Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation (Paperback)

~ C. John Collins (Author), Wayne Grudem (Author), Vern Sheridan Poythress (Author), Leland Ryken (Author), Bruce Winter (Author), J. I. Packer (Foreword) "Is Bible translation a spiritually and morally "neutral" activity, something to be guided only by secular linguistic theories about translation of languages in general?..." (more)
Key Phrases: dynamic equivalence translations, dynamic equivalence theory, essentially literal translations, New Testament, Old Testament, Grand Rapids (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Which translation do I choose?

In an age when there is a wide choice of English Bible translations, the issues involved in Bible translating are steadily gaining interest. Consumers often wonder what separates one Bible version from another.

The contributors to this book argue that there are significant differences between literal translations and the alternatives. The task of those who employ an essentially literal Bible translation philosophy is to produce a translation that remains faithful to the original languages, preserving as much of the original form and meaning as possible while still communicating effectively and clearly in the receptors’ languages.

Translating Truth advocates essentially literal Bible translation and in an attempt to foster an edifying dialogue concerning translation philosophy. It addresses what constitutes "good" translation, common myths about word-for-word translations, and the importance of preserving the authenticity of the Bible text. The essays in this book offer clear and enlightening insights into the foundational ideas of essentially literal Bible translation.

About the Author

C. JOHN COLLINS is Professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. WAYNE GRUDEM is Research Professor of Theology and Bible at Phoenix Seminary. VERN S. POYTHRESS is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. LELAND RYKEN is Professor of English at Wheaton College. BRUCE WINTER is Warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge, England. All five contributors were members of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (November 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581347553
• ISBN-13: 978-1581347555
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #359,920 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ESV team gives their rationale, May 16, 2006

By	Donald B. Johnson "jazzman2222" (Manassas, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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The 5 authors were on the team that produced the ESV. They take a position that their translation method (their term is "essentially literal") is preferred. They show bad examples of translations from paraphrase versions like The Message and good examples from the ESV and others they see as similar. They show a mixed bag from the NIV and TNIV of both good and bad examples, but one should know that the NIV is a main competitor to the ESV. I agree with all the examples they give.

They also claim that ambiguous words should be left ambiguous, which I also agree with. In some sense, this book is an extended (positive) ad for the ESV, or failing that, similar translations like NASB and a (negative) ad for the NIV and anything even less "essentially literal".

A concern I have is that they do not seem to see that even their translation involves interpretation and commentary by the understandings they have and the word choices they make. For example, they are complementarian, so do not expect any verses to use an egalitarian word choice or understanding. One needs to be aware when reading any translation that all translations involve interpretation and should be seen as the translators attempt to get you to more easily agree with their interpretation, whatever it is.

They do not discuss the Concordant Literal Version, which takes their method even further than they do, perhaps because it is not very well known.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whets the appetite for more on Bible translations!, February 14, 2006

By	Christian Book Previews.com "Christian Book P... - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

With a discussion format, Translating Truth helps greatly with one of today's problems: wading through all the Bible versions which continue to be produced, and deciding which ones are best. The publisher introduces the theme by saying, "The words of the Bible are the very words of God, and so the work of translating these words is of utmost importance, with eternal consequences." (page 7)

The translations are divided into three categories: (1) word-for-word or essentially literal; (2) thought-for-thought or dynamic equivalent; (3) exposition-for-text or expanded paraphrase. Firmly on the side of essentially literal, several authors consider why this is best discussing such themes as: are only some words of Scripture breathed by God; what readers want and what translators can give; considering different types of translators; truth and fullness of meaning; revelation versus rhetoric. The essayists include theology professors, Christian authors, and Christian historians. More than 20 translations are referred to within. Several chapters end with helpful bibliographies. Closing materials include a general index and a Scripture index.

Translating Truth is an interesting book which whets the appetite for more information on this subject. It engenders thought, debate, and a desire to read and learn from the Bible. - Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking and well written, but has some bias, April 16, 2006

By	Hansu (California) - See all my reviews

Overall, I think it is a great book. One thing that I noticed is that they mostly mention the NIV in a negative way when comparing translations. There are a number of times when the ESV, NASB, RSV, NRSV, NKJV and KJV are contrasted to the problems in the NCV and Message, yet if the NIV agrees with the former translations, it is not mentioned. I think in fairness, they should have pointed out where the NIV was correct. I still think it is an essential work on the Bible version debate.