Reading, studying, sharing, and meditating on scripture are essential to the life of a Christian. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Bible translations? In English alone, there are over a dozen different translations. Some languages, those of unreached people groups, may not even have one translation in their native tongue. Having so many Bible translations is a blessing and a responsibility. It's a blessing because referencing different Bible translations allows us to understand Scripture more deeply and fully. It's a responsibility because not all Bible translations are as accurate to the original text, and some Bibles are more like paraphrases than translations, and knowing the intention behind a translation will inform how we read it. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different Bible translations is important to keep in mind as we study Scripture.
There are two general approaches to Bible translating: functionally equivalent and formally equivalent. Functionally/dynamically equivalent translations seek "to accurately convey the same meaning in a new language but [are] not so concerned about preserving the same number of words or equivalent grammatical constructions." This kind of translation is focused on clarity of thought, as a word-for-word translation from one language to another can sometimes be confusing or unclear. Functionally equivalent bibles seek to capture the general meaning or idea of the original Hebrew/Greek. While this makes for easier reading of larger passages, it's not always ideal for closer study. Formally equivalent translations adhere more closely to the grammatical structure of the original text. Formally equivalent Bibles seek to be word-for-word translations rather than thought-for-thought translations. Bible translations that fall under this category tend to be very literal and may result in confusing or awkward English, but these translations are great for close reading of passages.
Paraphrases are more like Biblical interpretations rather than Bible translations. While translations are based on the original text (in either Greek or Hebrew) and completed by several scholars and authors, a paraphrase can be completed by one author and may not be based on the original Scriptural text. The Word on the Street, The Cotton Patch Version, and The Message are examples of paraphrases.
Because each Bible translation has its own strengths and weaknesses, it can be helpful to reference multiple translations when studying scripture. There are free bible apps and programs (ex. Bible Gateway) you can use to easily compare translations while you study.
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Photo byJoel Muniz on Unsplash
40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible by Robert L. Plummer
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