Bible Question: Please discuss what advantages there may be in each: a "literally accurate" translation and an "equivalent" translation which uses a certain amount of paraphrase. Is one more reliable than the other? --Hank |
Bible Answer: Greetings Hank! There are basically three approaches to translation: Literal, Dynamic Equivalent, and Free. I will list some of the translations which use each style, advantages to each, and problems with each. Literal: The attempt to translate by keeping as close as possible to the exact words and phrasing in the original language. Translations: KJV, NASB, RSV Advantages: Stays closest to the original text. Problems: Sometimes causes people to misunderstand a verse because it uses structures and/or wording that are not meaningful in the language of the person reading the text. Dynamic Equivalent: The attempt to translate words, idioms, and grammatical constructions of the original language into precise equivalents in the receptor language. Tranlations: NIV, NAB, GNB, JB, NEB Advantages: Allows the text to make the most sense in the language of the person reading the text. Problems: Allows some interpretation to creep into the text. Free: The attempt to translate the ideas from one language to another, with less concern about using the exant words of the original. Also called a paraphrase. Translations: Phillips, Living Bible. Advantages: Very east to understand and read. Problems: These are usually translated by only one person, rather than a large group. They become commentaries, rather than translations. My personal opinion is that Dynamic Equivalent is the best overall technique for the average reader. It is faithful to the text, but smooths out the language to make it more readable. The best option is to learn some about the original languages so that you can do your own translations. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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Morant61 | ||
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Makarios | ||
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taby815 | ||
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scotth68 | ||
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Hank | ||
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RCSCROLL | ||
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glory777 | ||
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Morant61 | ||
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Hank | ||
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Hank | ||
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Hank | ||
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melchizedekau | ||
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melchizedekau |