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Translation
Translation
1. The Problem
1. The Problem
“No such thing as an exact equivalent of meaning between words in different languages…” (C. H. Dodd)
1. The Challenge
Example: paidagogos (Gal 3:24)
*Tutor*Disciplinarian*Custodian*Lead to…
Example: paidagogos (Gal 3:24)
KJV: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”
Example: paidagogos (Gal 3:24)
KJV: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”
NRSV: “Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came…”
Example: paidagogos (Gal 3:24)
KJV: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”
NRSV: “Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came…”
NASB: “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ…”
Example: paidagogos (Gal 3:24)
KJV: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”
NRSV: “Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came…”
NASB: “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ…”
NIV: “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ…”
“Every translation is itself an interpretation. Therefore, in a certain sense, every Bible translation is a kind of streamlined exegesis representing innumerable interpretive judgments and decisions” (M. Gorman, Elements of Biblical Exegesis, 41).
2. Two Approaches to Translation
2. Two Approaches to Translation
a. Formal Equivalence Translation
2. Two Approaches to Translation
a. Formal Equivalence TranslationTranslates by keeping the form between the source and target language as close as possible.
a. Formal Equivalence Translation
Whenever possible:*Consistently renders any given
word in original with a corresponding English word;
a. Formal Equivalence Translation
Whenever possible:*Consistently renders any given word in
original with a corresponding English word;
*Retains word order of original language as much as possible.
b. Functional Equivalence Translation
b. Functional Equivalence Translation
Translates by attending the functional (rather than formal) similarities between the two languages.
b. Functional Equivalence Translation
*Does not attempt to consistently render each word in original with a corresponding English word (e.g. “flesh” in Gal)
b. Functional Equivalence Translation *Does not attempt to consistently render
each word in original with a corresponding English word (e.g. “flesh” in Gal)
*Does not attempt to retain original word order in any kind of strict way when this obscures the meaning.
3. Some Examples
3. Some Examples a. Heb 1:3: (the Son) sustains all things…tō
rēmati tēs dunameōs
NASB (formal equivalence)“by the word of his power”
3. Some Examples a. Heb 1:3: “(the Son) sustains all things…”NASB (formal equivalence)
“by the word of his power.”NIV (functional equivalence)
“by his powerful word.”
3. Some Examples b. II Cor 10:13: metron (ametros, metreō)Problem for strict formal equivalence: play on
words
NASB: “But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.”
3. Some Examples b. II Cor 10:13: metron (ametros, metreō)Problem for strict formal equivalence: play on wordsNASB: “But we will not boast beyond our measure,
but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.”
NIV: “We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a filed that reaches even to you.”
3. Some Examples c. Matthew 1:18
mnēsteuomai “engaged”(but only way to break is through divorce: apoluō—1:19)
3. Some Examples c. Matthew 1:18
mnēsteuomai “engaged”(but only way to break is through divorce: apoluō—1:19)CEV: “So (Joseph) decided to quietly call off the wedding.”
3. Some Examples c. Matthew 1:18
mnēsteuomai “engaged”(but only way to break is through divorce: apoluō—1:19)CEV: “So (Joseph) decided to quietly call off the wedding.”NASB (& most other translations): Keeps “engaged” and “divorce.”
3. Some Examples d. I Peter 1:13 anazōsamenoi tas osfuas (tēs
dianoias)“Girding the loins/waist of your mind…”
3. Some Examples d. I Peter 1:13 anazōsamenoi tas osfuas (tēs
dianoias)“Girding the loins/waist [of your mind…]”Image: Long robes worn in one’s home; belted up when going out to allow for ease/quickness of movement; IDIOM
3. Some Examples d. I Peter 1:13 anazōsamenoi tas osfuas (tēs
dianoias)“Girding the loins/waist of your mind…”
NASB: “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
3. Some Examples d. I Peter 1:13 anazōsamenoi tas osfuas (tēs
dianoias)“Girding the loins/waist of your mind…”
NIV: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
(NRSV—same initial clause)
Translation is No Easy Task!“He who translated literally is a liar; and he
who paraphrases is a blasphemer.”--Rabbi ben Judah
“Translators are traitors.”--Italian saying
