What translation
is the right translation?
This is a very good question, and an important one at that. With all the translations out there, how do we know which one is the right one? Some say if it's not King James then it's not a bible. Others swear by the NIV or NASB. What about the New Living Translation, or the Revised Standard Version? Is there really a difference?
Before I get too deep into this, let me first attempt at answering another important question. What is the goal of a translation? Believe it or not, this question is answered in every version of the Bible you own. In the very front of each Bible you will find a note from the translating committee expressing there goal in that particular translation. For some Bibles it is a word for word (or literal) accuracy. For other versions it is a thought for thought (or dynamic) accuracy. In either case the overall goal of every translation, weather literal or dynamic, is to accurately represent that which the author was trying to communicate to his readers. This is a very difficult undertaking. No one translation can communicate the same message to every reader, because every reader interprets information differently. Even my very words in trying to explain this will not be understood by some simply because my style of communication from that of others. 1st Peter 1:13 is a great example of this very issue. The NIV (New International Version) reads, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action," and the CEV (Contemporary English Version) reads "Be alert and think straight." However, a literal translation of the original text reads, "Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind." Gird up the loins of your mind. When I first read that, I was puzzled about the imagery the writer was trying to portray. More so, I couldn't understand why this was being translated as "Prepare your minds for action." Though, after a little studying into the culture of the times, and the Middle East, I quickly began to see that Peter was assimilating the way the Israelites prepared for battle with the way we need to prepare for Christ's return. The Israelites wore a long gown, sometimes multiple layers, to protect themselves from the sun. Similar gowns are still worn to this day in the Middle East. However, when the Israelites would run or do battle they would have to tie the lower portion of the gown up around their waist. Otherwise, it would get in the way of their feet. An example of this can be seen in 1 Kings, "The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel (v 18:45)." Elijah couldn't run with his cloak hanging all the way down, he would trip over it. He needed to remove the obstacle, before it got in the way. He did this by wrapping it around his waist and tucking it in his belt.
Now, here's the question that must be asked from a translator's point of view, how do you communicate this to the average reader with as little disruption to the original writing as possible? Some people best understand "prepare our minds for action", while others get a better mental picture from "gird up the loins of your mind." The question, therefore, is not so much what translation is the right translation; rather, it is what translation communicates TO YOU most accurately what it was the author was trying to convey here. If you are new to the Bible, I suggest picking a version that sounds good to you, ask your pastor to explain any particular passage, and see if your version accurately communicates that same point to you. If it does, I would say you found the right translation. If not, then try another one until you find one that communicates to you best. [mp]
Copyright © 2005
Michael D'Urbano
All rights reserved
www.modernpapyrus.org
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and God, or maybe you just need to rededicate you life to Him; I encourage you to click HERE and pray this simple prayer. Do not allow another moment of your life to pass without knowing the love and peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior.