Christian Publishing House Blog
Apologetic Defense of the faith, the Bible, and Christianity
The languages of the Bible as we know are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek of thousands of years in the past. Their culture is far removed from ours and is varied because the 66 books of the Bible were written throughout the 1,600-year period, as well as being written to different audiences, in different times, situations, and under different covenants.
What exactly is meant by “unknown?” This is the gulf that exists between those of Bible times and us today, in our modern world. There is a difference in time, custom, and culture, places, language, and worldview.
This article delves into the fascinating world of idioms in literal Bible translation philosophy. Uncover the unique challenges translators face when encountering idiomatic expressions in the Scriptures and how they maintain accuracy while ensuring comprehension for the modern reader.
The passage discusses the challenging translation of an ancient idiom spoken by Jesus to his mother in the Bible. Jesus' phrase, "What to me and to you, woman?" appears differently in various translations. It suggests Jesus distancing himself from familial obligations. The passage raises questions about translation accuracy and the true meaning of Jesus' words.
Which makes for the best and most accurate Bible translation: the literal word-for-word (form) or the dynamic equivalent interpretive (meaning)?
I have been the senior translator for the NASB (and Scholar in Residence) at the Lockman Foundation for about two decades, and Edward Andrews and I are good friends who share a passion for literal Bible translation.
Exactly why are we making other translations beyond the King James Version of 1611? The King James Version has been the primary translation of the Christian community for 400+ years (1611-2021). There is no doubt that this Bible alone has affected the lives of hundreds of millions and has influenced the principles of Bible translation for the past four centuries. Should the KJV still be considered a trustworthy translation? What makes up a trustworthy translation? What translations are the most trustworthy?
Explore the world of Bible translation, including the need for new translations, the differences between literal and dynamic equivalent approaches, and the complex process undertaken by translation committees. Discover how these translations strive for accuracy and faithfulness to the original text while leaving interpretation to the readers themselves.
The debate as to where one should be in the spectrum of literal versus dynamic equivalent, i.e., their translation philosophy has been going on since the first translation of the Hebrew (Aramaic) into Greek, i.e., the Septuagint (280-150 B.C.E.).
This is a brief introduction to Bible translation basics, with other articles readdressing some areas in greater detail. Understanding how the Bible came down to us, how Bible translations are made, the different translation philosophies, and the textual issues that exist are essential for all serious students of the Bible.
