Musings -- A Continuing Series of Comments on Specific Translation Issues within the International Standard Version New Testament

by Dr. David Alan Black

"So great is the force of established usage that even acknowledged corruptions please the greater part, for they prefer to have their copies pretty rather than accurate."

Jerome

Dr. David Alan Black
Associate Editor, ISV NT

"Teachable" or "Able to Teach?"

Is the New Testament elder to be a man who is "able to teach" or a man who is "teachable" (1 Timothy 3:2)? The latter is the rendering of the ISV, for several reasons. Not only is the translation "teachable" allowed by the Greek lexicons, but it is also in keeping with the context. Paul’s list of qualifications for elders has more to do with a man’s character than with his abilities.

And, if you think about it, aren’t the best teachers "teachable," that is, people who are constantly excited about what they are learning and therefore eager to pass it on to others?

If a man wants to be an elder, let him be teachable in the hands of the Master and open to the teaching and reproof of others. The man who has nothing to learn has nothing to teach and no place in the ministry of the church.