The Bible Translator: Volume 33, Issue 3

While basic events in Ruth parallel local customs, the Tsonga cannot comprehend Naomi’s “selling” her land in 4:3 or Ruth’s being “bought” in 4:5. The Hebrew verbs may be translated “to surrender” and “to care for.” View Less

Translators must avoid theologizing where it is uncalled for, where ambiguity exists, and where exegesis is insufficient. Knowledge of the author’s intention and the theological problems which he faced helps in making exegetical decisions. View Less

Presuppositions of the writer, the intended reader and the translator are necessarily involved in understanding a text. Gives 8 examples. View Less

Rhetoric makes discourse comprehensible, aesthetically attractive, and stimulates thoughtful involvement, while allowing focus on special features. Examples from the Gospel of John. View Less

Quality involves text, exegesis, discourse structure, style, illustrations, format and supplementary materials. It should be motivated by desire to interest and instruct the reader. View Less

A good translation may not be the one that is immediately meaningful to any reader, irrespective of his degree of literacy, intelligence or interest. Translators must recognize unequal effect and look beyond formal meaning. View Less