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• 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 .

Ephesians

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