Bible Translation Research Articles

A Possible Approach to the Translation Critique of the Chinese New Living Translation: Towards a Combined Holistic Method for Evaluating a “Daughter Translation”

The Chinese New Living Translation (CNLT, 2012) is a daughter translation of the American NLT (1996), a very popular Bible translation in the English-speaking world. By its own account, it follows the style and the character of the American “mother version” with its lively, easy-to-understand and easy-to-read contemporary language, coupled with exegetical accuracy. The interesting question that arises in this paper is how to methodically study the purposes and specifics of a daughter translation such as CNLT. A multi-step method is proposed with the aim of evaluating CNLT with a view to its self-imposed goals. As a short example, the method is applied to a passage in Ps 23 to illustrate the approach. The specific problems of CNLT as a daughter translation such as error propagation and the acceptability problem are addressed in a final hermeneutical and missiological reflection.

Two Testaments in One Bible: How do the Old and New Testaments Interrelate?

The canonization of the Jewish Bible took place gradually in the post-exilic era, first the Law (Torah), second the Prophets (Nebi’im), and, finally, the Writings (Ketubim) in the period between the first and second Jewish revolts. From the third century BC, the biblical books were gradually translated into Greek. Because of the missionary outreach beyond Judea and Galilee, the early Christians used the pre-existing Greek translation of the Bible for preaching and teaching. Both due to its higher number of books and its salvation-historical compositional outline, the Septuagint corresponded well to the early Christians’ understanding of the Christ event as the continuation of revelation history. Gradually, the books that recount the story of Jesus Christ (the Gospels) and the books that communicate faith in Christ and elaborate what it means to live one’s life as a follower of him (the Letters) were collected and given equal authority to as the Holy Scriptures shared with and inherited from the Jews. The Zion tradition is a paradigmatic example of a theological tradition that underwent a long, transformative development from David’s conquest of Jerusalem in the tenth century BC until its reception in Jesus’ ministry and theological expositions in the New Testament. The New Testament shares a common language of faith with the Old Testament, applied to express the shared confession of the one true God, the Father of Jesus Christ. The New Testament understands itself as a continuation of the Old Testament, testifying to the culmination in the Christ event of the history of revelation.

Changes in the Language of the Reformed Church in the Second Half of the 20th Century: The Convergence of Oral History and Big Data

The author’s journey begins with a deep immersion in his traditional Protestant faith, where he was taught to thoroughly know both the Old and the New Testament. As he reflects on his faith, the concept of being a “stranger and sojourner” comes to the forefront, highlighting the feeling of alienation within the secular world. The narrative takes an interesting turn when the author discusses the impact of changing political language on his perspective. The introduction of new political ideas and discourse challenges the previously straightforward worldview, leading to a sense of uncertainty in decision-making. Believers find themselves in a world with a multiplicity of perspectives that require a re-evaluation of what it means to “deny” or to make choices. In a changing social and political context, the narrative continually explores the intricate connection between faith and language. The author’s experiences and reflections provide a compelling insight into the complexities of navigating a shifting spiritual landscape while grappling with the ever-evolving meaning of words and beliefs. The second half of the article presents the results of a computer analysis of the vocabulary of two Bible translations that defined the language usage of the Reformed Church in the second half of the 20th century: the 1908 Károli and the 1975 New Translation. The analysis focuses on words that present difficulties in understanding due to their archaic or religious nature. As a point of comparison, it also showcases the vocabulary of the Gospel of John, where a mere 199 word roots constitute 80% of word occurrences. Keywords: language of the church, Bible translation, vocabulary of the Bible, letter and soul, protestant language use

Konsep Pasangan Seiman Menurut 2 Korintus 6:14-15 dan Implikasinya Terhadap Pencegahan Perkawinan Beda Agama

This research aims analyse the chapter 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 in the Christian Scriptures and study itd implications in the context of marriage of interfaith coouples. This research uses the exegesis approach and theological analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the original text and historical context of the chapter. The original text of 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 is of Greek origin and emphasises the importance of aquality of beliefs in relationships, especially in the context of marriage. Interpretations of this text can vary depending on the theological tradition and Bible translation used, with some common interpretations including the prohibition against interfaith marriage and the admonition to choose friends, business partners or co-workers of the same faith. In the context of church theology and practice, this text can be used as a guide for individuals and couples in choosing, life partners of the same faith and maintaining equality of beliefs in relationships. This research is expected to provide useful insights for individuals, couples,as well as religious leaders in dealing with the challenges that arise in interfaith marriages.

The Krymchak Nominative as One of the Indicators of Noun Indefiniteness and the Cases of Unusual Use of it in the Biblical Translations

The Krymchak Nominative as One of the Indicators of Noun Indefiniteness and the Cases of Unusual Use of it in the Biblical Translations

An Information-Theoretic Approach to Morphosyntactic Complexity in English, Dutch and German

ABSTRACT Though equi-complexity of languages has long been an assumption in the study of language, recent research has argued that languages differ with regard to their morphological complexity. Some languages rely more on bound morphology to express grammatical meanings, whereas other languages rely more on lexical or word-order-based strategies. It is a moot point to what extent these differences correlate with demographic factors such as population size and language contact, and how complexity should be measured. In this study, we use information-theory, more specifically Kolmogorov Complexity, to assess morphological and word-order-based strategies and apply the procedure to three West Germanic languages, English, Dutch and German, which have been argued to form a continuum along the morphological complexity cline, plausibly due to different rates of demographic upheaval and concomitant language contact. Tracing the morphological and word-order-based complexity through time in parallel Bible translations, our results show that English is consistently less morphologically complex than its sisters, continuing on its path of morphological simplification. We see a statistically robust trade-off between morphology and word order complexity. We find support for earlier findings in the literature, with the exception of the difference between Dutch and German, which does not transpire in our results.

What Did Jesus Say on the Cross? A Sixteenth-Century Quest after a Biblical Transliteration

ABSTRACT Opening Matthew or Mark’s Gospels in one of the countless modern editions and translations of the Bible, one normally finds that moments before his death Jesus cried, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, and with minor changes in Mark 15:34). But what appears to be an unequivocal rendition of Jesus’s Aramaic vernacular was in fact an undecided question from the early Greek manuscripts up until the second half of the sixteenth century. This article follows the spelling of this transliteration in a number of consecutive editions of the Bible which appeared in the first half of the sixteenth century, thus revealing an often tacit but persistent debate regarding the representation of Jesus’s original language, the authority of the Greek ancient manuscripts, the relations between writing and oral speech, and the legitimacy of translation of the Bible.

Ancient Translations and Reviews of the Holy Scriptures in The Greek Language. Contribution to the History of Biblical Translations

The article offers a scholarly overview of the historical translations and reviews of the Bible from Greek sources. It lists the historical ancient manuscript translations that have become widely accepted canonical models, known as the “Biblical canon” in the translations of the Holy Scriptures. The tradition of these translations is with extremely wide boundaries in chronological and linguistic terms is of interest for understanding the origin and semantics of the modern Synodal translation of the Bible.

До проблеми існування арабського доісламського перекладу Біблії

До проблеми існування арабського доісламського перекладу Біблії

Особенности модификаций фразеологизмов в современных англо-, немецко-, франко- и испаноязычных версиях Библии: лингвокультурологический аспект

The purpose of the study is to establish the causes, ways and mechanisms of substitution of linguistic units that are a component of phraseological units functioning in multilingual texts of canonical versions of the Bible, in comparison with their modified versions in modern versions of the translation. The scientific novelty of the research lies in an integrated approach to the study of the process, trends and causes of modification of biblical phraseological units in the texts of the Bible translated into English, German, French and Spanish in diachrony; over the course of four centuries (XVII-XXI centuries), individual linguistic units that are components of quoted phraseological units have been subjected to substitution under the influence of both linguistic and extralingual factors, which in turn makes it possible to note the possible cultural recoding of these nations in the future. This article presents the results of a comparative analysis of biblical phraseological units and their modifications in the linguistic and cultural aspect. The linguistic factors of substitutions of components of quoted biblical phraseological units include such phenomena as the development of national languages, the phenomenon of polysemy, as well as the modernization of the religious language and the democratization of the presentation of the Holy Scriptures of Christians. Changing in the conditions of social and ordinary life of European nations are considered to be the extralinguistic factors.

THE MOSCOW BIBLE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIBLICAL TRADITION AMONG THE SLAVS: RESULTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

The review accumulates the results of the conference that took place in December 2023 at the Faculty of Philology and marked the 360th anniversary of the Moscow Bible of 1663, the first complete printed Bible code in the Russian state. The scientific discussion is focused on such topics as the sources of the Moscow Bible, the prehistory and history of its publication, its textual and linguistic features. The second part of the conference brings together reports on linguotextological and paleographic problems of studying Slavic Bible translations in a comparativehistorical aspect.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall: The Bible and Ethics in Jordan Peele’s 2019 film Us

Jordan Peele’s horror movie, Us, takes moral ambiguity to its logical extreme by creating a world, or, rather, two worlds, in which good and evil mirror each other on multiple planes—the narrative, the visual, the spatial, the racial, the ethical—and by its use of a biblical verse—Jer 11:11. The Wilsons, who inhabit “our” world, view the “Tethered”, who inhabit a nether world, as evil insofar as they have emerged from the shadows to terrorize and kill them. The Tethered, however, view the humans as evil, insofar as they take for granted the ability to enjoy and act in the world. Like the prophet Jeremiah, the film draws the audience’s attention to its own iniquity—and the consequences.

An Early Arabic Translation of Exodus 15 from a Palestinian Melkite Psalter in the Cairo Genizah

This article presents an Arabic translation of Exodus 15 from the Cairo Genizah, preserved in two fragments of a Christian lectionary (MSS CUL T-S NS 305.198 and T-S NS 305.210). The style of the lectionary's Arabic script suggests that it was copied by a well-trained scribe in the late 9th or early 10th century. Such a date makes it the oldest Christian Arabic Bible translation yet found in the Genizah. Linguistic analysis further indicates that its translator had access to the Peshitta and either the Syro-Hexapla or Septuagint of Exodus 15 during their work. Most likely, this translator was a ninth-century Melkite Christian who spoke both Syriac and Arabic.

Some Notes on Hasdai Crescas’s use of Abraham Ibn Daud

Abraham Ibn Daud is known as the philosopher who in his Ha-Emunah ha-Ramah (written originally in Arabic c. 1160) transplanted the Aristotelianism of the Muslim falāsifah al-Farabi and Avicenna to Jewish soil. Some 250 years later, Ḥasdai Crescas subjected this system to a severe criticism in his Or Ha-Shem (c. 1410). In his introduction Crescas classifies Ibn Daud as an Aristotelian philosopher but does not refer to him any further. Drawing on previous research by other scholars the paper examines the question to what extent Ibn Daud’s work was relevant for Crescas. Exact literary parallels that point to a unique influence of Ibn Daud on Crescas regarding philosophical doctrines are hard to uncover because Ibn Daud’s philosophical sources are the same as Crescas’s. Moreover, Ibn Daud’s thought displays many similarities to that of Maimonides and also to Gersonides whose views Crescas criticizes. The area of Biblical exegesis yields more results: Crescas can be shown to have drawn on Ibn Daud’s use of certain Biblical verses. Ibn Daud’s interpretation of Psalm 139 in relation to the key problem of God’s knowledge as well as his use of the light metaphor is likely to have inspired Crescas to ponder the question of the relation between philosophy and religion.

Pandangan Pendeta GPP Siaro Tentang Membela Iman di Tengah Tengah Jemaat Dalam Kitab Roma 10 : 14-15

This research examines Pastor GPP Siaro's views on defending the faith in the congregation, with a special focus on the interpretation of Romans 10:14. This verse highlights the importance of preaching the Gospel and the vital role of preachers in strengthening the congregation's faith. Through a qualitative approach, this research explores how Pastor GPP Siaro applies the principles of Romans 10:14 in his pastoral context. Research findings show that Pastor GPP Siaro emphasizes the importance of in-depth teaching, conveying God's word that is relevant to the context of the congregation, as well as empowering the congregation to be active in evangelistic missions. Pastor GPP Siaro also views that defending the faith is not only the task of church leaders, but is the responsibility of every member of the congregation. This research provides valuable insight into effective pastoral strategies in defending and strengthening faith in congregations, as well as the contribution of Bible verses in shaping theological and pastoral practice.

Tafsir Historis Kritis Terhadap Matius 5:27-31

This research examines Pastor GPP Siaro's views on defending the faith in the congregation, with a special focus on the interpretation of Romans 10:14. This verse highlights the importance of preaching the Gospel and the vital role of preachers in strengthening the congregation's faith. Through a qualitative approach, this research explores how Pastor GPP Siaro applies the principles of Romans 10:14 in his pastoral context. Research findings show that Pastor GPP Siaro emphasizes the importance of in-depth teaching, conveying God's word that is relevant to the context of the congregation, as well as empowering the congregation to be active in evangelistic missions. Pastor GPP Siaro also views that defending the faith is not only the task of church leaders, but is the responsibility of every member of the congregation. This research provides valuable insight into effective pastoral strategies in defending and strengthening faith in congregations, as well as the contribution of Bible verses in shaping theological and pastoral practice

Perspektif Pendeta GMI Manna Balige Tentang Pernikahan Beda Agama Dalam 2 Korintus 6:14

This article discusses the perspective of GMI pastor Manna Balige regarding interfaith marriage in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Interfaith marriage is a complex topic in the Indonesian context, involving differences in views between religions such as Islam and Christianity. Value conflicts between different religious teachings and laws are also a major concern. In a theological context, understanding Bible verses, especially 2 Corinthians 6:14, influences views on interfaith marriages. This article provides in-depth insight into the challenges and considerations in understanding and handling interfaith marriages from the perspective of GMI pastor Manna Balige.

"KERESZTYÉNNEK LENNI NAGY ÉS SOKSZOROS HŰSÉGET JELENT” PÁKOZDY LÁSZLÓ MÁRTON TEOLÓGUS PROFESSZOR, VALLÁSTÖRTÉNÉSZ, BIBLIAFORDÍTÓ MUNKÁSSÁGA

The world-famous theologian professor spent a significant part of his life in Debrecen. Between 1928 and 1932, he studied at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Debrecen, where he graduated, and in 1942 he received his doctorate in theology. At the end of 1945, he was appointed public extraordinary professor at the same faculty, and in the summer of 1949, he was appointed public ordinary professor. In the academic year 1949/50, as Dean of the Faculty of Theology, he was responsible for the establishment of the organizational structure of the Debrecen Theological Academy of the Tiszántúli Church District, which had been separated from the university by government action and had become an independent institution. In 1966, the church leadership transferred Pákozdy and his department from Debrecen to the Reformed Theological Academy in Budapest, where he taught future pastors for about two decades. Professor Pákozdy, a religious historian, has been awarded honorary doctorates by two foreign universities for his scholarly research on the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and for his translation of the Bible into Hungarian. In the twilight of his life, obtaining the Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences degree was made possible.

Queere Lesarten von Adams Androgynie

ABSTRACT In the framework of queer readings, following feminist interpretations of the biblical creation accounts, Adam as an androgynous creature and the division of the double-faced first human are discussed. Within rabbinic literature two Jewish traditions are found which are based on Plato’s unique, strange myth of the circle-men in his work Symposium: First, it was imagined that the first human combined both genders in himself. Second, it was suggested that two persons were created in one. This has been illustrated by the double-faced image of the first human who finally has been divided. Already at the beginning of the 20th century the godlikeness of the “homosexual” was asserted in connection with Genesis 1,27. Now a queer rereading of this Bible verse is provided.

Some Missionary-Influenced Early Borrowed Words and Names in Xhosa

The contemporary proliferation of borrowed words in Xhosa must be seen as part of a historical process of borrowing, each stage in the process representing a particular orthographic development and contact situation. Research indicates that a large proportion of words that entered the Xhosa lexicon in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries did so because of missionary influence in the fields of Western commodities and conventions, institutionalised Christianity, the translation of the Bible, the creation of a standard orthography, and mission education. In addition to referencing borrowed words in an early Xhosa dictionary, we illustrate their use for clothes with two advertisements appearing in Xhosa newspapers in the mid-nineteenth century and follow this with a discussion on mission-inspired words and biblical names in a classic 1914 Xhosa novel.