Translating the Bible into English

In our Study We Have Examined:

Inspiration Canonization Transmission Today, Translation

Translating the Bible Definitions: Manuscript – a handwritten

document, original or copy Translation – rendering a

given composition into a different language.

Translating the Bible Definitions: Version – a translation from the

original language of a literary text

Revision – the systematic reviewing and examination of a text within a language for the purpose or correcting errors and updating it.

Translating the BibleEarly Translations Septuagint (LXX) – Greek

translation of the Hebrew Old Testament (ca. 250-100 BC)

New Testament – early translations were in Syriac, Coptic, Latin, etc.

Latin Vulgate – Jerome, 4th & 5th century

Translating the BibleEarly Translations AD 200 – Portions in 7

languages AD 500 – 13 languages AD 1400 – 28 languages AD 1800 – 57 languages AD 1900 - 537 languages AD 1980 – 1100 languages AD 2006 – 2426 languages

Translating the Bible into English

The history of English translation begins with spread of “Christianity” to Britain in 3rd century AD

AD 700 – Aldhelm, Psalms AD 700 – Egbert, Synoptics AD 735 – Venerable Bede, John

Translating the Bible into English

Wycliffe Translation 1320-1384, Bible

translated from 1382-1395 (finished after his death by followers)Translated from Latin Vulgate

Wycliffe BibleBeginning of John,Public Domain

Translating the Bible into English

Tyndale Bible 1492-1536, Father

of the English BibleTranslated NT from Greek Language, part of OT from Hebrew.Persecuted & executed

Tyndale Bible Matt. 26:75-27:2Public Domain

Translating the Bible into English

Coverdale Bible 1535, 1st

complete printed Bible. Based on the Tyndale Bible

Coverdale Bible 1 Kings 21:18-22:16http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/

Translating the Bible into English

The Great Bible 1539, “Great” due

to its size. Chained to pulpits. Accepted and rejected

Translating the Bible into English

The Geneva Bible 1557, 1560,

Began in England and completed in Switzerland due to persecutions of Mary Tudor

Geneva Bible Rev. 18:16-19:16http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/

Translating the Bible into English

Bishop’s Bible 1568,

So named because translated by Bishops. Milder notes than Geneva Bible.

Translating the Bible into English

Rheims – Douay Bible

1582, 1609From Latin Vulgate, a Catholic Version

The King James Version, 1611

Commissioned in 1604

A committee of 54 men divided into 6 companies in 3 cities

The King James Version, 1611

Rules for this versionBishop’s Bible was primary textRevisions to take place only as

original called for it.Very limited notes in marginsOld Ecclesiastical words retained Greek texts 1516, 1522 (Texus

Receptus) (They used what was available to them)

The King James Version, 1611

It had its flaws, like any translation, but these were corrected in later editions

When completed, it was the best English Bible produced up to that point.

Respected by most parties NOTE: The KJV used today is the

1769 version by Dr. Blayney.

King James Bible, 16112 Thess. 1:1ffhttp://www.newtestamentchurch.org/

Various English Translations Since production of KJV, many

discoveries of mss, advancements in textual criticism, and availability of much earlier mss have occurred. ALSO, the English language has continued to develop.

This has prompted various English versions.

Various English Translations Different types of translations Literal translations – Young’s

Literal, Darby, etc. Word for Word – KJV, ASV,

NKJV, NASU, RSV, ESV,… Thought for thought – Good

News, New Century Version. NOT Recommended

Various English Translations Different types of translations Balanced – NIV, God’s Word,

TNIV. NOT recommended Paraphrase – The Message,

the Living Bible STRONGLY DISCOURAGED

Various English Translations Example of a paraphrase: KJV – Acts 22:16, “And now why

tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

The Message, Acts 22:16, “So what are you waiting for? Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.”

Various English Translations Difference in word for word

translations Why needed? English language

evolving; Some versions have an agenda (NAB, NJB, NWT);Responses to textual Criticism.

Various English Translations English Revised Version (ERV) 1881-85, Based on discovery of

more complete mss and earlier mss, a group of 65 advisors updated the English Bible. Placed more weight on earlier translations (Alexandrian text, the three codics)

Various English Translations American Standard Version

(ASV) 1901, The American version

of the ERV. 30 advisors that were involved in ERV. Used American English instead of British English.

Various English Translations Revised Standard Version

(RSV) 1952, 32 translators,

upgraded language of the ASV. They now had access to DSS.

Various English Translations New International Version (NIV) 1978, 115 translators that went

back to original languages. NIV is a balanced text whose purpose was to be acceptable among many denominations.It has CALVINISTIC tendenciesCf. Col. 2:11, “sinful nature” some 23 times in place of flesh.

Various English Translations New King James Version

(NKJV) 1981, 119 scholars updated

the language and accuracy of the KJV. Added notes in margin based upon the NA/UB mss.

Various English Translations New American Standard

Version (NASV, NASU) 1971, 1995, With some 54

translators, updated the language of the ASV. Used the Nestle-Aland ms (NA) and the United Bible Society ms (UBS)

Various English Translations Concerning the updating of

versions. Recall that the New Testament was

written in the COMMON language. Also, Jesus quoted from the LXX instead of the Hebrew. It was understood by the masses.BUT, RESPECT for the original language MUST remain intact!

Various English Translations Final note: In most reliable word for word

versions & translations, there is acknowledgment of differences in the margins. So we can make informed decisions as we study the Bible – God’s word!

Will you accept it?