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Introduction to the

Module 1: Lecture 6 Bible and Tools for Bible Study © Rosebank Bible College Last week… n In the previous lecture we had a brief introduction to the very complicated and intricate science of n We looked at the guidelines followed by scholars in applying textual criticism to the Bible and studied some samples of how it affects our Bible text, using the NIV n The knowledge gained last time gives us even more confidence in the Bible as the Word of God! In this lecture n In this lecture we look at the need for Bible as well as the principles, philosophies and guidelines followed by Bible translators n We then give special attention to the English translations of the Bible n We also learn how to use some of the tools available for studying the Bible Required reading n Johnston 2006: See “Further reading” in Johnston’s Introduction, pp x-xi n Harris 2001:55-59; 63-67 (Preservation of the NT and OT); 93-100 (Helps for Bible Study) n New Bible Dictionary: Since we are dealing with issues that post-date the NT there is virtually no information in the NBD on the topics of today’s lecture Checking in

n Grab a pen and paper and write out the names (in the correct order) of the NT books from Matthew to 2 Thessalonians n Once completed, check your own work n By next week you should know ALL the books of the Bible in the correct order! By way of introduction… n The Westminster Confession of Faith, drawn up in 1646, says the following (Article 1.8): “The in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them.” (italics added) Article (1.8) continues n “But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated in to the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.” n See http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/ for a full copy of Westminster Confession of Faith The need for Bible translation n It is clear from the Westminster Statement of Faith as well as from our own personal experience that translating the Bible is not only permitted, but absolutely ESSENTIAL in order to allow us access to the Word of God in a language that we can understand n This need was clearly recognised by the Early Church; there are several examples of the Scriptures having been translated into different languages from earliest days of Christianity (eg Coptic, , ) Motivation for Bible translation n The motivation for translating the Bible can be seen from the following statement regarding ’s Latin translation: n “The intention of St Jerome, translating into Latin the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament, was that ordinary Christians of the Roman empire should be able to read the word of God. 'Ignorance of the scriptures', he wrote, 'is ignorance of Christ'.” http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac66 Reasons for Bible translation n Most people do not read Greek or Hebrew anymore (at least not fluently!) n Languages develop, whereas the are regarded as “dead” (stagnant) n People need to hear God speaking to them through the Word in their own language The reasons for and need to translate the Bible, although very logical to us today, were not always recognised by everyone… Image: www.umilta.net/ege.html History of Bible translation

The struggle for Bible translation Early translations of the OT n The Jews, because of their belief that the text of the Scriptures itself was sacred, by- and-large objected to any translation of the OT into another language n However, the Hebrew (Aramaic translations) and (Greek translation) are proof that the need for different translations always existed, albeit not always enjoying “official” approval Early translations of the NT n The NT (and in some cases the whole Bible) was translated into other languages from very early on in the Christian era n These languages included Coptic, Syriac, Aramaic and Latin n Jerome translated the into Latin in the late 4th Century; it is this translation that formed the basis of the well-known Latin that dominated church life for many years

Image: cpart.byu.edu/?page=94&sidebar The Latin Vulgate n The Vulgate is “largely the result of the labors of Jerome, who was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to make a revision of old Latin translations. It became the definitive and officially promulgated Latin version of the Bible of the Roman . In the 13th century it came to be called versio vulgata, which means ‘common translation’. There are 76 books in the Clementine edition of the Vulgate Bible: 46 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament, and three in the Apocrypha.” http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulgate n Jerome started the translation in 390; it was completed in 405 (not all his own work) n It was not the first or only Latin translation, but in time became the most important Image: 's Vulgate - 9th century: www.katapi.org.uk/BibleMSS/Alcuin.htm Value of the Vulgate n In time the Vulgate came to be regarded as the only official Bible for the Church n The very high regard for the Vulgate also resulted in making the Bible less accessible to ordinary Christians, most of whom were not able to read Latin n The Vulgate is well-preserved and scribes often took care to make exact and beautiful copies, evidenced by the many copies in precise calligraphy Translations during the Middle Age n “During the , translation, particularly of the Old Testament was discouraged. Nevertheless, there are some fragmentary Old English , notably a lost translation of the of John into Old English by the Venerable , which he is said to have prepared shortly before his death around the year 735. An version of the dates to 748. in ca. 800 charged Alcuin with a revision of the Latin Vulgate. The translation into dates to the late 9th century. n http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translation

The struggle for Bible translation n “Pope Innocent III in 1199 banned unauthorized versions of the Bible as a reaction to the Cathar and Waldensian heresies. The synods of Toulouse and Tarragona (1234) outlawed possession of such renderings. There is evidence of some translations being permitted while others were being scrutinized. The most notable Middle English Bible translation, Wyclif's Bible (1383), based on the Vulgate, was banned by the Oxford Synod in 1408. A Hungarian Hussite Bible appeared in the mid 15th century, and in 1478, a Catalan translation in the dialect of Valencia.” n http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translation Image of John Wyclif: www.traditioninaction.org/OrganicSociety/A_02... Typical example of the struggle n For the most part “unofficial” translations of the Bible were not allowed during the Middle Ages n translated the Bible into English as early as the 16th Century, but “Tyndale's Bible (1526) was met with heavy sanctions given the widespread belief that Tyndale changed the Bible as he attempted to translate it. William Tyndale was first jailed in 1535 for translating the Old Testament without permission, and a year later was strangled and burnt at the stake.” n http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translationsImage of W Tyndale: www.kamglobal.org Dawning of a new era n The belief that the Bible should not be translated into “common languages” dominated the church throughout the Middle Ages n The changed many things, including the belief that the Bible should be accessible to all believers and not just to the learned few The Reformers n “In 1521, was placed under the Ban of the Empire, and he retired to the Castle. During his time there, he translated the New Testament from Greek into German. It was printed in September 1522. The first complete Dutch Bible, partly based on the existing portions of Luther's translation, was printed in in 1526...” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translation n Today there is little argument about the need to make the Bible available to every person in his/her heart language or mother tongue Translating the Bible

Understanding the principles of Bible translation Where translators start The following factors play a role in translation: n The need for a translation into another language (or the need for a ) n The approach to or philosophy of translation n The best text to be used as the basis for the translation (as determined by textual criticism) n The identity and number of scholars who will work on a translation (most modern translations are done by a team of scholars) The Text of the Bible n As we discovered in the previous lecture, the science of textual criticism determines the best possible text of the Bible to be used n Although not all Bible scholars agree on which is the best text, there is general agreement among them on about 95% of the text of the Bible n The differences come in with the “major portions” that we looked at last time, eg the KJV includes the 1 John 5:8 reference while the NIV only refers to it in a footnote Theories of Bible translation n There are three main approaches to or philosophies of Bible translation (with variations in between): ¨ Formal equivalence or ¨ Dynamic (or functional) equivalence ¨ Paraphrase n The difference between these approaches is an understanding about how to communicate the concepts of the source language in a receptor language so that the original meaning is properly conveyed and not changed Translation and interpretation n Supporters of the different approaches often accuse one another of “changing” the original intention of the Word of God or not conveying the original intention in the receptor language n The truth is that ANY TRANSLATION is already interpretation, even the so-called “literal” translations n The difference is in the level of “liberty” a translator uses to convey the original (source) into another (receptor) language Formal equivalence n The intention with formal equivalence is to give a “word-for-word” translation of the original by preserving as far as possible the words, rhythm and formal aspects of the original language n The idea is to stay as close to the source language as possible, even at the expense of the natural expression of the receptor language n All of us know that a strictly literal translation from one language to another is virtually impossible, sometimes even humorous! Dynamic equivalence n The intention of a dynamic equivalent translation is to give a thought-for-thought rendering of the source language n This approach “attempts to convey the thought expressed in a (at the expense of literalness, original word order, the source text's grammatical voice, etc…” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translations) n The danger is that the original style (which may convey meaning) can be lost Paraphrase n A paraphrase has as its focus the readability of the Bible text, ie how the reader would understand the words in his/her own language, idioms and expressions n It avoids any “strange” expressions and uses much freedom in finding concepts in the receptor language to express of the Bible n Most churches and scholars do not see paraphrases as “official” translations A more recent development n “Optimal Equivalence: This approach seeks to combine the best features of both formal and dynamic equivalence. In the many places throughout Scripture where a word for word rendering is clearly understandable, a literal translation is used. In places where a literal rendering might be unclear, then a more dynamic translation is given. The HCSB® has chosen to use the balance and beauty of optimal equivalence for a fresh translation of God's word that is both faithful to the words God inspired and "user friendly" to modern readers.” n http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/?action=getVersionInfo&vid=77 English translations

Examples of available translations based on their approach to translation Formal equivalent translations n KJV - (Authorised Version) – 1611 n YLT - Young's Literal Translation - 1862 (Revised 1887, 1898) n ASV - American Standard Version – 1901 n NASB - New American Standard Bible (NASB) - 1971 (NT - 1963; Revised 1996) n NKJV - - 1982 n NRSV - New - 1990 n KJ21 - Twenty-First Century King James Version - 1994 (NT - 1992) n HCSB – Holman – 2003 (HCSB uses Optimal Equivalency, but is closer to Formal equivalent) Dynamic equivalent translations n JPB - J.B. Phillips New Testament in Modern English1958 (Revised 1972) n GNB (TEV) - (Today’s English Version) - 1974 (NT - 1966; Revised 1993) n NIV - New International Version - 1978 (NT - 1973) n CEV - Contemporary English Version - 1995 (NT - 1991) n NIrV - New International Reader's Version (NIrV) - 1996 n NLT - - 1996 n TNIV – Today’s New International Version - 2006 Paraphrases

n MOF - Moffatt's New Translation - 1924 (NT - 1920) n CPV - Cotton Patch Version – 1970 n LIV - - 1971 (NT - 1962) n The Message – Eugene Peterson - 1993 (revised several times) Radical paraphrase n The Cotton Patch Version is an example of a radical (and quickly dated) attempt to make the Bible speak to a modern audience n “This Cotton Patch Version is firmly planted in the cotton fields of the southern United States, not Palestine. Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, for instance, became the Letter to the Christians in Birmingham, Alabama. And the early Christian church, which struggled to integrate both Jews and Greeks, became the movement which joined "white man and Negro" within the same Gospel mission.” n http://rockhay.tripod.com/cottonpatch/ Happenings 1:8-12 (Cotton Patch) n “But as the Holy Spirit comes over you, you will get power and will be my agents in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, in the ghetto and across the land." As he said this, and while they were watching, he was carried away and a cloud kept them from seeing him. As he went away, and while they were still staring into the sky, two men in blue jeans joined them and asked, "Citizens of America, why stand there looking at the sky? This who was carried away from you into the sky will come just as you saw him going into the sky.“Then they returned to Atlanta from "Peach Hill Orchard," which is in the suburbs of Atlanta. When they got back, they went upstairs where they were living. This included Rock and Jack and Jim and Andy, Phil and Tom, Bart and Matt, Jim Alston and Simon the Rebel, and Joe Jameson.” Important Bible translations dates n 390 – Jerome translated the Bible into Latin (80 books: 66 canonical and 14 apocryphal); completed 405 n 500 – Scriptures available in more than 500 languages n 600 – Latin version is seen as only official and legitimate translation n 1384 – Wycliffe translated the Latin into English n 1516 – produced a parallel Greek-Latin version n 1522 – Martin Luther published the Bible in German n 1526 – William Tyndale published the printed English NT n 1530-1534 – Tyndale translated some additional books (Jonah, Pentateuch) and revised the NT From: http://www.williamtyndale.com/0transmissionofbible.htm More dates and translations n 1560 – , first to include verse divisions n 1568 – Bishop’s Bible, basis for King James Version n 1611 – The official King James Bible printed, with apocrypha (only removed in 1885); also known as the Authorised Version n 1885 – Revised version, first major revision of KJV n 1901 – American Standard Version, a USA revision of the KJV (revised in 1971 as the New American Standard Version) n 1973 – New International Version n 1982 – New KJV, a revision of the language of KJV From: http://www.williamtyndale.com/0transmissionofbible.htm The miracle of Bible translation n “The Bible continues to be the most translated book in the world. The following numbers are approximations. As of 2005, at least one book of the Bible has been translated into 2,400 of the 6,900 languages listed by SIL, including 680 languages in Africa, followed by 590 in Asia, 420 in Oceania, 420 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 210 in Europe, and 75 in North America. The United Bible Societies are presently assisting in over 600 Bible translation projects. The Bible is available in whole or in part to some 98 percent of the world's population in a language in which they are fluent.” n http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_translations Why more English translations? n If we already have many English translations, why is it necessary for more? n The reality is that language is alive, dynamic and develops over time; the KJV’s Elizabethan English is no longer used or even understood! n Changes in culture, developments in language and grammatical expressions may necessitate a revision of existing translations or even a completely new translation So, enjoy your English Bible!

n We have MANY good English translations of the Bible (perhaps too many!) n How does one go about choosing a good Bible? Choosing a good translation n Determine your purpose for wanting a Bible; it’s best to use a more literal translation for formal studies, but a dynamic equivalent for easier reading and general study n Use more than one translation of the Bible and compare their translations n Read the introduction to find out what approach the translators used n Make sure the translators used the original languages in their translation Example of different translations

Psalm 23:1-4 King James Version (KJV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. New King James Version 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. New International Version 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The Living Bible

1 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! 2 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. 3 He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. 4 Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. The Message n 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. A Translation Continuum (A User's Guide to Bible Translations by David Dewey, InterVarsity Press) Tools for studying your Bible

A brief introduction The need for Bible interpretation n The Bible is clear enough for anyone to read, understand our need of God and come to a personal knowledge of Christ as Saviour n However, there is also much in the Bible that needs proper interpretation to avoid confusion n This is why we rely on good resources to assist us in our study of (especially) difficult passages n There are MANY resources available and accessible to every person who wants to study the Bible Printed material n Bible Commentary: ¨ Books that explain passages, words and concepts; they normally follow the text of the Bible in a systematic way ¨ There are commentaries on individual books of the Bible as well as one-volume commentaries, some of which are now available as “free- ware” (eg Matthew Henry) n Bible Dictionary: articles on topics in the Bible n Bible Atlas: information on the geography and history of Bible lands More printed helps n Bible Study Guides: short books with questions n Bible : help in finding verses by using a word, name or topic n : the Bible text with notes in the margin or as footnotes, as well as articles on relevant topics of the Bible (often as addendums) n Multiple translation : side-by-side translations of the Bible Computer Software n There are many software programmes available to assist us in studying the Bible, either for sale (eg PC Study Bible) or as free downloads from the Internet (E-sword) n Many classical (older) books and study tools are now available to use online or as a free download; since their copyright has expired they have become “public domain” Internet sites n The Internet has become a MAJOR source of information to find Bible references, topics, verses and to do research n Some of the most helpful ones include: ¨ www.biblegateway.com – search Bibles, find verses, Bible Dictionaries (Easton’s), etc ¨ www.crosswalk.com – a wealth of Bible and Christian living topics ¨ http://www.christianitytoday.com/bible/ n The list is just too long to add any more…! Free download: E-sword n E-sword, a free download with LOTS of stuff! Get it at: http://www.e-sword.net/ n Download the programme and install it on your PC, laptop, Palm or phone n It is easy to use; no internet connection is required after it is downloaded on your PC n Updates and more resources are added regularly which can be downloaded n It comes with a large number of Bible translations, many of them in English Now that you know…

…what prevents you from getting to know your Bible? To do… n Go over these notes again; do some more research on Bible translation n Read the introduction of a few Bible translations to see if you can follow the translation philosophy of the translator(s) n Visit a Christian bookshop to get an idea of the available Bible study tools n Do some surfing on the Internet to find more exciting sites to help you understand your Bible! If in doubt about a site, check with your pastor Next time n We will look at the topic of the Inspiration of Scriptures and how it impacts what we believe about the Bible n You will be introduced to a helpful Bible Study method to open up the Scriptures n Those registered for the Certificate of Completion will receive some guidelines for the exam to be written after Lecture 8 n You need to memorize the names of all the books of the NT Have a good week…

…and study your Bible!!!!