
The Theory of Scripture Transmission
Delve into the complex issues surrounding the transmission of God's word, from theories of translation to initial challenges faced. Explore the concepts of formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence in translation, as well as primary considerations such as the lack of literal translation and cultural differences. Through a deep dive into the theory and problems of transmission, gain a greater understanding of how the message of scripture is conveyed across languages and cultures.
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Presentation Transcript
THE FOUNDATIONS OF SCRIPTURE: PART V The Transmission of God s Word: Theory and Initial Problems
THE FOUNDATIONS OF SCRIPTURE The Nature of God s Word (Scripture s Doctrine) The Makeup of God s Word (Scripture s Canon) The Preservation of God s Word (Scripture s Text) The Transmission of God s Word (Scripture s Translation, 3 Parts) The Interpretation of God s Word (Scripture s Meaning, 6 Parts)
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD: THEORY AND INITIAL PROBLEMS The Theory of Translation The Problem of Translation
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD Shrek: 2001 DreamWorks Animation Domestic Gross: $268M Japan Gross: $18M Featuring: Ogres Little Red Riding Hood Three Blind Mice Three Little Pigs The Gingerbread Man Pinocchio The Three Bears Saving a princess from a castle and a dragon A magical transforming kiss How would any of this be applicable in Japan?
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence: Seeks to keep the FORM of the originals as closely as possible Thus, focuses on word equivalence instead of thought Dynamic Equivalence: Seeks to keep the IMPACT of the originals as closely as possible Thus, focuses on sentence meaning instead of narrowly focusing on words
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Some primary considerations: 1. There is no literal translation NASB states that it italicizes words which are not found in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek but implied by it
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Some primary considerations: 1. There is no literal translation 2. There are no equivalent words from English to Greek 3. Both language and culture/time are problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (+) Allows for better understanding of the structure of texts
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (+) Allows for better understanding of the structure of texts In Greek, Ephesians 1:3-14 is 1 sentence NIV: 7 Sentences NASB: 6 Sentences ESV: 5 Sentences KJV: 3 Sentences
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (+) Allows for better understanding of the structure of texts Keeps metaphors/idioms in place
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (+) Allows for better understanding of the structure of texts Keeps metaphors/idioms in place 2 Corinthians 6:12, KJV: Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (+) Allows for better understanding of the structure of texts Keeps metaphors/idioms in place Brings reader to the culture of the writer Allows, at its best, easier recognition of biblical themes Edify , Build up , Encourage 1 Thessalonians 5:11
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (-) Can hinder meaning
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (-) Can hinder meaning (ESV) Mark 1:2; Acts 8:23; Psalm 12:2, 147:10; Amos 4:6; Luke 17:35
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (-) Can hinder meaning Leads to more difficult English Acts 22:22; 1 Cor 9:16; Isa 22:17; Jer 12:2; Rom 8:37
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Formal Equivalence (-) Can hinder meaning Leads to more difficult English Mistaken impression of being closer to the original
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Dynamic Equivalence (+) Provides readers a clearer indication of meaning Leads to more acceptable English
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Dynamic Equivalence (-) Misses common themes See 1 Thess 5:1, above
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Dynamic Equivalence (-) Misses common themes Can interpret for readers Matthew 21:7 (ESV): They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Matthew 21:7 (NIV): They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Dynamic Equivalence (-) Misses common themes Can interpret for readers Difficult to do thoroughly C.f. NIV, ESV, KJV, TNIV, and HCSB on Matthew 6:9
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Dynamic Equivalence (-) Misses common themes Can interpret for readers Difficult to do thoroughly Can be confused with reader response Can provide poor implications for modern readers Matthew 5:25 NET warden
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Theory of Translation Neither is best Each uses a mixture of the other
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Traduttore Traditore Translation is Treason but even here we lost something!
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Das Aesthetische Wiesel Christian Morgenstern Ein Wiesel sa auf einem Kiesel inmitten Bachgeriesel A weasel put some teasel on top of an easel
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Das Aesthetische Wiesel Christian Morgenstern Ein Wiesel sa auf einem Kiesel inmitten Bachgeriesel A weasel sat on a pebble in the midst of a brook s ripple
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges ( Matthew 9:21) Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges ( Gal 2:16) Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges ( Psalm 1:2; 2:1) Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values (Matt 15:26-27; Amos 4:1) Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions (Mark 1:8; 1 Cor 12:13) Different punctuation Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different functions (Mark 1:8; 1 Cor 12:13) I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mk 1:8, ESV) For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (1 Cor 12:13, ESV)
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation (Gal 3:11) Canonical problems
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different punctuation (Gal 3:11) , OR ,
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different punctuation (Gal 3:11) Now, it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for The righteous shall live by faith OR Now, because no one is justified before God by the law, it is evident that The righteous shall live by faith
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems (Psalm 2:1)
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems (Psalm 2:1) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed (i.e. his Christ)
THE TRANSMISSION OF GODS WORD The Problem of Translation Different semantic ranges Different implied values Different functions Different punctuation Canonical problems But, even in all this, meaning is still transferable, and God s word can be inerrantly given to us!