Preserving Original Meaning in Bible Translation
Preserving Original Meaning in Bible Translation
Translating the Bible while preserving its original meaning is a complex task that involves understanding the historical context, linguistic nuances, and theological implications of the text. The process of translation requires careful consideration of the original languages, Hebrew and Greek, and the cultural context in which the texts were written [1, 2].
One key challenge in Bible translation is maintaining the accuracy and nuance of the original text. The Targums, ancient Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible, demonstrate the early need for translation to make the scriptures accessible to a broader audience [1]. Similarly, the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, shows that translation has been an integral part of the biblical tradition since ancient times.
The importance of preserving the original meaning is highlighted in the way different translators handle specific passages. For instance, in Hebrews 1:12, the author quotes Psalm 102:26, where the Septuagint translates the Hebrew "change them" as "fold them up." This variation demonstrates the independence with which the New Testament authors handled the Old Testament text, sometimes following the Septuagint and other times adhering to the Hebrew [3].
The concept of "keeping" or preserving is also significant in understanding biblical interpretation. In 1 Corinthians 15:2, the phrase "ye are saved" is translated from the Greek, with some interpreters suggesting alternative connections between the clauses to emphasize the importance of holding fast to the preached Gospel [4]. Similarly, in Hebrews 11:28, the faith of the Israelites in keeping the Passover is seen as an example of trusting in God's promise, with the Greek verb indicating a completed action [5].
Different traditions approach the task of translation with varying emphases. The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, stresses the importance of understanding and interpreting the original prophetic declarations in their original context [6]. In contrast, the Presbyterian tradition, as seen in Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, focuses on the theological implications of the text, such as the acquisition of salvation in Hebrews 10:39 [7].
The Jewish Rationalist tradition, represented by Abraham Ibn Ezra, highlights the importance of understanding the meaning of "keeping" in biblical contexts, such as in Genesis 37:11 and Psalm 99:7, where it refers to retaining the testimonies or sayings in one's mind [8].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Version — A translation of the holy Scriptures. This word is not found in the Bible, nevertheless, as frequent references are made in this work to various ancient as well as modern versions, it is fitting that some brief account should be given of the most important of these. These versions are important helps to the right interpretation of the Word. (See SAMARITAN [653]PENTATEUCH.) 1. The Targums. After the return from the Captivity, the Jews, no longer familiar with the old Hebrew, required that their Scriptures should be translated for them into the Chaldaic or Ar”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Old Testament — I. TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.-- + History of the text. -A history of the text of the Old Testament should properly commence from the date of the completion of the canon. As regards the form in which the sacred writings were little doubt that the text was ordinarily were preserved, there can be written on skins, rolled up into volumes, like the modern synagogue rolls. (Psalms 40:7; Jeremiah 36:14; Ezekiel 2:9; Zechariah 5:1) The original character in which the text was expressed is that still preserved to us, with the exception of four letters, on the M”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 1:12: vesture--Greek, "an enwrapping cloak." fold them up--So the Septuagint, Psa 102:26; but the Hebrew, "change them." The Spirit, by Paul, treats the Hebrew of the Old Testament, with independence of handling, presenting the divine truth in various aspects; sometimes as here sanctioning the Septuagint (compare Isa 34:4; Rev 6:14); sometimes the Hebrew; sometimes varying from both. changed--as one lays aside a garment to put on another. thou art the same-- (Isa 46:4; Mal 3:6). The same in nature, therefore in covenant faithfulness to Thy people. s”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:2: ye are saved--rather, "ye are being saved." if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you--Able critics, BENGEL and others, prefer connecting the words thus, "I declare unto you the Gospel (Co1 15:1) in what words I preached it unto you." Paul reminds them, or rather makes known to them, as if anew, not only the fact of the Gospel, but also with what words, and by what arguments, he preached it to them. Translate in that case, "if ye hold it fast." I prefer arranging as English Version, "By which ye are saved, if ye hold fast (in memory and pe”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:28: kept--Greek, "hath kept," the Passover being, in Paul's day, still observed. His faith here was his belief in the invisible God's promise that the destroying angel should pass over, and not touch the inmates of the blood-sprinkled houses (Exo 12:23). "He acquiesced in the bare word of God where the thing itself was not apparent" [CALVIN]. the first-born--Greek neuter; both of man and beast.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:13: Pray that he may interpret - Let him who speaks or reads the prophetic declarations in the Old Testament, in that tongue in which they were originally spoken and written, pray to God that he may so understand them himself, and receive the gift of interpretation, that he may be able to explain them in all their depth and latitude to others.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:39: A Pauline elegant turning-off from denunciatory warnings to charitable hopes of his readers (Rom 8:12). saving of the soul--literally, "acquisition (or obtaining) of the soul." The kindred Greek verb is applied to Christ's acquiring the Church as the purchase of His blood (Act 20:28). If we acquire or obtain our soul's salvation, it is through Him who has obtained it for us by His bloodshedding. "The unbelieving man loses his soul: for not being God's, neither is he his own [compare Mat 16:26, with Luk 9:25]: faith saves the soul by linking it to G”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Genesis 37:11: KEPT THE SAYING. In his mind. This is also the correct meaning of kept in They kept His testimonies (Ps. 99:7). 22 The meaning of Ps. 22:7 is that they kept the testimonies in mind so that they would at the appropriate time teach them to the children of Israel.”