Why does Les wish the King James translators hadn't used the word 'judgment' in 2 Corinthians 5:10?
The word “judgment” frightens people, so its use by the King James translators is regrettable. The underlying Greek term is bema, a raised platform or judges’ seat. All must appear before the bema seat, not to be judged for sin, but as in Olympic judging for places.
Les explains that he often wished the King James translators had not used the word “judgment” because he thinks it scares people. He points out that the Greek word is bema, and we must all appear before the bema seat. The bema was usually just a raised platform, such as the one in ancient Corinth, not much higher than the platform he was using. The party to be judged stood before the judges who were on the bema seat. It was also used in the Olympic games for the seat of judges who would determine first, second, third, and so forth. Les suggests Paul is more apt to have the Olympics in mind than the political situation at the bema seat of government. He stresses that we must all appear before the bema seat not to be judged for our sin.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
More Questions
What is the Greek word for "judgment seat" in 2 Corinthians 5:10?
The Greek word behind the King James word "judgment" in 2 Corinthians 5:10 is "bema," and it is the bema seat that believers must all appear before.