V
Vanguard
Guest
In this post, I'll be talking about the methods of translation, biblical hermeneutics and lastly linguistics. Please note that none of this is my personal opinion. The data is widely available for research and confirmed by various publishing houses. This post may be long, but it is well worth reading over...
The three types of translation methods that are used are: formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and paraphrased (some translations mix and match).
Formal Equivalence (FE): this method tries to use a "word for word" approach, but also organizes the sentence structure to reflect the target language. As a result, some of the words may be moved around, added, or omitted in order for the text to make sense. It is the most accurate form of translation into the target language, outside of an interlinear bible. An interlinear bible is a style of FE, but it literally does word for word with total disregard for sentence structure.
The most common translations that fall in the FE category include the KJV (and revisions), ESV, RSV, AMP and the NASB (widely considered the most accurate modern English translation among Christian scholars).
Example: the Hebrew word ner means "oil lamp" at the time that the Bible was written. The FE method will translate ner as oil lamp.
Dynamic Equivalence (DE): this method uses a "thought for thought" approach, while trying to convert the text into a modern way of speaking, in the target language. The result is that some of the meaning may be lost, but the text is easier to understand. There are varied levels of DE, with some that are just a hair beyond the FE method, while others approach the paraphrased category. The DE translations are not quite as acurate as the FE ones.
The most common translations in the DE category include the the NIV, HCSB, NRSV, NET, NJB, NLT, GNT, REB, CEV, CEB and GW.
Example: the Hebrew word ner may be translated as oil lamp, or it may be translated as just lamp, candle, or light.
Paraphrased (PP): the paraphrased method uses a "we think it means this" approach to translation. This method is the least accurate and can actually distort what the Bible really says. One must be very careful when quoting from a PP version, as they often take verses out of context. They are very easy to read and understand, but can also present major problems.
The most common translations that use this method include children's bibles, as well as the LB, TV, TM, TEV, GNB, TLB, ERV and the NWT (on the very extreme end).
Example: the Hebrew word ner may be translated into whatever light source the author can think of (i.e. a Streamlight Stinger XT LED), if they even use it.
The PP is the most "dangerous" form of translation because unique denominations will re-write the Bible into their own version, and paraphrase a lot of the verses to support their unique views or system of beliefs. They often take verses out of context and give them new meaning, which are completely immaterial to the source text.
Moving on...
The common practice for early (or unique) translators and/or scholars (for any translation method) is to claim that they have been anointed and divinely inspired. This goes all the way back to the 1st century CE. To be "anointed" has two meanings:
1. To rub oil on your head/body (an early means to combat lice).
2. To be chosen, as if by God, for a specific purpose.
To be "divinely inspired" is a way of saying "God has/is speaking to me, and wants me to do this." Since no one can refute the claim, it has become the basis for many people (including false prophets) when they want to do something that might go against the grain (so to speak). If anyone claims this, take it with a grain of salt. Chances are, they are trying to gain acceptance, solidify their position, or become dictatorial toward their followers.
Biblical Hermeneutics (BH) is the study of principles of interpretation, with regard to the books (and verses) of the Bible. It covers both verbal and non-verbal communication, and it encompasses multiple views to include:
1. Jewish (which can be broken down into Tanakh commentaries, Talmudical; as well as Orthodox and Messianic views)
2. Christian (to include Christian Biblical exegesis, Roman Catholic principles, Trajectory [RMH] principles)
3. The study of what the words say, what they don't say, and what they might imply.
It is also worthy of noting that within the investigative styles, there are numerous methods and techniques of interpretation. BH is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the close minded. You have to approach the subject with an open mind, and be willing to think outside of the box, as well as look at the bigger picture. You will learn from different cultures and their views on the Bible, the history behind the chapters, the storylines, etc. It is geared for those who are pursuing a MA or PhD in theology/divinity, and not taught in Sunday School or general church services (though some churches may offer pseudo-classes on it).
Linguistics is the study of languages, and can be further broken down into 3 types: language form, meaning and context. There are also subfields within each type to include grammar, syntax, morphology, phonology and phonetics. Subsets include social and political factors, culture and history, slang and jargon.
It is important for scholars to study linguistics because many languages have multiple meanings for the same word or phrase.
The NT of the Bible comes from the Greek texts. A word in Greek that was used in the Bible could literally have half a dozen different meanings, depending on the context, who was saying it, the time period, etc. Scholars have to pour over resource after resource, and eventually come up with a decision on what something means, usually by way of a group vote (rarely unanimous, there will be dissenters that think differently).
Whew! :crazy
What does all of this mean? Try to be open minded about the Bible, be willing to think outside of the box, look at the bigger picture, and if at all possible quote from a FE translation!
The three types of translation methods that are used are: formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and paraphrased (some translations mix and match).
Formal Equivalence (FE): this method tries to use a "word for word" approach, but also organizes the sentence structure to reflect the target language. As a result, some of the words may be moved around, added, or omitted in order for the text to make sense. It is the most accurate form of translation into the target language, outside of an interlinear bible. An interlinear bible is a style of FE, but it literally does word for word with total disregard for sentence structure.
The most common translations that fall in the FE category include the KJV (and revisions), ESV, RSV, AMP and the NASB (widely considered the most accurate modern English translation among Christian scholars).
Example: the Hebrew word ner means "oil lamp" at the time that the Bible was written. The FE method will translate ner as oil lamp.
Dynamic Equivalence (DE): this method uses a "thought for thought" approach, while trying to convert the text into a modern way of speaking, in the target language. The result is that some of the meaning may be lost, but the text is easier to understand. There are varied levels of DE, with some that are just a hair beyond the FE method, while others approach the paraphrased category. The DE translations are not quite as acurate as the FE ones.
The most common translations in the DE category include the the NIV, HCSB, NRSV, NET, NJB, NLT, GNT, REB, CEV, CEB and GW.
Example: the Hebrew word ner may be translated as oil lamp, or it may be translated as just lamp, candle, or light.
Paraphrased (PP): the paraphrased method uses a "we think it means this" approach to translation. This method is the least accurate and can actually distort what the Bible really says. One must be very careful when quoting from a PP version, as they often take verses out of context. They are very easy to read and understand, but can also present major problems.
The most common translations that use this method include children's bibles, as well as the LB, TV, TM, TEV, GNB, TLB, ERV and the NWT (on the very extreme end).
Example: the Hebrew word ner may be translated into whatever light source the author can think of (i.e. a Streamlight Stinger XT LED), if they even use it.
The PP is the most "dangerous" form of translation because unique denominations will re-write the Bible into their own version, and paraphrase a lot of the verses to support their unique views or system of beliefs. They often take verses out of context and give them new meaning, which are completely immaterial to the source text.
Moving on...
The common practice for early (or unique) translators and/or scholars (for any translation method) is to claim that they have been anointed and divinely inspired. This goes all the way back to the 1st century CE. To be "anointed" has two meanings:
1. To rub oil on your head/body (an early means to combat lice).
2. To be chosen, as if by God, for a specific purpose.
To be "divinely inspired" is a way of saying "God has/is speaking to me, and wants me to do this." Since no one can refute the claim, it has become the basis for many people (including false prophets) when they want to do something that might go against the grain (so to speak). If anyone claims this, take it with a grain of salt. Chances are, they are trying to gain acceptance, solidify their position, or become dictatorial toward their followers.
Biblical Hermeneutics (BH) is the study of principles of interpretation, with regard to the books (and verses) of the Bible. It covers both verbal and non-verbal communication, and it encompasses multiple views to include:
1. Jewish (which can be broken down into Tanakh commentaries, Talmudical; as well as Orthodox and Messianic views)
2. Christian (to include Christian Biblical exegesis, Roman Catholic principles, Trajectory [RMH] principles)
3. The study of what the words say, what they don't say, and what they might imply.
It is also worthy of noting that within the investigative styles, there are numerous methods and techniques of interpretation. BH is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the close minded. You have to approach the subject with an open mind, and be willing to think outside of the box, as well as look at the bigger picture. You will learn from different cultures and their views on the Bible, the history behind the chapters, the storylines, etc. It is geared for those who are pursuing a MA or PhD in theology/divinity, and not taught in Sunday School or general church services (though some churches may offer pseudo-classes on it).
Linguistics is the study of languages, and can be further broken down into 3 types: language form, meaning and context. There are also subfields within each type to include grammar, syntax, morphology, phonology and phonetics. Subsets include social and political factors, culture and history, slang and jargon.
It is important for scholars to study linguistics because many languages have multiple meanings for the same word or phrase.
The NT of the Bible comes from the Greek texts. A word in Greek that was used in the Bible could literally have half a dozen different meanings, depending on the context, who was saying it, the time period, etc. Scholars have to pour over resource after resource, and eventually come up with a decision on what something means, usually by way of a group vote (rarely unanimous, there will be dissenters that think differently).
Whew! :crazy
What does all of this mean? Try to be open minded about the Bible, be willing to think outside of the box, look at the bigger picture, and if at all possible quote from a FE translation!
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I have an entire bookshelf of theological and study references to offset a lack of any formal degree though.
