring older meaning into readable English. You might be surprised by what you find.

Back to the words. Closer to The Way.

12 examples of how The Way Version reads differently.

Genesis 1:2 — And the earth was wild and waste, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Ruach of —she was hovering over the face of the waters.

Religious Trauma Syndrome is one of the saddest results of mistranslations in Christian communities.

The earliest known painting of the Messiah: The Good Shepherd fresco from the Catacombs of Rome, 3rd Century AD

Through the centuries, as Christianity spread across the globe, the language and imagery of Empire captured and transformed messages beyond recognition.

Yeshua's Teachings

The earliest Christians knew Him as Yeshua.

Women Preserved

Some women in early Christian history became harder to see.

Show The Work

Show how the wording got there.

Read It Now

Send Me The Way Version (Free)

John 1:1, The Way Version

Genesis 1:2, The Way Version

Send Me The Way Version (Free)

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Messiah Yeshua.

Want the full New Testament?

The Living Word with names, breath, and original meaning brought back into view.

The Way Version

Restoration

Get Involved

Resources

Back to the words. Closer to The Way.

12 examples of how The Way Version reads differently.

Genesis 1:2 — And the earth was wild and waste, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Ruach of Elohim—she was hovering over the face of the waters.

Religious Trauma Syndrome is one of the saddest results of mistranslations in Christian communities.

The earliest known painting of the Messiah: The Good Shepherd fresco from the Catacombs of Rome, 3rd Century AD

Through the centuries, as Christianity spread across the globe, the language and imagery of Empire captured and transformed messages beyond recognition.

Yeshua's Teachings

The earliest Christians knew Him as Yeshua.

Women Preserved

Some women in early Christian history became harder to see.

Show The Work

Show how the wording got there.

Read It Now

Send Me The Way Version (Free)

John 1:1, The Way Version

Genesis 1:2, The Way Version

Send Me The Way Version (Free)

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Messiah Yeshua.

Want the full New Testament?

The Living Word with names, breath, and original meaning brought back into view.

The Way Version

Restoration

Get Involved

Resources

Genesis 1:2 — And the earth was wild and waste, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Ruach of —she was hovering over the face of the waters.