Written with the student and interested public in mind, Truth in Translation aims to explain what is involved and what is at stake in Bible translation. It begins with brief treatments of the background to the Bible and its translation, the various approaches to translation, and the specific origins of nine translation versions in wide use in the English-speaking world today. It then proceeds to compare those versions on nine points of translation, ranging from individual terms, to difficult passages, to whole categories of grammar. The book serves to inform readers of the forces at work shaping the meaning of the Bible, to help in their selection of Bible translations, and to act as a critical catalyst for the improvement of Bible translations through more careful attention to the risk of bias in the translation process.
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About the Author
Jason David BeDuhn is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Humanities, Arts, and Religion, Northern Arizona University.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
169 of 185 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This welcome treatise might appropriately be subtitled: "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before," as it takes a hard, objective look at the accuracy of our popular New Testament Bibles in a way that hasn't been done before (at least any time recently, to my knowledge - and I've been looking for a long time).
The author must be credited for his boldness in tackling this volatile subject with such an objective approach, as he adds up the score card of accuracy (plus points) and bias (minus points) on 9 very popular New Testament translations.
If your favorite is in here (mine is), you will be challenged by the information in this book. But also, hopefully, inspired to dig deeper, think harder, pray more, and search ever more diligently, as you evaluate those cherished beliefs which are based on your favorite Bible translation. There are winners (two very surprising translations stand out from the rest) and losers (again, two others are rated so low that the author contends they shouldn't be called "Bibles" at all, but labeled as "Commentaries"), but absolutely none remain unscathed by Beduhn's burning textual spotlight.
The author is detailed and specific - nothing vague or nebulous about his approach. The Greek original is shown (in "interlinear" English), and the 9 are lined up for comparison. The criteria and conclusions are explained in detail, in layman's terminology that is easy to follow (in just a very few places the book lapses into technical jargon that I had to struggle with). The author must be credited with bringing us non-Greek-speaking Bible adherents one step closer to the Greek manuscripts upon which all modern New Testament translations are based.
The 9 translations discussed are the King James (or Authorized Version), the Amplified Bible, the Living Bible, the New American Bible, the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version, the New World Translation, and Today's English Version. The verses chosen for analysis are so clearly explained that any translation could be tested, so the book will be of equal benefit to those who might favor another less popular translation.
I can't say I agree with every conclusion that the author reaches, but I'm grateful for his opening this dialogue, and for doing so with an obviously studied attempt to avoid bias and polemics himself, a rarity among textual critics. I paid a little more for this book (the softcover edition) than I usually do, but it was worth every penny. This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking work that should be welcomed by any who are curious about the accuracy of our modern Bibles, and by all who look to their Bible for life-giving words of truth ~ for it is only by the truth that we are set free.
As a parting note to the author: You challenged my beliefs and my Bible, so I would like to make this challenge to you...(it's so obvious that your book begs the comment without my saying it) - Produce and publish a New Testament of your own, one that scores 100% on your Truth in Translation scale. I'll be one of the first to buy it and review it. Note: a complimentary review copy would help =)
201 of 223 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am Greek, I have been raised in Greece, I have studied Classical Greek for two years in high school (Classical Greek is much more complicated than koine, or Common Greek) and I have been studding the original Greek text of the Bible for about 10 years. Having this background, I responsibly say that this book presents quite right, well documented and reliable linguistic information. Yes, its writer must be considered adequate as regards his knowledge of the Biblical Greek. So, this book sheds plenty of light about subjects of whitch the common English reader has no idea. For example: English readers often claim that NW is false in Jonh 1:1. Trinitarians in Greece have never used this specific verse to claim that the New World Translation (NW) is wrong, since all the Orthodox versions read actually the same with the greek version of the NW. And this happens because the wording of this verse is very clear for the Greek reader, and there is no place for debate. I am sorry to say this, but for a Greek it is rediculus to debate on John 1:1.
Of course, many will be disappointed by BeDunh because he proves that many of the famous Bible versions are inaccurate and mislead their readers. But face the facts! What matters is not what translators say but what Bible says!
Of course, many will be disappointed by BeDunh because he proves that many of the famous Bible versions are inaccurate and mislead their readers. But face the facts! What matters is not what translators say but what Bible says!
39 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It is refreshing to read a book that is written by someone who is not under pressure to prove or to disprove any particular theology. BeDuhn's approach to the subject of Bible translation comes across as honest, fair, objective, and even-handed.
He produces example after example of obvious doctrinal bias on the part of Bible translators who introduce into their translations teachings that are not taught, or even implied in the Greek text. He compares eight major English translations: The New Revised Standard Version, the New International Version, the New American Bible (Catholic), The Amplified Bible (an "expanded" version), the New American Standard Bible, the Living Bible (a paraphrase version), Today's English Version (AKA "The Good News Bible"), and the New World Translation (produced by Jehovah's Witnesses). To these eight Bible translations, we must add a ninth: the much revered King James Version.
None are exempt from BeDuhn's careful criticism. Several translations are heavily influenced by popular theology, with their translators apparently wanting to create support their personal doctrinal viewpoints even when there was no support from the Greek text. In many cases, it is shown that the translators understood the basic principles of translating Greek, but they often violated their own rules of grammar when important texts didn't say what the translator wanted them to say.
Two versions stand out as being the most honest, with the least amount of doctrinal bias influencing their translations. Which ones are they? (Sorry, I don't want to spoil anything by revealing the answer here). But the answer may surprise you.
Personally, I loved this book. I devoured it quickly, enjoying every delicious morsel. I learned much, reaffirmed much.
There will be many folks, however, that will not be happy to read what BeDuhn has written. His conclusions will be difficult to accept by those who are doctrinally dishonest or who do not appreciate honest biblical scholarship. The impact of this work will reverberate through the halls of so-called "traditional Christian theology" for a long time to come!
He produces example after example of obvious doctrinal bias on the part of Bible translators who introduce into their translations teachings that are not taught, or even implied in the Greek text. He compares eight major English translations: The New Revised Standard Version, the New International Version, the New American Bible (Catholic), The Amplified Bible (an "expanded" version), the New American Standard Bible, the Living Bible (a paraphrase version), Today's English Version (AKA "The Good News Bible"), and the New World Translation (produced by Jehovah's Witnesses). To these eight Bible translations, we must add a ninth: the much revered King James Version.
None are exempt from BeDuhn's careful criticism. Several translations are heavily influenced by popular theology, with their translators apparently wanting to create support their personal doctrinal viewpoints even when there was no support from the Greek text. In many cases, it is shown that the translators understood the basic principles of translating Greek, but they often violated their own rules of grammar when important texts didn't say what the translator wanted them to say.
Two versions stand out as being the most honest, with the least amount of doctrinal bias influencing their translations. Which ones are they? (Sorry, I don't want to spoil anything by revealing the answer here). But the answer may surprise you.
Personally, I loved this book. I devoured it quickly, enjoying every delicious morsel. I learned much, reaffirmed much.
There will be many folks, however, that will not be happy to read what BeDuhn has written. His conclusions will be difficult to accept by those who are doctrinally dishonest or who do not appreciate honest biblical scholarship. The impact of this work will reverberate through the halls of so-called "traditional Christian theology" for a long time to come!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Accurate Analysis of Various Bible Translations
While the Holy Scriptures are inspired by Almighty God, they are not available in the original languages. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Larry E. Williams
3.0 out of 5 stars
Truth in Translation
I have not finished reading it. I mostly wanted it to see how the different translations read. I found the author's findings helpful.
Published 1 month ago by Annie
4.0 out of 5 stars
a JW must have!
Nice write up on the NWT and it's accuracy. Some critical comments too - but makes a good case for the NWT
Published 1 month ago by Brother Ziegler
4.0 out of 5 stars
interesting read
This book made it easier to understand what the difference is in different Bible translations.
I would suggest that anyone who is a Bible student should read this, and other... Read more
I would suggest that anyone who is a Bible student should read this, and other... Read more
Published 2 months ago by John Burke
5.0 out of 5 stars
My takeaway...
BeDuhn certainly does make it possible for the average man to grasp what he's on about. He doesn't pull his punches when he finds any particular translation inaccurate in a... Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. Orr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truth in Translation Jason BeDuhn
Highly reccomended for anyone seeking to understand why differences exist in modern translation. Written so clearly and logically that one doesn't need to be a language expert to... Read more
Published 3 months ago by damsailor
5.0 out of 5 stars
It still makes me smile.
I have had this book for a while and read through it again recently, and I have to tell you it is such a helpful resource and a source of deep satisfaction for me!!
Published 3 months ago by Karsten Packwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!!
This was very good at explaining the dogmas of the New Testament. What I liked most about it is that this person actually had an open mind to the subject. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jonathan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Very factual and analytical treatment of the subject of Bible translation by the author. Very illuminating. A must have for went serious student of the Bible.
Published 7 months ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm glad Amazon has added a feature that tells you which reviewers actually bought and read the book. Read more
Published 8 months ago by J. York
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