Hi kentish.
JWs believe the cross is a pagan symbol. Too, they believe it is idolatry to use it. Therefore, they shun it.
They do use their own Bible translation (New World Translation/NWT) but the scriptures that warn against idolatry are translated almost the same in the NWT as in the NIV (New International Version, which I use now, and in the KJV in effect). Their scriptures about idolatry include 1 Corinthians 10:14 and 1 John 5:21 and are close to the KJV rendering (flee from idolatry, keep yourself from idols).
They use John 13: 34, 35 to teach that the mark of disciples is not the cross or an image but love. The NWT states: “A new command I give you: Love one another. … By this [loving each other] everyone will know that you are my disciples…”
They believe that Jesus died on a “torture stake” (and some JW references state he was impaled). Their reason for this, they say, is that the Greek word ‘stauros’ means “an upright stake”. There is no evidence of a crossbeam, they say (which would make it a cross if present).
They say that the Greek word for cross in the Bible literally translates to “stake” and “tree”. Non-JWs do acknowledge this to be true, I believe. I think the idea of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus came from that method of execution being used by the Romans.
Matthew 27:32-40 (NWT):
“As they were going out, they found a man of Cy·reʹne named Simon. This man they compelled into service to carry his torture stake.
“And when they came to a place called Golʹgo·tha, that is, Skull Place,
“They gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.
“When they had nailed him to the stake, they distributed his outer garments by casting lots
“And they sat there keeping watch over him.
“They also posted above his head the charge against him, in writing: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.
“Then two robbers were put on stakes alongside him, one on his right and one on his left.
“And those passing by spoke abusively of him, shaking their heads
“And saying: “You who would throw down the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are a son of God, come down off the torture stake!”
Here are the same passages in the NIV – note that every reference to “torture stake” in the NWT above is “cross” in the NIV (and other Christian versions):
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).
34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.
38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
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So, to answer your question about Bible versions, kentish, yes, the JWs do, in many places, change wording in their own Bible version. They do give explanations for why, if people bother to compare or research. You have to be quite sharp to spot the differences in connotations and thereby meanings of words, which translate (literally, ha) into their doctrines.
Notice how when it’s a teaching they agree with, eg: “idolatry”, those scriptures are almost identical to the standard Christian versions. When it’s a tenet they disagree with, they alter their “translation” so it’s in line with their own doctrine. It can be subtle enough to be unnoticeable by their adherents and also prospective converts. “What’s in a name..” or a word, eh? A lot, as it happens.
JWs say why wear a cross, the “instrument of torture”. They say that as Jesus didn’t die on a cross it’s meaningless to revere the cross, idolatry even. And, as above, idolatry is a grave sin, they teach (as it is considered by Christians too).
I think part of their teaching about the cross is due to wanting to differentiate themselves from other Christian denominations. So they dispense with the cross by using their Greek word (stauros, literally stake or tree) and then use "stake" in their own version of the Bible. It’s a small step from there to their followers (including recent and prospective converts) to think that the word stake is actually in the standard Bible translations or else that the JW “translation” is more accurate than other Bible versions. Once you separate people with something so basic, yet meaningful and of supposed import, you can follow up with other divergent ideas as to what “true Christianity” is in terms of belief and practice.
JW article about using the cross as a symbol:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no2-2017-april/the-cross-is-it-biblical/Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2021 06:16PM by Nightingale.