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BHI Assumptions

Group of Black Hebrew Israelites

Published on: January 30, 2025

Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) use a variety of Bible translations, but their preferred versions often depend on the specific camp or sect they belong to. Some of the most commonly used texts and translations include the following.

King James Version (KJV)​

Why They Use It:​

Many BHI groups believe the KJV is the most authoritative and least corrupted English translation of the Bible. They often reject modern translations, claiming they have been tampered with by European scholars.

How They Use It:​

They frequently cite verses from the KJV but often misinterpret or take them out of context to fit their racialized theology.

Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical: Second Canon Books)​

Why They Use It:​

Many BHI groups accept the Apocrypha (books like 2 Esdras, Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, etc.), which were included in older versions of the KJV and Catholic Bibles.

How They Use It​

They often use 2 Esdras 6:54-59 to argue that Israelites are superior to other nations.

Scholars generally date this book to the late 1st century AD, likely between 70–135 AD. It is not part of the Hebrew Bible though was included in some Christian traditions.

The "Hebrew-Israelite" Translations​

Some BHI camps use their own modified translations, such as:

  • The Cepher Bible:
    This version includes the Apocrypha and extra-biblical books like the Book of Enoch and Jubilees.
  • The ISR (Institute for Scripture Research) Translation:
    A Hebrew Roots Bible that removes English names like “Jesus” and replaces them with Yahusha or Yahawashi (depending on their pronunciation preference).

4. New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or Other Translations​

  • Some BHI groups use other translations when convenient, but they generally stick to older versions like the KJV or Cepher.

Common Issues with Their Bible Interpretation​

  • Out-of-Context Proof Texting:
    They isolate verses to push their doctrine while ignoring the full biblical message.
  • Eisegesis Instead of Exegesis:
    Instead of drawing meaning from the text, they impose their racial and nationalistic views onto the Scriptures.
  • Mistranslations and Made-Up Hebrew:
    Some camps insist on names like Yahawashi (instead of Yeshua or Jesus) without real linguistic support.

Conclusion​

Most Black Hebrew Israelite groups primarily use the KJV and the Apocrypha, often supplemented with their own Hebrew-influenced versions.

However, their primary issue is not which Bible they use, but how they misinterpret and manipulate the text to fit their ideology.

In the following sections you will see how they manipulate the text to suit their theology.