In 1886 an Anglican Bishop in Burma requested permission to reprint Adoniram Judson’s translation of the Bible. But he wanted to make one change.
On this day in 1887 the Baptists who then owned Judson’s copy-right replied –
“We understand that you ask our consent to change Dr. Judson’s translation of the word “baptize” and its cognates, either “by transliterating the Greek word,” after the manner of the English version, or by adopting “a neutral term which all denominations might use. . . You make this request not on the ground that the present rendering is an incorrect or inadequate translation of the Greek word, but because it is not acceptable to other denominations of Christians. You seem to regard it as more important to please these other denominations than to make the Burman version mean the same thing to the Burman that the Greek Testament means to the Greek. . . . We are compelled to decline:
1. Because we cannot consent to obscure or neutralize the plain meaning of our Lord’s command. The leading authorities, both in classical and New Testament Greek, define the word “baptize” by words signifying to “immerse” or to “dip.” In such a question we must be guided simply by a sense of loyalty to Him who gave the word, and not by a desire under other conditions to meet their wishes. We cannot, we dare not, deliberately obscure or neutralize any word of Christ.
2. Because Judson’ s translation describes the act of baptism as it was accepted and practiced by the apostles and their immediate successors, the New Testament and all credible church historians being witnesses.”
After three more concise objections the letter concludes – “what you really mean is, that you will not circulate such a version if it be made by Baptists… You will circulate it if made or used by a people who say, “I immerse thee,” when they simply apply their wet finger to the forehead of the candidate…”
Signed, “J. N. Murdock, correspondence Secretary”