Section 19: Versions of the Bible
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
The attached chart depicts the historical development of the Biblical Text.
RECEIVED TEXT & LATIN TEXT
Two distinct paths were followed in arriving at the modern translations which we have today.
The first path is that followed by the Catholic Church. It is predominately based on the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible compiled by Jerome in approximately 382 A.D. It has roots in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament, written for the Jews in Alexandria, Egypt.
The second path is the Received Text or Traditional Text. It is derived from Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament and Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.
KING JAMES AUTHORIZED VERSION - 1611
The most notable version translated from the Received Text path is the King James Version. It was produced in 1611 and has been one of the most influential versions ever written. It is still one of the most widely used versions today.
WESTCOTT & HORT TEXT - 1870
They used Greek manuscripts, coupled with the theory of textual criticism. This resulted in the publication of the 1881 Revised Version, and it is from this version that the majority of the modern versions, including the NIV, are taken.
WHAT IS A LITERAL TRANSLATION?
This refers to a version of the Bible which is translated directly from the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.
Examples of such are the King James, NIV, and RSV.
WHAT IS A PARAPHRASED TRANSLATION?
As the name implies, these translations of the Bible are restatements of the text or passages, putting them in different terms.
Examples of such are the Living Bible and the Children's Bible.
When considering which translation to read, we must always keep in mind that we should often consult different translations of the Bible. On this issue, most of us are dependent on scholars who are well versed in Hebrew and Greek. Translators are human, and they, like the rest of us, are not able to come to the Bible free of all preconceived ideas. We all tend to read the Bible in light of the cultural attitudes and practices with which we are familiar and comfortable. This is also true of translators.
We recall from the previous session on Tips on Reading, that it is helpful, when studying any passage in depth, to consult several versions. Most words in any language have more than one meaning. The meaning chosen by the translator will tend to be the one that fits his or her own preconceptions and traditions. Trying to translate so that the meaning is clear, the translator is influenced by his or her own beliefs and understandings.
MODERN TRANSLATIONS
- Revised Standard Version (RSV)
- New International Version (NIV)
- New American Standard Version (NASB)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
- New English Bible (NEB)
WHICH TRANSLATION IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Each person is different, and as such, not all translations are good for the same person. It is recommended that for reading, a version be selected which is easy and comfortable for the individual. In addition to this, it is desirable to maintain a King James version for use in more detailed study. It provides important linkages to Lexicons and Concordances.
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