The Bible Translator: Volume 35, Issue 1

Implied information must be made explicit in translation if its absence results in misunderstanding. The audience of the translation is the deciding factor in determining what must be made explicit, and the receptor language patterns must determine how new information is presented. Examples: facts pertinent to the whole of biblical culture should be put at the end of the book; cultural information or grammatical restructurings relating to a specific text may be included in the text. View Less

Lode, in “The Presentation of New Information” (1984, 35[1]), is correct in principle but not clear as to degree of application of the principle. The text must not be over-loaded with information such that the main thrust is obscured. The theological thrust and style of the author must be preserved. The translation ought to complement (not replace) a teaching ministry in the Church. Information must be made explicit where its absence affects understanding of the passage as a whole. View Less

To compare base and model texts, the translator can use Key structure Analysis: identify the main clause of a text; identify subject and verbs of each sentence; mark subordinate clauses clearly; keep all linking words, grammatical particles and main verbs; highlight participants, their actions and words; and highlight links between subordinate clauses. View Less

Translators of eight major versions in English, French, and German were very cautious in accepting variant readings from the Isaiah Dead Sea scrolls. The NEB adopted more variants than other translations. The nine most accepted variant readings are detailed. Results indicate general reliability of Masoretic Text. View Less

Greek pneuma “spirit” can refer to the divine, human or other spirit. NT papyri give evidence that when the divine spirit is referenced, pneuma is abbreviated, following the Jewish scribal practice of abbreviating the name of the deity. View Less

Responds to Arichea’s article in TBT, 1982, 33(3). In reality, the translator will often be guided by his faith, or by his interpretation of the immediate or the wider context. View Less