In King James Version rendering of 2 Kings 18:17 we read, “And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem.” On the surface it appears that Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh were high ranking Syrian government officials. But a study of Near East documents reveals that these were titles, not names. Thus, the New International Version renders it, “The king of Assyria sent his supreme commander, his chief officer and his field commander with a large army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem.” By the same token, in Acts 8:27, the KJV has, “And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians.” This implies Ethiopia’s queen was named Candace. But research into manuscripts from that era give a different connotation. Therefore, the NIV has, “So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’).” That’s why the study of God’s word with comparative studies of documents available from that time in history will help clarify what translators sometimes miss. The same is true when we use words such as “salvation,” “redemption,” “condemnation,” “repentance,” and other important phrases. This information is easily available, you just need the urge, motivation and dedication to find it, so it can be used for the enlightenment of believers and done to the glory of God the Father. Take Paul’s words to young Timothy to heart. I like the way the Amplified Version puts it: “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15.) – Dr. Robert R. Seyda