Biblical Translation (Bible Translation) is the process of rendering the texts of the Bible from their original languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—into other languages so that people across different cultures and linguistic backgrounds can access and understand the Scriptures. From a Christian worldview, the translation of the Bible is considered a vital task, rooted in the belief that God’s Word is meant to be accessible to all people. The history of biblical translation is marked by significant efforts to ensure that the message of the Bible is faithfully and accurately conveyed to readers in their own languages.

Biblical Foundations for Translation

The Universality of the Gospel

The Bible emphasizes the universal nature of the gospel message, which is meant for all people, regardless of language or culture.

• Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The Great Commission underscores the call to bring the gospel to all nations, implying the need for the Bible to be understood in many languages.
• Acts 2:5-11: At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in various languages, allowing people from different regions to hear the gospel in their own tongues. This event is often seen as a biblical basis for the importance of making God’s Word accessible to all language groups.
• Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” Paul’s rhetorical questions highlight the necessity of communicating the gospel clearly, which underpins the importance of translation.

The Preservation and Transmission of God’s Word

The Bible itself speaks to the importance of preserving and transmitting God’s Word accurately, which is a key concern in the translation process.

• Deuteronomy 4:2: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” This command reflects the importance of faithfully preserving the content of God’s Word, a principle that guides translators in their work.
• Psalm 119:160: “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” This verse underscores the enduring truth of God’s Word, emphasizing the need for careful translation to ensure its accuracy and faithfulness across languages.

Historical Development of Biblical Translation

Early Translations and the Septuagint

The history of biblical translation dates back to ancient times, with the Septuagint being one of the earliest and most significant translations.

• The Septuagint (c. 3rd-2nd Century BC): The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), produced by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt. It was widely used in the Hellenistic world and became the primary version of the Old Testament for Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. The New Testament writers frequently quoted the Septuagint, demonstrating its importance in the early church.

The Latin Vulgate

The Latin Vulgate was another significant early translation, which became the standard Bible for Western Christianity for many centuries.

• Jerome’s Vulgate (c. 382-405 AD): Commissioned by Pope Damasus I, Jerome’s translation of the Bible into Latin was a monumental work. Jerome translated the Old Testament directly from the Hebrew texts and revised existing Latin translations of the New Testament. The Vulgate became the authoritative Bible of the Western Church and was used throughout the Middle Ages.

The Reformation and Vernacular Translations

The Protestant Reformation marked a major turning point in the history of biblical translation, as Reformers emphasized the importance of making the Bible accessible to all people in their native languages.

• Martin Luther’s German Bible (1522-1534): Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German was a key moment in the Reformation. Luther believed that Scripture should be accessible to all believers, and his translation helped to standardize the German language and make the Bible available to the common people.
• William Tyndale’s English Bible (1525-1536): William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English was groundbreaking, as it was the first English translation to be printed. Tyndale faced significant opposition from the Catholic Church, which controlled the religious texts in Latin, but his work laid the foundation for later English translations, including the King James Version.
• The King James Version (1611): The King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version, was commissioned by King James I of England and produced by a group of scholars. The KJV became one of the most widely read and influential English translations of the Bible, known for its majestic language and literary beauty.

Modern Bible Translations

In the modern era, numerous translations of the Bible have been produced in various languages, reflecting different translation philosophies and approaches.

• The Revised Standard Version (1952): The RSV was an important mid-20th-century English translation that aimed to be a revision of the American Standard Version, preserving the tradition of English translations while incorporating advances in textual criticism.
• The New International Version (1978): The NIV was produced by a group of evangelical scholars who aimed to create a translation that balanced accuracy with readability, making it one of the most popular modern English translations.
• The New Living Translation (1996): The NLT is a dynamic equivalence translation that seeks to make the Bible understandable in contemporary language while staying faithful to the original texts. It emphasizes readability and clarity for modern readers.
• Bible Translation Organizations: Organizations like Wycliffe Bible Translators and the United Bible Societies have been instrumental in translating the Bible into thousands of languages, many for the first time, making Scripture accessible to people around the world.

Theological Perspectives on Biblical Translation

Translation Philosophy: Formal vs. Dynamic Equivalence

Different translation philosophies guide how the Bible is rendered into other languages.

• Formal Equivalence: Also known as “word-for-word” translation, this approach aims to stay as close as possible to the original language and structure of the text. Examples include the King James Version (KJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the English Standard Version (ESV). This approach prioritizes accuracy and faithfulness to the original text but may be more difficult for contemporary readers to understand.
• Dynamic Equivalence: Also known as “thought-for-thought” translation, this approach focuses on conveying the meaning of the original text in a way that is clear and natural in the target language. Examples include the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), and the Good News Bible (GNB). This approach prioritizes readability and comprehension but may involve more interpretation by the translators.
• Optimal Equivalence: Some translations, like the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), attempt to strike a balance between formal and dynamic equivalence, aiming to be both accurate and readable.

Theological Implications of Translation Choices

The translation process involves theological decisions that can impact how certain doctrines are understood.

• Christological Interpretations: How translators choose to render certain passages can affect Christological doctrines. For example, the translation of Isaiah 7:14 as “virgin” (as in the KJV and NIV) versus “young woman” (as in the RSV) has implications for the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ.
• Gender Language: Modern translations often grapple with how to render gendered language in the Bible. Some translations opt for gender-neutral language where the original text is understood to refer to both men and women, while others retain traditional gendered terms.
• Textual Variants: The discovery of ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, has provided scholars with more data to consider in translation. Decisions about which textual variants to follow can affect how certain verses are translated and understood.

The Importance of Accessibility

From a Christian worldview, making the Bible accessible in the heart language of every person is seen as essential to the mission of the church.

• Acts 17:26-27: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” The emphasis on God’s desire for all people to seek and know Him supports the effort to translate the Bible into every language.

Practical Implications of Biblical Translation in the Christian Life

Understanding and Application

Accurate and accessible translations of the Bible are crucial for Christians to understand and apply God’s Word in their lives.

• Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This verse underscores the role of Scripture in guiding believers, which is dependent on having the Bible available in a language they can understand.

Evangelism and Discipleship

Bible translation plays a key role in evangelism and discipleship, as it allows people from all cultures and languages to access the gospel.

• Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” The global preaching of the gospel is facilitated by translating the Bible into various languages.

Unity and Diversity in the Church

Biblical translation reflects the unity and diversity of the global church, as people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds are able to worship the same God and follow the same Scriptures.

• Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” The vision of a diverse multitude worshiping God highlights the importance of making Scripture accessible to all people.

Conclusion

From a Christian worldview, Biblical Translation is a crucial task that ensures the Word of God is accessible to people of all languages and cultures. Rooted in the biblical mandate to spread the gospel to all nations, the history of biblical translation is marked by efforts to faithfully and accurately convey the message of the Bible across linguistic boundaries. The process of translation involves careful consideration of language, culture, and theology, with different translation philosophies guiding how the Scriptures are rendered. In practical terms, biblical translation plays a vital role in evangelism, discipleship, and the spiritual growth of believers, as it allows people to encounter God’s Word in a language they can understand. The ongoing work of translation continues to fulfill the Great Commission, ensuring that the Bible remains a living and active guide for people around the world.