『새한글성경』의 번역 배경과 주요 특징 — 신약을 중심으로 —

Abstract

This paper aims to explore and highlight translation backgrounds and characteristics of the New Korean Translation (hereafter NKT) with its New Testament in focus. There are already the New Korean Revised Version which pursues the principle of formal correspondence, the Korean Common Translation which is based on the principle of dynamic equivalence, and the Revised New Korean Standard Version which attempts to optimize merits of these two translations. There seem to be all kinds of translations ranging from more literal to more reader-friendly ones. Then, why do we need another new translation? There are two main reasons for any new translation or revision of existing translations: changes of language and developments of biblical scholarship. These two factors taken into account, periodic update of existing Bible translation is needed to make it possible for people to read the Bible more accurately and easily. In case of the NKT, there was another significant factor in deciding to launch the new translation project, which is the change of media. Korean Bible Society thought that new generation familiar with new media such as smart phones and other electronic devices require a new Bible translation optimized for their unique needs. Thus, Korean Bible Society referred to the BasisBibel which is designed for the same kind of target audience in Germany. BasisBibel is the first Bible translation in the world that considers the change of media to be a significant factor impacting on the Bible readers. As the result, the NKT came to have several characteristics in two dimensions. One dimension is related to coping with the change of language and media: (1) short sentences composed of less than 16 words and (2) linear delivery of information. The goal of these features is to enhance readability and communication. The other is related to an essential principle of translation, which is faithfulness to the original text: (1) use of the most recent critical edition of Greek New Testament (UBS 5SUPth/SUP edition), which shows 33 changes in the Catholic Letters, and (2) meticulous attention to the etymology of the Greek words, word order, tenses (especially historical present), and special usages of Koine Greek. It is now at readers’ hands to evaluate how much the NKT has achieved its goal to satisfy two fundamental goals of all Bible translations: being more readable and more faithful to the original Greek New testament.