See more...See more... |
You are Here: BibleSanity.org >> Bible Versions >> Qualifying Modern Translations Qualifying Modern Bible TranslationsThe Criteria I use, and WhyBased on many hours of investigation over several years, including reviews of over 25 differernt English language versions, I have established Five Requirements which Modern Translations must meet before I will recommend them:
Let me explain what I mean:1. Literal Translation - By Literal, I mean following a Literal, Formal Equivalence, or Essentially Literal translation style as opposed to following Dynamic Equivalent or Modern Language translation style. Both are translations from the original languages into English, but only Literal styles respect the doctrine of Verbal Inspiration. Verbal inspiration does not mean dictation, but it means that the inspiration of Scripture applies to the individual words chosen by the author. Since Dynamic translations convey the ideas, but may change the wording substantially, the inspired ideas are interpreted without respect to the inspired words themselves. Christians who hold to verbal, plenary inspiration and inerrency of Scripture, should understand the compromise represented by non-literal translations. - more - 2. Original Gender - By Original Gender, I mean a literal translation which does not modify the text at all. If the Greek says 'any man,' the translation says 'any man.' By gender-accurate, I mean that if the translation team determines that 'any man' is meant generically to apply to anybody, then they would change 'any man' to 'anyone.' This is problematic due to the burden of the translation team to establish intent. Gender Neutral (or Gender Inclusive) translations requires a non-literal translation style, and interprets gender to be universal for any ambiguous passage. These translations also reword passages so as to avoid the pronouns altogether. For accceptable Gender translation, I require compliance to The Colorado Springs Guideline. 3. MT Passage Inclusion - For Inclusion of TR passages supported by MT manuscripts, there are three primary passages to be considered: Mark 16:9-20 (last verses of Mark), John 5:3-4 (explanation of the Pool of Bethesda), and John 7:53-8:11 (woman caught in adultary). These passages are supported across MT manuscripts, not just the TR, and they need to be included, not ommitted. Optional use of brackets and/or translation notes are appropriate, but they should NOT be excluded. The Comma Johanneum - For the extended text of 1 John 5:7-8, the text is ONLY in the TR and not in MT manuscripts (or any Greek mss older than then TR). It should be included in TR-based Bibles (KJV family), but need not be included in Critical Text Bibles. - more about the TR - OR - more about Inclusion - OR - PDF table comparing TR to MT to CT 4. Bias-Free - By Bias-Free, I mean from free from changes based on religious denominations. For example, Bibles might include apocryphal books, could use the Septuagint for the OT, or could be translated from the Latin Vulgate. Many religions have proprietary Bibles, specific examples include Roman Catholic, Eastern Othodox, Jehovah's Witness, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventist religions. For Bibles of known religious bias, I will identify this association. Some Bible versions have published variations tailored to specific religions as well. - more - 5. Excellent Quality - Translation Quality is difficult to evaluate, but I look at four things:
|