Young's Literal Translation of the Bible?

Question

I'm not a Christian, but I like to read many religious texts. Anyway, I just came across this literal translation of the Bible. I figure it's better to have a literal translation because then if you are good with languages you can figure out what they mean in English yourself. I think during past translations of the Bible people translated it so current culture could understand, and there are probably many symbols we don't get.


Exp of the difference:

(YLT)John 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and were wondering that with a woman he was speaking, no one, however, said, `What seekest thou?' or `Why speakest thou with her?'

(KJV)John 4:27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?


I think the differences are subtle but could lead to different interpretations.

Does anyone use this version?

If you want to check it out:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%201;&version=15;

Answer 1

I have the version and it is helpful with some passages. If you want a better version that is really closest to a literal translation from the Greek of the New Testament only, I recommend An Expanded Translation of the New Testament by Kenneth S. Wuest. It really comes closest to an exact translation from the Greek.

Answer 2

Young's Literal Translation tends to follow the rules of Greek grammar, not English.

It probably is the easiest obtainable English translation of the Greek text qua words. As a result, meaning is lost. [This is in addition tot he meaning that was lost when it was translated into Greek.]

It is used --- actually suggested --- for exegesis, in conjunction with other translations, if one doesn't know the Greek.

Somewhere in user land as an e-Sword topical file that explains the differences.

Answer 3

I prefer the King James because it is the most accurate of all the translations and versions in existence.

When King James commissioned people to translate the Bible in 1611 he gathered 70 of the world's best scholars of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek to translate the Bible. There has never been such a group of scholars assembled for that purpose since. The men gathered were greatly respected men of integrity and their understanding of the languages was
highly esteemed among their peers.

Answer 4

It has a good reputation. But it seems every translation has at least few verses that are rendered better than all the others. Read them all!!

Answer 5

Ezekiel 23:20 (Young's Literal Translation)
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

20And she doteth on their paramours, Whose flesh [is] the flesh of asses, And the issue of horses -- their issue.

I don't know ... doesn't seem very clear.

Answer 6

Never seen it, but I'll check it out. I like The New King James.

Answer 7

NKJ version is the one we use, however translation can be difficult we are uncoversing so mnay ancient and biblical texts that reveal GOD's pl;an for mankind and education a sincere heart a true love to please GOD is what he is looking for IMO

Answer 8

To be quite honest ANY translation is bad. You'll loose something in translation it always happens like this. Not to mention things are lost in context over time. Ah...the bible....I'll keep my mouth shut beyond this.

Answer 9

YLT is a very good translation.

Answer 10

no but it seems cool, I think I'll go get one.