Recap: Bridging Gaps, book types Letters, poetry, history, repitiion etc.
1.BIBLE TRANSLATIONS => More light illumination, clarity, Bridge the Gaps of Language i.e. Hebrew/Greek to English, then to modern day english
The gap between what we read in the Bible and what we face in our culture is wide enough without confronting the reader with an unfamiliar vocabulary and archaic grammar.
Indeed, researchers found the RSV and KJV in key respects to resemble the instructions for Federal Income Tax forms!.
a. Formal Equivalence/Word for Word Translations (KJV,ESV)
Formal Equivalence Translations are regarded as faithful translation of the Bible i.e. “word-for-word” translation. If the original has a noun, they expect a noun in the translation. If the original has sixteen words, they don’t want to see seventeen in the translation. The KJV and NASB come the closest to this ideal. Very difficult Example 1 Sam 40v24 For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.”
A formal equivalence translation lets the reader interpret for himself or herself. However, the reader often does not have the background information or the tools to interpret accurately. The net result is that he or she runs the risk of misunderstanding the text, simply because their translation was not clear enough.
b. Functional Equivalence/Thought for Thought Translations (NIV,NJB)
A Functional Equivalence or Dynamic equivalence translation is not as concerned with the grammatical form of the original language, as it is with the meaning of the original. It allows more room for interpretation and is easier to understand. The NIV and the NLT follow this philosophy.
This type of translation is usually clear and quite understandable. But if the translators missed the point of the original (either intentionally or unintentionally) they may communicate an idea foreign to the biblical text.
c. Paraphrase (Translations)
A paraphrase is a retelling of something in your own words. A paraphrase of the Bible is different from a translation in that a translation attempts (to varying degrees) to communicate as “word-for-word” or as “thought-for-thought” as possible. A paraphrase takes the meaning of a verse or passage of Scripture and attempts to express the meaning in “plain language” – essentially the words the author of the paraphrase would use to say the same thing. The most popular example of a Bible paraphrase would be “The Message” by Eugene Peterson.
KJV Rom 12v1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Message Romans 12 1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Pros and cons of the Translation
Word for word e.g. KJV closer to original, easier to remember (succinct),and memorize
AMP is not easier to remember or memorize e.g.
KJV Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come
Amplified Bible
But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].
CONCLUSION
Which Translation is Best?
There can be no singular answer. Every Christian who is serious about studying the Bible own at least two translations. At least one formal equivalence (word-for-word) translation and one functional equivalence (phrase-for-phrase)
My very personal advise read word for word until you get stuck then get thought for thought or paraphrase.
At this point, It is important to note that some versions don’t interpret—they distort. Some are notorious for omitting references to Christ’s blood, or for attempting to deny his deity. In these instances, the translators are neither faithful to the form or the meaning. They have perverted the Word of God. Watch out. My offer today is the matrix of Bible translations .Happy studying.
