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Jehovah’s Witnesses

Claims that come up in conversation about Jehovah’s Witnesses, with a short answer and the texts to open.

Who Jesus Is

  1. What you will hear

    Jehovah created Jesus first, and then created everything else through him.

    Hebrews 1 applies the psalm about the LORD, the unchanging Creator, to the Son. John 1:3 leaves nothing that exists apart from the Word.

    • Hebrews 1:10Hebrews 1:10 · King James VersionAnd, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:Hebrews 1:10 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 1:3John 1:3 · King James VersionAll things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.John 1:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Isaiah 44:24Isaiah 44:24 · King James VersionThus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Isaiah 44:24 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Hebrews 1:10Hebrews 1:8-12 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)8 But about the Son, he says: “God is your throne forever and ever, and the scepter of your Kingdom is the scepter of uprightness. 9 You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your companions.” 10 And: “At the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you will remain; and just like a garment, they will all wear out, 12 and you will wrap them up just as a cloak, as a garment, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never come to an end.”Hebrews 1:8-12 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  2. What you will hear

    Before his life on earth, Jesus was Michael the archangel.

    Hebrews 1 sets the Son apart from every angel. No text calls Jesus Michael.

    • Hebrews 1:5Hebrews 1:5 · King James VersionFor unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?Hebrews 1:5 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionAnd again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionOpen source
    • 1 Thessalonians 4:161 Thessalonians 4:16 · King James VersionFor the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:1 Thessalonians 4:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Jude 9Jude 1:9 · King James VersionYet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.Jude 1:9 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all of God’s angels do obeisance to him.”Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  3. What you will hear

    Jesus is not worshipped. People only do obeisance to him, and worship belongs to Jehovah alone.

    Hebrews 1:6 applies a worship text to the Son, and Revelation 5 gives the Lamb the same praise as the One on the throne.

    • Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionAnd again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 5:13Revelation 5:13 · King James VersionAnd every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.Revelation 5:13 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 22:8Revelation 22:8 · King James VersionAnd I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.Revelation 22:8 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all of God’s angels do obeisance to him.”Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  4. What you will hear

    The Father is greater than Jesus, so Jesus is not God.

    The Son’s human life and his place in the work of the Father do not make him a creature. John 5 says the Son is honoured as the Father is.

    • John 14:28John 14:28 · King James VersionYe have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.John 14:28 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 17:3John 17:3 · King James VersionAnd this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 17:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 5:23John 5:23 · King James VersionThat all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.John 5:23 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 14:28John 14:28 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am.John 14:28 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  5. A Christian objection

    Jesus said all should honour the Son just as they honour the Father.

    John 5 says the Son gives life and judges, and that refusing the Son is refusing the Father.

    • John 5:18John 5:18 · King James VersionTherefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.John 5:18 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 5:23John 5:23 · King James VersionThat all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.John 5:23 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 5:23John 5:22-23 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)22 For the Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.John 5:22-23 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  6. What you will hear

    Prayer is offered to Jehovah alone, through Jesus, not to Jesus himself.

    Stephen called on the Lord Jesus, and Paul describes Christians as those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    • Acts 7:59Acts 7:59 · King James VersionAnd they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Acts 7:59 · King James VersionOpen source
    • 1 Corinthians 1:21 Corinthians 1:2 · King James VersionUnto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:1 Corinthians 1:2 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Acts 7:59Acts 7:59-60 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)59 As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.Acts 7:59-60 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  7. What you will hear

    John 1:1 says the Word was a god, not that the Word was God.

    The Word was with God and was God. A second god beside Jehovah contradicts Isaiah 43:10, and Thomas calls Jesus his Lord and his God.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionYe are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  8. What you will hear

    Jesus was raised as a spirit and only appeared in a body.

    The risen Jesus says a spirit does not have flesh and bones as he has, and he tells Thomas to touch his wounds.

    • Luke 24:39Luke 24:39 · King James VersionBehold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.Luke 24:39 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 20:27John 20:27 · King James VersionThen saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.John 20:27 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 2:19John 2:19 · King James VersionJesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.John 2:19 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Luke 24:39Luke 24:39 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you see that I have.”Luke 24:39 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  9. A Christian objection

    The New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) adds the word “other” in Colossians 1:16, so the verse reads as “all other things.”

    The Greek says “all things.” The added word is what lets a created Son stand inside a verse about the Creator.

    • Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 1:3John 1:3 · King James VersionAll things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.John 1:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him.Colossians 1:16 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  10. What you will hear

    “Firstborn of all creation” means Jesus was the first creature God made.

    Firstborn often means the pre-eminent heir. The next verse says all things were created by him.

    • Colossians 1:15Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionWho is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:Colossians 1:15 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Psalm 89:27Psalms 89:27 · King James VersionAlso I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.Psalms 89:27 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 3:14Revelation 3:14 · King James VersionAnd unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;Revelation 3:14 · King James VersionOpen source

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  11. What you will hear

    “The Alpha and the Omega” is Jehovah, not Jesus.

    In Revelation 22 the one who says “I am Alpha and Omega” is the one who is coming, and John answers, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” The one who died and lives in Revelation 1 calls himself the first and the last.

    • Revelation 22:13Revelation 22:13 · King James VersionI am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.Revelation 22:13 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 1:17Revelation 1:17 · King James VersionAnd when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:Revelation 1:17 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Isaiah 44:6Isaiah 44:6 · King James VersionThus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Isaiah 44:6 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Revelation 22:13Revelation 22:13 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,* the first and the last, the beginning and the end.Revelation 22:13 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  12. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in Jesus.

    They believe he is the Christ, the Savior, and the Son of God, and they deny that he is Almighty God. Their Bible renders John 1:1 “the Word was a god.” The King James, and the Greek, say the Word was God.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  13. What you will hear

    Hebrews 3:2 says God made Jesus, so Jesus is a creature.

    The participle is from ποιέω. The King James and the New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) both read appointed. The same verb in the Greek of 1 Samuel 12:6 is how that text says the LORD made Moses and Aaron.

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The New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)

  1. What you will hear

    The New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) is a faithful Bible, and where it differs it is only clearer English, not a doctrinal change.

    The study notes say a literal line would call the Word God, call Jesus the Creator, or have the angels worship him. Read those notes beside the Greek text they publish, then the same paragraph in the King James Version.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Acts 7:59Acts 7:59 · King James VersionAnd they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Acts 7:59 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  2. What you will hear

    The Trinity depends on 1 John 5:7, and that verse was added later.

    The sentence is not in the early Greek manuscripts, and the Trinity does not rest on it. The confession is older than that addition.

    • 1 John 5:71 John 5:7 · King James VersionFor there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.1 John 5:7 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of 1 John 5:71 John 5:7-8 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)7 For there are three witness bearers: 8 the spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.1 John 5:7-8 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  3. What you will hear

    The divine name Jehovah belongs in the New Testament wherever the writers meant the Father.

    No Greek New Testament manuscript contains that name. The apostles used “Lord” for the Father and for Jesus, including Old Testament lines about the LORD.

    • Acts 7:59Acts 7:59 · King James VersionAnd they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Acts 7:59 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Romans 10:13Romans 10:13 · King James VersionFor whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Romans 10:13 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Joel 2:32Joel 2:32 · King James VersionAnd it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.Joel 2:32 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Acts 7:60Acts 7:59-60 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)59 As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.Acts 7:59-60 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  4. What you will hear

    Wording in the New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) has stayed the same where it speaks about Jesus.

    The 1984 Reference Bible brackets “[other]” in Colossians 1:16–20; the current text does not. A Questions From Readers article prints “worship” at Hebrews 1:6; the 1984 verse prints “do obeisance.”

    • Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionAnd again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Hebrews 1:6 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Hebrews 1:6Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all of God’s angels do obeisance to him.”Hebrews 1:6 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  5. What you will hear

    The New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) is the most accurate Bible.

    New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) renders John 1:1 so that the Word was a god. The King James Version and the Greek read that the Word was God. Their Colossians 1:16 adds other. The article sets the wordings side by side.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source
    • Colossians 1:16Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionFor by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:Colossians 1:16 · King James VersionOpen source

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God and the Holy Spirit

  1. What you will hear

    The holy spirit is not a person.

    Scripture speaks of the Spirit as one who can be grieved, who teaches, who speaks, and who can be lied to.

    • Ephesians 4:30Ephesians 4:30 · King James VersionAnd grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:30 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 14:26John 14:26 · King James VersionBut the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.John 14:26 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Acts 5:3Acts 5:3 · King James VersionBut Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?Acts 5:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Ephesians 4:30Ephesians 4:30 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Also, do not be grieving God’s holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom.Ephesians 4:30 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  2. What you will hear

    God’s only name is Jehovah, and English Bibles hide it behind LORD.

    The King James Version prints JEHOVAH in Exodus 6:3 and Psalm 83:18, and LORD where the same Hebrew word stands elsewhere. The New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) prints Jehovah in Deuteronomy 6:4. Philippians 2 gives Jesus the name above every name.

    • Exodus 6:3Exodus 6:3 · King James VersionAnd I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.Exodus 6:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Psalm 83:18Psalms 83:18 · King James VersionThat men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Psalms 83:18 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Deuteronomy 6:4Deuteronomy 6:4 · King James VersionHear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:Deuteronomy 6:4 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Deuteronomy 6:4Deuteronomy 6:4 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)“Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.Deuteronomy 6:4 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  3. What you will hear

    True worshippers must use the name Jehovah.

    John 4:23–24 says true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The King James prints JEHOVAH in Exodus 6:3 and Psalm 83:18, and LORD elsewhere. Their page hedges the meaning as what a number of scholars suggest.

    • John 4:23John 4:23 · King James VersionBut the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.John 4:23 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Exodus 6:3Exodus 6:3 · King James VersionAnd I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.Exodus 6:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Psalm 83:18Psalms 83:18 · King James VersionThat men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Psalms 83:18 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionYe are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionOpen source

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  4. What you will hear

    Jehovah is the Father alone, and Jesus is not Jehovah.

    Their page says Jehovah is the Creator whom Jesus worshipped, and it hedges the meaning as what a number of scholars suggest. Their Mark 1:3 says “Prepare the way of Jehovah,” and their note says Mark applies Isaiah to the way prepared for Jesus. The King James says Lord. The spelling essay and the New Testament name count are other pages.

    • John 20:17John 20:17 · King James VersionJesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.John 20:17 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Mark 1:3Mark 1:3 · King James VersionThe voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Mark 1:3 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 12:41John 12:41 · King James VersionThese things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.John 12:41 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Mark 1:3Mark 1:3 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of Jehovah! Make his roads straight.’Mark 1:3 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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Practice and History

  1. What you will hear

    The faithful and discreet slave is the Governing Body, which gives Jehovah’s people their spiritual food.

    Matthew 24:45 is a parable about servants staying faithful until the master returns, not a charter for one modern organization.

    • Matthew 24:45Matthew 24:45 · King James VersionWho then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?Matthew 24:45 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Luke 12:42Luke 12:42 · King James VersionAnd the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?Luke 12:42 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Acts 17:11Acts 17:11 · King James VersionThese were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Acts 17:11 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Matthew 24:45Matthew 24:45 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?Matthew 24:45 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  2. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions because the Bible says to abstain from blood.

    Genesis 9, Leviticus 17, and Acts 15 forbid eating blood. On 18 September 2026 the Governing Body left the four main components to conscience and kept the refusal of whole blood.

    • Acts 15:29Acts 15:29 · King James VersionThat ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.Acts 15:29 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Genesis 9:4Genesis 9:4 · King James VersionBut flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.Genesis 9:4 · King James VersionOpen source
    • 18 September 2026 announcement

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  3. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays or Christmas, because those days displease God.

    Their FAQ ties birthdays to pagan customs and to two grim feasts, and it says the Bible does not explicitly forbid them. Luke 2 calls the birth good news. They keep the Memorial of Jesus’ death.

    • Genesis 40:20Genesis 40:20 · King James VersionAnd it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.Genesis 40:20 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Mark 6:21Mark 6:21 · King James VersionAnd when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;Mark 6:21 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Luke 2:11Luke 2:11 · King James VersionFor unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:11 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Romans 14:5Romans 14:5 · King James VersionOne man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.Romans 14:5 · King James VersionOpen source

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  4. What you will hear

    Watchtower teachings do not change. What was published about 1925, 1975, and “this generation” still stands.

    The 1920 booklet expected Abraham’s return in 1925. Later articles hedged 1975, redefined “this generation,” and withdrew the organ-transplant ruling.

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  5. A Christian objection

    A sentence that says “suggests” or “it is reasonable” is still the verse speaking.

    Those verbs mark the writer’s step. The question is which verse says the conclusion directly.

    • 1 Thessalonians 4:161 Thessalonians 4:16 · King James VersionFor the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:1 Thessalonians 4:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Matthew 24:34Matthew 24:34 · King James VersionVerily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.Matthew 24:34 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Insight on the Scriptures, “Michael”

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  6. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses worship Jehovah alone, honor Jesus as Savior and Son of God, and deny that he is Almighty God. They say he began ruling in 1914.

    That is their published summary. The Nicene confession is that Jesus is God, and John 1:1 says the Word was God.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 14:28John 14:28 · King James VersionYe have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.John 14:28 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  7. What you will hear

    Only 144,000 people go to heaven. The great crowd lives forever on earth.

    Revelation 7 numbers 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, then a multitude before the throne. Their Bible’s Revelation 5:10 says the rulers “rule as kings over the earth.” The King James says “we shall reign on the earth.”

    • Revelation 7:4Revelation 7:4 · King James VersionAnd I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.Revelation 7:4 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 7:9Revelation 7:9 · King James VersionAfter this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;Revelation 7:9 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Revelation 5:10Revelation 5:10 · King James VersionAnd hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.Revelation 5:10 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Revelation 5:10Revelation 5:10 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.Revelation 5:10 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  8. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses are not allowed to drink alcohol.

    Their page says it is not a sin to drink alcohol in moderation, that Jesus drank wine, and that drunkenness is condemned. They also name times when a person should not drink at all.

    • Ephesians 5:18Ephesians 5:18 · King James VersionAnd be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Ephesians 5:18 · King James VersionOpen source
    • John 2:1–11John 2:1–11 · King James Version2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 2:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 2:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.John 2:1–11 · King James VersionOpen source
    • What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?

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  9. What you will hear

    Armageddon is God’s war that destroys the wicked, and Jesus began ruling as King in 1914.

    Revelation 16:16 names a place where kings are gathered. Their 1914 appendix says Bible students proclaimed that year decades in advance, and it says the date was progressively discerned. Matthew 24:36 says no one knows that day or hour.

    • Revelation 16:16Revelation 16:16 · King James VersionAnd he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.Revelation 16:16 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Matthew 24:36Matthew 24:36 · King James VersionBut of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Matthew 24:36 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of Revelation 16:16Revelation 16:16 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon.Revelation 16:16 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  10. What you will hear

    Charles Taze Russell founded the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

    Their FAQ says Russell took the lead and was the first editor of The Watchtower, and that he was not the founder of a new religion. They view Jesus as the founder. The name Jehovah’s Witnesses was taken in 1931 under J. F. Rutherford.

    • Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionYe are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.Isaiah 43:10 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Who Was the Founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

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  11. What you will hear

    Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians because they follow Jesus.

    They say yes, and they say Jesus is not Almighty God and not part of a Trinity. The Christian confession is that Jesus is God.

    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
    • Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source
    • New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible) of John 1:1John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.John 1:1 · New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible)Open source

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  12. A Christian objection

    Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses are the same religion.

    They are two churches. Latter-day Saints teach that the Father has a body of flesh and bones. Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus is not Almighty God. Neither confession is the Trinity.

    • Doctrine and Covenants 130:22Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgThe Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 · English, churchofjesuschrist.orgOpen source
    • Jehovah’s Witness beliefs
    • John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source

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