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{"id":4923,"date":"2008-11-18T00:20:28","date_gmt":"2008-11-18T05:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/community\/jesuscreed\/2008\/11\/18\/translations-how-do-they-do-it\/"},"modified":"2008-11-18T00:20:28","modified_gmt":"2008-11-18T05:20:28","slug":"translations-how-do-they-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jesuscreed\/2008\/11\/18\/translations-how-do-they-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Translations: How do they do it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

There is no reason here to get involved in all the discussions that
\nlinguists and translation theorists get into today. Here are some
\nthoughts we need to consider when we talk about why there are a variety of
\ntranslations. Again, I recommend: How to Choose A Translation for All Its Worth<\/a> $\"\"$
\n<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

First, the context<\/em> of translation is that those who do so believe they are translating the Word of God. So, the act itself becomes sacred.<\/p>\n

Second, there is an absolute necessity<\/em> to translate because
\n(1) cultures change, (2) languages change, and (3) as Christians move
\ninto new areas there is a need for others to read the Bible in their
\nown language. In addition, (4) as we learn more about the earliest
\nmanuscripts of the Bible, we are led to more refined translations.<\/p>\n

Third, it seems to me that there are two poles<\/em>, or
\nessential theories, to translations. Some strive for formal identity
\nand others for dynamic equivalence. The formal identity people like to
\nleave things alone \u2014 close verbal similarity to Hebrew and Greek so that the English comes off as wooden. The dynamic equivalent people prefer to evoke the same
\nresponse in modern readers that was evoked in the original readers by
\ntransforming what something meant in its day to an equivalent in our
\nday. There is therefore more creativity in dynamic equivalence.<\/p>\n

Example from 1 Peter 1: \u201cgird up the loins of your mind\u201d (formal identity) vs. \u201cwith minds that are fully alert\u201d (TNIV).<\/p>\n

There are some wonderful \u201cParallel\u201d Bibles:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Evangelical Parallel New Testament: English Standard Version Holman Christian Standard Bible The Message New Living Translation New International \u2026 Version Today\u2019s New International Version<\/a> $\"\"$
\n<\/p>\n\n

Fourth, here are some typical considerations<\/em> translators use when they are at work translating.<\/p>\n

1. Strive to reproduce the original message.
\n2. Find a natural dynamic equivalent instead of a formal identity. We
\ndon\u2019t have to use \u201cbowels\u201d in 1 John 3:17 but can use \u201cpity.\u201d
\n3. Shape the meanings of words to the particular context instead of
\nalways using the same English word for the same Hebrew or Greek word.
\n4. Think of how a given translation will sound in public and not just how it reads.
\n5. Target an audience for your translation.
\n6. English style is important but not as important as fidelity to message.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"