I believe that words matter. The decisions that an author makes as he decides what words to use and how to place them together in his work are essential to the ideas that are being communicated.
In this context I think we all need to be aware of the different Bible translations out there, how they bring the original texts to life, and how we decide on a version for our personal use.
There are three general translation philosophies used to transform the Greek and Hebrew originals into English.
The first is the "Idiomatic" translations. This is a liberal paraphrase of the original texts used to make the Bible accessible in modern vernacular, usually designed for those who have not read the Bible before and who are intimidated by the perceived academic nature of Bible study. The Living Bible and The Message are examples of this method.
The second view is the "Dynamic Equivalency" translation. In these versions the original languages have been re-penned using a "thought for thought" philosophy that attempts to understand the main point behind a sentence and subsequently to render it in English. The popular New International Version is the standard bearer in dynamic translation. The New Living Translation can also be considered in this category although it has some leanings towards a paraphrase translation at times.
Third, the "Formal Equivalency" method of translation is a virtual "word for word" In this version the original words are translated as closely as possible to retain as much original intent as possible. The Kings James Version was the mainstay of this philosophy for a very long time, but its clunky 17th century language has seen it being replaced by the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version.
So, how did you choose your Bible version? Did someone give it to you? Did you even realize there were different versions? Does it matter which one you use?
I think that the version you choose should be a thoughtful decision based on what you intend to do with the Bible. If you intend to place it on a shelf for dust collection, then who cares? If you plan to read a portion of it a few times a year then a paraphrase or a dynamic translation may be sufficient. However, I believe that if you seek to dig into God's Word and study what he is revealing and communication about Himself and His plans for you, a formal equivalency translation is necessary.
I am greatly dismayed when pastors use the Idiomatic translations to "try and make a point." The usual excuse is that parishioners won't understand even the Dynamic Equivalency much less the Formal Equivalency versions or they will say that the paraphrase translation makes the point of a specific passage more clear.
I stand firm to the view that God inspired men to write down certain words...words that make up certain phrases...its clear to me that he chose the way he wanted to communicate in those words. For us to manipulate his choices into our own paraphrases or thought for thought translations, that can't make his point more clear...it can only dilute what he is trying to say.
If 21st Century American believers have a hard time reading Formal Equivalency, word for word translations...maybe we need to assist them in finding some ways to increase their understanding of difficult passages.
The Bible is our only offensive weapon in the war against the world, the flesh, and the adversary...I don't want a dull sword.
