Translators have to make choices in deciding what words to use the carry theScriptures from one language to another. In Exodus 27: 9-13, an example of this is shownin regard to naming the four directions. What seems to be a very easy matter turns intosomething rather complex. These verses, as they appear in the KingJames (Authorized) Version are quoted below in full. Underlined, bold type is used for thenaming of the directions.

The way that forty-three versions, including the KJV, is then stated. Theversions are divided into four groups, based on how east is rendered in verse 13.

1. There is a literal translation of what may be a Hebraism.
2. The Hebraism is eliminated to avoid repetition for a better English structure.
3. There is a translation of the Hebraism in an English phrase, thus creating a problem.
4. There seems to be a variation of pattern.

And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the southside southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twilled linen of an hundredcubits long for one side.
And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be ofbrass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.
And likewise for thenorth side in length there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, and histwenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets ofsilver.
And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings offifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.
And the breadth of the court on theeast side eastward shall be fifty cubits.

south side southward; north side; west side; east side eastward:
EBR, HBRV, HSH, IB, IV, JBK, KJV, MRB, NTJ, SARV, SNB, SSBE, YLR

southern side toward the Negeb; north side; west side; east side:
SGAT

south side; north side; west side; east side:
AB, EVD, LB, LBP, NAB, NAS, NBV, NJPS, NKJ, NLV, SISR, TEV
Footnote: NJPS: Heb. uses two terms for "south."

south side; north side; west side; to the east:
NRS, RSV

southern side; north side; western side; eastern side:
MNT

south side; north side; west end; east end:
NCV, NLT

south side; north side; west side; east end, toward the rising sun:
AAT

to face towards the south; north side; to face the west; to face the east, towards thesun-rise:
HBME

facing the south country, on the southern side; northern side; western side; easternside facing the sunrise:
TJB

south side facing southwards; north side; west side; on the east, towards the sunrise:
NEB

south side; north side; west end; east end, toward the sunrise:
NIV

south side; north side; west side; east side, facing the sunrise:
NJB

the side toward the Negeb, to the south; north side; west side; on the side toward thesunrising:
NWT

south side facing southwards; north side; west side; ast side, towards the sunrise:
REB

south side; north side; west end; east end, facing the rising sun:
GW

south side southward; north side; west side; east side eastward:
DHB
Footnote: DBH: [eastward], Lit. "toward sunrise:" so chapter 38:13.

at the south side of this towards the mid-day sun; north side; on the short sidewestwards; side which looks eastward:
KTC

south side; side toward the north; toward the west; toward the south:
LXX

Except for the versions in Group 2, there is an inconsistency within eachversion. In Group 1, why are the words southward and eastward used, but northward and westwardare not used? This pattern is followed by the Hebrew versions examined, with the exception ofthe New JPS Version.

In Group 2, the four directions are named. This appears to be the best way ofrendering the directions of the four sides. The English is correct, and no problematicimplications are given.

Questions arise for Group 3. In referring to the east, the sunrise ismentioned. However, in referring to the west, why is the sunset not mentioned? Why is stressalso placed on the south in some versions? This also occurs in Group 4.

The gate of the enclosure is on the east side. Reference to this spot is madein verses 13-16. Perhaps, an answer to why eastward has been translated to include the sun canbe found in Ezekiel 8: 16. It may also explain why there is reference to noon in two versionsin regard to the south and no reference to the sun for west or north. TheKing James Version is quoted:

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, atthe door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twentymen, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and theyworshipped the sun toward the east.

This practice of sun-worship was condemned in this chapter and in other placesin the Scripture. Yet, it appears in some of the versions. It is very subtle and may be missedor refuted; but it is there. It also appears in various other places in the Scriptures with theuse of words whose origin can be traced through etymology to the worship of sun-gods. One ofthe most blatant, yet overlooked, example can be found in Malachi 4: 2, where Yahshua theMessiah is referred to as the Sun of Righteousness. Can the term eastward, which is usedin several versions above, have the same implication as using reference to the rising sun?

Who are responsible for inserting the implications of sun worship into theScriptures? If the inerrancy of the Scriptures held by many Christians be true, it would haveto be Yahweh. However, Yahweh has condemned all pagan worship and all pagan gods. Therefore,man, through copying, translating, and interpreting, and interpolating has polluted theinspired word of Yahweh. It is necessary to pick out the true message in the Scriptures andavoid what man has added, either intentionally or innocently.