Accuracy of Translation: The Primary Criterion in Evaluating Bible Versions With Special Reference to the New International Version [Paperback]

Robert P. Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Recent debate on gender-neutral versions of the Bible has again raised the question of how the Word of God should be translated. Robert Martin argues that the verbal nature of inspiration can only be honoured if preference is given to a formal equivalence.
FROM THE BACK COVER: Contemporary bookstores are flooded with a wide variety of translations of the Bible. Some are easier to read than others; some use more colloquial language than others. Are they really any different from each other? Does it matter which one we read in private, or use in church services?

Robert P. Martin believes that scripture is God's inspired Word.How we translate it is therefore of tremendous importance, not just for biblical linguists but for every Christian. In an uncomplicated and readable way, Dr. Martin explains the principles lying behind contemporary translations, and carefully analyses the New International Version New Testament to see whether it provides a translation which is satisfactory for widespread use in the church today. His study not only presents a critique of the NIV, but also provides insights into Scripture which will help every reader to appreciate the richness of God's Word and the benefit of careful Bible study.

Product Details

• Paperback: 95 pages
• Publisher: Banner of Truth (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851517358
• ISBN-13: 978-0851517353
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,109,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Critical but fair look at the inadequacy of the NIV, July 12, 2002

By 

Daniel Beck "tadayoshi" (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Accuracy of Translation: The Primary Criterion in Evaluating Bible Versions With Special Reference to the New International Version (Paperback)

Dr. Martin does a good job of arguing for the importance of accuracy over popularity when chosing a translation. This is the Bible we are talking about here, not which translation of Dostoyevsky capture's the essence of the author's work. The review by Trevor Jenkins below is unfair. It most certainly would not be good for Martin to endorse a translation. He picks on the NIV because it has become the de facto standard. This is the point. He is trying to steer us back to high standards when choosing a translation. The NIV doesn't cut it with the exception of "readability". But that should not be the main criteria. Accuracy should be, and Martin does a good job of supporting his argument. Should be read by all thinking Christians.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The inspiration of Scripture's THE issue in translation..., December 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Accuracy of Translation: The Primary Criterion in Evaluating Bible Versions With Special Reference to the New International Version (Paperback)

...and Martin hits the nail on the head. This' a short book but should be seriously considered by all believers.

If a translation is to be accurate, it must translate the words God used. Given that there is no perfect translation, some are better than others because of how they translate the words God used (and what manuscripts they use). In particular, on the issue of what Bible to use in churches for worship, teaching and for public readings, etc., Martin rightly points out that the more accurate the words are translated the better. Otherwise, the doctrine of inspiration is not being upheld. Still, he does not explicitly support one version over another (and even has an appendix with serious questions about the 'KJV only' stance).

On a more personal level, the issue he applies to Bible translations applies to all of us is - do we choose the Bible we like or use for some subjective reason or is it because it best fits with the doctrine of inspiration? Indeed, do we consistently apply the doctrine of inspiration to all areas of life? God has used this book to open my eyes to the necessity of doing that more than any other (apart from the Bible itself).

- Mark

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must read this book, February 7, 2003

By 

Timothy Blackburn "Timothy D. Blackburn" (Glen Allen, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Accuracy of Translation: The Primary Criterion in Evaluating Bible Versions With Special Reference to the New International Version (Paperback)

This is simply the best book out there on the subject of Bible translation. It debunks the myth that we need (or should) dumb down the Bible. All you NIV addicts (as I once was) should read this.