Abstract
This paper investigates how the Greek term episkopo`~ and its related variants are translated in English Bible translations. From early translations to the middle of the 20th century, “bishop” was the preferred translation equivalent. However, translations done in the latter half of the 20th century prefer the more generic term “overseer” or a functional equivalent. This apparent neutrality in selecting a more general term has, however, theological implications and may actually violate the principle of sola scriptura. The paper shows that the New Testament episkopo`~ functions as a term with meanings similar to its secular use in ancient times as well as its use in the Septuagint. It is suggested that the term boldly declares the colonisation of the kingdoms of men by the kingdom of God. Therefore the translation equivalent also needs to be a term with equivalent semantic content.
Highlights
In English Bible translations, the words bishop or overseer are used as transla tion equivalents for the New Testament office of the episkopos
This paper compares the use of these terms in English translations with that of episkopos in the Greek New Testament and the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX), as well as its secular use in ancient Greece, in order to determine whether the English terms function as equivalents
It is evident from the tertium comparationis (TC) that the New Testament episkopos was similar to his secular Greek counterpart in that his authority was delegated by a supreme ruler (God) and vested through ordination
Summary
In English Bible translations, the words bishop or overseer are used as transla tion equivalents for the New Testament office of the episkopos. This paper compares the use of these terms in English translations with that of episkopos in the Greek New Testament and the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX), as well as its secular use in ancient Greece, in order to determine whether the English terms function as equivalents. This is followed by an examination of intra-textual and contextual evidence re garding the term episkopos.
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