Translation Frustration?

Translation Frustration?
With so many translations of the Bible,
how do I know which one is the best?
Communication Card
• ―I love it that you take us to the original
languages to get the exact meaning of what
God was saying! … But which translation is
most exact? I want to read a translation that
stays with the true intent of God’s original
word! No transliteration (or do I mean
paraphrase?)—just exactly what God truly
said. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I
would love to know which translation is the
closest to the original languages …‖
“Translation Frustration”
So Many Translations
“Translation Frustration”
Why Is Translation Necessary?
To make God’s Word understandable!
The Original Languages
• The Bible is primarily written in two languages:
Hebrew (O.T.)
Greek (N.T.)
“Translation Frustration”
Why Do We Need
Updated Translations?
To make God’s Word understandable today
Some Early English Bibles
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•
•
•
•
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Wycliffe Bible—1382
Tyndale Bible—1526
Coverdale Bible—1535
*The Geneva Bible—1557
The Bishops’ Bible—1568
The King James Version—1611
– Over 20 different King James translations: 1611 (2x), 1612,
1613, 1616, 1629, 1638, 1650 (6x), 1660, 1683, 1727,
1762, 1769, 1873, 1888.
– Took 50 years to gain acceptance
“Translation Frustration”
Why Update?
• Words change meaning
– ―Prevent‖ used to mean ―to come before‖ or
―precede‖ and did not mean ―to hinder.‖
• “We which are alive and remain unto the
coming of the Lord shall not prevent them
which are asleep.”
(1 Thes 4:15, KJV)
• “We who are still alive, who are left till the
coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede
those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thes 4:15, NIV)
“Translation Frustration”
Why Update?
• Words change meaning
– ―Letteth‖ means to restrain (2 Thes 2:7)
– ―Charger‖ means plate or platter (Mark 6:25)
– ―Conversation‖ means conduct (James 3:13)
– ―Carriages‖ means baggage (Acts 21:15)
“Translation Frustration”
Why Update?
• Words change meaning
• Words become obsolete
– ―Wist ye not?‖ (Luke 2:49)
– ―Take no scrip‖ (Mark 6:8)
– ―We fetched a compass‖ (Acts 28:13)
“Translation Frustration”
Why Update?
• Words change meaning
• Words become obsolete
• Grammar changes
– ―Ye, Thee, Thou, Doest‖
“Translation Frustration”
Why Update?
• Words change meaning
• Words become obsolete
• Grammar changes
• Manuscript discoveries continue to bring
further clarity to Scripture
– Chester Beatty Papyri (discovered 1930-35)
– Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered 1947-56)
– Bodmer II Text (discovered 1952)
– Codex Sinaiticus (initially discovered in 19th century, but
recent findings in 20th and into the 21st centuries)
“Translation Frustration”
Why Do We Need So Many?
To make God’s Word understandable to all
A Computer Translation
• “The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”
– The liquor is great, but the meat is lousy.
“Translation Frustration”
Different Types of Bibles
• The main difference in translations is not due
to a different text, but a different type of
translation being done.
– Literal: word-for-word translations
– Dynamic: thought-for-thought
– Paraphrase: an interpreter’s own idea about a
passage; his opinion
“Translation Frustration”
Literal Translation: 1 Kings 20:11
• KJV– “Let not him that girdeth on his harness
boast himself as he that putteth it off.”
• NASB– “Let not him who girds on his armor
boast like him who takes it off.”
• ESV– “Let not him who straps on his armor
boast himself as he who takes it off.”
• NIV– “One who puts on his armor should not
boast like one who takes it off.”
“Translation Frustration”
Dynamic Translation: 1 Kings 20:11
• NLT– “A warrior still dressing for battle should
not boast like a warrior who has already won.”
• God’s Word– “Don’t brag about a victory
before you have even dressed for battle.”
“Translation Frustration”
Paraphrase of 1 Kings 20:11
• The Message– “Think about it—it’s easier to
start a fight than end one.”
• The Living Bible– “Don’t count your chickens
before they hatch.”
“Translation Frustration”
What Are the Marks
of a Good Translation?
How well does it communicate to a
modern reader the original intention of
God’s Word?
Marks of a Good Translation
• Is it faithful to the original text?
“Translation Frustration”
Marks of a Good Translation
• Is it faithful to the original text?
• Is it meaningful to the reader?
“Translation Frustration”
Marks of a Good Translation
• Is it faithful to the original text?
• Is it meaningful to the reader?
• Is it God-honoring?
“Translation Frustration”
My Recommendations
Which translation is best for you?
Literal Translations
• NASB—You can cheat on your Greek test with this
version, but the editors are restrictive in allowing its
use (cell phones, computers, publication).
– The NASB Life Application Bible
• ESV—Very well done & literal. Editors encourage
its use. (I wish the study notes were more
conservative.)
– The ESV Study Bible
“Translation Frustration”
Dynamic Translations
• The New Living Translation—Very well done
and highly readable.
– The NLT Life Application Bible
• God’s Word—Again, very readable, not yet
available in a good study Bible edition.
“Translation Frustration”
What we currently use and why
• NIV—The most widely read, but often takes steps
to free up the text with interpretive decisions.
– The NIV Life Application Bible
“Translation Frustration”
Interlinear and Paraphrase
• Interlinear—I don’t recommend an interlinear
unless you have a working knowledge of Greek.
Without this, at best it will be redundant, or worse, it
will get you into trouble.
• Parallel—available in two to four versions. Find
one with KJV (or NKJV), ESV (or NASB), NIV, and a
dynamic translation like the NLT
– Today’s Parallel Bible
• Paraphrase—??? Journal your own! If you want
one, buy it in a parallel Bible.
“Translation Frustration”
Translation Frustration?
Our translations are so remarkably
accurate. The problem is not with the
translations, the problem is with us!