The Bible Translator: Volume 29, Issue 2

A look at several passages in the TEV where charis is translated literally as grace, considering the meaning of the word and suggesting possible restructuring of the passages. Refers to the Tagalog Popular Version and the Today’s Indonesian Version. View Less

The opening section of John can be translated as poetry or prose. The decision is made on the basis of what is suitable in the language of the translation. It is wise to have a poet translate poetry sections; but whoever translates must be willing to receive criticism graciously. View Less

Paul uses the Greek noun sarx (flesh) in a variety of ways. Examines all the occurrences of the word and of 2 related adjectives, sarkinos and sarkikos (fleshly) in Paul’s letters and attempts to classify them according to different meanings. The study is preceded by a discussion of the various OT meanings. The groupings of NT meanings are: flesh, the body, passages referring to Christ’s body, the expression of various human relationships and standards and mortal man. View Less

There are certain obligatory features within the source language and the language into which one translates. Translations cannot be made at face value, but there needs to be research into the complex background of the text. Gives a number of examples and problems and discusses the need for ambiguity. View Less

Phrases like “thus says the Lord” contribute to the effect of a whole message in Hebrew but a translator must ask whether they have the same effect in another language. The basic criteria are naturalness and effectiveness, and these expressions have 3 general functions: a statement of authority, part of oratorical style, to define the beginning and ending of a message. View Less

Help on the translation of a difficult biblical phrase in a number of passages in Acts, the NT epistles and Revelation. View Less

A response to Barclay Newman’s October, 1974 article in TBT, 1974, 25(4) on translating the kingdom of God. Here are suggestions based upon the translation of Luke into the Gurung language: (1) God’s power at work in the world; (2) the personal response to God, in obedience and receiving blessing; (3) God’s future open ruling in the world; and (4) the ultimate blessings of God’s rule in heaven. There is a hesitation about over-simplification of the expression. View Less

The general rule about translating difficult measurement terms is to use present day equivalents and measurements with which readers will be familiar. Discusses problems encountered in rendering modern equivalents, in rounding off figures, in translating symbolic numbers and in determining money equivalents, since the value of money as well as the unit changes. View Less

There are two options of relating Phil. 1:5 to Phil. 1:3–4: (1) it is related to the end of verse 4; or (2) it is related to the word “thank” in v. 3. Either is grammatically possible, but context and meaning supports the second option. View Less

After examining how 1 Thess. 4:4–6 is treated in the RSV, NEB, GNB, Phillips, Living Bible and the Jerusalem Bible, the Living Bible found to be the clearest. Verse 6 refers to “taking another man’s wife." View Less

There is no other passage where the contrast between dual and plural forms comes out more clearly than in this passage. View Less