Why can't with all our great scholars they get together on a translation?

Question

That's why the Holy Bible is so confusing. It is translated in so many different ways. What are you to believe? Are you so wise that you can choose the correct translation? xx

So many of your answers are so very wise that I will have a difficult time picking out a right one. Thank you Deirdre H for pointing out how the simple placement of a comma can change the whole meaning of a verse. That was very good.

Julian so wise you can pick the translation that makes sense. Sadly to me and my brother Atheist none of them make sense. xx.

Julien it is great that you are so wise that you can select the translation that makes sense. Sadly to me and my fellow Atheist none of them make sense. xx

Answer 1

The problem is that there are many ways to translate:
There is word-for-word, or transliteration.
There is thought-for-thought.
There is the problem of correctly translating poetry, whilst keeping it poetic in the target language.

Then there is the added problem of the Torah being written without vowels, and that choosing a vowel implies choosing a meaning. It was written to be interpreted each time it was read, and could have different meanings each time.

There is also the problem of lack of punctuation in the original texts. Translation involves adding punctuation, and the interpreter must determine where such punctuation goes. Moving a comma can have drastic implications:

Here is a sample sentence "Truly I say unto thee this day thou shalt be with me in paradise". If you put a comma after the word "thee", you keep the protestants happy because it says the sinner will be in heaven that day. If you place it after the word "day", the Catholics are happy because it says the sinner will be in heaven, but doesn't say when.

Those are just some of the problems with translation.

Answer 2

The only way to get a proper translation is if the persons doing the work are not compensated in any way and do not have their names listed on their work. To do otherwise and they will always produce something that is compatible with the common beliefs so that the book will have good sales potential.

Another problem is the oldest scrolls, held by the Vatican, only dates to the 3rd century, after the Roman Cesar declared himself the first Pope and after the Greek Orthodox Church had broke away over their disagreement on when the celebrate Christmas.

Answer 3

There is great beauty in having many translations. It gives you the ability to view the various nuances and meanings of the original language. In addition it gives different people from different backrounds the opportunity to relate to the scripture in their perspective. I love and prefer the KJV, but I use the amplified, and others to help me in my studies. I believe it would be very wrong to limit God to one English Translation. I have heard preaching from one that uses Pigeon English, very interesting. Another one that is quite effective is The Message Bible. Another one is a NT that uses only 800 words of very Basic English. Quite good for those with English as a second language. You get the idea.
I Cr 13;8a
12-3-6

Answer 4

Scholars will never agree...they all have their own agendas. That's why the bible is such a mess! Like Seneca said,
'Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.'

Answer 5

Don't forget that, depending on your beliefs, you're translating a translation. If you see the Bible as the human work of divine inspiration, then you're already at a second degree text.

Answer 6

Go ahead and choose the translation that works best for your version of bigotry, sweetheart. That is what everyone else does.

Answer 7

They can't come up with an exact trazlation because not all words trazlate exactly in other languages.

Answer 8

That would jeopardize the interests of many ...specially those who do not wish the truth to be told....

Answer 9

yeah, the one that makes sense.