Lesson 3 ~ Translations
Lesson 3 ~ Translations Pray
Introduction [power point Slide Home] Who wrote the Preface to your Bible? From last week can you remember: What we believe about the Bible?
Our distinctive as Presbyterians are shared with some other denominations at least in part. Ours are set out the Westminster Confession of Faith. Where are your denominations key doctrines found. First and fore most is our view of Scripture (this is summary of the First Chapter): Although nature leaves us without excuse for not knowing God; only through the scriptures can we know about salvation. The scriptures are the books of the OT & NT only. It has authority independent of us. It and the Holy Spirit provide the only way to salvation. Not everything in scripture is equally clear but what is clear is salvation. Because ordinary people cannot read the original languages it must be translated into the ordinary languages. The only infallible way to interpret scripture is to use scripture. The scriptures provide the supreme standard for everything in the church. (Clarke)
[slide 2, why do we need?] In the summary above: why do we need translations?
One of the qualifications to ordain ministers in the Presbyterian Church is that they need to be fluent in the OT Hebrew and NT Greek, why do you think that is?
What is a translation?
[slide 3 ]
From your preparation did you note that there are a number of ancient manuscripts that are referred to. These manuscripts are parts of copies of the original. They are not the originals – we believe that only the originals are perfectly God’s inspired word.
Problems with translations [slide 4 problems with translations] Literal word-for-word replacement can be a problem: [slide 5 then 6 “petit dejeuner”] French
English word-for-word
actual meaning in English
Petit dejeuner
little lunch
breakfast
Pomme de terre
apple of earth
potato
[slide 7] What does the word “bear” mean?
“Go down this street and when you get to the tree, bear right.” The meaning of bear here is obvious from the context. Why is direct word-for-word not really a translation?
A definition: The goal of translation is to put a Greek or Hebrew sentence into meaningful English that is equivalent to its meaning in Hebrew or Greek.
Matthew 1: 18 includes the phrase: “en gastri echousa” Direct word-for-word gives:
“in belly having”
Correcting for grammar:
“having in belly”
Recognising the Greek idiom:
“pregnant”
Psalm 12: 2 the Hebrew literally says that wicked people speak “with a heart and a heart”
Some translations render it “with a double heart” but the Hebrew idiom would say “deceitfully”. [slide 8]
ALL TRANSLATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION BY THE TRANSLATOR.
Getting technical Translations then can be classified as Formal Equivalence or Functional Equivalence. [slide 9 Formal and Functional] Formal Equivalence is sometimes called word for word or literal translations. In these translations two things guide the translators: 1. Having the same grammatical form in the translation as in the source document (of course there cases where this is not possible). 2. Using the same English word for the same Greek or Hebrew word whenever possible. Functional Equivalence (or sometime dynamic equivalence) focus in the translation process is to convey the meaning. It produces a more natural sounding English passage. It does this by focusing on sentences as the prime unit rather than words. For example:
2 Sam 18: 25 [slide 10]
If he is alone, there is news in his mouth
ESV and NKJV
If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth.
NRSV
Formal
[slide 11]If he is alone, he must have good news.
NIV and TNIV
[slide 12] If he is alone, he is bringing good news.
GNT and NCV functional
[slide 13] The functional translators have to pick up the idioms in the original sources. However all translators will do this – the extent will vary. Many useful translations are somewhere in between Formal and Functional, and are called mediating. So why have we these different methods and what value are they?
Selecting a translation [slide 14 selecting] When choosing a Bible these characteristics are making different version better in different places. Formal (literal) Equivalence is helpful for detailed study. (I use one of these for my main sermon preparation.) A mediating translation is best overall and suitable for your main Bible and usually chosen as pew bibles in reformed churches because they read more naturally while still being true to the original. A Functional Equivalent translation is the logical starting point for new Bible readers because it is easy to read. Some scholars suggest a spectrum of translations is possible:
Formal Equivalence NASB
KJV NKJV
RSV ESV
mediating NRSV
NIV TNIV
JB
Functional Equivalence NEB
NLT
GNT LB CEV The Message (from Fee & Stauss)
All translations involve interpretation by people, so no translation is perfect. So apart from studying the Greek and Hebrew in depth how can we ensure we always get the message accurately? Leon Morris renowned New Testament Scholar says: The best translation is the one you know well enough to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses.
[slide 15 trusting versions] First be confident that the translations are all rendered with a high degree of accuracy. But to be sure we can do these things: 1. Use more than one version. 2. Read larger segments of the book to determine the context and flow of thought. 3. Using a quality commentary on difficult passages. 4. Gain a better understanding of the world at the time, particularly by studying the culture.
Handout lesson 3 ~ translation Introduction Some of our distinctives as Presbyterians are shared with some other denominations, at least in part. Our distinctives are set out the Westminster Confession of Faith (below is a summary of Chapter 1). First and foremost is our view of Scripture: Although nature leaves us without excuse for not knowing God, only through the scriptures can we know about salvation. The scriptures are the books of the OT & NT only. It has authority independent of us. It and the Holy Spirit provide the only way to salvation. Not everything in scripture is equally clear but what is clear is salvation. Because ordinary people cannot read the original languages it must be translated into the ordinary languages. The only infallible way to interpret scripture is to use scripture. The scriptures provide the supreme standard for everything in the church (Clarke).
Problems with translations Literal word-for-word replacement can be a problem: French
English word-for-word
Actual meaning in English
Petit dejeuner
little lunch
breakfast
Pomme de terre
apple of earth
potato
A definition:
The goal of translation is to put a Greek or Hebrew sentence into meaningful English that is equivalent to its meaning in Hebrew or Greek.
Matthew 1: 18 includes the phrase: “en gastri echousa” Direct word-for-word gives:
“in belly having”
Correcting for grammar:
“having in belly”
Recognising the Greek idiom:
“pregnant”
Getting technical Translations then can be classified as Formal Equivalence or Functional Equivalence. Formal Equivalence is sometimes called “word for word” or literal translations. In these translations two things guide the translators:
1. Having the same grammatical form in the translation as in the source document (Of course there are cases where this is not possible). 2. Using the same English word for the same Greek or Hebrew word whenever possible. With Functional Equivalence (or as it is sometimes called Dynamic Equivalence) the intention in the translation process is to convey the meaning. It produces a more natural sounding English passage. It does this by focusing on the sentences as the prime unit rather than words.
Selecting a translation With the wealth of English translations today we are able to select a version the best suits its purpose. Formal (literal) Equivalence is helpful for detailed study. (I use one of these as my main sermon preparation Bible.) A Functional Equivalent translation is the logical starting point for new Bible readers because it is easy to read. A Mediating Translation is a compromise that seeks to be best overall and it is suitable for your main Bible and usually chosen as pew bibles in reformed churches because they read more naturally while still being true to the original. Some scholars suggest a spectrum of translations is possible: Formal Equivalence NASB
KJV NKJV
RSV ESV
Mediating NRSV
NIV TNIV
JB
Functional Equivalence NEB
NLT
GNT LB CEV The Message (From Fee & Stauss)
All translations involve interpretation so no translation is perfect. Apart from studying the Greek and Hebrew in depth how can we ensure we always get the message accurately? First be confident that all translations are rendered with a high degree of accuracy. But to be sure we can do these things: 1. Use more than one version (translation). 2. Read larger segments of the book to determine the context and flow of thought. 3. Use a quality commentary on difficult passages. 4. Gain a better understanding of the world at the time, particularly by studying their culture.
Homework 2 Prepared by Ps Bruce Clarke June 2014
The Bible Overview 8
1
Days 1 & 2 At the front of your Bible there will be a Preface (it may sometimes be called “To the Reader”). It will talk about your translation of the Bible. Once you have read it, see if it tells you about these things: 1. Does it tell you about its linage—is it based on an older translation? 2. Which ones?
3.On which ancient texts is the translation based?
4a. Is it a literal or “word-for-word” translation (technically known as “formal equivalence”)? b. Is it a thought- by-thought translation, where the translators seek to be true to the meaning and the idiom (technically known as “functional equivalence”)
c. or does it seek to do both (technically called “mediating”)?
5. Does it list the negative and positive aspects of the translation method (it may imply this by listing what it is suitable for)?
2
7
How does it compare with ……? What general ……..? 6. Was your translation made by a single person or by a committee? How many people were on the committee? Apply Is there a w…. or an e……. or a c……. or a p………?
7. Was there an oversight or review group who checked the
translation as it was made? Does the passage teach about G… or m…..? Or the c……..?
What is the equivalent ……..?
8. Does the Preface explain how specialised words such as YHWH are treated?
Does it lead to P…..? Or P……?
Day 6 Write a prayer that would be suitable to use before reading the Bible.
9. Does the Preface explain the use of footnotes and crossreferences in the text of your Bible?
Day 3 The Old Testament is written almost entirely in Hebrew. About 1% is Aramaic. 6
3
Read Gen 31: 47 10. There are two Aramaic words here – is there a footnote?
16. Can you spot the Aramaic word in Mark 14: 36?
11. How are the terms used in the verse?
Day 5
The two longest passages of Aramaic language are Daniel 2: 4 – 7: 28 and Ezra 4: 7 – 6: 18. Read Daniel 2: 4 12. What does it say about Aramaic? Is there a footnote about where the Aramaic ends?
There are many ways of stating the process of interpreting scripture. For us we want to know what God is saying to us now. We have used COMA before. See if you can remember from last week the key aspects using these headings:
Another Scheme Understand Setting -
13. Are there similar identifications in Ezra? P……..
Day 4
C…….
The New Testament was written almost entirely in Greek. However Aramaic was the common language in that part of the world. In the New Testament there are a few words that are Aramaic.
Form -
Golgotha is Aramaic. Read Mat 27: 33; Mark 15: 22 and John 19: 17
Words –
14. Compare the verses from these Gospels. Why do you think John had the more informative statement?
Explain What is the main ……?
15. How is the Aramaic handled in Mat 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34? Where does it fit into the ………..?
4
5
Preparing for Lesson 3 ~ Translations Days 1 & 2 At the front of your Bible there will be a Preface (it may sometimes be called “To the Reader”). It will talk about your translation of the Bible. [I am using the ESV Macarthur Study Bible.] Once you have read it see if it tells you about these things: 1. Does it tell you about its linage in terms of other older translations in the same tradition? Yes, under the heading Translation Legacy. 2. Which ones? Tyndale’s NT, KJV 1611, RV 1885, ASV 1901, RSV 1952 and 1971.
3. Which ancient texts is the translation based? Under the heading of Textual Basis, Masoretic Text (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia 1983) and the Greek text (UBS Greek New Testament 1993) and Novum Testamentum Graece (27 th Edition). For difficult passages reference is also made to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Syriac Peshitta, the Latin Vulgate, and others.
4. Is it a literal or “word-for-word” translation (technically known as “formal equivalence”; or is it a thought- by-thought translation, where the translators seek to be true to the meaning and the idiom (technically known as “functional equivalence”; or does it seek to do both (technically called “mediating”)? Under the heading Translation Philosophy it says “The ESV is an “essential literal” translation … the precise wording of the original…its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence… taking into account…grammar, syntax, and idiom…” 5. Does it list the negative and positive aspects of the translation method (it may imply this by listing what it is suitable for)? Not really but it does say, “A thought-for-thought’ translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretative opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.”
6. Was your translation made by a single person or by a committee? How many people were on the committee? The publishing team had more than 100 members. The publishing team shared a common view of the truth of God’s Word and historic orthodox Christianity. They were drawn from many nationalities, and many denominations.
7. Was there an oversight or review group who checked the translation as it was made?
A 14 person oversight committee supervised the translation and it had access 50 experts on a Translation Review Scholars group.
8. Does the Preface explain how specialised words such as YHWH are treated? Under a section headed “The Translation of Specialised Terms” YHWH is normally rendered LORD following Jewish practice – there are also variations of the use of God for the names of God in the Old Testament. Christos is rendered Christ. And “Behold!” is not left untranslated the words used are determined by the context.
9. Does the Preface explain the use of footnotes and cross-references in the text of your Bible? No, this information is included in a separate information banner, “Explanation of Features” where section headings, cross references and footnotes are explained.
Day 3 The Old Testament is written almost entirely in Hebrew. About 1% is Aramaic. Read Gen 31: 47 10. There are two Aramaic words here – is there a footnote? Yes they both mean “the heap of witnesses”.
11. What is interesting about the use of the terms in the verse? Both the Hebrew and the Aramaic were used.
The two longest passages of Aramaic language are Daniel 2: 4 – 7: 28 and Ezra 4: 7 – 6: 18. Read Daniel 2: 4 12. What does it say about Aramaic? Is there a footnote about where the Aramaic ends? It says they spoke to the king in Aramaic. Yes. 13. Are there similar identifications in Ezra? yes.
Day 4 The New Testament was written almost entirely in Greek. However Aramaic was the common language in that part of the world. In the New Testament there are a few words that are Aramaic. Golgotha is Aramaic. Read Mat 27: 33; Mark 15: 22 and John 19: 17
14. Contrast the Gospels? Why do you think John had the more informative statement? Matthew and Mark are the same while John is slightly different. He was writing to a wider audience perhaps.
15. How is the Aramaic handled in Mat 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34? The words and the meaning are given without referring to the language. 16. Can you spot the Aramaic word in Mark 14: 36? Yes, abba.
17.
When are Aramaic words used? When they are relevant to the context, quoting the locals.
Day 5 There are many ways of stating the process of interpreting scripture. For us we want to know what God is saying to us now. We have used COMA before. See if you can remember from last week the key aspects using these headings:
Another Scheme Understand 1. Setting -
2. P urpose 3. C ontext 4. Form 5. Words – Explain 1. What is the main point?
2. Where does it fit into the whole Bible..?
3. How does it compare with other passages? 4. What general principles or truth?
Apply 1. Is there a w arning…. or an e ncouragement. or a c ommand or a p ………?
2. Does the passage teach about God or mankind.? Or the c hurch……..?
3. What is the equivalent today.? 4. Does it lead to Praise.? Or Prayer?
Day 6 Write a prayer that would be suitable to use before reading the Bible.
The five big topics covered by the Bible are:
The Character of God is shown to us.
Divine judgement against sin (disobedience) is demonstrated.
Divine blessing is shown to those who have faith and obey God.
God outlines His plan for our redemption through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God shows us the glory and the Kingdom of His Son.
Homework 3 Prepared by Ps Bruce Clarke July 2014
The Bible Overview
Day 1 The Bible can be viewed by the categories of information it provides overall. First and foremost God tells us about himself in the scriptures. Read Rom 1: 16 -23 1. How do we know about God?
6. What is the result of obedience to God and faith in these verses?
Read Mat 8: 5 -13 7. Does this show the same pattern?
2. How is sin described in this passage?
Day 2 Read Gen 1 and 2 3. What is God doing in these passages?
Day 5 Read Isa 53: 7 -12 8. What is Isaiah describing?
4. What do these passages say about God? Read Acts 2: 22 – 28 9. What is Luke describing?
Day 3 Read Gen 3 and Rom 1: 24 -2: 11 5. Describe God’s judgement. What is the nature of sin?
Day 6 Read Mat 13: 24 -33 10. What is Matthew describing?
Day 4 Read Gen 6: 5 -10 and Gen 12: 1- 3 and Gen 14: 17-24 and Gen 15: 1- 6
Why do we need translations?
French: Literal English:
petit dejeuner
Actual meaning:
breakfast
little lunch
Bear?
All translations are subject to interpretation by the translator!
If he is alone, there is news in his mouth = Formal (ESV & NKJV)
If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth= mediating (NRSV)
If he is alone, he must have
good news = mediating (NIV & TNIV)
If he is alone, he is bringing
good news. = Functional (GNT & NCV)
Formal = detailed study Mediating = main Bible and pew Bibles*
Functional = new
readers and new to Bible readers
Chronolory of the moderrr Bible
t6tt
Authorized King James Version 19O1
American Standard Version
4952 Revised American Standard Version
a964 Amplified Bible
rg66 Jerusalem Bible
r970 New English Bible
a97r Living Bible
rg6glZr New American Standard Version
r973 New International Version
r976 Good News Bible
r98e New King James (Authorized) Version
1985 NewJerusalem Bible 1987 New CenturyVersion 1989 New Revised Standard Version
1989 Revised English Bible
1995 Contemporary English Version 4995 God's Word 1996 New LivingVersion 1998 New tight Bible (New International Reader's Version)
Introduction [power point Slide Home] Who wrote the Preface to your Bible? From last week can you remember: What we believe about the Bible?
Our distinctive as Presbyterians are shared with some other denominations at least in part. Ours are set out the Westminster Confession of Faith. Where are your denominations key doctrines found. First and fore most is our view of Scripture (this is summary of the First Chapter): Although nature leaves us without excuse for not knowing God; only through the scriptures can we know about salvation. The scriptures are the books of the OT & NT only. It has authority independent of us. It and the Holy Spirit provide the only way to salvation. Not everything in scripture is equally clear but what is clear is salvation. Because ordinary people cannot read the original languages it must be translated into the ordinary languages. The only infallible way to interpret scripture is to use scripture. The scriptures provide the supreme standard for everything in the church. (Clarke)
[slide 2, why do we need?] In the summary above: why do we need translations?
One of the qualifications to ordain ministers in the Presbyterian Church is that they need to be fluent in the OT Hebrew and NT Greek, why do you think that is?
What is a translation?
[slide 3 ]
From your preparation did you note that there are a number of ancient manuscripts that are referred to. These manuscripts are parts of copies of the original. They are not the originals – we believe that only the originals are perfectly God’s inspired word.
Problems with translations [slide 4 problems with translations] Literal word-for-word replacement can be a problem: [slide 5 then 6 “petit dejeuner”] French
English word-for-word
actual meaning in English
Petit dejeuner
little lunch
breakfast
Pomme de terre
apple of earth
potato
[slide 7] What does the word “bear” mean?
“Go down this street and when you get to the tree, bear right.” The meaning of bear here is obvious from the context. Why is direct word-for-word not really a translation?
A definition: The goal of translation is to put a Greek or Hebrew sentence into meaningful English that is equivalent to its meaning in Hebrew or Greek.
Matthew 1: 18 includes the phrase: “en gastri echousa” Direct word-for-word gives:
“in belly having”
Correcting for grammar:
“having in belly”
Recognising the Greek idiom:
“pregnant”
Psalm 12: 2 the Hebrew literally says that wicked people speak “with a heart and a heart”
Some translations render it “with a double heart” but the Hebrew idiom would say “deceitfully”. [slide 8]
ALL TRANSLATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION BY THE TRANSLATOR.
Getting technical Translations then can be classified as Formal Equivalence or Functional Equivalence. [slide 9 Formal and Functional] Formal Equivalence is sometimes called word for word or literal translations. In these translations two things guide the translators: 1. Having the same grammatical form in the translation as in the source document (of course there cases where this is not possible). 2. Using the same English word for the same Greek or Hebrew word whenever possible. Functional Equivalence (or sometime dynamic equivalence) focus in the translation process is to convey the meaning. It produces a more natural sounding English passage. It does this by focusing on sentences as the prime unit rather than words. For example:
2 Sam 18: 25 [slide 10]
If he is alone, there is news in his mouth
ESV and NKJV
If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth.
NRSV
Formal
[slide 11]If he is alone, he must have good news.
NIV and TNIV
[slide 12] If he is alone, he is bringing good news.
GNT and NCV functional
[slide 13] The functional translators have to pick up the idioms in the original sources. However all translators will do this – the extent will vary. Many useful translations are somewhere in between Formal and Functional, and are called mediating. So why have we these different methods and what value are they?
Selecting a translation [slide 14 selecting] When choosing a Bible these characteristics are making different version better in different places. Formal (literal) Equivalence is helpful for detailed study. (I use one of these for my main sermon preparation.) A mediating translation is best overall and suitable for your main Bible and usually chosen as pew bibles in reformed churches because they read more naturally while still being true to the original. A Functional Equivalent translation is the logical starting point for new Bible readers because it is easy to read. Some scholars suggest a spectrum of translations is possible:
Formal Equivalence NASB
KJV NKJV
RSV ESV
mediating NRSV
NIV TNIV
JB
Functional Equivalence NEB
NLT
GNT LB CEV The Message (from Fee & Stauss)
All translations involve interpretation by people, so no translation is perfect. So apart from studying the Greek and Hebrew in depth how can we ensure we always get the message accurately? Leon Morris renowned New Testament Scholar says: The best translation is the one you know well enough to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses.
[slide 15 trusting versions] First be confident that the translations are all rendered with a high degree of accuracy. But to be sure we can do these things: 1. Use more than one version. 2. Read larger segments of the book to determine the context and flow of thought. 3. Using a quality commentary on difficult passages. 4. Gain a better understanding of the world at the time, particularly by studying the culture.
Handout lesson 3 ~ translation Introduction Some of our distinctives as Presbyterians are shared with some other denominations, at least in part. Our distinctives are set out the Westminster Confession of Faith (below is a summary of Chapter 1). First and foremost is our view of Scripture: Although nature leaves us without excuse for not knowing God, only through the scriptures can we know about salvation. The scriptures are the books of the OT & NT only. It has authority independent of us. It and the Holy Spirit provide the only way to salvation. Not everything in scripture is equally clear but what is clear is salvation. Because ordinary people cannot read the original languages it must be translated into the ordinary languages. The only infallible way to interpret scripture is to use scripture. The scriptures provide the supreme standard for everything in the church (Clarke).
Problems with translations Literal word-for-word replacement can be a problem: French
English word-for-word
Actual meaning in English
Petit dejeuner
little lunch
breakfast
Pomme de terre
apple of earth
potato
A definition:
The goal of translation is to put a Greek or Hebrew sentence into meaningful English that is equivalent to its meaning in Hebrew or Greek.
Matthew 1: 18 includes the phrase: “en gastri echousa” Direct word-for-word gives:
“in belly having”
Correcting for grammar:
“having in belly”
Recognising the Greek idiom:
“pregnant”
Getting technical Translations then can be classified as Formal Equivalence or Functional Equivalence. Formal Equivalence is sometimes called “word for word” or literal translations. In these translations two things guide the translators:
1. Having the same grammatical form in the translation as in the source document (Of course there are cases where this is not possible). 2. Using the same English word for the same Greek or Hebrew word whenever possible. With Functional Equivalence (or as it is sometimes called Dynamic Equivalence) the intention in the translation process is to convey the meaning. It produces a more natural sounding English passage. It does this by focusing on the sentences as the prime unit rather than words.
Selecting a translation With the wealth of English translations today we are able to select a version the best suits its purpose. Formal (literal) Equivalence is helpful for detailed study. (I use one of these as my main sermon preparation Bible.) A Functional Equivalent translation is the logical starting point for new Bible readers because it is easy to read. A Mediating Translation is a compromise that seeks to be best overall and it is suitable for your main Bible and usually chosen as pew bibles in reformed churches because they read more naturally while still being true to the original. Some scholars suggest a spectrum of translations is possible: Formal Equivalence NASB
KJV NKJV
RSV ESV
Mediating NRSV
NIV TNIV
JB
Functional Equivalence NEB
NLT
GNT LB CEV The Message (From Fee & Stauss)
All translations involve interpretation so no translation is perfect. Apart from studying the Greek and Hebrew in depth how can we ensure we always get the message accurately? First be confident that all translations are rendered with a high degree of accuracy. But to be sure we can do these things: 1. Use more than one version (translation). 2. Read larger segments of the book to determine the context and flow of thought. 3. Use a quality commentary on difficult passages. 4. Gain a better understanding of the world at the time, particularly by studying their culture.
Homework 2 Prepared by Ps Bruce Clarke June 2014
The Bible Overview 8
1
Days 1 & 2 At the front of your Bible there will be a Preface (it may sometimes be called “To the Reader”). It will talk about your translation of the Bible. Once you have read it, see if it tells you about these things: 1. Does it tell you about its linage—is it based on an older translation? 2. Which ones?
3.On which ancient texts is the translation based?
4a. Is it a literal or “word-for-word” translation (technically known as “formal equivalence”)? b. Is it a thought- by-thought translation, where the translators seek to be true to the meaning and the idiom (technically known as “functional equivalence”)
c. or does it seek to do both (technically called “mediating”)?
5. Does it list the negative and positive aspects of the translation method (it may imply this by listing what it is suitable for)?
2
7
How does it compare with ……? What general ……..? 6. Was your translation made by a single person or by a committee? How many people were on the committee? Apply Is there a w…. or an e……. or a c……. or a p………?
7. Was there an oversight or review group who checked the
translation as it was made? Does the passage teach about G… or m…..? Or the c……..?
What is the equivalent ……..?
8. Does the Preface explain how specialised words such as YHWH are treated?
Does it lead to P…..? Or P……?
Day 6 Write a prayer that would be suitable to use before reading the Bible.
9. Does the Preface explain the use of footnotes and crossreferences in the text of your Bible?
Day 3 The Old Testament is written almost entirely in Hebrew. About 1% is Aramaic. 6
3
Read Gen 31: 47 10. There are two Aramaic words here – is there a footnote?
16. Can you spot the Aramaic word in Mark 14: 36?
11. How are the terms used in the verse?
Day 5
The two longest passages of Aramaic language are Daniel 2: 4 – 7: 28 and Ezra 4: 7 – 6: 18. Read Daniel 2: 4 12. What does it say about Aramaic? Is there a footnote about where the Aramaic ends?
There are many ways of stating the process of interpreting scripture. For us we want to know what God is saying to us now. We have used COMA before. See if you can remember from last week the key aspects using these headings:
Another Scheme Understand Setting -
13. Are there similar identifications in Ezra? P……..
Day 4
C…….
The New Testament was written almost entirely in Greek. However Aramaic was the common language in that part of the world. In the New Testament there are a few words that are Aramaic.
Form -
Golgotha is Aramaic. Read Mat 27: 33; Mark 15: 22 and John 19: 17
Words –
14. Compare the verses from these Gospels. Why do you think John had the more informative statement?
Explain What is the main ……?
15. How is the Aramaic handled in Mat 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34? Where does it fit into the ………..?
4
5
Preparing for Lesson 3 ~ Translations Days 1 & 2 At the front of your Bible there will be a Preface (it may sometimes be called “To the Reader”). It will talk about your translation of the Bible. [I am using the ESV Macarthur Study Bible.] Once you have read it see if it tells you about these things: 1. Does it tell you about its linage in terms of other older translations in the same tradition? Yes, under the heading Translation Legacy. 2. Which ones? Tyndale’s NT, KJV 1611, RV 1885, ASV 1901, RSV 1952 and 1971.
3. Which ancient texts is the translation based? Under the heading of Textual Basis, Masoretic Text (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia 1983) and the Greek text (UBS Greek New Testament 1993) and Novum Testamentum Graece (27 th Edition). For difficult passages reference is also made to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Syriac Peshitta, the Latin Vulgate, and others.
4. Is it a literal or “word-for-word” translation (technically known as “formal equivalence”; or is it a thought- by-thought translation, where the translators seek to be true to the meaning and the idiom (technically known as “functional equivalence”; or does it seek to do both (technically called “mediating”)? Under the heading Translation Philosophy it says “The ESV is an “essential literal” translation … the precise wording of the original…its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence… taking into account…grammar, syntax, and idiom…” 5. Does it list the negative and positive aspects of the translation method (it may imply this by listing what it is suitable for)? Not really but it does say, “A thought-for-thought’ translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretative opinions of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.”
6. Was your translation made by a single person or by a committee? How many people were on the committee? The publishing team had more than 100 members. The publishing team shared a common view of the truth of God’s Word and historic orthodox Christianity. They were drawn from many nationalities, and many denominations.
7. Was there an oversight or review group who checked the translation as it was made?
A 14 person oversight committee supervised the translation and it had access 50 experts on a Translation Review Scholars group.
8. Does the Preface explain how specialised words such as YHWH are treated? Under a section headed “The Translation of Specialised Terms” YHWH is normally rendered LORD following Jewish practice – there are also variations of the use of God for the names of God in the Old Testament. Christos is rendered Christ. And “Behold!” is not left untranslated the words used are determined by the context.
9. Does the Preface explain the use of footnotes and cross-references in the text of your Bible? No, this information is included in a separate information banner, “Explanation of Features” where section headings, cross references and footnotes are explained.
Day 3 The Old Testament is written almost entirely in Hebrew. About 1% is Aramaic. Read Gen 31: 47 10. There are two Aramaic words here – is there a footnote? Yes they both mean “the heap of witnesses”.
11. What is interesting about the use of the terms in the verse? Both the Hebrew and the Aramaic were used.
The two longest passages of Aramaic language are Daniel 2: 4 – 7: 28 and Ezra 4: 7 – 6: 18. Read Daniel 2: 4 12. What does it say about Aramaic? Is there a footnote about where the Aramaic ends? It says they spoke to the king in Aramaic. Yes. 13. Are there similar identifications in Ezra? yes.
Day 4 The New Testament was written almost entirely in Greek. However Aramaic was the common language in that part of the world. In the New Testament there are a few words that are Aramaic. Golgotha is Aramaic. Read Mat 27: 33; Mark 15: 22 and John 19: 17
14. Contrast the Gospels? Why do you think John had the more informative statement? Matthew and Mark are the same while John is slightly different. He was writing to a wider audience perhaps.
15. How is the Aramaic handled in Mat 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34? The words and the meaning are given without referring to the language. 16. Can you spot the Aramaic word in Mark 14: 36? Yes, abba.
17.
When are Aramaic words used? When they are relevant to the context, quoting the locals.
Day 5 There are many ways of stating the process of interpreting scripture. For us we want to know what God is saying to us now. We have used COMA before. See if you can remember from last week the key aspects using these headings:
Another Scheme Understand 1. Setting -
2. P urpose 3. C ontext 4. Form 5. Words – Explain 1. What is the main point?
2. Where does it fit into the whole Bible..?
3. How does it compare with other passages? 4. What general principles or truth?
Apply 1. Is there a w arning…. or an e ncouragement. or a c ommand or a p ………?
2. Does the passage teach about God or mankind.? Or the c hurch……..?
3. What is the equivalent today.? 4. Does it lead to Praise.? Or Prayer?
Day 6 Write a prayer that would be suitable to use before reading the Bible.
The five big topics covered by the Bible are:
The Character of God is shown to us.
Divine judgement against sin (disobedience) is demonstrated.
Divine blessing is shown to those who have faith and obey God.
God outlines His plan for our redemption through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God shows us the glory and the Kingdom of His Son.
Homework 3 Prepared by Ps Bruce Clarke July 2014
The Bible Overview
Day 1 The Bible can be viewed by the categories of information it provides overall. First and foremost God tells us about himself in the scriptures. Read Rom 1: 16 -23 1. How do we know about God?
6. What is the result of obedience to God and faith in these verses?
Read Mat 8: 5 -13 7. Does this show the same pattern?
2. How is sin described in this passage?
Day 2 Read Gen 1 and 2 3. What is God doing in these passages?
Day 5 Read Isa 53: 7 -12 8. What is Isaiah describing?
4. What do these passages say about God? Read Acts 2: 22 – 28 9. What is Luke describing?
Day 3 Read Gen 3 and Rom 1: 24 -2: 11 5. Describe God’s judgement. What is the nature of sin?
Day 6 Read Mat 13: 24 -33 10. What is Matthew describing?
Day 4 Read Gen 6: 5 -10 and Gen 12: 1- 3 and Gen 14: 17-24 and Gen 15: 1- 6
Why do we need translations?
French: Literal English:
petit dejeuner
Actual meaning:
breakfast
little lunch
Bear?
All translations are subject to interpretation by the translator!
If he is alone, there is news in his mouth = Formal (ESV & NKJV)
If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth= mediating (NRSV)
If he is alone, he must have
good news = mediating (NIV & TNIV)
If he is alone, he is bringing
good news. = Functional (GNT & NCV)
Formal = detailed study Mediating = main Bible and pew Bibles*
Functional = new
readers and new to Bible readers
Chronolory of the moderrr Bible
t6tt
Authorized King James Version 19O1
American Standard Version
4952 Revised American Standard Version
a964 Amplified Bible
rg66 Jerusalem Bible
r970 New English Bible
a97r Living Bible
rg6glZr New American Standard Version
r973 New International Version
r976 Good News Bible
r98e New King James (Authorized) Version
1985 NewJerusalem Bible 1987 New CenturyVersion 1989 New Revised Standard Version
1989 Revised English Bible
1995 Contemporary English Version 4995 God's Word 1996 New LivingVersion 1998 New tight Bible (New International Reader's Version)
