Perfect People

Catholics tend to highlight necessary perfection in their Bible translations, claiming we are saved through sanctification into a holy and perfect life.

Our legal justification is only by the blood of Christ, he is our only moral defense. Baptism and holiness are not a defense for moral purposes, but faith toward Christ.

Yet they persist and many translations do stress perfection.

Luke 1:13-17 is an example.

Catholic versions use the word perfect whereas other Bibles use the words ready and prepared.

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias:

that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children

and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just,

to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people.”

The greek actually uses the word ready. or prepared

Luk 1:17  AndG2532 heG846 shall goG4281 beforeG1799 himG846 in the spiritG4151 andG2532 powerG1411 of Elias,G2243 to turnG1994 the heartsG2588 of the fathersG3962 toG1909 the children,G5043 andG2532 the disobedientG545 toG1722 the wisdomG5428 of the just;G1342 to make readyG2090 a peopleG2992 preparedG2680 for the Lord.G2962

There is no other place this word is translated perfect. The Catholic translation isn't accurate, it doesn't mean morally perfect, but prepared for the purpose. A building can be completed and suitable for use, without it being perfect with no flaws.

κατασκευάζω

kataskeuazō

Total KJV Occurrences: 11

prepare, 3

Mat_11:10, Mar_1:2, Luk_7:27

builded, 2

Heb_3:3-4 (2)

prepared, 2

Luk_1:17, Heb_11:7

built, 1

Heb_3:4

made, 1

Heb_9:2

ordained, 1

Heb_9:6

preparing, 1

1Pe_3:20