Spoilt for choice?

One of the allegations often levelled against the Bible is that because it has gone through the process of translation from its original languages, its textual integrity is in question. However, because the inspiration of the Bible isn’t tied so much to the words, rather to the message it bears, translation is actually necessary. Not as though the words don’t matter; they do, because they constitute a message.

Also, the fact that the Bible has been, and continues to be translated into many different languages affirms it as a book for all. If it could never be translated, then it remains a book for a select few.

How then is it that quite varied translations of the Bible are presented as The Word of God?

Well, that’s because what we have in our hands today are modern translations of early manuscripts.

Bible translations are often broadly categorised based on their underlying frameworks as:

• Formal equivalency Translations – offering word for word interpretation from the original text to target languages, thus providing as literal a translation as possible, while keeping sentence structure and idioms intact. The translator’s aim is to convey the meaning of each particular word, sometimes having to sacrifice readability for the sake of accuracy when faced with that dilemma. Examples of formal equivalency translations in English language include the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the English Standard Version (ESV), etc.
• Dynamic equivalency Translations are more like paraphrases that aim to convey ideas, thought-for-thought. The translator must first decode (interpret) the idea being communicated, before the subsequent step of representing it in a different language or style. Examples of dynamic equivalency translations in English language are the New International Version (NIV), Today’s New International Version (TNIV), The Message (MSG), The Living Bible (TLB), the Good News Bible (GNB), the New Living Translation (NLT), etc.

Every translation involves some degree of interpretation, as no language perfectly corresponds to any other language. In fact, every attempt to read the Bible involves the process of interpretation. Formal and dynamic translations are on a spectrum with varying ratios of formality and dynamism in each translation.

What’s in, what’s out?

Ultimately, the choice of which translation to use is up to a bible reader, based on one’s overarching objective. A formal equivalence may naturally be suitable for studying, while dynamic equivalence may be better suited for general bible reading.

Whilst there is no perfect translation, there are many good translations for the keen bible reader, with each translation having its strengths and weaknesses. Good translations being ones that faithfully handle the Bible.

Yes, we may not all have similar Bible translations, but rest assured that what we’ve got is no less the living and active word of God, let’s receive it as such.

Thanks for reading!

Sike Osinuga