Does Greek to English translation problems explain the differing versions of the bible?

Question

I did a quick experiment using Altavista babel fish:

http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr

I copied John 3:16 into the translator as follows:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I then translated it into greek and got:

Για το Θεό που αγαπιέται έτσι ο κόσμος ότι έδωσε το ένα και μόνο το γιο του, ότι που πιστεύει σε τον δεν θα χαθεί αλλά έχει την αιώνια ζωή.

Then translated it back into English and this was the result:

For the God that is loved thus the world that it only gave his one and son, that believes in it will be lost but has the eternal life.

I am wondering if as Christians, you have confidence that the text that you rely on for salvation is correct? And why?

If the greek translation of Grace is incorrect then it is possible that millions will be hellbound because of a misunderstanding?

How can you rely on translators who had motives for salvation?

Answer 1

I think the translation line was originally Hebrew, Coptic, Greek, Latin, then English (King James) and all other modern languages.

And no, you can't rely on translators with ulterior motives. (Just ask the president of Iran re: 'wiping Israel of the map' vs the real translation of 'Israel will disappear from the pages of history')

Why do you think the Church DEMANDED that all rites and rituals be performed in a language (Latin) the local populace did not understand? In a word, CONTROL!

Answer 2

Yes, but maybe not in the way you mean.

It is true that no two translations of such a large text will be alike. This is more of a side-effect of the different versions of the bible, with very few exceptions. In other words, there are very few bible translations made *for the purpose* of creating a translation different from others. Two of which I am aware: the King James Version (in reaction to the biased footnotes of the Geneva Bible), and the New World Translation.

IMHO, English bible translations are *generally* done for these basic reasons (all of them):
1) To improve the *quality* (or *accuracy*) of the translation
2) To provide a specific type of translation (e.g. word-for-word or dynamic equivalence)
3) To make money

So, though translation ambiguities are responsible for the different versions being less than identical, they are *not* really responsible for the existence of so many different versions. Consider how many English translations of the bible were produced between 1600 and 1850. I believe it is profitability and modern archaeological discoveries that have fueled the increase in translations.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 3

I had the same question a few years ago and it concerned me greatly. Now I'm not so concerned and here's why: if your reading the Bible for the first time it will be an accomplishment just to get through it. Read whatever version you like best (maybe NIV?) and that will help you to complete the Book. Later if you decide you would like to study the Bible further, THEN concern yourself with what version is most accurate. In all likelihood you will want to compare several versions on important passages. Read the first time for a general overview (and take notes on what interests you), then go back a study. Btw, I think it took me about 500 hours to read and study, but I think the Bible can be read in about 100 hours. It is read out loud in my town every year in three days and nights. Another bit of advice, try to set aside what you have "learned" about the Bible and read what the Bible says. It's likely that a lot of it will conflict with what you have been taught.

Answer 4

Faith in the Bible does not come through a 30 second translation review, there is a reason that people study it for years in master's level college courses. It is reliable and if you want to truly find out the truth for yourself, you can. It cannot be found in 10 seconds, it can only be attacked in 10 seconds, just as anyone can attack anything in that amount of time, but to truly pick up knowledge and wisdom concerning a subject takes a little time and dedication. Your translation prooves nothing anyway except that different languages place adjectives, nouns and verbs in different orders in sentences. I only had one year of Spanish 17 years ago, and I understand that...that disprooves nothing.

People who rely on translators, for example the United States military, use individuals who can completetly translate the meaning of the sentence, not just spew out words. If it's important, you don't rely on babelfish.

Answer 5

There's more to doing a translation than punching stuff into a computer. Computers don't have a good grasp on grammar (try Microsoft Word sometime). Translation includes understanding context as well. Computers can't do that.

Answer 6

There's a name, a word for this, I can't recall it now, but it happens with other languages also.
In any event, no.
There are other reasons for the different versions. Translations would be a better term.
Everything but the original languages are versions/translations anyway.
I have full confidence in the translations I use.(LXX, GNT, KJV,NKJ)
What we find happening now though, is BIG BUSINESS making new "versions" for profit motive. The totally inferior NIV is one such example.

Answer 7

To begin with you translated a paraphrase version (NIV) into greek, so it had already been tampered with before you started. You have to realize that some translations are literal and some are paraphrased.

Answer 8

There are certainly many issues that arise from difficulties in translation. The use of the male form of words and pronouns is just one example that leads to churches adopting doctrines that are not actually in the Bible.

Answer 9

Bear in mind, also, that the Greek Babelfish is using is modern and not Koine Greek.

Answer 10

Congratulations !!!
You are one step closer to the truth.
Keep continue then translate the other Holy Books.