Introduction

• Psalms 119:105

Translations are a blessing!

• Imagine if you were not able to read the Bible in your own language or at all!

Translations are not inspired!

• The original words were inspired but the translations were not.
• Paul was preaching from a translation of the New Testament in Greek – the Septuagint.

Why are there so many translations?

• Because languages change over time.
  • James 1:2
• Because translation is not simple.
  • Word order changes
  • Idioms
    • Numbers 12:9
  • Examples from Spanish:
    • ¿Como se llama?
      • How do you call yourself? (word-for-word)
      • What is your name? (thought-for-thought)
    • ¿Cuantos años tienes?
      • How many years do you have? (word-for-word)
      • How old are you? (thought-for-thought)

Strengths of word-for-word translations

• Easier to notice recurring words (lexical concourdance)
  • Romans 7:21-23
• Let readers interpret for themselves
  • Revelation 1:1
  • I Corinthians 5:5
  • I Thessalonians 4:3-4
• Retain meaningful sayings
  • Genesis 35:29

Weaknesses or word-for-word translations

• Awkward English that may be confusing
  • I Corinthians 9:16
  • Mark 1:2 (a dead metaphor)

Strengths of thought-for-thought translations

• Natural language that may be more understandable
  • II Corinthians 6:12

Weakness of thought-for-thought translations

• More interpretation allows for less accuracy.
  • II Timothy 4:6

Practical recommendations