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Poor translations?

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Refreshed, Jan 27, 2003.

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  1. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    Hey all,

    I've been doing some recent study on the bible versions issue, and have dug up something I want to ask about.

    When the Revised Version was produced (New Testament in 1881 and entire Bible in 1885),

    Reasons Skeptics Should Consider Christianity , by Josh McDowell and Don Stewart, Pg 45.

    They were referring to John Burgon's book, The Revision Revised , London 1883.

    1. First of all, would the RV be considered a "bad" translation, referring to doctrinal difficulties and/or questionable scholarship?

    2. What versions would be considered "bad" translations and not fit for a Christian to use everyday?

    3. Why?

    I'll start with one:

    New World Translation - John 1:1. Jesus was not "a god," among other doctrinal abnormalities that appeal only to the Jehovah's Witnesses.

    Your turn.

    Jason :D
     
    #1 Refreshed, Jan 27, 2003
  2. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    Hey, you got the easy one. Notice how hard it is to find the NWT online?
     
    #2 rsr, Jan 27, 2003
  3. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    I haven't tried, but I have one on my bookshelves somewhere.
     
    #3 Refreshed, Jan 27, 2003
  4. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Know that the RSV was one that translated "almah" as "young woman" instead of "virgin".

    It is not, imho, a really good translation. But our own Dr. Cassidy was saved reading it! What a testimony of the Living Word of God, even in some of the poorer English translations! :D
     
    #4 Dr. Bob, Jan 27, 2003
  5. go2church

    go2church Active Member
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    almah means young women doesn't it The word for virgin in Hebrew is bethulah. BTW we are speaking about Ish. 7:14, well at least I am
     
    #5 go2church, Jan 28, 2003
  6. JesusIsLord

    JesusIsLord New Member

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    almah means young women doesn't it The word for virgin in Hebrew is bethulah. BTW we are speaking about Ish. 7:14, well at least I am</font>[/QUOTE]The first meaning of almah is "virgin" but it can mean "maid" or "young woman". BUT Isaiah 7:14 is quoted in Matthew 1:23. The Holy Scripture uses the word parthenos there which means virgin only!!!

    So this is a testimony of bad scholarship and bad belief!
    Bad scholarship because if you want to find the true meaning of almah you have to check out the whole book to see how it is used.
    Bad belief because Jesus was born by a virgin so the meaning of almah should be clear! :cool:

    Alex
     
    #6 JesusIsLord, Jan 28, 2003
  7. Ben W

    Ben W Active Member
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    People will look at a particular bible, thinking it is a poor translation. The Living Bible is a good example. Yet some (not all) of these are actually Paraphrased versions.

    The NWT is one written to suit themselves. However they cannot tell you that the KJV is wrong, because that is the one that many of the 144 000 chosen for heaven used, and they were "pure and blameless" Now surely scince bot say the same verse in a number of different places completley differently, they cant both be right :D .
     
    #7 Ben W, Jan 28, 2003
  8. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    This is not true. The LXX uses parthenos in Gen 34 to refer to Dinah, who is not a virgin. It is by the time of the NT that parthenos means virgin, but even in Matt 1, Matthew uses very clear explanation to make sure "virgin" is understood. There is no doubt that virgin is what Isaiah intended. However, that is not inherent in the word "almah." It can mean young woman or maiden (Prov 30:19; Isa 54:4).

    In Isaiah 7:14, "young woman" misses the point of the context, the sign, and the NT teaching. It is a bad translation at that point.
     
    #8 Pastor Larry, Jan 28, 2003
  9. JesusIsLord

    JesusIsLord New Member

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    So you want me to say something about the LXX? ;)

    [ January 28, 2003, 01:51 PM: Message edited by: JesusIsLord ]
     
    #9 JesusIsLord, Jan 28, 2003
  10. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    What is there to say? The evidence is that parthenos does not mean "virgin" exclusively; it can mean other things ... That's all.
     
    #10 Pastor Larry, Jan 28, 2003
  11. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    So are there any versions/paraphrases you would not recommend for everyday use by a Baptist?

    Jason :D
     
    #11 Refreshed, Jan 30, 2003
  12. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    Sure ... the Living Bible, TNIV, NLT, RSV, NWT, several others. I basically recommend these: NASB, NIV, ESV, NKJV, and KJV.
     
    #12 Pastor Larry, Jan 30, 2003
  13. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    Focusing on the TNIV and NLT. Is it because they are gender-neutral? I have actually heard of many Christians that use the NLT, but admittedly, I don't know much about it.

    So, here's our list so far:

    1. NWT.
    2. RSV.
    3. TNIV.
    4. Paraphrases marketed like bibles (Living Bible, etc.)

    I want to throw another one out there for discussion, the CEV. I have read portions of this version, and although I could not list specifics, it seemed to me they tried to change doctrine in a couple of places (maybe tried is too strong a word). Does anyone have any information on this version?

    Does anybody disagree with the four listed so far as being bad translations/unfortunate paraphrases?
     
    #13 Refreshed, Jan 30, 2003
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