Warning : The Passion Translation
- May 13
- 4 min read
The Passion Translation (TPT) has been heavily exposed as a false Bible translation. It is a deceptive tool used by many false teachers to defend the false teachings of unbiblical impartation and is filled with heresy.
Reasons to stop using TPT
1. Lying about its origin
In 2015, the author Brian Simmons claimed an angel named ‘Passion’ came to him, and that is why it’s called The Passion Translation (which is against Galatians 1:6-9). However, in 2024 (after being exposed), he claimed he never had an angel called ‘Passion’ who came to him. He is lying about his Bible one way or the other.
2. Adding to the Bible
Simmons claimed he visited a library in Heaven and saw a book called ‘John 22,’ but Jesus wouldn’t let him take it yet. There are only 21 chapters in the Gospel of John. He is suggesting adding an entire chapter to the Bible.
3. No Scholarly Grounding & Peer-Review
Simmons was the sole “translator,” but he was not a linguist or a scholar. He admitted: “I have minimal background in biblical languages.” Instead, he claims he received “supernatural revelations” to rewrite the text.
Unlike the ESV, NIV, or KJV, which were translated by committees of 50 to 100 scholars to prevent individual bias, TPT was produced by one man with no formal academic standing in Biblical languages.
4. The "Aramaic" Deception
Simmons claims he is translating from "original Aramaic" to find "hidden secrets." However, the New Testament was written in Greek. He is using later translations to override the original words of the Apostles.
5. Beyond a translation
TPT has significant editing—often 50% longer or 50% less than original Greek or Hebrew Scriptures.
• Psalm 13: Simmons removes all of the lamentation and replaces it with positive emotional intimacy not found in the original Hebrew.
• Psalm 23: Went from 115 words in the NIV to 235 in TPT (104% increase).
• Psalm 18: Verse 1 went from 3 words to 16 words.
• Song of Solomon 2:13: 260% longer than other translations.
6. Designed to promote false teachings
In versions like the KJV, NIV or ESV, the word "impartation" is mentioned zero times. In the TPT, "impart" is used over 42 times and "impartation" 21 times. It is systematically engineered to promote the modern "anointing" of one person to another (a new age practice).
7. Removed by Bible Gateway
In 2022, Bible Gateway (the world’s largest Bible platform) removed TPT from its site entirely. It was delisted because it failed to meet the scholarly standards of a faithful Bible translation and was deemed too biased to remain alongside recognised Scripture.
8. Etymological Fallacy
Many scholars warn that Simmons uses "root-word fallacies." He will take a Greek word, find a modern English word that sounds vaguely like it (like horizo and "horizon"), and then claim the Bible is talking about horizons. Linguists state this is like saying the word "butterfly" is actually about "flying butter."
9. Warnings from Bible Scholars
Bible Scholars have issued a unified warning against the TPT due to serious linguistic failures. Experts such as Dr Douglas Moo (Chair of the NIV Committee), Dr Darrell Bock, and Dr.Craig Blomberg conclude that the work is not a translation, but a "rewriting" that imports elitist agendas and deceptive "Aramaic" claims. Dr Tremper Longman III and Dr Andrew Shead further warn that the TPT's heavy editing and lack of peer review result in a "total misrepresentation" that ultimately threatens to replace the words of God with the words of Brian Simmons.
10. Promotion of Gnosticism (Secret Knowledge)
Scholars warn that TPT promotes a modern form of Gnosticism—an early church heresy that claimed only certain "enlightened" people have secret knowledge of God. By using words like "secrets" and "mysteries" hundreds of times more than standard Bibles, Simmons suggests that the plain reading of Scripture is insufficient and that readers need his "divine downloads" (which he described as like a chip implanted into his brain) to understand the "real" meaning of God’s Word. This contradicts the Biblical truth that the Gospel is revealed plainly to all (2 Corinthians 4:2).
Strict Biblical Warning
The Bible strictly warns not to alter Scripture/God’s Word:
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Deuteronomy 4:2
2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.
Proverbs 30:5-6
5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
2 Corinthians 4:2
2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
Revelation 22:18-19
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
Do you have a copy of TPT? It’s time to repent and throw it away!
