Pseudo Christian Religions – Jehovah Witness

World Religions – Pseudo-Christian Religions – Jehovah’s Witnesses

Overview – Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a modern religious movement that emerged in the late 19th century under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell. The group is known for its distinct theological positions, including the denial of the Trinity, a unique translation of the Bible, and specific prophetic expectations regarding the end times. While presenting itself as a restoration of early Christianity, its teachings diverge significantly from historic Christian doctrine, making careful examination necessary.

Historical Origin and Development

The group known today as Jehovah’s Witnesses emerged from the Bible Student movement, whose roots began in Pennsylvania and New York in the late 1870s under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell. This movement eventually led to the formation of the Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society and, over time, underwent significant doctrinal and organizational development—particularly under Joseph Franklin Rutherford, during whose leadership many key doctrinal positions were formalized and expanded. The name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” is derived from Isaiah 43:10–12 and was formally adopted by the organization in 1931 to distinguish the group from other Bible Student factions that had separated after Russell’s death.

Founder

Charles Russell (born 1852 in Pennsylvania; died 1916 at age 64) began in Pittsburgh around 1870 to question and dispute many commonly held doctrines of historic Christianity. From these efforts, he helped establish what became known as the Bible Student movement. Russell was known to be a charismatic speaker and organizer, yet he did not claim to receive direct divine revelation; instead, he presented his teachings as the result of biblical study and interpretation. Russell was born into a Scottish-Irish American family and received limited formal education, attending school for approximately seven years before being privately tutored.

He later worked with his father, who owned several clothing stores, assisting in business operations such as writing contracts. Around the age of sixteen, Russell began critically examining traditional Christian doctrines, including established creeds, church history, and theological traditions, which he came to view as flawed or inconsistent. At approximately age eighteen, Russell came under the influence of Adventist preacher Jonas Wendell, who had predicted Christ’s return in 1873. He was further influenced by the teachings and writings of George Storrs and George Stetson, both of whom promoted reinterpretations of key biblical doctrines.

These influences contributed to doctrinal shifts within the movement, particularly concerning the nature of God, the soul, eternal punishment, and other foundational theological concepts. During a 1912 legal case involving J. J. Ross, Russell acknowledged that he had not formally studied Hebrew or Greek and had not attended a theological seminary or institution of higher learning. Additionally, some of Russell’s sermons and public statements have been cited as indicating familiarity with or association to Masonic terminology and symbolism, though the extent and nature of this connection remains a subject of debate.

Russell died in 1916 at the age of 64 from cystitis (an inflammatory condition of the bladder) while on a ministerial tour in the southwestern United States. Despite reportedly being advised to seek medical treatment due to severe illness and fever, he continued traveling until his death. Following this, leadership passed to Rutherford, under whom the organization became more centralized and doctrinally defined.

Authoritative Texts and Literature

Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on a combination of Scripture and organizational publications, with interpretive authority ultimately centralized in the leadership of the Watchtower organization. While the Bible is presented as their primary authority, in practice its interpretation is governed by official publications and teachings issued by the organization’s leadership, historically referred to as the “faithful and discreet slave.”

Throughout the movement’s history, doctrinal development has been closely tied to leadership transitions. Russell’s early writings laid the foundation for the Bible Student movement, while Joseph Franklin Rutherford (president from 1917–1942) significantly expanded organizational authority and redefined many doctrinal positions. Later leaders, including Franz and subsequent Governing Body members, continued to refine and systematize teachings through official publications rather than through new canonical scripture.

New World Translation (Official Bible Translation)

The primary biblical text used by Jehovah’s Witnesses is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT), first released in stages between 1950 and 1960, with a complete edition published in 1961. The translation was produced by the New World Bible Translation Committee, whose members were not originally identified publicly. Later research has associated the committee with individuals connected to the Watchtower Society, including Frederick William Franz, who had some training in biblical languages but whose level of formal linguistic expertise has been debated. The anonymity of the translation committee and the lack of transparency regarding qualifications have been recurring points of discussion among scholars.

Watch Tower Magazine (Primary Doctrinal Authority)

Doctrinal interpretation is shaped through official publications of the Watchtower organization. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, formally established in 1881 (incorporated in 1884), serves as the central publishing and governing body. Its primary periodicals include The Watchtower (first published in 1879 by Charles Taze Russell) and Awake! (originally introduced in 1919 under a different name and later renamed). These publications are released regularly and are used worldwide to define doctrine, guide interpretation of Scripture, and instruct members in belief and practice.

Jehovah’s Witnesses affirm the Bible as authoritative; however, interpretation is not left to the individual but is mediated through the Watchtower organization and its publications. This creates a centralized interpretive structure in which doctrinal understanding is progressively clarified and updated through official channels, rather than derived solely from independent engagement with the biblical text.

Awake! (Supplemental Doctrinal and Worldview Publication)

Awake! magazine was introduced in 1919 (originally under a different name before being renamed in 1946) by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. It is designed to address social, scientific, historical, and moral issues from the perspective of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Although Awake! is not primarily a doctrinal journal like The Watchtower, it frequently reinforces theological positions and provides apologetic support for the organization’s worldview. It is widely distributed and used as an outreach tool. Its level of authority is considered secondary but supportive, meaning it reflects and reinforces official teachings, though it is not the primary vehicle for defining doctrine.

Let God Be True (Doctrinal Instructional Text)

Let God Be True was first published in 1946 by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford’s successors. It was designed as a structured doctrinal teaching manual for members and new converts.

The book systematically presents core Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, including doctrines concerning God, Christ, hell, the soul, and salvation. It is written in a categorical format, often contrasting Witness teachings with what are described as “false” traditional Christian doctrines. This work holds strong instructional authority, as it represents an official and organized presentation of doctrine used for teaching and indoctrination within the movement.

Reasoning from the Scriptures (Doctrinal and Evangelistic Guide)

Published in 1985 by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Reasoning from the Scriptures is a structured manual designed to equip Jehovah’s Witnesses for evangelism and doctrinal discussion. The book provides scripted responses to common theological questions and objections, offering interpretations of biblical passages aligned with Jehovah’s Witness doctrine.

It is commonly used in door-to-door ministry and personal study. Its authority is practical and applied, functioning as an official guide for explaining and defending doctrine rather than defining new teachings. However, because it reflects standardized interpretations, it carries significant weight in shaping belief and argumentation.

Aid to Bible Understanding / Insight on the Scriptures (Doctrinal Reference Work)

Aid to Bible Understanding was published in 1969 by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and later expanded and revised into Insight on the Scriptures (1988). This work functions as an encyclopedic reference guide, providing detailed explanations of biblical terms, figures, doctrines, and historical contexts as interpreted by Jehovah’s Witness theology.

It is often used by members and leaders for deeper doctrinal study. It carries high interpretive authority, as it systematically defines how biblical language and concepts are to be understood within the framework of Jehovah’s Witness doctrine.

Major Beliefs and Practices

God and His Nature (Denial of the Trinity)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that God is a single, personal being—Jehovah—and reject the doctrine of the Trinity. They explicitly deny that God has revealed Himself as three persons in one being:

“They do NOT believe that God has revealed Himself as three persons in One.” — Let God Be True, 2nd ed., pp. 100–101; Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 7

They further teach that there are many “gods,” but only one supreme God:

“Yes, we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshiped… While he was not the God, Jehovah, he was a god.” — Watchtower, July 15, 1898, p. 2337

Additionally, the Holy Spirit is not viewed as a person but as an impersonal force:

“They believe the Holy Spirit is a force, not a person.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 406–407

Jesus Christ (Created Being, Not God)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus Christ was not God incarnate but rather a perfect human being created by God. In their theology, Jesus is understood as a distinct and subordinate being who, although sinless and uniquely appointed, does not share in the divine nature of Jehovah. This view presents Jesus as the highest of God’s creations who came to earth as a perfect man to fulfill a redemptive role, but not as God Himself in human form. As such, His identity is separated from the eternal, uncreated nature attributed to God alone.

“Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in the flesh.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p. 306

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus Christ is not the eternal God but a created being:

“Jesus was created by God.” — Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 390–391

They further identify Jesus as the archangel Michael:

“Jesus was the archangel Michael who became a man.” — Watchtower, May 15, 1963, p. 307

“Michael the Archangel, the first creation of Jehovah…” — Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 1152

Some Watchtower publications have also associated Jesus with Abaddon:

“Jesus… [identified with] Abaddon the destroyer.” — Watchtower, Dec. 1, 1961, pp. 717–720

They also deny the physical resurrection of Christ:

“Jesus did not rise from the dead in his physical body.” — Awake!, July 22, 1973, p. 4

The Holy Spirit (Impersonal Force, Not a Person)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the Holy Spirit is not a distinct divine person but rather an impersonal force used by God to accomplish His will. In their theology, the Holy Spirit is described as God’s “active force,” comparable to energy or power that He directs, rather than a personal being who thinks, speaks, or relates. This understanding is outlined in their instructional literature, which states that the Holy Spirit is not part of a triune Godhead but is instead the means by which Jehovah carries out His purposes in creation, revelation, and guidance.

“The holy spirit is God’s active force… not a person.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 406–407

This position stands in contrast to historic Christian doctrine, which affirms the Holy Spirit as a fully personal and divine member of the Trinity, possessing will, intellect, and relational attributes.

Salvation

Jesus as Mediator (Limited to 144,000)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus Christ does not serve as the mediator for all people, but only for a specific group identified as the 144,000—referred to as “spiritual Israel.” This group is understood to be a limited number of faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses who will reign with Christ in heaven, while the rest of humanity must relate to God through association with this class rather than directly through Christ as mediator. This teaching is stated explicitly in Watchtower literature:

“Jesus Christ… is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator… with the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.” — The Desire for Peace and Security Worldwide, 1986, p. 10

Historically, early Jehovah’s Witness teaching associated the 144,000 with the total number of faithful believers who would be taken to heaven. However, as the movement grew beyond this number, the doctrine was redefined. The 144,000 came to represent a distinct heavenly class, while the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses—often called the “great crowd”—were taught they would live eternally on a restored earth rather than in heaven. This development is reflected in later Watchtower teaching:

“The ‘great crowd’… will live forever on earth.” — Watchtower, Jan. 15, 2000, p. 20

Thus, the role of Christ as mediator is restricted within this theological framework, creating a two-tiered structure of salvation: a heavenly class of 144,000 and an earthly class of faithful adherents. This stands in contrast to the New Testament presentation of Christ as the universal mediator for all who come to God through Him (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25).

Faith Plus Works and Organizational Alignment

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that salvation is not by faith alone but requires obedience and participation within the organization:

“Salvation is by faith AND what you do.” — Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pp. 150–152

“It is possible to lose your salvation.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 358–359

They also teach exclusivity of salvation through their organization:

“Only their church members will be saved.” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1979, p. 30

Additionally, salvation is described as requiring specific steps, including association with the organization and evangelistic activity:

“To receive everlasting life… we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12

Salvation and Mandatory Witnessing (Organizational Requirement)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that salvation involves more than belief—it requires active participation in a structured system of obedience, including public evangelism and alignment with the organization. Within this framework, preaching to others is not merely encouraged but presented as a necessary expression of loyalty to God and a requirement connected to everlasting life. Watchtower literature outlines a multi-step process of salvation that includes gaining knowledge, obeying moral laws, associating with the organization, and actively proclaiming its message. These steps are presented not as optional acts of devotion, but as essential components of remaining in God’s favor:

“To receive everlasting life… we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.”
“God requires that prospective subjects of his Kingdom… loyally advocating his Kingdom rule to others.” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12

Even after conversion and baptism, salvation is not considered secure but conditional upon continued obedience and participation:

“It is only the beginning… it does not mean our final salvation.” — This Means Everlasting Life, p. 181

Within this system, evangelism functions as a required duty tied directly to one’s standing before God. This stands in contrast to the New Testament teaching that salvation is a gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), with good works—including sharing the gospel—flowing as the result of salvation rather than serving as a condition for maintaining it.

The Watchtower Organization as Mediator and Authority

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that God works through a single organization, which functions as His channel on earth:

“God has always used an organization… Jehovah is using only one organization today.” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12

The organization has also described itself in prophetic terms:

“Their church… is the self-proclaimed prophet of God.” — Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197

This establishes a centralized authority structure in which the interpretation of Scripture is governed by the organization rather than the individual.

Eschatology (1914, 144,000, and Earthly Kingdom)

Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain that they are the sole true organization of God on earth, identified as the Watchtower organization, and that those outside of it will not partake in the salvation and rewards God grants at the final judgment.

• See Jehovah’s Witness Watchtower claims

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Christ began ruling invisibly in 1914 (in the Watchtower Society):

“Jesus began his invisible rule… in 1914.” — The Truth Shall Make You Free, p. 300

Earlier teachings placed His presence even earlier:

“Our Lord… is now present, since October 1874… formal inauguration… 1878.” — Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 4, p. 621

They also teach a limited heavenly class:

“Only 144,000… go to heaven.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 166–167

And that Christ mediates only for this group:

“He is the Mediator… limited to only 144,000 members.” — The Desire for Peace and Security Worldwide, 1986, p. 10

Heaven, Hell, and the Soul

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject eternal conscious punishment and deny the immortality of the soul:

“There is no hell of fire…” — Let God Be True, pp. 79–80

“The soul ceases to exist after death.” — Let God Be True, pp. 59–60

They teach instead that most believers will live eternally on a restored earth rather than in heaven.

Other Distinctive Beliefs and Practices

Jehovah’s Witnesses also maintain several additional distinctive positions:

Blood transfusions are prohibited:

“Blood transfusions are a sin.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 72–73

The cross is rejected:

“The Cross is a pagan symbol.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 90–92

Jesus was executed on a stake rather than a cross:

“Jesus did not die on a cross but on a stake.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 89–90

The universe is considered to be billions of years old:

“The universe is billions of years old.” — Your Will Be Done on Earth, p. 43

Comparison with Biblical Christianity

God and His Nature (Trinity vs. Non-Trinitarian View)

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the historic doctrine of the Trinity and instead teach that the Father alone is God, with Jesus as a lesser created being and the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force. As previously shown, their literature states:

“The holy spirit is God’s active force… not a person.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 406–407

In contrast, the Bible consistently presents one God who exists in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—sharing the same divine essence. Scripture affirms both unity and distinction within the Godhead:

“Go therefore and make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

The biblical doctrine preserves both monotheism and the full deity of Christ and the Spirit, whereas the Jehovah’s Witness framework separates these into fundamentally different kinds of beings.

Jesus Christ (Created Being vs. Eternal God Incarnate)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus is a created being and not God in the flesh:

“Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in the flesh.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p. 306

They also identify Him with Michael the Archangel, placing Him within the created order.

The Bible, however, presents Jesus as eternally existing and fully divine:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” — Colossians 2:9

“Before Abraham was, I AM.” — John 8:58

Biblical Christianity teaches that salvation depends on Christ being truly God and truly man. A created being cannot bear the infinite weight of sin or reconcile humanity to God.

Jesus Christ and Michael the Archangel (Jehovah’s Witness Teaching vs. Scripture)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus Christ is not God, but rather a created being—specifically the archangel Michael—who existed prior to His earthly life and returned to that identity after His resurrection. This teaching is foundational to their rejection of Christ’s deity and is supported within their own literature:

“Jesus was the archangel Michael who became a man.” — The Watchtower, May 15, 1963, p. 307

“Michael the Archangel, the first creation of Jehovah… before he came to earth and returned to the identity of Michael after his resurrection.” — Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 1152

This interpretation is built upon several biblical parallels which Jehovah’s Witnesses argue connect Jesus and Michael. However, when examined in full context, these arguments fail both linguistically and theologically.

Claim 1: “Jesus Has the Voice of an Archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that because Jesus returns “with the voice of an archangel,” He must therefore be an archangel.

“The Lord himself shall descend from heaven… with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16

However, this interpretation confuses association with identity. The verse lists multiple accompanying elements:

• A shout
• The voice of an archangel
• The trumpet of God

If taken consistently, this would imply Jesus is also the trumpet of God, which is clearly not the case. Rather, the passage describes the manner and authority of His return, not His nature. Additionally, Scripture consistently presents Christ as returning with divine authority:

“Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee.” — Zechariah 14:5

Claim 2: “Jesus and Michael Are Both Called Princes”

Jehovah’s Witnesses attempt to equate Jesus and Michael based on shared titles such as “prince.” Michael is described as:

“One of the chief princes.” — Daniel 10:13

“Michael your prince.” — Daniel 10:21

These passages clearly place Michael within a class of beings, indicating:

• He is one of many (“one of the chief princes”)
• He is assigned to a specific people group (“your prince”)

In contrast, Jesus is described in completely different and exalted terms:

“His name shall be called… Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word sar (prince) can refer to various levels of authority, but the context determines status. Michael is one among many angelic rulers, while Christ is uniquely identified as:

• Mighty God
• Everlasting Father

Titles that cannot be applied to any created angelic being. Furthermore, Christ’s authority is universal:

“He shall rule them with a rod of iron.” — Revelation 19:15

This stands in contrast to Michael’s limited, assigned authority.

Claim 3: “Jesus and Michael Both Make War”

Another argument equates Jesus and Michael based on their involvement in spiritual warfare.

Michael:

“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.” — Revelation 12:7

This describes a war in heaven, led by Michael as an angelic commander.

Jesus:

“He that sat upon him… in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” — Revelation 19:11

This describes a final earthly judgment, where Christ returns as King over all nations. These are clearly distinct events:

• Different locations (heaven vs. earth)
• Different roles (angelic commander vs. divine judge)
• Different authority (delegated vs. absolute)

Claim 4: “The Name Michael Means ‘Who Is Like God’”

Jehovah’s Witnesses point to the meaning of the name Michael (“Who is like God”) as evidence of identity with Christ. However, this argument fails linguistically. Many biblical names include references to God without implying divinity:

• Micah — “Who is like Yahweh”
• Elijah — “My God is Yahweh”

These names reflect devotion or declaration, not identity with God.

Claim 5: “The Angel of the Lord = Michael = Jesus”

Some attempt to connect the “Angel of the Lord” with Jesus and then equate that figure with Michael. However:

• The Bible never identifies the Angel of the Lord as Michael
• Nor does it ever equate Michael with the Son of God

This is an example of theological layering without textual support.

Biblical Refutation: Jesus Is Not an Angel

The clearest refutation comes from Hebrews, which directly contrasts Christ with all angels:

“To which of the angels did He ever say, ‘You are My Son’?” — Hebrews 1:5

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.” — Hebrews 1:6

“But of the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.’” — Hebrews 1:8

This passage establishes three critical truths:

1. Jesus is uniquely the Son—not an angel
2. Angels worship Jesus—not vice versa
3. The Father explicitly calls the Son “God”

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ own translation (New World Translation) still reflects this distinction, though it attempts to soften the language in other areas.

This is not even taking into consideration all the divine claims and scriputres about Christ being God

• See Christology
• See The Angel of YaHWeH is YaHWeH

Salvation (Grace Alone vs. Faith Plus Works and Organization)

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that salvation requires obedience, organizational alignment, and continued works:

“It does not mean our final salvation.” — This Means Everlasting Life, p. 181

“To receive everlasting life… we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12

In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith, not earned through works or institutional affiliation:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” — Romans 5:1

Good works and evangelism are the result of salvation, not the condition for maintaining it.

Mediator (Limited vs. Universal)

Jehovah’s Witnesses restrict Christ’s mediatorship to a select group of 144,000:

“He is the Mediator… limited to only 144,000 members.” — The Desire for Peace and Security Worldwide, 1986, p. 10

Biblical Christianity teaches that Christ is the one mediator for all who come to God through Him:

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5

“He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him.” — Hebrews 7:25

There is no two-tiered system of salvation in Scripture—access to God is equally available to all believers through Christ.

Authority (Scripture Alone vs. Organizational Control)

Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on the Watchtower organization as the authoritative interpreter of Scripture:

“Jehovah is using only one organization today…” — Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12

Biblical Christianity affirms that Scripture itself is the final authority and is sufficient for teaching and correction:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be complete.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17

While teachers and leaders exist, no organization is presented as the exclusive channel through which truth must be interpreted.

The Holy Spirit (Force vs. Person)

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the personhood of the Holy Spirit:

“The holy spirit is God’s active force… not a person.” — Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985

The Bible, however, attributes personal qualities to the Holy Spirit—He teaches, speaks, and can be grieved:

“The Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul…’” — Acts 13:2

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” — Ephesians 4:30

This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a personal, divine being.

Heaven, Hell, and the Soul

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny eternal punishment and the immortality of the soul:

“There is no hell of fire…” — Let God Be True, pp. 79–80

“The soul ceases to exist after death.” — Let God Be True, pp. 59–60

Scripture, however, teaches both eternal life and eternal judgment:

“These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” — Matthew 25:46

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” — Revelation 20:15

Internal Problems (Prophetic Authority and Organizational Claims)

Jehovah’s Witnesses present themselves as God’s appointed channel of communication on earth, functioning as a prophetic organization through the Watchtower Society. However, this claim must be evaluated in light of biblical standards for prophecy. Scripture establishes a clear and uncompromising test:

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen… that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.” — Deuteronomy 18:22

The biblical requirement is absolute: not one false prophecy is permitted for a true prophet of God. When this standard is applied to the historical record of Jehovah’s Witnesses, significant internal problems emerge.

Documented False Prophecies (Chronological Record)

The historical publications of the Watchtower Society contain multiple date-specific predictions concerning Christ’s return, the end of the world, and resurrection events. These are not isolated statements but recurring prophetic claims spanning decades:

1874 / 1878 – Christ’s Return and Resurrection
Early teachings under Charles Taze Russell asserted that Christ had already returned invisibly in 1874 and that resurrection events would follow shortly thereafter. “Our Lord… is now present, since October 1874.” — Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 4, p. 621

1914 – End of Earthly Governments “…the ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty’… will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership.” — The Time Is at Hand, p. 101

1916 – Beginning of Christ’s Millennial Reign (Revised Chronology) “…the great 7th Day… began in 1873.” — The Time Is at Hand, p. ii

1925 – Resurrection of Old Testament Patriarchs “1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob…” — Millions Now Living Will Never Die, p. 89 This prediction was reinforced repeatedly: “The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914.” — Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1922 “1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures…” — Watchtower, Apr. 1, 1923

Retractions and Contradictions

When these predictions failed, the Watchtower Society did not maintain consistency but instead issued shifting explanations:

1925 Reversal “This may be accomplished. It may not be.” — Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1925

Blame Shift to Followers “The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations…” — Watchtower, 1926

Later Admission of Error “There was a measure of disappointment… concerning… 1925…” — Vindication, p. 338

1968 Acknowledgment of False Prophecy Pattern “They were guilty of false prophesying.” — Awake!, Oct. 8, 1968

Despite acknowledging false prophetic expectations in general terms, the organization continued to produce date-focused anticipation:

• 1975 Prediction “Why are you looking forward to 1975?” — Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1968

Organizational Control Over Truth

A central internal issue arises from the Watchtower Society’s claim that it alone can correctly interpret Scripture. This creates a system in which doctrinal authority is not located in Scripture itself but in the organization’s interpretation of it:

“We would never have learned the truth on our own…” — Watchtower, Dec. 1, 1990

“The Bible is an organizational book… not to individuals…” — Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967

“Only this organization… God’s Sacred Word… is not a sealed book.” — Watchtower, July 1, 1973

“…God’s channel of communication… the faithful and discreet slave.” — Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1994

This establishes a closed interpretive system in which:

• Truth is mediated through the organization
• Independent interpretation is discouraged
• Doctrinal changes cannot be easily challenged

Discouragement of Independent Bible Reading

The Watchtower has explicitly warned against interpreting Scripture apart from its guidance:

“It is sufficient to read the Bible… [yet] they have reverted right back to apostate doctrines…” — Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1981

This creates a significant internal tension with Scripture itself, which teaches that understanding comes through the work of God, not institutional control:

“Then He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” — Luke 24:45

Exclusive Claim to Be God’s Organization

Jehovah’s Witnesses not only claim doctrinal authority but assert that their organization is the exclusive means through which God operates:

“The Watchtower is used for that purpose.” — 1939 Yearbook, p. 85

“It is essential for life… accept its every aspect.” — Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967

“We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his… channel of communication.” — Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967

Internal Problem Summary

According to the biblical standard (Deuteronomy 18:22), even a single failed prophecy disqualifies a prophetic claim. The repeated pattern found within Jehovah’s Witness history therefore presents a significant challenge to its claim of being God’s uniquely guided organization. When these elements are considered together, a clear internal issue emerges:

1. The organization claims prophetic authority
2. It has a documented history of failed, date-specific predictions
3. It revises or reinterprets failed prophecies after the fact
4. It maintains exclusive control over interpretation
5. It discourages independent evaluation of Scripture

Textual Criticism – The New World Translation (NWT)

This is one of the main points on how to witness to Jehovah Witness. The NWT has a disclaimer in the front of ever one of their bible that reveals something very interesting that needs to be examined and taken into severe consideration. They have a disclaimer that says ‘any text in brackets ( ), has been ADDED to help YOU understand the text better! Not only does the Bible tell us that we are to add NOTHING nor take away anything from the bible, let God curse them, but there is nothing man needs to add to the bible to help anyone understand its basic truths.

It is also more clear that the JW’s have an agenda based on the very scriptures they have changed to force their interpretations into the scriptures. The translations of the NWT are scrutinized by all other Greek and Hebrew scholars as ‘Bad Translations.’ Ideas of the JW’s are forced into the words of the translation that simply are not there.

Bad Greek Translations

There are numerous changes and inconsistencies within the translations of the NWT that show that the JW’s influenced the meaning of the text. Many of the words used to translate one meaning from the original Greek, is used to convey an entirely different idea in other texts, while the original Greek remains the same.

Jehovah in the New Testament

Words for Gods name ‘YHVH’ in Hebrew does not appear anywhere in the new testament. Everything in the new testament was written in Greek and the Hebrew letters where not used to translate God’s name.

Thus the NWT substitutes the Greek word (Kurio) meaning Lord with the Hebrew letters YHVH and translate it with the name Jehovah.

Now this does pose a problem throughout their translations when you examine their Greek versions as you will find that it does indeed call Jesus Kurio (NWT ‘Jehovah’) many times, but in their English version they just simply translate it back to the word ‘Lord!’ As you can see in the example below:

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  – 1 Corinthians 12.3 (NKJV)

διοG1352 CONJ  γνωριζωG1107 V-PAI-1S  υμινG4771 P-2DP  οτιG3754 CONJ  ουδειςG3762 A-NSM-N  ενG1722 PREP  πνευματιG4151 N-DSN  θεουG2316 N-GSM  λαλωνG2980 V-PAP-NSM  λεγειG3004 V-PAI-3S  αναθεμαG331 N-NSN  ιησουςG2424 N-NSM  καιG2532 CONJ  ουδειςG3762 A-NSM-N  δυναταιG1410 V-PNI-3S  ειπεινG3004 V-2AAN  κυριοςG2962 N-NSM ιησουςG2424 N-NSM  ειG1487 COND  μηG3361 PRT-N  ενG1722 PREP  πνευματιG4151 N-DSN  αγιωG40 A-DSN  (Westcott-Hort Greek New Testament w/ Strong’s Numbers)

According to this verse, the original Greek translation from Kurio (κυριος) is Lord, calling Jesus Kurio

In the Law it is written: “‘With the tongues of foreigners and with the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and yet not even then will they give heed to me,’ says Jehovah.”  – 1 Corinthians 14.21 (NWT)

  ενG1722 PREP  τωG3588 T-DSM  νομωG3551 N-DSM  γεγραπταιG1125 V-RPI-3S  οτιG3754 CONJ  ενG1722 PREP  ετερογλωσσοιςG2084 A-DPM  καιG2532 CONJ  ενG1722 PREP  χειλεσινG5491 N-DPN  ετερωνG2087 A-GPM  λαλησωG2980 V-FAI-1S  τωG3588 T-DSM  λαωG2992 N-DSM  τουτωG3778 D-DSM  καιG2532 CONJ  ουδG3761 CONJ-N  ουτωςG3779 ADV  εισακουσονταιG1522 V-FDI-3P  μουG1473 P-1GS  λεγειG3004 V-PAI-3S  κυριοςG2962 N-NSM  (Westcott-Hort Greek New Testament w/ Strong’s Numbers)

God is Jesus Throne

Heb. 1:8 and Psalm 45:6, “God is thy throne.”

“But with reference to the Son: ‘God is your throne forever and ever, and [the] scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of uprightness’” – Hebrew 1.8 (NWT)

In this verse God the Father is speaking to Jesus (The Son).  And legitimately, the Greek allows the construction of the verse to be interpreted two ways, the read must interpret it according to the context of the original writers intent:

θρονοςG2362 N-NSM  σουG4771 P-2GS  οG3588 T-NSM  θεοςG2316 N-NSM

Thronos                              su                                                    hay                               theos

throne                                  your                                               the                                God

In this particularly interesting verse, God is addressing the Son. The Greek construction of Hebrews 1:8 allows the text to be translated in two legitimate ways:

“God is your throne forever and ever…. (NWT)

or

“Thy Throne O God, is forever and ever…” (KJV)

It would not make sense that God would be Jesus Throne! Even if God was Jesus seat of power wouldn’t that still make Him God? But this would be a grammatically incorrect statement. A further clue comes to us from the original Hebrew text in Psalms 45.6, which reveals the interpretation showing the Son is Jehovah according to the NWT:

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom”

The Angels Do ‘Obeisance’ to Jesus?

God alone is allowed to be worship in the Bible. This poses another problem for JW’s as Jesus is worshipped all throughout scripture the same way that God is worshiped. The word for worship in the Greek is proskenuo, it literally means to ‘kiss towards.’

Heb. 1:6, “Let the angels do obeisance (proskenuo) to him.”

The correctly translated word in Greek for proskenuo is ‘worship.’

Any creature that belongs to God, including the holy angels, never allow any other being to worship them, because they know that God alone is to be worshiped! But in Heb 1.6 when the word is used for the angel to ‘Worship’ Jesus, the JW’s choose to translate it to ‘obeisance,’ to obscure the idea that Jesus is worshiped! We know from other verse that no one who is of God accepts worship because all worship is meant to be for God alone.

In acts 10.25- Peter told the man not to worship (proskenuo) him because he was just a man.

The Angel is Revelation does not accept worship :

And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God. – Revelation 22.9

Jesus also accepts worship (proskenuos) in the following verses: Matt 2.2, 2.11; 14.33; 28.9; John 9.35-38.

The Watchtower did not always reject Jesus being worshipped:

“Question: The fact that our Lord received worship is claimed by some to be an evidence that while on earth he was God the Father disguised in a body of flesh and not really a man. Was he really worshiped, or is the translation faulty? Answer: Yes, we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshiped, and properly so…It was proper for our Lord to receive worship in view of his having been the only begotten of the Father, and his agent in the creation of all things, including man.” – Watchtower Magazine; page 216 of the July 15, 1898 edition

Did Jesus create all [other] things…?

Col. 1:16-17, “…all [other] things were created by him…”

In Colossians, the JW’s translated the text correctly but inserted a certain word that according to them will “help you understand the text” better. Unfortunately by attempting to help us understand the text, the completely change the meaning of it.

The correct translation form Greek is: In Him all things have been created. Colossians 1.16-17.

The correct translation reveals the Lord Jesus is the creator of all things. But in the NWT it attempts to show that Jesus was also created by adding words to the text. JW’s theology is that Jehovah created Jesus, and then Jesus created everything else, which is contrary to biblical teaching, that God (YHVH) alone was the creator of everything as we see in:

“Thus says the LORD (Jehovah in NWT) , your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, ‘I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading out the earth all alone’” – Isaiah 44:24, NASB

Is Jesus the Firstborn of all Creation?

In another attempt to demine the position of Jesus, JW’s point toward the verse in Col 1.5 that says Jesus is the Firstborn over all creation. JW’s will explain that the term firstborn means a ‘created being’ or ‘first created being.’

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” – Col. 1:15

JW’s like to interpret this verse to mean the Jesus is the ‘first created’ because it is consistant with their theology. However this is not consistent with the Bible (John 1.1-14) or the actual text of this verse. Jesus is God and is the creator of all things, and yet was born and became flesh as a man.

In the Greek, there is a word for first created (proto-kitzo) but that was not used here, but rather Paul used the word (proto-tikto) which literally means first-born. The word for first-born can be used to describe a first-born child of a family, but can also be used to translate the word pre-eminence.  Firstborn is used as a title for the heir of a fathers household, which is who Jesus is to God the Father.

This is proven when you read the record of what happened in heaven in Heb 1.3-6; as it shows that Jesus is the firstborn of the Father that came to earth as a man, but returned to the glory he had with the Father afterwards John 17.5. This verse is further reference to Jesus dual nature and the appeal to His human nature correlating to our understanding of a Father who gives His inheritance to His Son.

If God the Father gave everything He has to His Son that would make His Son God!

I AM or I Have Been – John 8.58

Once again to obscure the truth behind who Jesus is, JW’s will have to reinvent specific bible verses that point to Jesus divinity; this is to keep their translation consistent with their beliefs.

“Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into existence, I have been,” –  John 8.58 (NWT)

εγωG1473 P-1NS  ειμιG1510 V-PAI-1S

ego                 eimi

I                      Am

Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into being, I am. – John 8.58 (BBE)

As we can see in the original Greek, the direct translation is ‘I AM.’ This alludes to the Old Testament when God says to Moses; I AM who I AM (Ex 3.14). This is the proclamation that God is self-efficient and self-existent (unlike created beings that all depend on God for their existence).

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. – John 8.59 (BBE)

As we can see in other verse the Jews wanted to stone Jesus when they thought He was blaspheming, as it was a blasphemy to call yourself YaHWeH, God . This was themed continually in to gospel as Jesus shared who He really was.

This was their answer: We are not stoning you for a good work but for evil words; because being a man you make yourself God. – John 10.33 (BBE)

Examination of the Grammar used in Verse 58:

The words in Greek originally recorded in John 8:58 are “‘prin abraam genesthai ego eimi.” Literally, this is “Before Abraham was existing, I am.” “Ego eimi” is literally, “I am.” This is the present tense. To say “I have been” is to use the perfect tense. In Greek, his would have been “aemane.” But Jesus didn’t use it here. He used the present tense, “ego eimi” which is “I am.”

Other Examples

Throughout the New Testament the Greek present tense of ‘ego eimi’, “I am”, can be translated into the English perfect tense, “I have been” even though that is not the exact translation of the text. In John 14:9 Jesus says, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me…” In this verse, “Have I been” is originally the Greek present tense, ‘ego eimi’, but it has been translated in the perfect tense in the english because it is grammatically incorect in the english to say “I am with you so long and you still don’t know me….?”

Thus we have the correct grammer in English translated into the perfect tense to allow the text to make since in English “Have I been with you so long and you have not come to know me….?” Once again the proper translation of the text is highly justified due to the fact that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus after He made this statement because He was elevating Himself to the status of the Great “I AM,” God Himself (John 8.59).

‘Believe’ or ‘Practicing Faith Towards’

Another consistent bad translation all throughout the JW Bible the NWT is the translation of ‘Believing’ into ‘Practicing Faith Towards.’ JW believe in salvation by works, meaning that you have to continually do good deeds in order to get into heaven, or to be saved, they once again change their Bible and translate the text to fit their belief systems, even though it is inconsistent with both scripture and the verses they put it in. They continually change the word in the Greek New Testament from ‘believe,’ into ‘practicing faith towards’ as we  will see in many instances doesn’t even make sense in the contexts its used:

This is the work of God, that you exercise faith in him whom that One sent forth. – John 6.29 (NWT)

He that comes to me will not get hungry at all, and he that exercises faith in me will never get thirsty at all. – John 6.35 (NWT)

The Greek word they are poorly translating is ‘Pisteo,’ which literally mean  ‘to believe.’ A good example of this is in John 20.27, if they would have been consistent in their translation this verse would have made no sense, so they had to use the correct translation for believe:

Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop being unbelieving but become believing. – John 20.27 (NWT) 

A consistent translation of the NWT using the word Pisteo would have read like this:

Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop not exercising faith, but start exercising faith. ( – consistent NWT translation)

Dangerous Doctrines of Jehovah Witness

Jehovah Witness are in danger because they call God a liar for all the things he has already told us, and attempt to redefine it. They have changed His word which is a destructive blasphemy. They are in danger of Hell because they do not rely completely and solely upon Jesus payment for their sins to go to heaven. They believe they have to work to earn salvation and thus when they stand before God and show their righteousness that is as filthy rags before God, He will cast them out for relying on their own good work to enter heaven and not on God’s grace.

Was the Word A god? John 1.1

The Bible describes that Jesus is the word of God. This poses a problem for the JW’s theology as the verse in John 1.1 literally says the Word IS God! Therefore, JW’s translate this phrase to match their theology.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God –  John 1.1 KJV

In the beginning was the word and the word was with God, and the word was a god – John 1.1 NWT

καιG2532 CONJ  θεοςG2316 N-NSM  ηνG1510 V-IAI-3S  οG3588 T-NSM  λογοςG3056 N-NSM

and                 God                  was            the             Word                                           

–          Greek Translation

Is there a new god that suddenly appears here at the beginning of creation? Does the bible affirm that there are multiple gods? No, we can see that the literal translation does not allow for multiple gods in this verse, but rather a statement that the Word is God:

The actual Greek word for word translation goes like this: “In beginning was the word, and the word was with the God, and God was the word.”

And the correct English translation is … and the Word was God, because there is only one definite article (ho=the). In the clause two nouns are the nominatives (“subject”) form (Theos and logos). Then the noun with the definite article (ho) is the subject. In this translation “ho logos” is “the word,” as the subject of the clause, and ‘the word was god’ becomes the correct translation.

Who Is The Only True God? John 17.3

JW’s will use this verse in attempt to say that Jesus, was in essence, saying that he was not God, but rather God the Father is the only God.

We need to be consistent with the entire bible and not build an entire doctrine off of only one verse.

Why did Jesus call His Father the only true God? Because He is, there is only one God. It is not wrong for the human side of Jesus to refer to God or even pray to God (talking to the Father), even though we know that the fullness of God dwelt in Jesus bodily (Col 2.9). As a man, Jesus made himself subject to God the Father.

We know that Jesus is also referred to as the Only True God:

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.  – 1 John 5.22

“The Father is Greater Than I” John 14.28

Jesus said the Father is greater than himself. This was a true statement once again as Jesus was both man and God. Man has a lower position than God, yet as God He is still equal.

The Father is Greater than I –  John 14.28

We must remember that for a little while He was made a little lower than angels, but after His resurrection He was returned to His former Glory with the Father, as we can see his servitude in the following verses:

“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me – John 5.30

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” – Phil 2.5-8

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” – Gal 4.4-5

But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone – Hebrew 2.9

And after He returned to the Father, He was reinstated His former Glory:

He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. – Ephesians 4.10

(Jesus speaking to the Father)I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was – John 17.4-5

Did Jesus make Himself Equal with God? – John 5.18

For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. – John 5.18 (BBE)

“For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God,” (John 5:18, NASB).

ισονG2470 A-ASM εαυτονG1438 F-3ASM  ποιωνG4160 V-PAP-NSM  τωG3588 T-DSM  θεωG2316 N-DSM

Equal              Himself           Made               the                   God

–          Greek Translation (GNT-TR+)

JW’s comment, saying that this verse is simply reference this is a point that John is making that this is only what the Jews though Jesus was trying to say, not what Jesus was actually claiming. This claim in not consistent at all with the text of the entire chapter. We can clearly see that the context begins with the narrative of the writer, who is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, starting with verse 16 states that the Jews had turned against Him because of the works He was performing on the Sabbath, and in verse 18 continues with the narrative stating that Jesus was making Himself equal with God.

There is nothing in the context to indicate that the verse refers ‘only’ to what the Jews believed, rather than it being a statement from the apostle John about Jesus Divinity. John consistently corrected misinterpretations and cleared up misunderstanding that he wrote about in his gospel.

“This saying therefore went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?’ – John 21:23, NASB

“The Jews answered and said to Him, ‘Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon? 49Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me,” – John 8:48-49

Why wouldn’t he clear up such a huge doctrinal misunderstanding in his gospel, especially if it was such a tremendous blasphemy as this, claiming someone to be God is breaking one of the 10 commandments. Yet we find neither he nor Jesus corrected the issue but rather the narrator clearly defines Jesus claiming himself to be equal with God.

Was Jesus Worshiped The Same Way King David Was?

JW’s doctrine cannot allow Jesus to be worshipped the same way that God the Father is worshipped because it would directly contradict their theology; so they shift the scriptural interpretations  around their own beliefs.

We have seen his star in the east and have come to give him worship. And they came into the house, and saw the young child with Mary, his mother; and falling down on their faces they gave him worship; –  Matt. 2:2,11;

And those who were in the boat gave him worship, saying, Truly you are the Son of God. –  Matt 14:33;

And on the way, Jesus came to them, saying, Be glad. And they came and put their hands on his feet, and gave him worship. – Matt28:9;

…And he said, Lord, I have faith. And he gave him worship… – John 9:35-38

And again, when he is sending his only Son into the world, he says, Let all the angels of God give him worship. – Heb. 1:6.

JW’s cannot not deny scripture teaches that Jesus was bowed down before the same way that God the Father would be bowed down before. They point out the following verse to show that other people where worshipped:

And David said to all the people, Now give praise to the Lord your God. And all the people gave praise to the Lord, the God of their fathers, with bent heads worshipping the Lord and the king. – 1 Chron 29.20 (BBE)

JW’s say that because king David was worship, it is possible to worship other things to a lesser degree than God. Following this they state that Jesus can be worshipped to a lesser degree then God the Father.

1 Chron obviously cannot be translated to mean that king David was worshipped the same as God, this would be blasphemy.  It would be more accurate to translate this Hebrew word “shachah” as pay homage or bow down.

When you read the context of the entire chapter of 1 Chronicles, you can clearly get the picture of what is going on: the Hebrew people are NOT worshipping David but rather literally, in the place they are at, falling down paying God and the king Homage, in recognition as their superiors. This verse is a reference to the literal actions of the people. In contrast, Jesus is worshipped all throughout the entire bible not only by men, but all of heaven (Heb 1.8) showing that He alone is God, as the angel says in revelation:

And I, John, am he who saw these things and to whose ears they came. And when I had seen and given ear, I went down on my face to give worship at the feet of the angel who made these things clear to me. And he said to me, See you do it not; I am a brother-servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: give worship to God. – Revelation 22.8-9

Angels are obviously superior to men, but here is shows that ONLY God is to be worshiped. This is also confirmed in the JW’s own scripture as they do NOT translate the word as worship but rather it is translated as prostrate:

“And David went on to say to all the congregation: “Bless, now, Jehovah YOUR God.” And all the congregation proceeded to bless Jehovah the God of their forefathers and bow low and prostrate themselves to Jehovah and to the king,” – 1 Chron 29.20 (NWT).

Translation of the Word Worship

The JW’s retranslate the same Greek word for worship ‘proskenutos’ differently throughout their text. If the verse is speaking about God the Father, they translated it to say worship, but in reference to Jesus they always translate it as obeisance, once again to preserve their own belief system:

Same word  (proskenuos) in reference to the Son:

And again, when he is sending his only Son into the world, he says, Let all the angels of God give him worship. –  Hebrew 1.6 (BBE)

But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him. – Hebrew 1.6 (NWT)

Same word (proskenuos) in reference to the Father:

And he said to me, See you do it not; I am a brother-servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: give worship to God. – Revelation 22.9 (BBE)

But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who are prophets and of those who are observing the words of this scroll. Worship God – Revelation 22.9 (NWT)

Who will the Jew Look Upon? Zech 12.10

Another bad translation in the NWT from the JW’s is the verse in zechariah where God says “they will look upon me, who they have pierced.” This is obviously a direct word from God says that He will be pierced but due to the direct contradiction to the JW’s doctrine, they change what the text says to “they will look upon the one whom they have pierced.”

Zechariah 12.10 (comparison)-

God speaking “They will look upon me, the one they have pierced (KJV)

“They will look upon the one they have pierced (NWT)

How to Witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses

Rather than approaching this conversation with accusation, the most effective and biblical approach is to center everything on the identity of Jesus Christ and the true Gospel. The goal is not to win an argument, but to lovingly call someone to the true Christ revealed in Scripture. Start with the Identity of Jesus (The Central Issue)

A helpful place to begin is not with debates, but with a simple question – “Who is Jesus according to the Bible?” Then walk through clear passages together:

• John 1:1 – “The Word was God.”
• John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
• Hebrews 1:8 – “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”
• John 20:28 – “My Lord and my God!”
• Colossians 2:9 – “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

Key Point to Gently Emphasize – If Jesus is not fully God, then He cannot fully save. The Bible consistently presents Jesus not as a created being, but as God in the flesh (John 1:14). You can ask – “Why does Scripture give Jesus titles, worship, and authority that belong to God alone?”

Address the Gospel (Grace vs Works)

Once the identity of Christ is established, move to the Gospel itself.

• Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works…”
• Romans 4:5 – “To him who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness.”
• John 5:24 – “He who hears My word and believes… has everlasting life.”

Key Contrast to Highlight:

• Salvation is received, not earned
• It is based on Christ’s finished work, not human effort

You can ask “If salvation requires works, when is it ever enough?”

Gently Address a Different Gospel

The concern is not simply disagreement—it is whether the Gospel itself has been altered.

• Galatians 1:8–9 – “If anyone preaches any other gospel… let him be accursed.”
• 2 Corinthians 11:4 – “If someone comes preaching another Jesus… you may well put up with it.”

Key Point – The issue is not sincerity or effort, but whether the message aligns with the Gospel revealed in Scripture.

Call to Trust in the True Christ – Bring the conversation back to a personal response and the message of the cross.

• Romans 10:9 – “If you confess… and believe… you will be saved.”
• John 3:16 – “Whoever believes in Him should not perish…”
• Acts 4:12 – “There is no other name… by which we must be saved.”

Tone and Approach

• Be patient and respectful (2 Timothy 2:24–25)
• Ask questions rather than only making statements
• Let Scripture speak clearly
• Keep the focus on Christ, not just the organization

The core issue is not simply differences in interpretation, but the identity of Jesus Christ and the nature of the Gospel. Scripture presents Jesus as fully God, worthy of worship, and the only sufficient Savior. It also teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith, not earned through works or organizational association. For those seeking truth, the invitation of Scripture is clear: to come to Christ as He is revealed in the Bible, to trust fully in His finished work, and to receive the eternal life that He alone provides.

Resources

CH0 – Introduction – Jehovah Witness – Use their own Literature Against Them

Ch1- Examine Your Own Religion

Ch2 – WTO is Gods Mouthpiece

CH3 – Trust in the Organization

CH4 – New Light and Texts

CH5 – 1914 False Prophecies

CH6 – 1915 False Prophecies

CH7 – Other False Prophecies

CH8 – Jesus is the Organization

CH9 – Don’t Follow False Prophets

CH10 – NWT Bad Translation

CH11 – Interlinear – Christ is God

CH12 – Interlinear Other Scripture

CH13 – Watchtower is Salvation

CH14 – FiDs Organization or Russell

References

Masonic References: Sermon title: “The Temple of God”, Charles Russell; Convention Report Sermons pages 359–365

carm.org/jehovahs-witnesses

Watch Tower References – See resources

Awake Magazine References – See resources