Understanding the basics (Part3)
Most of the many English translations are usually grouped into three main categories: Literal translations: They translate the original texts word for word into the best English equivalent words, and are sometimes also referred to as interlinear translations, the English rendering being placed along side the original Hebrew and Greek. They are undoubtedly the most accurate translations, but can be difficult to read because the flow of language follows the original Hebrew and Greek, quite different from modern English. The ESV as well as the NASB are good examples of literal translations. Dynamic equivalent translations: These translations attempt to be as literal as possible, but restructure sentences and grammar from the original language to English. They attempt to capture thought and intent of what writers wanted to say. As a result, these are more readable in English, but have a higher degree of subjective interpretation than the literal translations. These translations include the KJV, NKJV, and NIV. Contemporary language translations: These paraphrase the thought and intent of the original text into contemporary English. The result is easy to read, but the text is largely a subjective interpretation of the translator. These versions, such as the well known The New Living Translation and The Message, should be approached with great care. Use them perhaps for supplementary readings, but be aware that these texts can differ from the original Bible texts. The biblical apocrypha,(from the Greek word ἀπόκρυφος meaning hidden) these being the extra 14 books which made up the 80 original books, their authenticity, as being divinely inspired is highly contested and hence there omission. For this reason they are typically printed in a third section of the Bible apart from the Old and New Testaments. In some editions they are omitted entirely. In my next blog we will look at constructing a basic time line to the history of the bible to conclude this section, then move on getting to know the word, and Gods plan for us all. In 1517, seven people were burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Church for the crime of teaching their children to say the Lords Prayer in English rather than Latin (Lucky we never lived back then) "Click on the Lords Prayer above and enjoy"
Most of the many English translations are usually grouped into three main categories: Literal translations: They translate the original texts word for word into the best English equivalent words, and are sometimes also referred to as interlinear translations, the English rendering being placed along side the original Hebrew and Greek. They are undoubtedly the most accurate translations, but can be difficult to read because the flow of language follows the original Hebrew and Greek, quite different from modern English. The ESV as well as the NASB are good examples of literal translations. Dynamic equivalent translations: These translations attempt to be as literal as possible, but restructure sentences and grammar from the original language to English. They attempt to capture thought and intent of what writers wanted to say. As a result, these are more readable in English, but have a higher degree of subjective interpretation than the literal translations. These translations include the KJV, NKJV, and NIV. Contemporary language translations: These paraphrase the thought and intent of the original text into contemporary English. The result is easy to read, but the text is largely a subjective interpretation of the translator. These versions, such as the well known The New Living Translation and The Message, should be approached with great care. Use them perhaps for supplementary readings, but be aware that these texts can differ from the original Bible texts. The biblical apocrypha,(from the Greek word ἀπόκρυφος meaning hidden) these being the extra 14 books which made up the 80 original books, their authenticity, as being divinely inspired is highly contested and hence there omission. For this reason they are typically printed in a third section of the Bible apart from the Old and New Testaments. In some editions they are omitted entirely. In my next blog we will look at constructing a basic time line to the history of the bible to conclude this section, then move on getting to know the word, and Gods plan for us all. In 1517, seven people were burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Church for the crime of teaching their children to say the Lords Prayer in English rather than Latin (Lucky we never lived back then) "Click on the Lords Prayer above and enjoy"
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