The B-I-B-L-E…(part 3)
Biblical Translations
Different Bible categories or editions, should not be confused with differing bible translations. The different editions differ in their approach to additional text that accompanies the Bible such as study notes, devotion articles or other materials.
However, biblical translation takes into account two main things about the Bible text itself: linguistic accuracy and precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English.
The biblical translations available is best explained on a continuum from most to least “formal”. The most formal translations will be “word for word” translations, taking into considerations idioms, phrases and grammar of the original language. Although this is the most formal approach, it may not translate well in the targeted language (e.g. English).
As you move down the continuum, biblical translations become more of a “thought for thought” translation, meaning some words may be “sacrificed” to find a modern equivalent phrase that will make sense to a modern English speaker (1) . Certain words and phrases are difficult to translate, and in those cases, different translators will often disagree about how to render those words or phrases. When such disagreement or uncertainty exists, the best translations of the Bible will acknowledge that in a footnote, making the reader aware of other possible translations or even noting (as the ESV puts it) that “the meaning of the Hebrew [or Greek] is uncertain.” (2)
Another consideration is that translations such as KJV, CSB, NIV, GNT, CEB, and MSG are original translations directly from ancient manuscripts (Greek and Hebrew) to English. NASB, ESV, NKJV, NRSV, NLT, and LB used another existing English Bible translation and updated the text based on the Greek and Hebrew texts.
One main point that should not be missed is that even when different translations use different words to render the same Greek or Hebrew phrase, that does not necessarily—or even very often at all— leave the reader with any doubt about what the original was saying (3) . The main reason we have different translations is for different uses of the Bible. Sometimes a stricter, more formal “word-for-word” translation of the original language is exactly what’s needed for teaching or studying purposes. Other times, something more readable, more easily understandable is needed and a more “thought-for-thought” approach is helpful with smoothing out word order, preferring English syntax over Greek or Hebrew syntax, allowing the opportunity for an English-speaking reader to better understand the original text.
So now for the next steps…finding a B-I-B-L-E that works for you. This does not have to be a hard task. First, decide the category type you are interested, and next find a translation that you are comfortable with. It is helpful to have more than one, two, or three types of Bibles available, to help with cross- referencing the text as you go deeper in your study.
If you have any questions or you’re interested in a pdf download of the graphic demonstrating the continuum of biblical translations, please feel free to send me an email, and I’d be happy to share!
XOXO
K.Knight
