ESV says no woman spoke from God

First off, let me offer this comment from Dave Ker to explain why I am moderated in my comments on the BBB.

Please note that comments by Suzanne and John are both moderated. We try to approve comments as quickly as we can but there is sometimes a lag. When comments do not pertain to the post or involve disputes about gender issues or the ESV they are almost never approved.

This was a decision made by the team of contributors at BBB. If you have questions about this feel free to email me directly.

Yesterday, by some quirk, I happened to note that John was not moderated and I assumed that I could post there as well. It turns out I can't. It also turns out that any comment which refers to gender will not be posted or will at least be removed later if requested.

Probably the more serious reason is that I often make comments to the effect that the ESV does not translate the Greek properly with respect to gender. A double whammy as far as being moderated is concerned.

Anyway, when I say that the ESV does not translate accurately with respect to gender, this is a further example of what I mean.

The ESV preface says,

But the words “man” and “men” are retained where a male meaning component is part of the original Greek or Hebrew. Likewise, the word “man” has been retained where the original text intends to convey a clear contrast between “God” on the one hand and “man” on the other hand, with “man” being used in the collective sense of the whole human race (see Luke 2:52).

Here are some verses that are so familiar and well used that I have not included the references - perhaps later. As you read these verses think about the consequences for women if these verses are for men only, as the ESV preface clearly says.

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.

And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,and he gave gifts to men.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

What, did no woman ever speak from God, not even Mary? Are no spiritual gifts given to women? Is there no justification for women, no life, no light? Is it not good enough to acknowledge the Christ before other women?

Discussion is taking place now on Clayboy, the blog of Doug Chaplin.

Update: Here is more from the ESV preface,

Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original;

In 1 Tim. 2:1 the ESV uses the word "people." One has to wonder why this word could not be used elsewhere, where the Greek uses the word anthropos (pl) which clearly means "people."

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,