This is an important issue. There are good translations out there for study, terrible ones created to promote cults and false doctrines and ones that are just too hard to read and understand.
Another important issue is that of manuscript source. Are the translations from accurate and true ancient manuscripts or something less accurate? Are they sources, such as the Vulgate or New World Translation created to support false doctrines?
Limiting it down to good manuscript sources, there are three forms of translations:
Another important issue is that of manuscript source. Are the translations from accurate and true ancient manuscripts or something less accurate? Are they sources, such as the Vulgate or New World Translation created to support false doctrines?
Limiting it down to good manuscript sources, there are three forms of translations:
- Literal translation (word for word) - Sounds great, but gives false results.
- Different languages construct sentences and words differently. Word for word results in babble and confusion.
- Word meanings vary. One example is in American English hand does not include the wrist but in Greek it does. This has lead to serious errors of understanding, in such as seeing crosses with nails in the palms of hand, which will not hold up a body, while through the wrist will.
- Dynamic equivalent (thought for thought) - While great caution must be exercised, this is the most accurate method. You keep the literal flow of the meaning as presented while accommodating or foot noting issues like the meaning of "hand."
- Paraphrase - Tries to pass along the meaning in modern context but has no demand to preserve the original structure, words or meaning. Definitely not a Bible for study, hence why use it at all since it can be seriously misleading?
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