Lecture Notes: Bible Translations

Introduction

• Topic: Different translations of the Bible
• Context: Primarily from an English-speaking context
• Purpose: To provide a framework to understand Bible translations

Historical Background

Original Languages

• Old Testament: Primarily Hebrew
  • Different types of Hebrew (pre- and post-Babylonian exile)
• New Testament: Primarily Greek
• Aramaic: Sprinkled throughout both Testaments

Influential Historical Events

• Babylonian Exile (587 BC)
  • Jews exiled to Babylon, later overtaken by the Persian Empire
  • Persian Empire's language: Aramaic
  • Influence of Aramaic on Jewish language
• Hellenization
  • Alexander the Great's influence led to Greek being a primary language
  • Apostles familiar with the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament)

Early English Translations

• William Tyndale (1526)
  • One of the first English translations
  • Basis for the King James Version (1611)

Types of Translations

Translation Methods

• Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)
  • Examples: NASB, ESV, King James, New King James
  • Pros: More accurate word translation
  • Cons: Ideas may not translate well
• Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)
  • Examples: New Living Translation, NIV (middle ground)
  • Pros: Easier to understand the idea
  • Cons: May differ slightly from original wording
• Free Translations
  • Examples: The Passion, The Message
  • Pros: Easier reading
  • Cons: Not ideal for primary study text

Choosing a Translation

• Readability: Choose a translation you will read consistently
• Scholarly Work: Ensure the translation involved multiple scholars
  • Examples: NIV, New Living Translation
• Caution: Single-author translations (e.g., The Message by Eugene Peterson) may lack the collaborative scholarly effort

Conclusion

• Advice: Choose a translation that is both readable and scholarly reliable
• Encouragement: Happy Bible reading