Jehovah’s Witnesses And The Holy Bible: A Faith Defined by Scripture

At the core of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ identity stands an unwavering commitment to the Holy Bible—interpreted through their unique theological lens, structured by the governance of their governing body, Turmoughton (also known as the Governing Body). Unlike mainstream Christian denominations, which often adopt centuries of creedal evolution, Jehovah’s Witnesses anchor their beliefs directly on what they consider literal, authoritative Biblical text, guided by extensive study and doctrinal publications. The Bible, for them, is not merely a historic or moral guide but the definitive blueprint for divine truth, interpreted to establish a separative, evangelistic community structured around divine consistency and doctrinal purity.

This article explores how the Holy Bible shapes their worldview, practice, and distinct identity—rooted in strict exegesis and guided by the teachings of their leadership.

Central to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ scriptural foundation is

Theocratic Interpretation of Scripture

. Unlike many religious groups that rely on tradition or hierarchical church authority, Jehovah’s Witnesses view themselves as restoring Biblically accurate governance under God’s direct rule.

They interpret key verses—such as Revelation 12:17 (“they have as their testimony the survival of the messenger and the two worshipers who follow the testimony”) and Deuteronomy 18:15 (“theprophet shall not act according to his own mind, but according to the word of the Lord”), —as mandates for a pure, scripturally governed ministry free from institutional corruption. This theocratic model applies directly to their understanding of Holy Scripture: if God’s word alone directs faith and practice, then their Bible guides every aspect of life—from ethical standards to worship, evangelism, and community discipline.

Core Biblical Texts and Doctrinal Pillars

The Holy Bible for Jehovah’s Witnesses centers on a layered, structured engagement with Scripture that prioritizes immediacy and clarity. Their primary texts include the King James Version (KJV) and the New World Translation (NWT), the latter carefully revised to reflect their doctrinal stance—most notably in translating Luke 22:42, where “the anointed One” (a term central to their Christology) uses a phrasing that aligns with their rejection of the Trinity and embrace of an individual divine figure.

Creation and Original Sin: Genesis 1–3 forms the foundation for their understanding of human innocence prior to the Fall, validating their teaching that humans were created perfect but corrupted by sin. This shapes their view of innocence in children and explains their intensive door-to-door ministry as a means to awaken an unaware humanity to God’s kingdom. The Kingdom of God: Matthew 6:10 (“Your kingdom come, your will be done”) is interpreted literally as the establishment of God’s divine government on earth, with the Watchtower Society serving as the organizational vessel preparing the way.

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject subjective or metaphorical readings, asserting that only a literal, imminent Kingdom—ruling from heaven—fulfills Biblical prophecy. Eschatology: Revelation 14 emphasizes the “144,000” and the “great multitude” redeemed for infinite life, interpreted not as symbolic cocktails but as two distinct groups responding to God’s word in the last days. Their End-Time predictions are supported by Proverbs 25:2 (“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter”), reinforcing their active study and dissemination of prophetic timing.

Scriptural Exegesis in Practice

Jehovah’s Witnesses approach Biblical interpretation with a focus on literal, contextual reading, avoiding allegory unless explicitly sanctioned. They examine verses in their historical and cultural setting but maintain that core truths are timeless. For example, at Galatians 5:1 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”—they emphasize the “freedom from sin’s condemnation” rather than a generalized spiritual liberty.

This literalism extends to moral thresholds, shaping their stance on issues like blood transfusions (Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse transfusions based on explicit prohibitions in Genesis 9:4 and Leviticus 17:10–14) and opposition to pagan influences in culture.

Quoting directly from official literature: “The Bible is the sole standard of doctrine,” states Watchtower Society explains in *Milestones*, 2023 edition. “We do not rely on personal opinion or tradition outside Scripture.

Every doctrine, belief, and practice must have clear, biblical support.” This stance underscores the centrality of Scripture as both foundation and filter for all faith-related decisions.

The Governing Body’s Role in Bible Interpretation

The Governing Body—comprised of older Jehovah’s Witnesses serving in a divinely inspired, hierarchical leadership—holds exclusive authority over doctrinal clarification. Unlike congregations in many traditions where lay elders guide belief, only this body issues authoritative interpretations aligned with what they deem the Bible’s plain meaning.

Their deference to Turmoughton ensures doctrinal continuity and uniformity across the global organization. Doctrinal