I have read in a book, Twisted Scriptures, that Hebrews 13:17 should not be translated "obey your leaders" -- that this is an incorrect way to read the passage. It also said that the word for "obey" is in the passive and is more accurately translated "be persuaded." Last, why does the NIV insert the word "authority," since it's not in the Greek text? What's your take on this scripture? -- Clarence Klopfstein
The fact that the word might in a different form suggest "persuasion" does not change anything. The verb is not active (obey), but medio-passive (listen to, obey, pay attention to, be a follower). It is not right to play games with Greek roots when it suits one's preferences. Consider James 3 ("When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us.") If that is persuasion, it's pretty strong, eh?
The NIV translates "submit to their authority" because the NIV is a "dynamic equivalence" translation. It translates idea for idea, not word for word (as do most of the more readable versions.) The Greek hupeikete means "accept someone's authority, submit to, be subject to." The idea of authority is inherent in the verb, and context determines whether it should be made explicit.
The real question is, Obey what? How? To what extent? I.e., is this carte blanche obedience (no!), or something attenuated by the authority of the scriptures? I would argue that we obey leaders as they call us to obey the commands of the Bible.
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