The reader will observe that the translators at times differ sharply in their renderings of the same passage. Often this simply indicates a difference of opinion in their understanding of the meaning of the original text. In other cases, however, the difference may be accounted for by the fact that the translators were not rendering the same text. Monsignor Ronald Knox's version, for example, is based on the Latin Vulgate, and George N. Lamsa has translated the Aramaic text. All other versions are based on the Greek text, but, at times, the Greek manuscripts themselves show significant variations. Where this is so, each translator must decide for himself which reading is nearest the original. "A translator of Holy Scripture," wrote Henry Alford, "must be absolutely colorless; ready to sacrifice the choicest text, and the plainest proof of doctrine, if the words are not those of what he is constrained in his conscience to receive as God's testimony."
This is an educational excerpt from "The New Testament From 26 Translations."
2007-02-20
03:41:18
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Terry
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