The Bible Translator: Volume 21, Issue 3

How far should a Bible translator go in adapting the message to the language and culture of the receptors? Sets forth a model for analyzing formal differences between translations. Studies the types of adjustments made by translators and the apparent reasons which have prompted such modifications. Reasons suggested for too much formal correspondence are: (1) inadequate control of receptor language, (2) too heavy a reliance on the informant, (3) failure to understand proper translation principles, and (4) an incorrect view of inspiration, or an undue interest in literal verbal consistency. Too little formal correspondence results from (1) too little mastery of the receptor language, (2) translator’s hazy idea of actual meaning of a text, (3) a bias for the exotic, (4) a desire to make the text clearer than it is, and (5) lack of concern for the historical context in which the scripture was first written. A later article will explore the boundaries in adjustments. View Less

The translation of the NT into modern Greek is not a typical translation in the sense of rendering the text from one language to another; it is a rendering of the same NT Greek into modern Greek. Deals with basic principles underlying any translation, then turns to the special problems relative to the modern Greek translation. Includes samples and explanations on translations of infinitives, articles, archaisms, change of word order and omissions, genealogical tables, pronouns, figures of speech, rhetorical questions, footnotes, quotations from the OT, Hebraisms, proper names, participles, punctuation, and prepositions. View Less

The common language considered is that area in any given language wherein the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, etc., are common to both the educated and the uneducated; that which is accessible to the uneducated and acceptable to the educated. It is in this range that an acceptable translation must be found. Considers factors that make the speech of certain groups different from that of other groups within the major language. These include: geographical differences, the socio-educational level, situational variety, time, in group speech, and translationism or interference from other languages. In each category, suggests guidelines for translators. View Less

Discusses the problems of the inclusive dual and plural in the Kiriwina and Muyuw languages and how they might be rendered impersonally in some instances. View Less

Greater clarity is necessary regarding some ambiguous constructions in contemporary renderings of Mark 6:17 in English and other languages. Also considered is Mark 5:43 where Jesus told them to give Jarius’ daughter something to eat, which is confusing in languages where the form of the third person singular is the same for both male and female. Further, questions whether Mark 1:40 does not give the impression that the leper was rude in his answer to Jesus. Encourages care in translating so as not to lose the anticipated audience by poor and ambiguous rendering. View Less

The precise background against which this phrase must be understood is a mystery and perhaps will remain a mystery. Nevertheless, it must be translated on the basis of the meaning given he men who wrote the Gospels, and these men always identified the Son of Man with Jesus. His basic attributes are essentially the same in all Gospels. He (1) speaks and acts with divine authority; (2) is completely obedient to God; (3) accepts the limitations of humanity; (4) came to redeem men; and (5) is the one whom God has appointed to be the judge of all men. The translator must translate the expression with some sort of first person reference if he expects the average reader to understand that Jesus is speaking of himself rather than of another person. The major emphasis in the word or phrase used must be that the Son of Man is one who speaks and acts with divine authority. View Less

A critical evaluation of the distinctive features of the NEB, desiring to aid future translators by calling attention to some of the things the NEB has done and some of the things it has left undone. Considers the translators’ approach to the text, the English usage, and evaluates its attempt at greater intelligibility. View Less