The Bible Translator: Volume 27, Issue 4

There is a basic question to ask about translating the Bible into various languages: Should somebody do a translation into whatever tongue? Poses a number of related questions which will, hopefully, point toward an answer to whether to undertake yet another translation so people may read God’s Word. View Less

Since many translators work from translations, and not the source languages, there are a number of things to know about the problems of discovering the original text of the Bible, particularly the OT. Presents a brief discussion of the OT literature, problems in the Masoretic text, the material available to help establish a text closer to the original and the value of ancient versions. Notes the relatively small vocabulary of the OT (7500 words) and makes suggestions concerning light on vocabulary from outside sources. View Less

The problem of transcribing biblical proper names is an old one. In Japanese these problems have been worked on by applying some principles of transcription. Applied three basic principles: (1) transcribe according to the pronunciation in the original language; (2) names should be easy to read and pronounce; and (3) for certain names the well known form should be kept. View Less

Care must be taken in translating symbolic actions. Suggests four possible ways of translating: (1) literally; (2) literally, but with some clue to the meaning; (3) explain the meaning of the action in plain language; (4) substitute another action which in another culture conveys an equivalent meaning as the original. Raises some questions: (1) Is the biblical symbolic action familiar in the reader’s culture? (2) Is the meaning of the action explained in the Bible context? (3) Is the symbolic action related to a historical incident? View Less

The Greek word doxa has a wide range of meanings in the NT. The 3 main components of the meaning are: (1) brightness or splendor, (2) great power or strength; and (3) majesty and honor. Illustrates each of these within various biblical passages and discusses some other meanings of doxa. The two tasks of the translator are: (1) to discover which component of the meaning is the most important in any passage; and (2) to choose the equivalent which best expresses that meaning. View Less

In a wide variety of passages in Matthew in three translations, Today’s Malay Version, Today’s Indonesian Version and Today’s German Version (in translation into English), shows how the idea of the kingdom is translated. View Less

Since most biblical commentaries have not been prepared with the unique problems of Bible translators in mind, recommends the series of Translator’s Handbooks which the Bible Societies have prepared for this specialized work. Discusses briefly their scope and purpose. View Less

During the translation of Mark and John into the Dobu language of Papua, New Guinea, some problems of misunderstanding arose in using the TEV as the translation text. Discusses idiomatic expressions, reordering of sentences and clauses, misunderstanding of certain English words and constructions and misunderstandings of Christian teaching. View Less

Perhaps Luke’s reference to the “eighty-four” does not refer to age as much as a figurative reference to her perfect life as a widow (7 x 12 = 84). Translates Luke 2:36 as “She was an old woman who had lived a perfect married life, and even more perfect widowhood." View Less

Understand the phrase “through the preaching of Christ” in Rom. 10:17 to mean “through preaching Christ” (TEV). View Less