Why So Many Translations? By Jon W. Quinn
(Reprinted from The Expository Files http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4051/)
"Why are there all those translations?" How do we know
that mistakes have not crept in over the last 1900 years? Which
translation is best? Why? And what makes a bad translation bad?
First, we can have confidence that accurate and reliable translations
are available for us today. The Lord would not go to so much trouble
to send us His word only to have it become so muddled that we
could not know it. In fact He has made us that very promise; that
we would always have His word (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23-25;
Isaiah 55:10,11).
But Jesus meant His gospel to go into the whole world (Matthew
28:18-20). This meant that it must be translated into the different
languages of the nations of the world, those that were and those
who were yet to be. Jesus even read from a translation! Luke records
that in Nazareth, Jesus did not read from the original Hebrew
but from the Septuagint, which was a Greek translation of the
Scriptures (Luke 4:17-19).
The Original Manuscripts of the New Testament
"When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas
with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments." (2
Timothy 4:13).
The original manuscripts were those that the original authors,
Peter, James, Paul, Luke and others, wrote down by inspiration
of the Holy Spirit. Paul, in the above verse, asks Timothy to
bring the "parchments" with him. Parchments were treated
animal skins used as we would use paper. Sometimes, papyrus was
used instead, but was less durable. The Scriptures that became
our New Testament were originally written in Greek and sent out
into the world, first to the intended recipient (individuals such
as Titus, Timothy, Gaius or Theophilus; or churches such as Corinth
or Rome; or groups such as the Hebrews). These would be read,
copied and passed on to others, who would do likewise.
Copying the Originals
"And when this letter is read among you, have it also
read in the church of the Laodeceans; and you, for your part read
my letter that is coming from the Laodeceans." (Colossians
4:16; cf. Galatians 1:2).
Copies had to be made if there were to be multiple recipients.
First century Christians became very busy reading and copying
Scriptures. Sometimes they would do so individually, but sometimes
they would have a reader and a roomful of writers. Because they
were so prolific, even today there exists over 5500 Greek manuscripts,
2,000 early translations, 8,000 Latin translations, and numerous
quotes from the early Scriptures in other writings. These date
back to the end of the first century, and it is possible that
we have some dating to about 60-70 AD. When translations are made
today into English, it is these early manuscripts that are used.
English Translations
"Now these were more noble minded than those at Thessalonica,
for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the
Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so."
(Acts 17:11).
It was very unusual for the common people to possess the Scriptures
in their native tongue during the middle ages. This is because
church authorities had decided that they had a monopoly on the
right to read the Bible. It was not for the common folk. Of course,
this violates the very spirit of the principle set forth in the
above quoted Bible verse.
John Wycliffe translated the Bible into Old English about 1300
A.D. At this time, the Catholic Church had made reading the Bible
punishable by death. But there was a hunger and thirst for reading
the word of God, and many would not be thwarted even in the face
of such persecution.
In all of these source texts (the original Greek manuscripts from
which translators work), about 7/8th of the material is in agreement.
Of the remaining 1/8th, most differences are insignificant. For
example, some read "church of God" while others read
"church of the Lord" which is not significant because
the Lord is God. Of the remaining 1/460th differences that are
"significant" it is easy to compare all the manuscripts
and see where the mistake was made. If you have 4,000 manuscripts
reading one way, and 2 reading another way, you translate using
the 4,000, not the 2.
What Makes a Good translation?
"And by referring to this, when you read you can understand
my insight into the mystery of Christ." (Ephesians 3:4).
Of course, as suggested above, a good translation had s to be
understandable to its intended audience. But just being easy to
understand does not necessarily make it a good translation.
To be a good translation, there must be the following three things:
1. Good Sources: This would mean having access to early Greek
manuscripts, the more the better, as well as early Latin translations
and early quotes. But the manuscripts are the most important.
2. Good Method: Will the translators be highly literal, or will
they take liberties with the text adding words that "help"
folks understand the text? The more liberties they take, the more
likely their own doctrinal prejudices will sneak in.
3. Good Translators: This would mean those who are knowledgeable,
who have access to good source documents and are honest. Many
translators from multiple backgrounds help insure against doctrinal
bias.
A translation that is easy to understand and meets the above three
qualifications is a good translation. You can trust its message
for what it really is - the word of God.
Practical Religion by Dee Bowman (devotional@biblical-insights.org)
"See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thess 5:15-22)
The best things in life are always the most practical-things that work. The religion of God is practical. It does for us what is needful. It works. Look at the practicality of Christ's religion as it is here stated.
Don't play the pay back game. Anyone can play that game. It takes no effort-in fact it may be somewhat enjoyable to gain vengeance. But it takes a real man to repay evil with good. A real man.
Rejoice and pray. A praying man is a man on good terms with God. Men who do evil don't often pray. And those who rejoice with true joy are those who have dedicated themselves to truth and holiness. Both the praying and rejoicing are to be done consistently, "without ceasing." That should not be hard, because there are always reasons for both.
Keep His word nearby. To "quench the Spirit" is to not let Him speak to you. To "despise the prophecies" all one has to do is ignore them. The true child of God has an intimate association with God's word and relishes in its provisions and promises.
Make sure you're right, and then get on with it. If you regularly compare yourself to the word of God, it will direct your path and keep you going in the right direction. It will teach you how to abstain from every form of evil and do what is right, no matter the situation.
Fact is, the religion of God is imminently practical.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our weekly services are held at 1318 Griffin Road, Leesburg, Florida
34748.
Phone: (352) 365-9946 for times of services.
Web site: http://www.geocities.com/~cdillinger/cocbs/cocbshp.htm
JULY MONTHLY BIBLE READING: Exodus
GOSPEL MEETING: Alan Irwin will be presenting a series of sermons each evening July 14-19, Sunday at 6:00 PM, each weeknight at 7:00 PM.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
BIBLE INSIGHT is published for the members of, and visitors to,
the Church of Christ at Beverly Shores, Leesburg, Florida, USA.
Carey Dillinger is the editor. He can be reached at the church
address or via e-mail: dillinc@yahoo.com