Is "First Day of the Week"
A Correct Translation?

This study considers the translation into "first day of the week" in more detail by examining how "mia" is most commonly translated in the New Testament.

The Greek word "mia" is translated as "one" 62 times in the New Testament. There are seven translations into "first." If "mia" can equally mean "one" or "first" we should be able to use either word in verses that use the original "mia" and have it make sense. There is only one verse (other than the six suspect translations of "mia ton sabbaton" into "first day of the week"), Titus 3:10, where "mia" has been translated, in the KJV, as "first" that makes sense.

However, there are a number of other verses where if "mia" was translated as "first" the result would produce real problems and even contradictions. Try these verses:

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:19)

If worded "first of these least" it would not make sense. The least commandment is not the first.

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." (Matt 17:4)

"First for thee, and first for Moses (it would be the second) and first for Elias (it would be third)" would not make sense.

"Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." (Matt 20:12)

They worked not the "first" but the "last" hour. This would be a direct contradiction.

"Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Matt 24:41)

"Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one." (2 Cor 11:24)

When only 39 stripes are given, in "mercy," it is the last one that is saved, obviously not the first.

A single word can have two meanings, but not opposite meanings. Translating "mia" as "first," in most cases does not make sense and even produces obviously direct contradictions.