Brian has sparked quite a discussion about certain Bible translations with a little comment in a recent post about Linguistics and Translations in which he refers to a “certain” english translation of the bible. The comments to the post, of which mine is one, caused me to think about the english translations I use.
While searching for an Ordination Bible last year I was amazed at the choices. All I wanted was a thin, bonded leather, NRSV reference edition. Do you think I could find what I was looking for? NO! It would seem you can buy a Bible for just about any person; in any colour, shape, size, weight. You can choose from slim-line, large print, extra large print, red letter, black letter, leather, duo tone, hardback, soft-back and of course, paperback. There are study Bibles, Men’s study Bibles, Women’s Study Bibles, study Bible’s belonging to Christian celebrities who are on TV first thing on a Sunday morning! Being the natural consumer I am, I looked for the one that suited my needs and guess what? They didn’t have it! I ended up choosing a TNIV Reference Edition for several reasons, firstly, it was the only translation I could find that came with referencing and a concordance. It would seem that the NRSV is not popular enough in North America to warrant such a version.
I use the NRSV Harper Collins Study Bible for study and sermon preparation. For me it provides a robust literal translation that seems to be the most reliable overall. However, it is often very “wooden” in its translation of the poetic and prophetic literature of the OT. Therefore, I use the TNIV for personal devotional use and preaching becasue it is a better ‘read’ and easier to follow the flow of the narrative.
I would say that these two translations describe my approach to Scripture. The NRSV reflects my desire to study scripture and understand it in an academic sense. Whereas the TNIV reflects my early Christian days in the Pentecostal scene where “daily devotions” and Bible reading were encouraged (something that has continued into my post-charismatic days).What about you? How does your choice of translation reflect you and your approach to the Biblical text?
April 8, 2009 at 12:57 am |
if a pastor or theologian or biblical scholar has to use a translation, they need to reconsider their life’s work.
translations are for the little flock, not the shepherd. use of translations demonstrate a Ker-ian laziness (wrapped in excuses and platitudes) and a norelli-an indifference to the actual meaning of the biblical text (wrapped in dilettantish wretchedness).
April 8, 2009 at 7:09 am |
I agree! However, I have yet to achieve a suitable level of proficiency in the languages yet. So, for now, I must rest on God’s grace!
April 8, 2009 at 8:09 am |
I guess I differ from Jim in that I think Christians (be it paid pastors or so-called lay people/pew warmers) should know their Bible well (a translation in one's native tongue) – by well, I mean that it is read from cover to cover on a consistent regular basis (paid pastors, minimum once a year) from one translation so as to maintain an comprehensive overall understanding of the Bible (what it says and teaches).
For vocational pastors, they should also have a strong handle on the biblical languages and use those for sermon and teaching prep as much as possible.
I myself, try to diagramm the passage I am preaching from in both the Greek/Hebrew and the English as part of the sermon prep process.
As to the English, I use mainly the TNIV from the pulpit – and often refer to the NRSV or the NLT (and the NET for the notes).
Like you I need all the help I can get.
as to the NRSV, I guess you didn't see this one? http://www.amazon.com/NRSV-Standard-Bible-tan-black/dp/0061231185/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239142006&sr=8-2
April 8, 2009 at 9:17 am |
I did see that one but I don’t like Duo-Tone.
I use the Net Bible as part of the Libronix package and it is great. The footnotes are awesome.
I would concur with Jim that original languages is a must for ministers. Here in Aus very few use the Greek let alone the Hebrew so when I tell people that is how I begin my exegesis they look at me strangely!
Now I wonder if Jim reads the bible in Hebrew and Greek once a year. It is also nice to see that Jim agrees with teh great Bishop for once!
April 8, 2009 at 1:14 pm |
I’m not surprised Jim agrees the Victoria Matthews on this. She’s a very astute and “great” bishop.
April 8, 2009 at 1:30 pm |
GOLD!
April 8, 2009 at 2:32 pm |
I like you and Brian need as much languages help as I can get – and never having had the required phlegm levels to do Hebrew pronunciation justice, I have relied upon ‘The New Jerusalem’ bible for getting the poetic nuances of the Hebrew into some kind of English equivalent.
I also prefer the NRSV for Sermon Prep – and I couldn’t do without my red covered Greek New Testament which I lament is older than I…
April 8, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
Without any biblical languages in my head, I use the NRSV quite happily for the NT. For the rest, I like the flavour of the Tanakh. It sounds epic.
April 10, 2009 at 6:04 am |
I also agree. The edition makes a different. I think that is why the ESV has seen so much success. There is an ESV of every kind to suit every wish. It is quite the opposite for the TNIV and NRSV. The choices are extremely limited, which I believe, has limited me from using those translations much.