Direct Answer
Such paraphrases may lead believers to read Paul through the translator’s theological explanation rather than Paul’s actual wording. The transcript does not fully develop the effect on obedience and righteousness, but Bercot implies that added phrases can strongly shape doctrine by turning translation into commentary.
Support from Transcript
- Paul’s text says, “by the works of the law no flesh will be justified” and that “apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested.” - The Living Bible expands this into phrases such as “a different way to heaven” and “not by ‘being good enough’ and trying to keep His laws.” - Bercot says the translator “literally doubled the size of the text by all of his human additions.” - He concludes that “in no shape or form is that a translation or even a paraphrase of what Paul said.” - He calls it “an interpretation, a commentary,” not a Bible translation.
Discussion Follow-ups
A reader may come away believing the explanatory additions are Paul’s own teaching. According to the transcript, that is precisely the danger of presenting commentary as Scripture.