New translations of the bible?

Question

I read in one of my earlier answers that newer translations are better than older ones (ex: JKV) because somthing about how the meaning's of words change.

That being said; do we now, 2000 years later, have a better understanding of what Jesus said, than the people he was preaching to? Who are these translators who know of surity what Paul meant? Do they understand Paul better than Jerome did? After all, Paul was not an easy man to understand, and I believe one of the apostles even say so in the bible. When they translate the New versions is it off the Old Greek or Old Hebrew versions? If so which of those are considered the most accurate? Jerome found mistranslations durring his translation, and asked the pope if he could fix them, and the pope said "Nope, it will cause a ruccas."

Answer 1

Newer translations are better than the KJV because the meaning of words that changed is not the original Greek and Hebrew, but the english words used in the KJV,

in 1611 the word let meant "not allow" today it means "to allow"

the word worship in 1611 meant to bow dow, either in respect to a human king or to God.

Today worship means exclusive mental devotion to God.

and the list goes on.

Also the number of older more accurate manuscripts are available today than Jerome and King James day. so the quality of the original texts are better.

The problem today is not the accuracy of the master texts, it's the quality of the translator in to modern languages.

example, Phil 2:6 the greek word translated into english as "grasped" literally means
"robbery, rape, or plunder" The reason most translators use grasped is to try to make the bible say something it doesn't say.


per: Jason BeDuhn
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and Chair
Department of Humanities, Arts, and Religion
Northern Arizona University

Answer 2

jiggliemon,
We have older manuscripts and fragments than the translators of the older Bibles now. Even so, there is about a 2% difference from the Textus Receptus that the KJV translators used. I use many different English translations, and have been exposed to Bibles in languages that include, Aramaic, Syriac, Ethiopian, German, Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, Spanish, French (pastor had problems with some of that one), and Latin. The Semitic languages were so amazing because the way they use words were very different than the English language will allow.

So I wouldn't get too fixed upon one English translation, it's not right to do in my opinion. Right in the manner after truth, that is.

Interpretation is different to translation. And it true, some Bibles were attempting to be representative to various things, such as Calvinism, Catholicism, etc. But from the versions I have, and they are many, I can feel confident that I can look up the words from the Greek or Hebrew and find the truth a little better displayed.

I hope that helps you.

Answer 3

One of the main reasons to favor some of the new translations over older ones, such as the Kings James Version, is that since the 1500's older and more reliable manuscrips have been discovered, such as at Qumran. Only the autographs, or original texts are completely inspired and inerrent. As scribes and translators get involved, the possibility for some corruption exists. That is why it is vital to continually go back to the oldest and most reliable texts we have available. The OT is translated primarily from the Hebrew (with small portions of Aramaic), and the NT is translated primarily from the koine Greek When you ask which is the most accurate I'm not sure if you are refering to the ancient manuscrips or the new translations.
As far as new translations go the English Standard Version came out about 3 years ago and it is extremely faithful to the biblical manuscrips.
For the manuscrips themselves, there are several that are quite accurate. They are named after the monasteries in which they were found (monasteries were repositories for valuables, including manuscrips) Among the best are Washingtoniticus, Sinaiiticus and the Septuagint.
Jemone was producing the Vulgate, his translation of the bible into Latin. It is quite possible that he noticed some minor inconsistencies between some of the manuscrips he was using that resulted from scribal error. The manuscrips that we have available to us today predate those that were available at that time and are more accurate. The closer you get to the source, the smaller the opportunity for scribal error.

Answer 4

Much more has been learned about "dead" languages and translators are less prone to cultural biases. The facts are that the Bible is a collection of texts in various languages, some straight up, some translated from something. These various texts were translated into Greek and into Latin, and by people who were not as knowledgeable as linguists are today. The idea that any one translation of the Bible, especially from the past, is 'the' correct one is not really tenable. And as you point out, even in very early days, it was known that things had started going astray...

But what does it matter? Christian theology is set in stone, and no translation will ever alter it one iota.

Answer 5

Pope's got nothing to do with it. The NASV and NIV go to many aramaic documents all the way back to 35-70 AD. They don't use the Dutch Catholic Monk's Greek translation that was used to do the KJV. But herin is God's power, there's not a pound of difference between any of them, just people splitting hairs. God can even choose a Catholic and an evil soul like Constantine to keep His word pure. He said that he keep his word true and He has been faithful to do so. I like the KJV best even, because of how regally it reads.

Answer 6

With each new generation of mankind comes new words, deletions of archaic words, and new meanings to common words. So many people today are lost in the King James Version of the Bible because of the antiquated "Thee, Thou" words used back then that were commonplace. We have to rely on scholars of today to better understand how today's readers communicate. Every 25 years or so, languages shift and there is a need to renew the wording.

So long as the message still rings through - so long as the Holy Spirit can still do His work and get the Truth out, then it should be ok. God's Word is not just a compilation of wordszzzzzz.....The words in the Bible are LIVING. There is Life, Truth, Clarity, Love, Grace, Sacrifice, Consistency throughout the Bible. The Words on those pages are LIVING because God is LIVING and He uses the Holy Spirit to bring those Words to Life in our hearts.

So not to worry. The version "The Message" seems radical to some, but sometimes, I refer to it to help expand on a definition of a passage, to better clarify.

My best to you!

Answer 7

Mmm, good chunks of the NT come from the Vulgate, a Latin translation made well before the English translations. The Greek texts of many of these parts are no longer around or are so old as to be unreadable.

Answer 8

Number 23:19 God is not a man that he should tell lies,
Neither a son of mankind that he should feel regret.
Has he himself said it and will he not do it,
And has he spoken and will he not carry it out?

The Bible is truly a unique book. Yet, its value extends far beyond its internal harmony, scientific and historical accuracy, practical wisdom, and reliable prophecy. The Christian apostle Paul wrote: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12.

Reading God’s “word,” or message, in the Bible can change our life. It can help us to examine ourselves as never before. We may claim to love God, but how we react to what his inspired Word, the Bible, teaches will reveal our true thoughts, even the very intentions of the heart.

The Bible truly is a book from God. It is a book that is to be read, studied, and loved. Show your gratitude for this divine gift by continuing to peer into its contents. As you do so, you will gain a deep appreciation of God’s purpose for mankind.

Answer 9

most all of the so-called "modern" translation are not worth reading... perhaps the only one worth anythng is The New American Standard(updated).... Then there is the absolute bottom of the barrel filty garbage called The Message. Avoid that one like the plague.....

here is a link to the Bible page on my website if yo wold like to read some more of my pov on the subject.

http://pages.zdnet.com/mikevanauken/outreach/id4.html

Answer 10

is all about have REVELATION no understanding
in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.
Non man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him