Transcript Document
How the Bible Came to Us
How to Choose a Bible Version
Introduction
• We will look at five areas for evaluating
English Bible translations:
– Historical Background
– Textual Base
– Translation Techniques
– Theological Bias
– Types of English
Historical Background of a Translation
• The Tyndale tradition goes
back to the 16th century,
and a number of solid
English translations are in
its line.
• Other recent translations
are outside of this line,
including: TLB, NIV, NET,
HCSB.
• A translation with deep
roots has profited from
improvements over time.
On the other hand, a new
translation can give a fresh
reading of Scripture.
Chart from How to Choose a Bible Version, p. 34.
Textual Base of a Translation
Ephesians
• The primary choice is
between the Byzantine
and Alexandrian text
types.
– This pertains to the NT
much more than the OT,
which has much fewer
variants.
• The choice will be
based on one’s theory
of how the text was
transmitted.
• The question must be,
when there are differing
readings, “What did the
original author write?”
Table from How to Choose a Bible Version, p. 75 .
Translation Technique Employed
• Dynamic Equivalence (aka Functional Equivalence) –
more free translation
– Chief concern is readability.
– Seeks to convey the thought or idea of the original
languages without concern for word-for-word
correspondence.
– Seeks to evoke the same response from its readers as the
original languages did to their readers.
• Formal Equivalence – more literal translation
– Chief concern is faithfulness to the original text.
– Focuses attention on both form (i.e. grammatical structure)
and content of original text.
– Enables reader to more fully identify with and comprehend
the customs, manner of thought, and means of expression of
the original setting.
• “The more remote a translation is from the original,
the less it reflects the precise meaning of the original
and the more it reflects the interpretations of the
translator(s)” (Thomas, p. 97).
Theological Bias of a Translation
• Bible translation is largely an objective
activity in which it is difficult for the
translator to distort to a large degree the
literature he is translating.
• Yet there is no question that there are
theological biases in such translations
as Douai, New World Translation, and
the Geneva Study Bible.
– Solidly evangelical translations will reflect
their bias as well.
Theological Bias of a Translation
• Four ways to detect a translation’s theological
bias:
–
–
–
–
The theological viewpoints of the translators.
Front matter in the translation.
Study notes.
The way certain passages are translated can
provide clues on where the translator stands,
particularly on such doctrines as:
•
•
•
•
Bibliology (esp. inspiration of Scripture)
Christology (esp. deity of Christ)
Soteriology (esp. eternal security)
Ecclesiology (esp. Church/Israel distinction).
• One should choose a translation that is as
objective as possible, but that also supports
one’s theological beliefs.
Types of English in Bible
Translations
• There is a surprising variety of English
usage among English-speaking people
in the world.
– Formal vs dynamic equivalence affects the
English used in a translation.
– One’s preference here will influence one’s
choice of translation.
• Another consideration here is text
format, including punctuation,
capitalization, text arrangement, and
print style.
Types of English
• At least seven factors are relevant:
– Varying age levels. A person’s vocabulary and grammatical
habits change through his lifetime.
– Various stages of English language development. All languages
change through time.
– Varying geographical locations. The English spoken in different
parts of the world varies.
– Varying amounts of education. Education determines
vocabulary and styles of speech.
– Varying methods of communication. Comprehension varies
between what is heard and what is read. Some translations aim
to be understood when read aloud.
– Varying degrees of formality. The Bible tends towards more
formal English because of its content.
– Varying interests. Like other fields, the church is a “special
interest” category with its own expressions. Traditional biblical
terms like “justification”, “sanctify”, and “propitiation” have
meaning only for those who have received instruction about
them.
A Concluding Quote
• “The survey of five areas for evaluating
English Bible translations has shown the
advantages and disadvantages of various
versions. Among other things it has
demonstrated that no perfect English
translation of the Bible is in existence. This is
probably disappointing to many who are
seeking to find one version that will serve all
purposes. All the versions have weaknesses,
some more than others, but all have them”
(Robert L. Thomas, How to Choose a Bible
Version, p. 145).
The End